It's Ephe so good

Chris Hunnysett soaks up sun and ancient wonders on Turkey's Aegean coast

- Chris Hunnysett

At the end of the long soggy English summer holidays and junior having returned to school, it was with a heavy heart I headed to the airport for a child-free few days in an adults-only resort in the glorious Turkish sunshine.

The all-inclusive TUI BLUE Angora hotel on Turkey's Aegean coast is a relaxed oasis with an emphasis on wellness and my 'room' was a low rise apartment - spacious, modern, and tastefully furnished. It wasn't one of the select that has a private mini pool, but I was next to the swim-up pool bar.

Sometimes you just have to accept the hardships of life.

The hotel and grounds have a very relaxed vibe, and even at capacity it never feels busy. The staff speak excellent English, are friendly and attentive but they're never intrusive.

If you want to get a little closer to the locals, I recommend the Turkish language lessons on offer. They're a half hour long and a fun introduction. Our teacher was engaging and learning a language is a great way of getting to know a new country.

Another is learning about Turkey's past. And this part of the world is rich in historic sites, the greatest of which is the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus.

It's the home of the the Temple of Artemis, a wonders of the ancient world - and Ephesus is a must see for anyone with even the most remote interest in history as well as seasoned explorers of ancient sites.

It’s certainly a breathtaking and unforgettable experience - and when fully excavated it's expected to be the largest ancient city in the world, even bigger than Pompeii.

Soaring pillars and marble walkways lead to the Great Theatre of Ephesus, which has hosted performances by stars such as Tina Turner.