Wednesday 12 December 2012

Christmas Meal Ideas From Turkish Cuisines

Main Meal

Alanazik (Alinazik)


Preparation :

Place the ground meat and margarine in a saucepan and simmer on low heat with lid closed for 20-25 minutes until all the juice is reduced. Add 1 teaspoon salt and the other spices, stir. Wash and dry the eggplants, barbecue on the burner, turning frequently. Peel off the skin, cut off the stems and chop finely. Sautè the chopped eggplants in 2 tablespoons of oil for 2-3 minutes. Peel the garlic, wash and mince. Add the garlic, yogurt and the remaining salt to the eggplants and mix them throughly. Remove it to a serving plate and spread evenly. Pour the hot minced meat over the eggplants. Wash the green peppers, remove the stems and chop them 2-3 millimeters thick and sprinkle over the dish.




Nutritional Value (in approximately one serving) :

Energy 398 cal, Protein 21.4 g, Fat 26.6 g, Carbohydrates 18.0 g, Calcium 228 mg, Iron 2.17 mg, Phosphorus 324 mg, Zinc 4 mg, Sodium 930 mg, Vitamin A 225 iu, Thiamine 0.25 mg, Riboflavin 0.47 mg, Niacin 5.11 mg, Vitamin C 7 mg, Cholesterol 80 mg.



Notes : It is one of the popular summer dishes of Gaziantep which is served at lunch or dinner as a single course with side servings of hot green peppers.

Ingredients :
Ground meat              1 4/5 cups                500 grams
Margarine                   2 tablespoons         20 grams
Salt                              2 teaspoons            12 grams
Black pepper             1/2 teaspoon           1 gram
Red pepper                1/2 teaspoon           1 gram
Eggplants                    6 medium size        1 kg
Garlic                           3 cloves                   10 grams
Yogurt                          4 ½ cups                  1 kg
Green peppers           2                                30 grams
Oil                                 2 tablespoons         20 grams


Servings: 6 Person

Beverage


Raki
When one thinks of Turkey or Turks, one is reminded of Raki. Although it is not known where or when this drink was invented, it is certain that the history of raki does not go as far back as wine or beer. There are many proverbs on raki which is the traditional Turkish drink. Raki is made from different fruits in different regions, but grapes, figs and plums are the main ones.


In the Near and Middle East countries the drink is known by different names such as Araka, Araki, Ariki which obviously come from the same origin. Some claim that it is called Iraqi (from Iraq) because it was first made in this country and spread to other regions. Others say it got its name from the razaki grapes used in producing it. Both theories are acceptable. Another theory is that arak in Arabic means "sweat" and araki " that which makes one sweat." If one drinks too much raki one does sweat and when raki is being distilled it falls drop by drop like sweat, so the name could have come from Arabic. In neighboring countries different kinds of raki have different names. In Greece gum is added to it and the drink is called "Mastika". Duziko which comes from the slavic word "Duz" means raki with aniseed. In Turkey, raki made from grape residue used to be called Düz Raki or Hay Raki. Zahle raki has taken this name because it is made in the city of Zahle in Lebanon. Raki is not a fermentation drink like wine and beer but a distillation drink, so more technical knowledge and equipment are necessary for its production. Encyclopedias write that in "Eastern India a drink produced by distilling fermented sugar cane juice is called "arak" and the same name is given Ceylon and Malesia to an alcoholic drink made by the distillation of the juice of the palm tree. It is also noted that in Iran the drink made in the same way from grapes and dates is also called "arak".


The history is going back 300 years. The art of distillation which started in the Arab world and spread to the neighboring countries was implemented when people thought of making use of the sugar in the residue of wine processing. With the addition of aniseed, raki took on its Turkish characteristic. The famous Turkish traveler Evliya Celebi listed the artisans of Istanbul in the first volume of his book on his voyages which he wrote in 1630. Among the artisans he also mentioned the arak makers. While writing that arak was made from all kinds of plants, he also mentioned the word raki and said that drinking even one drop of this intoxicating drink was sinful. It is known that at that time in Istanbul 300 people in 100 workshop were occupied in the production and sale of this drink. Evliya Celebi spoke of tavern-keepers as "accursed, ill omened, blame worthy" and said there were taverns all over Istanbul but especially in Samatya, Kumkapi, Balikpazari, Unkapani, Fener, Balat (last three are on the Golden Horn) and the two shores of the Bosphorus and added "Galata means Taverns". Evliya Celebi recorded the small wine shops and the kinds of wine they sold and also mentioned the taverns that sold raki, all kinds of raki, like raki wine, banana raki, mustard raki, linden raki, cinnamon raki, clove raki, pomegranate raki, hay raki, aniseed raki, etc.

