I’ve been to the TUI BLUE Palm Garden twice, several years apart. In this experience report, you can find out why the hotel is one of the best TUI BLUE hotels, what you can expect there, and why you run the risk of becoming a regular guest.
Table of contents
Who is the TUI BLUE Palm Garden suitable for?
The TUI BLUE Palm Garden has a lot to offer for families, but is just as suitable for couples and groups. I was there alone last time and felt just as comfortable. It has many regular guests and the staff have also been there for many years.
Anyone can claim that, you might think. But the hotel has been winning all sorts of awards for years: Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, Holidaycheck Award 2024 and Gold, TUI Global Hotel Award… and thousands of reviews on the internet raving about the hotel.
At TUI BLUE Palm Garden, you can enjoy a classic lazy beach holiday or participate in activities all day long, ranging from fitness to edutainment to entertainment. If you’re travelling with people who get bored easily, show them the daily program in the BLUE App. If they still can’t find anything, you should leave them at home – they simply don’t know what’s good 
Besides, there’s Wi-Fi throughout the hotel grounds, so digital nomads, teenagers, and influencers won’t have to experience an involuntary digital detox.
All public areas of the hotel are accessible barrier-free, and there are also accessible rooms available. The clientele is international. The most commonly spoken languages in the hotel are English, German, and Turkish.
Where is the TUI BLUE Palm Garden hotel located?
The hotel is located on the Turkish Riviera between Alanya and Antalya, approx. 15 km from Side. The complex is located directly by the sea with its own stretch of beach (sand/pebble beach). The hotel grounds are a long strip, lined by an avenue of palm trees (hence the name).
The beach is:
- a sand/pebble beach
- steeply sloping
- equipped with a jetty
- equipped with enough sunbeds so that nobody has to “reserve”
- sensitive feet should bring bathing shoes
Anyone who thinks that the Turkish Riviera is practically overbuilt with hotels is not mistaken. But you shouldn’t let that put you off. The park-like hotel complex is so beautifully designed, with low buildings and lots of greenery, that the “concrete feeling” of the Turkish Riviera does not arise at all. Instead, it’s a real oasis!
Just outside the hotel, there is a small shopping centre (“Lyra Mall”) with the usual goods that tourists like to buy in Turkey, ATMs, and the departure point for the minibus (Dolmuş) to Side.
What makes the TUI BLUE Palm Garden special
As I had a question about Managvat, I went to reception and the omnipresent front office manager Ayla was already chatting to a guest. This holidaymaker told me that she had been holidaying at Palm Garden with her family for many years and that the children still wanted to come along, even though they had grown up and moved away from home. She showed me old photos on her mobile phone. Ayla’s comment: “We still look young there!” They both laugh. “My children practically grew up here and it’s like a second home. We’ve taken Ayla and the others to our hearts. Saying goodbye is always very emotional.” This was followed by a hug from Ayla.
And it’s true: Ayla, Hotel Director Mehmet, and everyone else are always open to the guests’ wishes and you are always greeted with a smile. The staff feel comfortable and enjoy their work. This positively impacts the holiday experience. They are rightly proud of the many awards displayed in the Welcome Lounge. I spoke with regular guests who had tried other (mostly cheaper) hotels in the meantime but returned the following year because it simply wasn’t as nice as at TUI BLUE Palm Garden. Ayla was kind enough to show me around Side. The article is coming soon!
All Inclusive at the TUI BLUE Palm Garden
Yes, it is an all-inclusive hotel. Forget all the negative associations with this term and let your eyes wander over the buffets. After a week, you still won’t have tried everything that catches your eye – the selection is just that vast. “But my husband/child only eats XY…” Yes, they will find that here too, and if not, you should consider divorce/disinheritance
What I love about Turkish cuisine are the many vegetarian dishes and appetizers. Especially the herbs at the salad buffet, which are quite unfamiliar to us. There’s not much more to say, just look at the photos!
Teil der veganen Ecke beim Frühstück
Meat and fish eaters will find everything their heart desires at the grill stations, including Turkish specialities. Anyone who needs schnitzel with chips or spaghetti bolognese every day – which is incomprehensible to me given the selection – will also find it here. The pasta is homemade and the pasta machine churns out noodles live! I could watch it for hours…
For children, there is a dedicated children’s buffet, even with chicken nuggets to avoid any drama. Those looking to escape the drama can find peace in the adults-only section of the main restaurant.
Specialty Restaurants: The à la carte restaurant “Levante” is quiet and elegant, and is included once per week. Hurry and reserve your spots through the BLUE App, as the restaurant is very popular! Several times a week, the Beach BBQ takes place on the beach (included once per stay). The appetizers and the delicious homemade bread (baked in the hotel’s own bakery!) would have been enough for me. Add to that the tender, well-seasoned meat… the Turks are world-famous for it!
