ANT & DECK
The fancy, family-friendly resort with on-site waterpark, region’s largest kids club and private beach
While the kids-go-free offer was a huge win, we also have tips that could help you save even more
THERE is something magical about the term “all-inclusive” – and especially when it comes to family holidays.
It means endless activities for the kids, delicious food you don’t have to cook yourself, and no worrying about extra costs.
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Our recent getaway to the Titanic Deluxe Lara in Antalya, Turkey, was one such experience.
We had booked a Jet2 deal which meant our two children travelled for free — an absolute game-changer for our annual multi-generational family holiday.
But if you want to do the same, be sure to secure your deal in plenty of time because these free places do run out — we booked seven months in advance (see the Go Box for more money-saving tips).
Located on the glittering Mediterranean coast, the Titanic Deluxe Lara is a sprawling five-star resort, part of Jet2’s family collection of hotels and a conveniently quick 20 to 30-minute bus transfer from Antalya airport.
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Inspired by the grandeur of the famous — and fateful — cruise ship, the resort offers all the luxury touches you would expect, but still keeps things super relaxed.
The towering lobby, featuring marble floors, sweeping staircases and a table piled with Turkish Delight and chilled bubbles on ice, immediately set the tone for what was going to be a mix of fancy, but family-friendly, holiday vibes.
Our two modestly sized sea-view rooms next door to one another had balconies overlooking the swimming pools and neighbouring resorts, with the rippling Med in the distance.
Beautiful centrepiece
Both were modern and well- appointed, with a welcome tray of fruits and sweet treats — I know, it’s an all-inclusive resort, but it’s still a nice touch.
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The rooms had two double beds, a mini bar that was restocked daily and a decent sized bathroom.
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And although I couldn’t fault it, I probably wouldn’t give it a true ultra- luxury, five-star rating.
What did go above and beyond our expectations, though, were the pool and beach options — of pivotal importance to any family holiday.
The main pool extends out impressively from the bow of the ship-shaped hotel, creating a beautiful centrepiece to the resort.
The waterway winds its way through the grounds, passing under bridges and walkways, curling around sun loungers, cabanas and small islands, with plenty of spots to relax or dive in.
The resort also has an Olympic-sized pool, an aquapark with nine slides, and indoor pools, with poolside waiters zooming around on rollerskates, so your drinks arrive in style.
My kids especially loved the aquapark — it was hard to get them off the slides.
What truly sets the Titanic Deluxe apart from its competitors is its stunning 350m private stretch of Lara Beach, featuring a newly renovated pier that is much more luxurious than others in the area.
It’s adorned with private cabanas for hire, offering exclusive butler service for that extra touch of pampering.
And at the front of the pier, you’ll even find a couple of larger cabanas with their own jacuzzis for the ultimate indulgence.
Relaxing on the beach is made equally effortless — just scan the QR code from your sunbed, and your drinks will be delivered directly to you.
Beachside luxury at its finest.
If you want something more substantial to fuel you, you will have your pick of all-inclusive dining spots.
On previous holidays, I’ve found these can be hit and miss, but the Titanic Deluxe Lara truly impressed us with its variety and quality.
From morning until night, there were plenty of snack options to keep us going.
The children were thrilled with the fresh waffles and ice cream — so much so, it became a daily stop — while the grown-ups appreciated healthier choices like fresh cherries and juicy nectarines.
The huge main buffet restaurant had a great mix of Turkish specialities, Mediterranean favourites and kid-friendly meals like pasta and chicken nuggets.
Plus there were four à la carte restaurants to choose from.
One meal at one of these was included in our package, and the Pascarella Italian restaurant looked too good to miss.
Everything was “bellissimo”, from the fresh pasta and bruschetta to the gnocchi.
We also treated ourselves to a meal at the resort’s steakhouse, Grill Beef Club, to celebrate my husband’s birthday, indulging in perfectly cooked steaks and an excellent wine selection — well worth the extra cost.
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Afterwards, guests who aren’t ready to call it a night can head to one of the live shows taking place every night in the outdoor amphitheatre.
We were blown away by the impressive performances — honestly, you would usually pay good money to see shows like this.
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From top-notch singing and dancing to jaw-dropping acrobatics, it made every night feel like a special treat.
There’s plenty to keep you entertained during the day, too.
The Kikoa Kids’ Club is the largest in the region and offers a wide range of activities, from art and music lessons to games like archery and speed ball for the teenagers.
There’s a separate games centre, too, with pool tables, a bar, gaming consoles as well as a bowling alley, at no extra cost.
This would often be our go-to venue after dinner to kill a bit of time before the evening shows.
For adults, should you tire of lounging by the pool or beach, then the resort offers everything from water aerobics to beach volleyball, yoga, tennis and even a state-of-the-art gym.
There’s also a luxurious spa, complete with a Turkish hammam — perfect for unwinding after a long day in the sun.
If all of that is not enough, the guest relations team’s “holiday assistant” on WhatsApp made our stay feel even more lavish.
They were incredibly responsive, handling everything from booking restaurant reservations to securing cabanas.
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It was like having our very own personal concierge — incredibly helpful when travelling in a large group.
If that’s not five-star at its finest, I don’t know what is.
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GO: Antalya
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ all-inclusive plus at the 5* Titanic Deluxe Lara is from £1,103pp, based on two rooms, each of which is for two adults and two children.
The price includes two free child places based on four paying adults, plus return flights from Stansted in September.
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MY MONEY-SAVING HACKS
1. WHILE the kids-go-free offer was a huge win, these tips could help you save even more.
2. Create a MyJet2 account. It can save an additional £10pp, which adds up, especially for larger families.
3. Book early. The kids-go-free offer is subject to availability, so get in there quick.
4. Take advantage of the resort’s amenities. With so much quality food and entertainment included there’s no need to spend extra on activities or meals.
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