Raki was first produced from the residue of grapes left over from wine making. When a shortage of residue started, spirits from abroad were imported and processed with aniseed. This went on till the First World War when, for want of raw materials raisins were used in the production of raki and sometimes even dried figs and mulberries. For good quality raki, seedless raisins and aniseed in Cesme were preferred. As the raki industry developed, aniseed agriculture grew and developed with it. When alcoholic beverages were prohibited at one time, underhand producers lost no time in taking steps. The administrative authorities, especially in small towns, turned a blind eye to the illegal production of raki so long as it was made in accordance with the technical rules. In many houses meat grinders were used for mincing the raisin, large basins formerly used for daily washing were now used for fermenting the grapes and oil cans were converted into distilling apparatus. The raki which was usually without aniseed and which often contained materials harmful to health were distributed to by children, in the evenings, when the streets were no longer crowded.


Drinking raki has its own traditional rituals. Most important is what it is to be partaken with. White cheese is the main and unchangeable "meze" of raki. Raki is usually drunk with cold dishes like tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce and seafood. Fish is also a favorite, especially mullet and mackerel. Due to the aniseed it contains, raki changes color and becomes a milky white when water is added and a glass of pure water to go with it gives a distinct pleasant taste.

The favorite mezes of raki drinkers, roasted chickpeas and freshly salted almonds, can be found in almost all taverns.


Those who have been drinkers of raki for years and years, point out that this drink affects one according to his/hers mood. Sometimes one is tipsy after a glass or two; while sometimes even a huge bottle gives only a feeling of well being and enjoyment.



We wish you healthy and beautiful holidays!

Thursday 6 September 2012

Paragliding On Oludeniz


Babadag (Father Mountain) towering above Oludeniz on the Southwest coast of Turkey is a geological marvel that just happens to make for incredible thermals and ideal conditions for paragliding flight. Oludeniz is reputedly the best site in Europe, if not the world, to fly pargliders cross-country in both solo and tandem modes.



We offer you the tandem paragliding experience of a lifetime, for many people a dream come true. Picture yourself, comfortably seated, gracefully gliding above the scenic mountainside and lagoon, feeling the light breeze on your face whilst you and your pilot soar high over Oludeniz beach packed with hot and sweaty sunbathers!



This rare opportunity to take off from such a fantastic backdrop as Babadag, offering the breathtaking view over Oludeniz lagoon, a spectacle in itself, coupled with the opportunity to fly tandem for up to 45 minutes, virtually unheard of in any other location in the world, all adds up to ensuring the trip of a lifetime, and one not to be missed.



Your journey to the take off point is an experience in itself. From Oludeniz beach, a 50 minute ‘jeep safari’ gives you the unrivalled opportunity to take in the extraordinarily beautiful Turkish mountainside scenery and the stunning flora and fauna it has to offer.
We fly four times a day, every day from April to November.





So what is it all about?
In brief, your pilot will launch you from a hillside under a canopy that resembles a parachute but acts like a rigid wing. Once inflated overhead, you will take just a few steps, or a short run to take off from the gentle slope, the wind will catch the canopy and you will be airborne. Once in the air, complete control over direction and speed gives your pilot the freedom to soar ridges, rise on warm currents of air and cover distances.


Is it safe?
At Skysports we have a proven safety record from day one which we credit to our staff, professionally maintained and certified equipment and company procedures. Our professional pilots fly four times a day, every day, taking people like you; male, female, young and old on this amazing adventure. Each passenger is briefed and issued with a helmet and a flying suit and all pilots carry complete reserve and communication systems. Furthermore, weather conditions are carefully assessed before we take you to the sky.

Bookings are essential, so don't leave it until your last day as we are dependent on the weather conditions.




What to wear ?
All you need to experience this amazing opportunity is:
- A pair of trainers or boots
- Camera or Videocamera
- Bottle of Water
- Comfy Clothing (we provide flying suits)


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the minimum - maximum age to fly?
Almost anybody can partake in paragliding and at Skysports we have flown passengers from 4 to 84 years old!

