Play. Something we loved to do as children. Something we probably don’t do enough anymore.
Play is a great connector of people, especially people of different ages.
A playful mindset helps us to relax, feel at ease, be creative and curious.
We’d all benefit from more play. But it’s not easy to find the time or inspiration to do so.
Last year, BIJAL opened as the first and only ultra-luxury resort in Antalya.
The concept of this all-villa beach resort is play. It’s something we find refreshing and inspiring.
BIJAL is now in its first full summer season and has fully developed its play concept.
This article explores why it’s such an interesting and unique holiday destination, and how we could all benefit from a little holiday play.
An All-Villa Beach Resort in Antalya
A property like BIJAL was long overdue. Bodrum has some top boutique-style properties but the best properties in Antalya were large all-inclusive resorts.
BIJAL has only 19 villas, spread across a large plot of pine forest and a beach that is practically private.
Exclusivity, tranquillity and privacy were three key takeaways when EliteVoyage CEO Petr Udavský inspected BIJAL in August last year. He said:
The property’s main strength is the all-villa concept. It’s a silent place, perfect for relaxing and spending time together with your family or partner.
There are one-bedroom villas for couples and two- to four-bedroom options for families. Villas are superbly made and extremely private.
Each has smart home technology, a heated outdoor pool, and a walled garden that makes the space absolutely private.
The resort had a soft opening last year. As with almost all new openings, it takes a season to perfect the service and operations. BIJAL should be better this year.
For this summer, BIJAL has also finalised its play concept.
A Beach Resort Based on the Concept of Play
In an interview with Explorer magazine, Esin Güral Argat said:
Play processes are beneficial for the mind and soul. Me and my team are creating a playground where guests can unleash their imagination and gain innovative perspectives to tackle life’s challenges, while having fun.
The idea at BIJAL is that play can be seen and experienced everywhere. This includes some of the things you would expect at a top beach resort. Like:
- A kids club that’s properly age divided and has age-appropriate activities: 0 – 3 years, 4 – 7 years and 8 – 12 years (and a Teenager Club available)
- Theme days for kids, like pirates and superheroes
- Activities and games room for kids
- Workshops for kids, like pizza and cookie making, handicraft and art
- Inflatable toys in your villa pool and big inflatable sea toys like an aquaglide
- Games like padel, boccia, giant jenga, darts and table tennis
The concept is enhanced by making play part of any and every moment at the resort, such as:
- A play road on the way to the beach, something that’s not just for children
- Creating your own art on a wall using special yellow balls
- The beach and pool towels have a checkerboard pattern for games
- Napkins and coasters with small puzzles on them
- Even a wet floor warning in the shape of a banana peel
- Every villa has bicycles, tailored to the age and experience of each guest, for exploring the property
BIJAL has also created a number of special activities and areas dedicated to play, including:
- A scavenger hunt. Families search for 30 miniature scenes spread across the resort and photograph them with an Instax camera.
- Children can have a tent set up in their villa garden for a one-night camping adventure
- A “Get out of your comfort zone” day, designed individually for each client
- An underwater sound system in the BeachHouse pool
- Nighttime beach volleyball with a fluorescent ball
- BIJAL Moments photo corner with uniquely decorated corners for a photo shoot, especially made for kids
Why Play?
There are many great beach resorts around the world for your summer holiday. We love resorts with an innovative concept that offers something different and more memorable for our clients.
BIJAL was created by Esin Güral Argat, one of Turkey’s most successful businesswomen. She also created the first art hotel and first wellbeing concept hotel in the Maldives. She told Explorer some of her inspiration for BIJAL:
Play enhances cognitive, emotional and behavioural skills in children. Adults also need play to relax, recharge, reconnect and invest in self-care.
For us, BIJAL isn’t just another beach resort with top facilities and amazing villas. It is a resort with its own soul where you can really connect with the people you love.
This summer it’s a great choice for families, a chance to play together, strengthen family bonds and holiday with real privacy and exclusivity.
Even without the play concept, BIJAL would be a good option for many of our clients. It’s easily accessible from Prague and meets the needs of demanding clients.
Villas have round-the-clock butler service, menus can be tailored to each guest and in-villa dining is the norm.
Most important is the privacy, which is generally lacking anywhere around the Mediterranean in summer.
Although there is no such thing as a private beach in Turkey, BIJAL is built in such a way that the long golden sandy beach is only accessible to hotel guests. It offers fully-serviced private beach cabanas too.
Your Playful Holiday in Turkey This Summer?
BIJAL is fun, luxurious, exclusive and something new to experience this summer.
We have access to some amazing offers. These are valid for bookings made in July, for any travel dates.
- Pay for three nights and receive one additional night for free.
- Pay for five nights and stay for one week.
- Pay for 11 nights and stay for two weeks.
- Complimentary half board upgrade for stays in two-, three- and four-bedroom villas (half board is a three-course dinner at any restaurant except Teppanyaki)
Will Bijal be your playful holiday this summer or autumn?