Special Dietary Offers: You don’t even need to ask if there are vegetarian or vegan dishes at the hotel. They are available, well-seasoned, and varied. Gluten-free dishes should be requested before arrival. This ensures that the kitchen is informed and prepared for you. If you have any questions, you can always contact the “BLUE Guide F&B”.
My highlights:
- Gözleme (filled thin pastry) at Purple Turtle in the afternoon,
- Cherry ice cream from the ice cream stand (yes, also included),
- the non-alcoholic cocktail “Matcha Tropicana” and the “Nar Cosmopolitan”
- Very important: Don’t “overeat” with main courses at the buffet, but leave room for the enormous selection of desserts. Thank me later
Cocktails: As people keep asking which cocktails are included: You can find the cocktail menu in the BLUE app. The included cocktails cover popular classics and our own creations made with local ingredients such as pomegranate or ayran. Be sure to try them all.
Book your holiday at the TUI BLUE Palm Garden now
How are the rooms at the TUI BLUE Palm Garden and which one is the best?
The rooms and suites of the hotel are spread across two-storey villas. Double rooms or suites are sufficient for two people + one child, while larger families can opt for family rooms with a separate bedroom for the children. Extra beds and baby cots are also available. All rooms feature air conditioning, balcony/terrace, refrigerator, safe, TV, Bluetooth speaker, and coffee/tea making facilities in the form of a kettle or a coffee machine (only certain room types). Accessible rooms are also available.
Which room is best depends on whether you want to sleep closer to the pool or in quieter areas towards the lobby. My room was near the pool, and I enjoyed the view. If you want to be sure to get the room you desire, it’s worth investing in a “select your room” booking.
Kids’ club and facilities for families
There is plenty on offer for families with children:
- Children’s and family programme with edutainment offers and games (see BLUE App)
- Childcare in the Kids Club on 6 days/week in different age groups
- Shaded baby and children’s pool for splashing and frolicking
- Slides at the main pool
- Playground and playroom
- Separate area for teenagers
- Family-friendly rooms with plenty of space and a cot on request
- Hire of pushchairs, bottle warmers, highchairs etc.
- Children’s buffet
- Swimming lessons for children (for a fee)
Entertainment & sport at the hotel
Are you unsure whether the TUI BLUE Palm Garden offers what you expect from your holiday? Download the BLUE App and check the daily programme at the hotel.
Sport & BLUEf!t: The sports activities include classics such as step aerobics and yoga, as well as trendy fitness programmes such as boxing fitness, bungee fitness and brain kinetics. You can use the app to secure your place in the activity and also receive a reminder via push notification.
I had taken part in the HIIT and didn’t think the trainer would be so strict with us. “You’re not on holiday here!” was one of his cheers. 
Of course he didn’t mean any offence, it was funny. After 45 minutes of training, I was completely exhausted and the thought of the next sumptuous buffet was a great reward.
If you prefer to work out without a class, you can use the air-conditioned fitness room and the SYNRGY BlueSky training system from Life Fitness outdoors. Slacklines, beach volleyball, family activities such as Giant Jenga, cornhole, table tennis, billiards, mini golf, darts and much more ensure that no one will ever be bored.
Water sports: Want to get wet? Swimming courses for children are held in the hotel pool during the school holidays. Aqua fitness and aqua HIIT are the gentler and cooler alternative to the “land offer” and you’ll get a tan too. All typical water sports activities such as surfing, sailing, SUP, banana boat or parasailing can be booked at the water sports centre (external provider).
Entertainment: In the afternoon, there is sometimes guitar music on the beach to go with the sunset. I prefer to stay away because I sing along at the top of my lungs. More talented artists than me perform in the amphitheatre in the evening: Dance shows, music shows, acrobatics… I would say it caters to the tastes of young and old holidaymakers from different countries. However, the younger guests may already be in bed because they have had their fill at the children’s disco. On some evenings there is a DJ on the roof terrace and the view over the lights of the coast is quite something!
Edutainment: Take a look behind the scenes of the hotel and take a tour of the kitchen, the hotel grounds or learn a few words of Turkish. I was fascinated by the vegetable garden!
Wellness & Spa at the TUI BLUE Palm Garden
If you’ve never been to a Turkish hammam, this experience should not be missed on your holiday in Turkey! The warm stone slab you lie on, the peeling that scrubs everything away until your skin is softer than ever – and the massage that you truly deserve! The BLUE Spa also has a sauna and wellness showers. Surprise your travel companion with a couples massage, facial treatment, manicure… you can find the prices and treatments in the BLUE App. Maybe an idea for the departure day? By the way: You can get the perfect hamam towel for your spa experience in the BLUE Shop.
What can you do around the TUI BLUE Palm Garden?