When does the season begin/end?
Our season begins the third week of April and finishes the first week of November.





How much does a tandem paragliding flight cost?
A tandemflight costs GBP 70.

Am I insured to fly through paragliding company?
Yes, our fully comprehensive insurance policy covers you for up to GBP 1 million.

Is there a weight restriction to fly?
As each canopy has a limit on how many kilos it can carry, our pilots are carefully matched to each passenger according to their combined weight and the weather conditions. At Skysports we currently enforce a weight limit of 110kg (17stone) per passenger however this can vary according to the passenger's level of fitness.

How long will I be in the air?
Each flight duration is a minimum of 25 minutes depending on the weather conditions which contribute to the thermal lift. With the right conditions your pilot will strive to fly you for 45minutes (if not more!!)



What do I need to wear?
Skysports provide a flying suit for each passenger so all you need is some comfortable clothing and a sturdy pair of shoes (ie trainers).
What do I need to take with me?
Sunglasses, a bottle of water and don't forget your camera!

Do I need any training or experience to fly?
Absolutely not. No experience is required to fly as you will be fully briefed prior to take off. You will merely run a few steps and the rest is in the hands of your fully qualified pilot. Just sit back and enjoy your flight!

How do we arrive at the 2000m take off point?
Your journey to the take off is an experience in itself. From Oludeniz beach, a 50 minute 'jeep safari' gives you the unrivalled opportunity to take in the extraordinarily beautiful Turkish mountainside scenery and the stunning flora and fauna it has to offer.

Can I pre-book my tandem paragliding flight?
Bookings are essential, so don't leave it until your last day as we are dependent on the weather conditions.

Yes, in fact we recommend doing so. Each flight is weather dependent and flight times can get booked up very quickly.



We wish you healthy and beautiful holidays!

Sunday 19 August 2012

RAMAZAN BAYRAMI (RAMADAN FESTIVAL - CANDY HOLIDAY)



Ramazan Bayramı is the three-day holiday that follows the end of the holy month of Ramazan. (Here are the dates.)



Called Eid es-Seghir in many other Muslim countries,Ramazan Bayramı (sometimes called Şeker Bayramı[sheh-KEHR bah-yee-rah-muh, "Candy Holiday"]) starts at sunset on the last day of Ramazan, and celebrates the completion of the holy month of fasting.



In Turkey, it is an official national holiday. On the last day of Ramazan, most offices and businesses close after lunch for "preparation" (arife, ah-ree-FEH). The three-day holiday itself begins at sunset on that day, and lasts until sunset on the third day.

Offices close for the half day of arife and for the three days of holiday.

Museums, archeological sites and similar visitor sights close for the first full day of the holiday, but are usually open on the second and third days, and may be particularly busy with visitors. Special lower holiday admission fees may be in force.

On the last day of Ramazan Bayramı, transport may be busy as holiday travelers return home.

In Turkey, Ramazan Bayramı is a time for sending greeting cards to friends and loved ones, paying visits, and enjoying a lot of sweets. Everyone enjoys drinking lots of Turkish tea and coffee in broad daylight after the 30 days of daylight fasting during Ramazan.



We wish you healthy and beautiful holidays!

Saturday 21 July 2012

What is Ramadan?How to Celebrate Ramadan? (Here are Ramazan dates.)

The 30-day Islamic holy month of Ramazan (RAH-mah-zahn, called Ramadanin other countries) is a time of fasting, prayer and celebration. (Here are Ramazan dates.)



Islam is a religion of peace and equality. Islam teaches piety and equality. The piety and the main part of our Islam. You can take on it, and God gives priority to piety on other things. Muslims believe that their religion and piety, was held in one God and Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Moreover, Islam teaches us the basic foundations of advantages.

If you believe that Ramadan is a month of the Islamic year only so you should read something good from good resources. So, two main questions in our minds is what is the month of Ramadan? And how we celebrate it?


What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the month of Ramadan in the Muslim calendar, which Muslims fast for God their Creator and purification of money through Zakat to the needy. Means fast "soom" in Arabic. Soom good deeds increases. We offer Namaz in this month, which is helpful to reduce our sins. God commanded us to give Zakat on our property and money to the needy and poor people. And Zakat and Fitraah be in cash or specific items of by God.

