Jetting off for a winter sun break can offer substantial savings, but what exactly do you sacrifice for those cheaper prices? Travel expert Chelsea Dickenson, known for her role on ITV's This Morning, decided to find out by booking a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the 5-star AKKA Antedon resort in Antalya, Turkey, in January.
The Deal: A Massive 72% Saving
Using TravelSupermarket, Chelsea secured the holiday for just £489 per person. In contrast, the same package would cost £1,729 per person during the peak summer month of August, representing a staggering 72% discount. "I wanted to see what you're actually getting for that huge saving," Chelsea explained. "January holidays can be incredibly cheap, but I think a lot of people worry about what they're giving up."
Accommodation and First Impressions
Chelsea was impressed with the rooms, noting they maintained a high standard despite the off-season timing. The resort itself felt fairly busy initially, partly due to Russian Christmas holidays occurring later than in the UK, but it became noticeably quieter afterwards, offering a more relaxed pace.
Facilities: What Was Open and What Wasn't
Not all amenities were operational during the winter months. Here's a breakdown of what Chelsea found:
Pools and Beach Access
The main outdoor pool was closed and appeared somewhat grubby, which Chelsea said would make her "think twice about booking a pool-view room in winter." However, another large outdoor pool remained open alongside a kids' pool, both heated to a comfortable temperature. An indoor heated pool in the spa was also available.
The aquapark ran daily from 10am to 4pm, a positive surprise as Chelsea noted that even fancier Antalya hotels often close theirs in winter. On the beach, loungers were set out on decking, but the area looked different without parasols and cabanas. "There was no beach service and no option to book cabanas," Chelsea explained, though some guests moved loungers to the sea on sunnier days. The water sports centre was closed, and the sea was chilly but not freezing, with a few brave swimmers.
Spa, Gym, and Kids' Facilities
The gym operated daily from 9am to 8pm, while the spa ran full hours, featuring a beautiful indoor pool, jacuzzi, shallow pool, loungers, saunas, a hammam, steam room, and relaxation area. "This was one of my favourite areas of the hotel," Chelsea said. "It had been newly refurbished and felt really luxurious." She noted that the indoor pool could get busier with children on colder or rainy days, but it quietened down when the sun emerged.
The kids' club operated daily in two sessions and was praised by Chelsea as "one of the most aesthetically pleasing kids' clubs I've ever seen." There was also a fantastic outdoor play area and a separate kids' buffet.
Dining and Bar Options
The main buffet restaurant was open year-round, serving a wide range of dishes including meat, fish, salads, vegetarian options, pizzas, breads, soups, and desserts. "This felt similar to what you'd expect in summer, although some counters weren't in use and the themed nights weren't very obvious," Chelsea explained. "The food was generally well-cooked and tasty."
A patisserie offered cakes and ice cream daily from 11am to 4pm, and a small snack bar at the pool served items like chips and burgers between 10am and 6pm. "The choice was limited, but it was handy if you didn't want to head back inside for lunch," said Chelsea.
The biggest limitation was the à la carte restaurants. While the hotel has six in peak season, only the Pasha Restaurant opens in winter – and only if more than eight people book in advance.
Weather and Activities
Temperatures ranged from 12 to 19°C, with sporadic rain and some sunny days. "It wasn't sunbathing weather, but it was comfortable enough to sit outside, walk around the resort and enjoy being outdoors," Chelsea explained. "It also felt far nicer than the winter weather back home. You do need a bit of luck with the weather, but even on cooler days it still felt like a proper break from the UK."
The hotel ran a winter activity schedule including fishing, hiking, and cocktail making, with some activities requiring advance booking. While summer might feature water aerobics and pool parties, Chelsea was pleased to see a dedicated winter programme. The outdoor entertainment area was closed, but live music played in the main lobby bar nightly, and the Disco Bar was open, even serving Negronis. "This genuinely surprised me for January," Chelsea said.
The Final Verdict
"It was absolutely cheaper for good reason," Chelsea concludes. "Not everything is open, you're dealing with cooler temperatures, and you're more reliant on the weather. But if you're happy to trade guaranteed heat for huge savings, and you want to stay somewhere fancier than you'd normally afford, this type of off-peak holiday makes a lot of sense."
