Efem Apartments - 9th - 23rd June

[Joan_Woodall]

Just got back from my second home after yet another fabulous two week holiday.

We stayed at Efem Apartments in the Old Village (for the second time). Onur is a lovely guy and although there was only 2 of us, he gave us an apartment for 4 overlooking the pool which was lovely. We also took 2 friends with us and they thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful scenery from the balcony and the quiet village location.

The only thing we found, although the children haven't broken up from school in the UK, there were a lot of school age children staying at the Apartments. We believe the apartments have attracted more children because last year they installed a water slide. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with children having a good time, that's what we all go on holiday for, but when it comes to them spoiling it for people who just want to lie by the pool and read a book or listen to music, it becomes unpleasant. One couple arrived late one afternoon and within 10 minutes both children were in the pool, using the water slide (even though it wasn't working) and the girl in particular kept screaming at the top of her voice while her father sat at the bar with an Efes totally oblivious to the noise she was making. It got to the stage that we didn't enjoy sitting on our balcony in the early evening as it was so noisy. We have always gone on holiday in June to avoid the school holidays and I can't understand why so many children seemed to be out of school but next year we will think long and hard before we book our accommodation.

A water slide will attract people with children, but it will also put off people like ourselves who pick apartments in a quiet area only to be subjected to children screaming in the pool at 7.30 in the morning!

On the plus side, we met up with many old friends, Ekif (who runs the best bar in the world - Cafe Del Mar) Sidik, Mehmet, Eddie, Ali, Zeko and Vince, to name just a few. We had fabulous meals at both Vince's and Sidik's (in the old village). We had a fun night out at Stella's - have seen his act before but he impersonated some different people and his Amy Winehouse was hilarious. Had a fantastic day on a jeep safari (wet or what) and a relaxing day on a boat trip - only 16 of us on the boat so it felt like we had hired our own gulet.

Only 12 weeks til we're back again. Can't wait.