From the Parthenon in Greece to Stonehenge in Britain, Europe is steeped in history and tradition. Centuries-old castles, ancient ruins and cathedrals dot its streets, while trendy tourist shops and upscale inclusive resorts provide contrast to its city skylines. Mediterranean islands and countries like Turkey offer an authentic mix of tropical scenery, traditional architecture and modern hotels to accommodate flocks of annual tourists.
Three-time winner of the World Travel Awards' Leading All-Inclusive European Resort, the Concorde De Luxe is a five-star resort on Lara Beach in southern Turkey. Built in the shape of a cruise liner, the resort houses 401 rooms and suites. Each includes a satellite television with music channels, balcony and views of the resort gardens, pool or the Mediterranean Sea. Meals at any of the resort's 17 restaurants and bars are covered in the all-inclusive package, as are a wide range of on-site activities and entertainment shows. Selections from the "Old Country" are served to the tune of Italian music at Da Vinci's, and Dafne's prepares traditional Turkish entrees, while Mediterranean specialties like yogurt drinks and Turkish pastries are available under the tent of the outdoor, beachfront Neyzen Gozleme restaurant. Dozens of activities are offered daily and may include scuba diving, beach volleyball, windsurfing and bowling. Professional musicians, Beijing dancers or members of the Moscow State Circus provide entertainment nightly. Concorde's Carpe Diem provides full spa facilities like a traditional Turkish hammam, or bath, an indoor and outdoor pool and a mud chamber. Services offered include chocolate and exotic open-air massages, coffee peels and mud or seaweed wraps.
The five-star Rinela Beach Resort and Spa is situated on the historic Greek island of Crete. The resort's all-inclusive offer includes board, all meals, plus snacks, refreshments, alcoholic and soft drinks and hot and cold beverages. Marble bathrooms, tiled or marble floors and balconies that overlook the Mediterranean Sea complement each of the resort's 440 guest rooms. Hotel facilities include two outdoor pools and water slides, pedal boats, canoes and windsurfing, while water skis, jet skis and banana boats are available for rent. American, Chinese and a variety of international entrees are available at the resort's restaurants, while cocktails and bar bites can be enjoyed poolside, beachfront or indoors at any one of the on-site bars. The Spa Centre at Rinela Beach features face and body treatments and a private pool.
Nestled in Spain's Canary Islands, the Hotel Iberostar Playa Gaviotas occupies a spot on the coast of the tourist area of Fuerteventura. Part of the multi-award winning Iberostar chain, this four-star beach hotel offers 331 double and family rooms and over a dozen suites. Each includes a satellite TV, refrigerator and terrace, many of which overlook Jandía Bay. In addition to accommodation, all-inclusive packages include all meals and beverages and the use of sporting equipment and facilities. The hotel boasts three bars including the pool-side Bar Oasis and beachfront Bar Corona, and two upscale dining venues. Restaurant Atlántico, the hotel's main restaurant, offers a buffet of international selections, while the Restaurant Aventura serves a variety of Mexican specialties. Archery and rifle shooting, water polo and cycling are just a handful of the included sports activities. The Thai Zen SPAce provides an extensive variety of personalized services, and live entertainment is provided periodically throughout the week.
