Time to meet THE FOCAS

LEGEND has it that when a siren sings, anyone who hears is enchanted. as Phokaia, is formed of two villages – Eski Foca, which is Old Foca, and Yeni Foca, the new one.

Luxury Phokaia Beach Resort is just a short drive out of town.

The resort caters brilliantly for young families looking to mix activities and excitement with relaxation and first-class childcare.

It was the first time Matt and I had used childcare on a holiday.

And we felt at ease leaving our seven-month-old daughter Laila in the capable hands of nanny Catlin during the long, sunny afternoons.

In fairness, this is what Mark Warner does best and has a 35-year pedigree to prove it.

That kind of reassurance allowed us to slip down one more margarita before going to find our beaming baby playing at the child centre.

The smiling staff also give you a full rundown of your little one’s mood and their food.

Lazed

you stroll through well-manicured gardens, giving advice and timings on a huge range of activities, including mountain and road cycling in the surrounding hills.

For those who want to venture out, there are fortresses that date back to the Byzantine, Genoese and Ottoman eras.

And then there is the beautiful waterfront of Foca with traditional architecture and pretty fish restaurants that line the harbour.

Stopping to enjoy a refreshing glass of chilled local wine while watching the catch of the day being brought in was heaven.

Narrow alleyways lead to several exceptional fish restaurants, LQFOXGLQJ WKH )RNDL %DO×N ZKLFK KDV an astonishing range of seafood.

It reeled us in – and we were shown the fresh catch on ice and asked what we wanted prepared on the grill.

After starting with delicious aubergine salad, meze and calamari, the grilled sea bass was produced by a proud-looking waiter. We ate like heroes. And even without the call of the sirens, this corner of Turkey completely enchanted us. FACTFILE: Seven nights at Phokaia Beach Resort in Foca costs from £549pp and £489pp for children, with flights, based on dates in May 2019. See markwarner.co.uk.