Mardan Palace looks to sports tourism in 2013

15 August 2012

As sports fever goes global following the successful Olympics 2012, the $1.4bn Mardan Palace in Antalya has signed on to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification games in 2013.

In just under a year, the multi-purpose Mardan Sports Complex Stadium, with its capacity of 7,500 capacity and 1,500 capacity stadium, will open its doors to world class footballers as it plays host to the qualifying games.

The impressive complex, which has already hosted the U-19 Women European Championship earlier this year features a cinema; lounge; three vitamin bars; six saunas; two Turkish baths; A 25m swimming pool; a bowling parlour as well as games room.

In other sporting developments, the property’s new Jack Nicklaus 18 – hole golf course is set to open over the next few months for golfing enthusiasts. This will be close to the city centre and the airport.

With continuous developments and events taking place on site, the stunning Mardan Palace continues to attract worldwide attention and remains one of the most luxurious and spoken about hotels in the world.

Hailing a return to the opulent, golden age of the Ottoman Empire, the Mardan Palace is the vision of Telman Ismailov, chairman of Russia’s biggest property developers AST, who fell in love with the region.

Surrounded by the dramatic Taurus Mountain range, the 546 room-property, which includes two Royal Suites with private pools, was designed with Turkish heritage in mind.

Each guestroom at this family friendly property is tastefully decorated and comes with all the mod coms you would expect from a high end hotel, not to mention an optional 24 hour butler service.

Given the level of service and facilities it is hardly surprising that the property has won a number of awards.

The Mardan Sports Complex features twin hotels suites and massage rooms to fulfill the needs of athletes

Cumhur Özen, general manager at the property explains: “Breathtakingly and unashamedly grandiose, Mardan Palace has done more than simply wow to its guests.

“It has garnered acclaim from industry experts, scooping 15 World Travel Awards in less than three years of operation. This success is the result of team sprit and collaboration.”

In a recent development, Gold Packages have become available to guests who wish to sample the full experience at the Mardan, which includes dining in a selection of restaurants throughout the property. This luxury all Inclusive concept and is available to guests in the executive suite or deluxe rooms.

Cumhur explains: “We at Mardan Palace will do our best to contribute best quality service for our guests of course by using loyality packages to continue attracting our regular guests.”

The architecture of the property reflects distinctive landmarks of Istanbul - including ‘The Dolmabahce Palace’ and the ‘Da Vinci Bridge’.

Some of the innovative and quirky features at the glittering property include gondolas that sail guests around an enormous swimming pool (the largest in Europe), an underwater fish restaurant with aquariums for walls and a dramatic amphitheatre which seats up to 900 guests and attracts performances from international stars such as the Enbe Band as well as spectacular laser shows.

There is also talk of a marina being developed next to the property.

Guests can expect to enjoy an exhilarating selection of water sports, including yachts available to be charterd, tennis courts, bowling alleys, basketball, volleyball and squash.

Meanwhile internationally acclaimed chefs have created over ten restaurants including French, Japanese, Russian, Thai and traditional Turkish. Guests can dine a la carte under a replica of Istanbul’s famed Maiden’s Tower.

There are also 14 bars and cafes as well as a two-story jungle themed nightclub, Monkey Nights. The property has recently converted its beach concept to a party zone, which has firmly been placing Mardan Palace on the map as a party destination.

From August until October this year, some of the special nights guests can experience include Ministry of Sound, Cosmic Funk, Daddy K, DJ LIA and Beautiful Beat Girls.

Cumhur explains: “At scorpion deck everyday between 17 till 19 there is chill out time with Dancers.” He added: African Kenya Dancers makes performance also”.

As the Mardan Palace continues to expand its offering, new markets are being targeted.

Commenting on key markets, Cumhur reveals: “German travellers are still the main feeder market.” He added: “Russian travellers, Ukrainian travellers, Dutch travellers, Austrian travellers, Scandinavian travellers and Polish travellers are also key for us.

“Middle Eastern and North African travellers are mainly free individual travellers for Turkey, they are usually making either online or direct bookings. They usually prefer Bed and Breakfast packages”.

Spa services continue to be rolled out

One of the highlights of this spectacular property is the award winning 7500 sq metre spa and wellness centre that provides all the necessities for serious relaxation.

As one of the largest spas in Europe, it is set apart by the fact that treatments available are both holistic and medical in their orientation.

Features include a vitamin and champagne bath, an oriental steam bath, snow caves, a hamman and a thalasso pool. Internationally inspired treatments include hot stone therapy, Thai, Balinese, Shiatsu massages and Hydrotherapy.

There are over 30 treatment rooms with all the latest hi-tech equipment.

On being named World’s Leading Spa Hotel and World’s Leading Luxury Resort at the World Travel Awards, Cumhur Ozen, General Manager, Mardan Palace, explained:

“This is the second time in a row that we have been named World’s Leading Spa Hotel. We opened in 2009 and are leading with our spa all around the world. It is a unique spa as it is the first time medical treatment and normal treatments are available under one roof.”

Most recently, the Mardan spa introduced the Oberon Dienal diagnostic scannng system.

The Oberon system, which is performed by a trained doctor, assesses fluctuating wave characteristics of body tissue, individual cells and chromosomes.

The client is scanned by the Oberon using a pair of headphones which emit a range of frequencies of magnetic fields. The results of the Oberon scan are then compared to the resonant frequencies of all normal organs and common disease tissues in various stages of progression.

At the end of the scanning process, which is entirely painless, recommendations such as diet, herbal therapy, acupuncture, ozone therapy and / or massage are made for the client.

Other treatments at the Mardan spa include acupuncture, which is administered by a specialist doctor. Recommended for pain treatment and stress management, treatments last approximately 30 minutes.

The Ozone Sauna is a detox method which ensures the neutralisation of the toxins accumulated under the skin. Blood circulation is accelerated under the skin and between the muscles with ozone sauna, thus a rapid muscle relaxation ensures.

Meanwhile there is also a chiropractor on hand to help guests with conditions such as spinal-cervical disc herniation, spinal orthosis and muscle spasm. Colon Hydrotherapy is an alternative therapy used to maintain and restore optimum health by dislodging toxic substances taken from the intestinal walls.

This treatment is recommended for individuals with allergies or weakened immune systems and functional intestinal diseases.

The Beauty Centre at the Mardan Palace combines luxury pampering and cutting-edge, results-focused, facial skin care and body treatments. Brand partners include Comfort Zone, Thali’sens, Carita, Algotherm and Dr. Murad.

A team of professional estheticians is on hand to advise guests on the treatments best suited to their individual needs, accompanied by innovative products to take home and continue treatment.

Men’s skin care for all skin types and conditions is also offered with professional beauty therapist on hand to analyse the skin condition and determine which treatment is most appropriate.

The Mardan Fitness Centre offers personal instruction and guidance from a fitness expert who will recommend a wellness programme and offer solutions for detox, stress and burnout, fitness and weight control.