Ramadan is the month for all ages and all generations, and this is why we are doing something good for the needy through the extra money and this is why they enjoy the same happiness as we do. Ramadan, what allows us to do, and when they do, and where to do but we need to just get a whole body of research on these questions through the Quran.

Fasting
Fasting means letting nothing pass the lips: no food, drink, chewing gum, tobacco smoke or, for the strictly observant, not even licking an envelope or postage stamp from sunrise to sunset. Observant Muslims also refrain from sexual intercourse during daylight in the holy month.

Most Muslims, whether strictly observant or not, use the holy month and the stricture of fasting to help them examine their lives, to remind themselves ofvirtues like charity, compassion and forgiveness, and to avoid vices like cupidity, selfishness and dishonesty.

Many Turks fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramazan. Restaurants are less busy at lunch, and there's even less Turkish tea in evidence—which is amazing.

If you're in Turkey during Ramazan, it's polite torefrain from eating and drinking in public during daylight hours. Rather, do it inside a restaurant, tea house, cafe, or other private or semi-private area.

Muslim restaurant and cafe staff, who may be fasting themselves, will understand if you are non-Muslim and will be happy to serve you. Some eateries may cover their windows with curtains so as not to distract those fasting by the sight of others eating.

How to Celebrate Ramadan?

Celebrating Ramadan under the peace of God is the duty of every Muslim before and just because of this that God created multiple resources for all Islamic societies. God gives the principles of the Holy Prophet Muhammad wa Alaa Sallay - Aalihi Wassallam through messages. Muhammad peace be upon him apply these principles to the Muslims in his life that after carefully re-implemented by different rulers at different times.

Celebrate Ramadan by paying Zakat authentic, Fitraah to people in need because they can have the same ideals of Ramadan and that it is their right. Second, we must pray more for you of your sins and the past because it works for you next year. Can sacrifice a little to make a huge to do better and do the same for others.

Feasting!
Ramazan is also a time of celebration, and after sunset the feasting begins with a ceremonial "break-fast" light meal called "Iftar".

It always includesfreshly-baked flat pidebread, and usually soup, pickled vegetables, olives and other easily-prepared edibles. Elaborate dinners are held later in the evening.

Strings of colored lights festoon trees and buildings, mosques are illuminated and crowded with worshippers.


A carnival atmosphere prevails with temporary booths selling religious books and paraphernalia, traditional snacks and stuff for the kids.


In the middle of the night drummers circulate through towns and villages to wake sleepers so they can prepare "Sahur", the big early-morning meal to be eaten before the fast begins again at sunrise. They tend to make their noise around 02:30 and 03:00 am, and they make sure everyone hears them. If you don't want to awaken, have earplugs, close your hotel room windows, or both.


Many restaurants offer special banquet-like Ramazan menus at night.

Some restaurants which normally serve alcoholic beverages may refrain from doing so during the holy month, offering fruit juices and other drinks instead. It would be polite for you to observe this stricture if you are in an establishment where others are refraining from alcohol. (In some restaurants, alcohol service may resume after the evening's main meal is largely concluded.)

Non-Muslims are welcome and usually invited to join in the evening celebrations, which are great fun. Enjoy this special time! .

Ramazan is followed by the three-day holiday of "Ramazan (Şeker) Bayramı".

We wish you healthy and beautiful holidays!
We invite you to follow us on our facebook page 
http://www.facebook.com/libertyhotelsoludeniz where we publish photo's , video's and news about Liberty Hotels Oludeniz (Asena Beach).





Sunday 8 July 2012

Yaprak Sarması Turkish Meal (Vine Leave Wraps with Olive Oil)


Preration :
Wash the vine leaves and remove the coarse stems. Put the water and a teaspoon of salt in a pot. Bring to boil and add half of the leaves. Simmer them for 4-5 minutes, turning over once. Simmer the other half in similar fashion. Measure the cooking liquid and complete it to 2 3/4 cups and set aside.