Important information upfront: In the Welcome Lounge, you can help yourself to snacks and drinks to go around the clock. This is perfect for excursions!
It’s not dangerous, nor will anyone drag you into their shop when you leave the hotel grounds. The only danger is that you come back with counterfeit bags and football shirts that won’t fit in your luggage
The minibuses to Side (old town and excavations) leave from in front of the hotel, next to the Lyra shopping centre. I think the price was the equivalent of about 1 euro. The bus runs regularly during the day. Just queue and wait. If you don’t have any lira and the driver doesn’t accept foreign currency, you can withdraw money from an ATM before departure or exchange it at the hotel reception.
The guided mountain bike tours into the hinterland, which start from the hotel, are a very worthwhile way to get to know the hotel’s surroundings. You get to experience untouristy Türkiye away from the coast and, of course, enjoy beautiful views. Find out more in the BLUE app.
Cities and attractions that you can reach by taxi, bus, minibus, or organized excursion include Side/Manavgat, Antalya, Alanya, the archaeological sites of Perge and Aspendos, and much more! Just check the app, browse here on the blog, or speak to the BLUE Guides at the hotel.
Tip: If your departure is very late, the last day is worth using as an excursion day. Before departure, you can use the showers and changing rooms in the hotel’s Farewell Lounge.
What does the TUI BLUE Palm Garden do for sustainability?
The TUI BLUE Palm Garden is one of our exemplary hotels in terms of sustainability. On the roof of the main restaurant, solar panels generate electricity, and in front of the restaurant, herbs and vegetables grow in the hotel’s own garden. Additional points:
- Water-saving shower systems and toilet flushes
- Efficient irrigation systems
- Guests are encouraged to reuse towels, soap and shampoo dispensers instead of disposable packaging in the bathroom.
- Using AI to combat food waste
- Many dishes without animal products
- Waste separation, avoidance of single-use plastic
- Support for local animal shelter and educational organisations
- Guests are offered the opportunity to get involved, e.g. organised beach clean-ups
- Certification by independent organisations
TUI BLUE Palm Garden or TUI BLUE Sarigerme Park?
Both hotels are the original TUI BLUE hotels and best represent what TUI BLUE stands for. The TUI BLUE Sarigerme Park has the advantage of being closer to the airport and surrounded by much more nature. On the other hand, flights to Antalya are cheaper, and larger cities like Antalya and Alanya are easily accessible from the hotel. I find it very difficult to choose between the two hotels. In any case, you can’t go wrong, no matter which one you book!
What are your experiences with the Palm Garden? Write it in the comments!
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Frequently asked questions about the TUI BLUE Palm Garden
Are there gözleme during the day?
Yes, the Purple Turtle serves gözleme in the afternoon. The exact times can be found in the BLUE App programme.
How quickly does the sea get so deep that you can no longer stand?
It gets abruptly deep and is therefore not suitable for unsupervised children. There is a lifeguard on the beach during certain hours.
How can I book a private transfer from the airport to the hotel?
Check the BLUE App or write an email to the hotel. They will give you more information about the airport transfer.
Can I buy nappies on site?
There is a shopping centre called “Lyra Park” right outside the hotel. You can also buy nappies there and there is a pharmacy.
Are beach towels provided by the sea and pool?
Yes, beach towels are provided free of charge. You will receive a towel card at check-in, which you can use to get a beach towel at the towel station and exchange for a fresh one.
Are the pools heated in low season?
The children’s pool and baby pool are heated with solar energy in the early and late season. The main pool is not heated.
Is it worth to pay extra for “select your room”?
If you want to be sure of staying close to the pool or another favourite area, then it’s worth investing in a preferred room. After booking, you will be given the opportunity to select your preferred room on the site plan.
Is there children’s entertainment and childcare outside the school holidays?
Yes, not to the same extent as during the school holidays, but childcare in the Kids’ Club still takes place.
How is the Wi-Fi in the hotel?
The WiFi works throughout the hotel grounds. I worked on my laptop from my room and the bar and even video conferencing worked.
Can I also book excursions at the hotel?
Yes, there is a TUI tour guide on site at the hotel by the hour or you can book your excursions via the BLUE App.
Are there smoking areas at the TUI BLUE Palm Garden?
Smoking is prohibited in the public areas. However, there are designated smoking areas. Smoking is permitted on the room balcony.
When is the best time of year for a holiday in terms of weather?
June and September/October are very good months for a holiday on the Turkish Riviera if you want a classic beach holiday. In July/August, it gets very hot (sometimes over 40 degrees) with high humidity. April/May are still too cool for swimming but very good for sightseeing. If you are not dependent on school holidays, you can also get a cheaper price. Even in October, it is still warm enough for swimming. Here you can find out more about the best travel time in Türkiye.