The secret European island known as the ‘Maldives of Turkey’ – and it’s only a €25 boat ride from the mainland

THE earthy smell of the pine trees wafted across the pool and our sun loungers.

We had been sprawled out here all day, watching the yachts lazily cross the bay under the sun's warm glow.

Turkey's ancient city of Phaselis was once loved by Alexander the Great, who after invading in 334BC decided to set up home for the winter.

But it had never been top of our holiday bucket list, because until recently it was deserted, home to nothing but the ruins of a seventh-century BC port and a national park.

Now something beautiful has sprung up in the shadow of these ruins.

The new , near Kemer on the sparkling Turkish Riviera.

This place is ultra-all-inclusive, meaning that everything from alcohol to exercise classes is paid for, bar a small surcharge in some restaurants.

So you can sip champagne while at the in-pool spinning class, if you really wanted.

The hotel opened last year, nestled between the imposing Taurus Mountains and the twinkling Mediterranean.

The 480 rooms are all set around a stunning tropical infinity pool, where the natural surroundings seem to merge seamlessly with the resort's architectural design.

Like Alexander, we too were treated like kings from the moment we arrived, although maybe not quite as lavishly as the Macedonian ruler.

Remember the days when you had to phone reception if the air-con was on the blink or you needed some milk for your early-morning cuppa?

Not at the NG Phaselis Bay. When we checked in we were added to a personal WhatsApp group, with an assistant always a message away from helping us out.

The children were on the kids' club group chat: "Hey guys," the messages kept pinging, "We are at the games room/playing volleyball/making slime."