Peel the onions, wash and chop finely, place in pot together with oil and nuts, cover and sauté for 20 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir a few time with the lid removed so that the nuts are browned. Wash and drain the rice and add to the pot and stir a couple of times. Add the remaining salt, sugar and the 1 ¾ cups of the hot cooking liquid, stir and sprinkle with currants. Simmer it on first medium and then low heat for 10-15 minutes, until all the liquid is reduced. Wash the parsley and the dill and remove the stems and chop finely. Add them to the cooked rice together with mint, spices and the lemon juice and leave covered for 10 minutes.

Place the vine leaves so that the side with veins face inside when wrapped. Place the prepared filling to one side, fold the side edges over he filling and then wrap it. Cover the bottom of a shallow saucepan with vine leaves and the removed parsley and dill stems and place the wrapped vine leaves over them.


Place a heat-proof flat plate over the leave wraps (dolmas). Heat the remaining boiling liquid and add to the pan slowly, pouring from the edge of the dolmas. Cover and simmer over low heat for 50 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish when cool, and garnish with lemon slices and yogurt.


Nutritional Value (in approximately one serving):
Energy 441 cal, Protein 5.8 g, Fat 26.0 g, Carbohydrates 47.8 g, Calcium 137 mg, Iron 2.73 mg, Phosphorus 101 mg, Zinc 2 mg, Sodium 1136 mg, Vitamin A 4224 iu, Thiamine 0.15 mg, Riboflavin 0.07 mg, Niacin 1.11 mg, Vitamin C 28 mg, Cholesterol 0 mg.




Ingredients               Measure                          Amount
Vine leaves                         -                               150 grams
Water                        2 2/3 cups                          550 grams
Salt                            3 teaspoons                       18 grams
Onion                         6 big                                  600 grams
Olive oil                      ¾ cup                               150 grams
Pine nuts                     2 tablespoon                      20 grams
Rice                            1 1/3 cup                           240 grams
Sugar                          2 teaspoons                        8 grams
Currants                      2 tablespoons                    20 grams
Parsley                        1 small size bunch              40 grams
Dill                              1 small size bunch              30 grams
Fresh mint                   10-15 leaves                     10 grams
Cinnamon                    ¾ teaspoon                       1.5 grams
Black pepper               ¾ teaspoon                       1.5 grams
All spice                      ½ teaspoon                        2 grams
Lemon juice                 2 tablespoons                    20 grams
Lemon                         1 medium size                   100 grams
Servings: 6 Person


Notes:
It is a very popular dish in all regions. It is a favorite at tea and cocktail parties and picnics. The vine leaves can be pickled in brine and used out of season. In that case, they should first be soaked in warm water to reduce the salt, and the amount of salt used in the recepie should be halved..


We wish you healthy and beautiful holidays!
We invite you to follow us on our facebook page 
http://www.facebook.com/libertyhotelsoludeniz where we publish photo's , video's and news about Liberty Hotels Oludeniz (Asena Beach).



Saturday 23 June 2012

Taste Of Fethiye.


We are proud to advise you that we are using Taste of Fethiye produce on the buffet at the Liberty Hotels Oludeniz (Hotel Asena Beach).We are currently involved with a project managed by The Travel Foundation in promoting local produce particularly locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables.One of the main aims of this project is to encourage hoteliers to buy more locally grown produce which of course in turn supports our local community.



The Taste of Fethiye project is a collaboration between the Travel Foundation and both TUİ (Thomson and First Choice) and Thomas Cook. Its aims are to promote local produce in the region, to assist small farmers in need by encouraging good farming practise and to encourage hotels to buy produce from these local farmers.




On the buffet every evening there is a selection of fresh local vegetables grown within the Fethiye region.


To support this project we will be holding a local food evening every two weeks on Saturdays to celebrate our Turkish cuisine and culture. Our chef will be using as many local produce as possible with regional recipes – recipes which you can take home and try yourself.



We have also invited some local people to sell some of their wares so you can have the opportunity to buy some local crafts and in turn help the community too.

We look forward to seeing you on every second Saturday.


We wish you healthy and beautiful holidays!
We invite you to follow us on our facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/libertyhotelsoludeniz where we publish photo's , video's and news about Liberty Hotels Oludeniz (Asena Beach).



Tuesday 17 January 2012

What Can You Do At The Beach or Oludeniz Beaches?

It's summertime and for many people that means hitting the local beach. If you think that spending time at the beach is limited to just swimming, you have a lot to learn. There are tons of other great activities that can be enjoyed on the beach.


