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In a world dominated by modern conveniences and digital devices, it is refreshing to discover the astonishing sophistication of ancient technologies.
This is what a trip to the ancient city of Side on the Turkish Riviera shows.
Built in the 7th century BC, Side has ruins including a Roman forum, a theater and a reconstructed Greek fountain. This fountain demonstrates the simple technology used to bring water from the mountains to the city.
While much of the city has not yet been excavated, the visible infrastructure presents wonders that can inform modern urban planning. The Romans cleverly integrated the pipes into walls rather than burying them under roads, eliminating the need to disrupt areas for repairs.
According to Ismet, a local guide, Side’s 2,000-year-old drainage system remains fully functional, having recently passed a spectacular test after heavy rainfall.
“This is the center of the world,” declares Ismet, highlighting Side’s historical importance as the nexus of ancient trade routes. Overlooking the sunlit sea, modern establishments breathe new life into the city’s ancient foundations.
I’m one of the many tourists curious about what’s available along the Turkish Riviera. about a four-hour flight from LondonAccording to Ismet, this is a place where the sun remains 320 days a year.
“Autumn is the best season, when daytime temperatures hover around 27C and the sea is still warm,” he says. Also, in October and November, you don’t have as many crowds as you do in summer.
I’m staying in a resort called Bijal, five minutes’ drive from Side. The Turkish Riviera may be famous for cheap and cheerful package holidays, but Bijal wants to change that and bring something new. maldives-Beach inspired luxury.
In fact, the owners – the Gurock Group – are also responsible for Joali and Joali Being Resorts maldivesSimilarly, the influence of tropical and chic is felt in them turkey The outpost, which officially opened in spring last year.
Bijal feels extremely calm and peaceful compared to the noise outside its walls. All 19 villas have a private pool, so you won’t really have to deal with anyone else if you don’t want to. And while I’ve taken time to marvel at the ancient technology, I can’t help but appreciate the benefits of modern life in Bijal – like heated pools and high-tech gyms.
Art classes are one of many on-site activities designed to get guests out of their villas. During three sessions, London-based painter and ceramics expert Venetia Berry helps get my creative juices flowing through pottery and painting classes, with easels set up overlooking the beach and ocean.
I’m not very talented artistically, but luckily it’s a low-pressure situation and Venetia teaches a more surreal style, which really gives a newbie like me a lot of room to move on.
“It’s very meditative,” says Venetia. “You’re looking at a beautiful view and a painting, and not thinking about your phone or what meetings you have planned.”
He is right. Sometimes we are forced to put down our smartphones to realize how wonderful it feels to be disconnected.
,People Often people will drop out of school and not paint for 10, 15, 20 years and the child inside them is still there,” says Venetia.
Bijal’s staff has reported that guests who were previously art novices – like me – took the class without thinking and returned home to enroll in the courses.
When I’m not painting, I spend time between my private pool and the sandy beach – just a five-minute walk or two-minute bicycle ride from the villa, with a beach club and cabanas for longer walks. Table tennis table, dartboard, chessboard and various games keep me from wasting hours on my phone.
Within a few days I realized that the Turkish Riviera is just as attractive maldives – Minus 10+ hours of travel and jet lag. And who knows, maybe I’ll have to check out some painting classes myself to keep me going on vacation in the coming months.
how to do it
Stay from €900 (£750) per night for a one-bedroom villa on a B&B basis (two sharing); bijal.com.tr