London Stansted To Turkey: All Inclusive Indulgence At Anda Barut Collection, Didim

The adventure began on 5 April, flying from London Stansted to Izmir with Pegasus Airlines in economy class. After landing in Izmir, it was a relatively easy journey on to Didim and the beautiful Anda Barut Collection, our home for the next three nights.

We checked into Room 2248, a Deluxe Room with sea view on an all inclusive basis. From the moment we opened the door, it felt like the perfect beach escape:

• A bright, spacious room
• A balcony framing those calming sea views
• Modern comforts and a relaxed, elegant style

The Best Minibar Stay

One of the most memorable aspects of the room was, unexpectedly, the minibar. This was genuinely the best minibar stay we have experienced so far. Rather than being a token gesture, it was generously stocked and fully part of the all inclusive offering, including:

• Soft drinks
• Beers
• Snacks, including crisps
• Chocolates

For anyone who loves relaxing on their balcony with a cold drink and a treat, it felt indulgent, convenient and wonderfully holiday‑centric.

Dining Around The Resort: Italian, Asian & Turkish Flavours

The all inclusive dining at Anda Barut Collection quickly became a highlight of the stay. We managed to sample several of the restaurants during our three nights:

• Italian restaurant for lunch: A relaxed atmosphere with delicious pasta and pizza, perfect for a leisurely midday meal without needing to leave the resort.
• Asian restaurant for dinner: A more atmospheric evening setting, with flavourful dishes that brought a taste of the Far East to the Aegean.
• Turkish restaurant for dinner: A must for anyone who wants to experience local cuisine. The traditional dishes and warm hospitality were a wonderful reminder that we were in Turkey, even while cocooned in resort comfort.

Waterpark Fun & A Stroll In Altınkum

The resort’s waterpark was excellent fun and, even better, free to use. We spent time enjoying the slides and pools, a playful contrast to the otherwise laid‑back pace of our stay. For families or anyone young at heart, this is a real bonus.

We also headed out and spent a few hours in Altınkum, wandering along the seafront and soaking up the local atmosphere. It was a lovely way to connect with the surrounding area beyond the hotel grounds.

Sweet Treats At The Pâtisserie

Another indulgent ritual quickly emerged: regular visits to the resort’s pâtisserie. Here, we tucked into:

• Beautifully presented cakes
• Delicious ice cream

It became a favourite stop, especially in the afternoons. For anyone with a sweet tooth, this corner of the resort is pure joy.

From Izmir To Phnom Penh: History, Markets & Riverside Evenings

On 8 April, it was time to say goodbye to the Aegean and fly onwards to Cambodia. We travelled from Izmir to Phnom Penh via Istanbul and Bangkok, flying in economy class with Turkish Airlines and Thai Airways. The connections took us seamlessly from the Mediterranean to South‑East Asia.

In Phnom Penh, we checked into Plantation Urban Resort And Spa for 2 nights in a standard room on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel felt like a tranquil escape in the heart of the city: leafy, relaxed and stylish.

Exploring Phnom Penh By Tuk Tuk

Our time in Phnom Penh combined powerful historical visits with glimpses of everyday Cambodian life:

• The Killing Fields: A deeply moving and sobering experience that offered important context on Cambodia’s recent history.
• S21 (Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum): Another essential but emotionally challenging visit, helping us to understand more about what the country has endured.
• Central Market by tuk tuk: Travelling by tuk tuk brought us straight into the energy of the city. The Central Market buzzed with colours, sounds and scents, from fresh produce to textiles and jewellery.

In the evenings, we embraced the softer side of the capital:

• Night market: Lively, atmospheric and full of local flavours and crafts.
• River cruise: Gliding along the water as the city lights twinkled was a serene way to end a busy day, and a lovely contrast to the intensity of the historical sites.

Phnom Penh To Siem Reap: Boutique Luxury At ANANTARA ANGKOR RESORT

On 11 April, we flew from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap in economy class with Air Cambodia, a short and convenient domestic flight that brought us to the gateway of Angkor.

Phnom Penh To Siem Reap: Boutique Tranquillity At ANANTARA ANGKOR RESORT

On 11 April, we flew in economy class with Air Cambodia from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, a short hop that took us closer to one of the world’s greatest temple complexes.

In Siem Reap, we checked into ANANTARA ANGKOR RESORT, staying in Suite Room 222 with a balcony on a bed and breakfast basis. From our very first steps into the property, it felt like a sanctuary.

Arrival Foot Ritual & Spiritual Moments

On arrival, we were welcomed with an arrival foot ritual, an indulgent foot spa experience that immediately soothed travel‑tired feet and set a tone of deep relaxation. It was a beautiful gesture that encapsulated the resort’s focus on well‑being and thoughtful service.

A particularly special moment came on 13 April, when we had the chance to watch a monk bless the hotel, together with the ANANTARA ANGKOR RESORT staff. It was a serene, spiritual experience, offering a glimpse into local traditions and adding an extra layer of meaning to our stay.

Our suite itself was elegant and spacious, with the balcony providing a private space to enjoy the warm Cambodian evenings.

Angkor Wat & Siem Reap Nights

On 14 April, we visited Angkor Wat, travelling by tuk tuk arranged independently. The journey through the countryside and the first sight of the temple’s iconic towers rising against the sky is something that words can barely do justice.

During our time in Siem Reap, we also:

• Visited the night market, soaking up the lively ambiance, stalls and street food.
• Enjoyed meals out in town, as well as dining at the hotel on our last night, a fittingly relaxed and elegant finale to our Cambodian adventure.

Gratitude For A Remarkable Trip

A trip this special is never created alone, and this journey was possible thanks to the support and generosity of some wonderful partners.

Huge thanks to Gary Boyer, Clare Goss at Minor Hotels, Sokunthea Chan at ANANTARA ANGKOR RESORT and Bihter Fero at Barut Hotels for helping to make this prize trip so memorable.

Why This Journey Is One To Remember

Looking back, this itinerary is a perfect example of how a holiday can blend:

• All inclusive Aegean relaxation at a high‑quality resort, complete with standout minibar, varied dining, waterpark fun and indulgent pâtisserie treats.
• Meaningful history and culture in Cambodia, from Phnom Penh’s poignant sites to local markets and river cruises.
• Boutique luxury and spiritual experiences in Siem Reap, with ANANTARA ANGKOR RESORT’s arrival foot ritual, monk blessing and proximity to Angkor Wat.

For anyone who dreams of combining beachside comfort with eye‑opening cultural experiences and a touch of spiritual serenity, this journey offers a truly inspiring blueprint.

If you would like help crafting something similar, tailored to your own tastes, dates and wish‑list moments, I would be delighted to design a personalised itinerary that captures the same sense of magic and meaning.

If this mix of luxe all inclusive, meaningful history and bucket‑list temples sounds like your kind of adventure, contact me to start planning your own tailor‑made itinerary.

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