Here are some of the most fun things that you can do at the beach besides just going swimming:

•Write messages in the sand. You can write them big or small, say anything that you want and then take a picture that will last forever. These pictures can be made into unique postcards to send to the folks back home.

•Play at the boardwalk. Many beaches have boardwalks where you can play arcade games, ride rollercoasters, eat fair food and enjoy free summer concerts on the sand.

•Picnic. There are always a lot of food vendors near popular beaches but sometimes it's nice to pack yourself a really nice picnic with fancy cheeses and luscious fruits and to go indulge in at the beach.

•Frisbee. This is a classic beach game and it is one that people never get tired of enjoying together. There are more advanced versions like Frisbee golf, extreme Frisbee and Aerobie but the old version will do just fine.

•Hiking. Many beaches offer nearby trails where you can hike to or from the water. This offers great exercise and the water is great for cooling down after the hike,

•Fishing. It's one of the most relaxing things that you can do at the beach and something people have been doing here for centuries.

•Read magazines. A beach vacation is supposed to be completely relaxing. Park yourself under a shade umbrella, catch a few rays and read some magazines or a cheap novel.

•Build a sandcastle. From the simplest design to the most elaborate, sandcastles help you pass the time at the beach while doing something really creative and fun.

•Go windowshopping in the little seaside shops. The majority of beaches are located at beach towns. These towns typically have a bunch of little stores set up along the beach. Spend some time browsing when you're ready to get out of the sun.

•Look for seashells. You can troll the beach looking for seashells and colored glass. Take the best ones home with you and make jewelry or art with them so that you can always remember the fun that you had at the beach.

•Go topless. There's something really brave about getting naked in public. It's an experience that can make you feel courageous and bold and one that should be tried at least once. Of course, you have to make sure that you're doing this at a nude beach otherwise you're going to get into some serious trouble!


•Surfing. Or any other type of water sport such as kayaking, jet ski racing, waterskiing or kitesurfing. Get out on the water and really have yourself an adventure instead of just being lazy!

•Hula hoop. Or play catch. Or jump rope. Or fly a kite. Engage in some sort of child's play when you are at the beach using cheap toys that you can pick up at a nearby store. This will bring back some of the wonder of what it was like to go to the beach as a kid.

•Write poetry. The beach has been inspiring poems and songs for centuries so you might as well join the tribe of people who like to write when they're by the water. Starting that novel you've always wanted to write or simply keeping a diary of the trip are other creative writing options at the beach.

•Take photographs. The beach is a great place for getting good photos and those photos will be a great memory to take back from the trip. Wander along with your digital camera and see what there is to see.

•Meet people. Beaches are filled with people so there's no reason that you can't make new friends. Games on the sand - like volleyball - make this easy but there are lots of ways to meet people at the beach.

•Catch up on phone calls. With cell phones working almost everywhere these days, you should have no problem getting connected to others at the beach. It's a great place to catch up on phone calls while getting a tan - and you can make everyone you talk to jealous because of where you are!

•Search for historic sites. Many beaches are located near places of historic importance which are marked with monuments or signs. You can find these in the most unexpected of places if you keep your eyes open. Military batteries on the water, historic lighthouses and places where battles once took place are all things that you can keep an eye out for.

•Look for little critters. Most people who go looking for animals at the beach are looking for whales or seals or dolphins. Turn your focus to the little critters like the crabs and birds and jellyfish. Spend the day seeing how many different animals you can count.

•Watch the sunset. This is one of the favorite things that people often do at the beach because it is such a sight to see.

•Daydream. You're sitting around at the beach with no commitments and nothing demand your attention and that's a great time to just hang out and daydream a little bit. Envision what you want your life to look like in five or ten years, where you wish you could travel or what you would do if you won the lottery.

•Celebrate a holiday or special occasion. People often go to the beach to watch Fourth of July fireworks or to celebrate a honeymoon.

•Relax. You don't have to daydream or take pictures or do anything at all. You can just sit there and relax. You're on vacation after all!


Of course, the truth of the matter is that going to the beach is usually fun no matter what you do there because you're getting away from real life and enjoying a scenic travel destination. It's just nice to know that there are plenty of things to do besides suntan and swim while you're there!

We wish you healthy and beautiful holidays!
We invite you to follow us on our facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/HOTELASENABEACH where we publish photo's , video's and news about Hotel Asena Beach.

