Orka World Hotel and Aqua Park

We returned last week from a lovely stay at Orka World. Rooms were comfortable and the bed was possibly the best I have slept in on a trip. The only negative with the room was that the shower did not drain adequately, so even with the water running for less than 5 mins, it would overflow onto the bathroom floor. We had 2 rooms and this was the case in both. Food was great and varied, with choices for fussy eaters. Lots of salads and fruit at each meal. Highlights were the seafood pasta and the variety of kebabs/meats on Turkish night. Staff at this resort were consistently the best I have encountered anywhere, from reception to cleaning staff to food and beverage and entertainment staff. Always polite, always with a smile. I would prefer if entertainment staff took no for an answer the first time if someone doesn’t want to join in with activities. My teenage son was made to feel very uncomfortable on our last night when someone tried to drag him from his chair to join the belly dancing. I realise that this is something of a clash of cultures, but it spoilt his last evening. The quiet pool was enjoyable, a good temperature and not as deep as the lively pool so was our preferred hangout. The water park is a 15 min walk or you can use the free shuttle which runs twice in the morning and back twice in the evening. We had a great time at the water park. It was very clean and slides were great fun. The most we queued was for around 15 mins, but at many times of the day we didn’t have to queue for the slides. Food and drink is extra, but water is cheap, between 50-70 Turkish Lira depending on bottle size (around £1). Locker rental is 400 Lira per day (around £6.30). The hotel is on the main road through Ovacik and there are plenty of supermarkets, bars and restaurants within a 5-10 min walk or the main strip of Hisaronu is a 15 min walk, but be prepared to be hassled a lot by every shop, barbers, bar, etc. A taxi to Olu Deniz was around £6 each way. You have to pay to enter the Blue Lagoon, which is about £2.50 per person. There is very limited space to sit there, with chargeable sun beds taking up almost all of the available beach space. It is also stony (and the stones get extremely hot) so beach shoes are recommended.

Overall we had a great trip and I would recommend to others.

This was a nice hotel with many positives and a few disappointments. It’s in a decent location not too far from some of the local attractions. The hotel is spread out with an annex which I where we stayed. Our room 7303 was very nice, 3 beds, shower room separate toilet and plenty of wardrobe space. The room was large, well appointed and we had a Mountain View with small balcony with chairs and a small table. The room was kept really clean however we did discover stained bedding which was changed. The air con was amazing, there was a very tiny safe and mini fridge with TV and tea making facilities. Slight disappointments were the mini fridge (with soft drinks) were never restocked and awful paper cups provided for tea/coffee, this cheapened what was a nice room. The hotel grounds were showing signs of age in places but overall reasonably well presented and clean. The spa was excellent, see separate review. The entertainment and bar areas were pleasant but often several people behind bars with only one person ever serving drinks which meant having to wait for weak alcoholic drinks. The food here was average at best and was repetitive. Snack bars were the same and underwhelming. Don’t get me wrong we could find something to eat but it was basic fare. The water park is a short taxi away (there is a limited shuttle service) and absolutely worth a visit as it’s free entry for guests, beware drinks and food there make up for free entry. Overall it’s a good hotel, team were super friendly and it was a nice visit, it could have been truly memorable if the limited entertainment, food variety/quality and weak drinks had been much better.

My husband and I visited the spa for a Turkish bath and were greeted by the most hospitable staff. Lovely and friendly and made us feel at ease straight away. The massages were unreal and listened to our requests and delivered with care. The serene ambience, coupled with fun and relaxation always make us feel welcomed and in safe hands. This is why we will always keep returning back and continue to recommend to friends. Thanks again, Justin and Kirsty xx