Tuesday 10 January 2012

Internet Reviews Are Now Very Important.

Over the past few years, modern technology has helped endless amounts of guests in hotels all over the world share their opinion and knowledge of hotels and of the local area on online review websites, such as TripAdvisor, HolidayCheck etc. Not only does this help people to choose a hotel to book or even an area to visit, but also helps employees in the Sales and Marketing Department in hotels to make decisions in regards to any changes that the hotel needs, including any prices that need to be altered, to offer to agencies around the globe, and walk-in prices.

Internet Review sites must be used correctly. They offer the users and future holiday makers a chance to know everything about the hotel, including what to expect before they get there, any information in to what the hotel and the surrounding has to offer, and also a chance for the Executive board of the hotel to read any comments and suggestions for improvement of the hotel that is required, to be discussed and put into action if necessary.

The Executive board pays attention to any suggestions and comments that are made by guests very closely. A source of this is the internet, whether they are positive or negative comments. This is so they can shine a light in the right direction of any improvement or investment required within the hotel. However, when making these reviews, it is important for the reviewer not to make personal comments, and more pro-active ones. For instance. For someone to write a review with the heading: “Really bad hotel, don’t go!” is not productive for the reader, nor for the Executive Board of the Hotel. When someone writes this, they don’t include the important things, i.e.: what is the hotel missing? What was it that you found was not value for Money? Were the standards of service perfect? What would you improve if it was your Hotel? These are just an example of the sort of questions that the executive board still scratch their head on in the meetings when reading the reviews and discussing them with one another. The board would have a much easier time in to making sure you had a fantastic time at the hotel if their questions were answered, in order to give the highest Standard of service.




Below is described how nations all over the world make their comments on the internet.

The European Guest mostly takes note and reviews about Room cleanliness, variety of food, diet buffet, service quality, beverage quality, hygiene, A la Carte Restaurants, noise pollution, and the friendliness, cleanliness and productive service of the staff.

The Russian Guest does not really go too much in to depth of the hotel, but more basic lines which include variety of food, the amount of seasonal fruit available, comfortness of room, the quality of the drink (i.e. how many bottles of vodka is available!!) and the activities of the Animation/Entertainment team.

The Turkish Guest have a completely different expectation from others, and they show this by focusing mainly on the way a structure is built, the food quality and variety, the broadcasting and quality of music being live or recorded, the behaviour and attitude of the staff and examples of them being positive and negative.

Happy Reviewing!

We wish you healthy and beautiful holidays!
We invite you to follow us on our facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/HOTELASENABEACH where we publish photo's , video's and news about Hotel Asena Beach.

Tuesday 3 January 2012

When Should One Make an Early Booking?, When Does It Start? When does It Finish?

These are the 3 questions that everybody is interested about in terms of early reservations. When do they start, when do they finish and when should one make an early reservation?.

What is an Early Reservation?

Being the Summer or Winter holiday season, everday more and more people are taking advantage of the campaigns produced by hotels and travel companies by making early reservations. This is a strategy favourably used by more luxurious / quality hotels. Turkey have evaluated this as an oppurtunity to offer cheap, discounted holidays, to bring more income in the countries economy, and realised that in actual fact, The Early Reservation system works in favour of everyone. Both Hoteliers and Holidaymakers have realised that this is the best chance of enjoying a summer/winter vacation.

When should you make an early reservation?

As with everything, we need to make sure that things are done in time. However soon you can make a reservation the better. The campaigns offered by hotels are reduced as rooms fill up. Because of this you should make holiday plans as early as possible.





When do early Reservations start, and when do they finish?

Early reservations campaigns can start up to a year before the required season for your holiday. The best months to book for summer holidays are December, January, February, March and April. However, this can change. For example, if the quota of rooms has not been reached, then the hotel may carry the campaign on in May, and even throughout the entire summer season. However you should never depend on this, as you may miss your chance to get an early reservation, and in the long run, a cheaper holiday. But in some cases you may find that you will see low cost campaigns instead of increased prices.

Our Advice: Book as soon as you have made your mind up about a holiday to avoid dissapointment.

We wish you healthy and beautiful holidays!
We invite you to follow us on our facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/HOTELASENABEACH where we publish photo's , video's and news about Hotel Asena Beach.