RRPC GIRLS GO PICKLEBALLING IN TURKEY

The Organisers

Organised and managed by PSO Travel, this was a superbly run event. PSO Travel is a dedicated family-run business founded by Zuhal and Yusuf Polat focused on hosting racket sport holidays. These holidays are designed to connect players, improve one’s game and at the same time relax in a stunning all-inclusive resort. And from our experience, it did exactly what it said on the tin (psotravel.com/page/aboutus). booked independently to go on a PSO holiday to Turkey. Karen was travelling with her sister Sal Hinkley and it was super for Sue to team up with them. The holiday was such a success that we both felt it was worth sharing the experience with the wider Club. theindulgentadventurer RRPC GIRLS GO PICKLEBALLING IN TURKEY Zuhal and Yusuf take a very handson approach managing all aspects of the arrangements and personally hosting the group. In their words: “We create addictive, transformative and truly exceptional experiences for people who love sport, connection and meaningful travel”

Anyone fancy a holiday in the sunshine with great food, a lovely beach and some super pickleball thrown in?
Well read on ………..!!

The Girls, Sue Harris and Karen Smith, decided to treat themselves to a pickleball holiday in the sun and both booked independently to go on a PSO holiday to Turkey. Karen was travelling with her sister Sal Hinkley and it was super for Sue to team up with them. The holiday was such a success that we both felt it was worth sharing the experience with the wider Club.

Zuhal and Yusuf take a very handson approach managing all aspects of the arrangements and personally hosting the group. In their words: “We create addictive, transformative and truly exceptional experiences for people who love sport, connection and meaningful travel”

The Resort

The simple answer is pretty much everything. It is one of the few experiences we have had where “everything” really does mean everything. *Accommodation for 5 nights in 5* Ali Bey Resort Sorgun *24hr Ultra All-Inclusive food and drink *Return private airport transfers *16 hours of pickleball coaching (9 -11 and 4 – 6 each day) *Access to onsite waterpark *Use of hammam and sauna in the spa *24 hr full hosting *Padel courts, beach volleyball, beach and beach loungers The spa is free but obviously the resort charges for its amazing medical massages, facials and other exquisite treatments, though at a discounted rate for the pickleball party.

The Pickleball Experience

The were two coaches: the extremely smiley and charming Richard Love, Captain of the England over 50s team, whose background was as a long term tennis coach before transitioning to pickleball. The second coach was the very zen Scott Tawse who also has a background in tennis. In addition to his very honed technical pickleball skills he brought an extensive knowledge of breathing techniques, meditation, mindfulness and fitness to the party. For some reason he also enjoyed taping up our mouths at one point! Both worked super hard to deliver excellent coaching which was focused, well structured, demanding and at the same time great fun. We have wonderful memories of much laughter on court and much good natured teasing.

The Group

The group of 14 players and one non player (due to injury) was amazing ranging as it did from 20 years old to over 60. We all know that pickleball is a very levelling game and everyone interacted easily and equally regardless of age, fitness or standard of play.

Dancing Queens

There was a fabulous band who sang in English, Turkish and German. Their English Abba covers were fantastic and we girls did have a bit of a boogie with coach Richard. Coach Scott was probably levitating in his room in a complicated yoga pose at the time!!

Any Room for Improvement

*We would stay longer as 5 nights doesn’t give you the chance to experience all the resort has to offer or to explore the surrounding area *Perhaps have a couple of days of pickleball in the morning only to give time to explore more of the resort and the area.

Conclusion

Sue observed: “ I was so looking forward to the trip. I had heard brilliant things about PSO and the resort and the coaches, and the whole experience exceeded all my expectations. And getting to know Karen and Sal more deeply was both a delight and a privilege. We had an absolute ball together. Karen observes: “ Fabulous resort, great food, outdoor amphitheatre and bars for evening entertainment (Sue and I thoroughly enjoyed the cocktail menu….!), lovely rooms in beautiful grounds. I shared a room with my sister. The five pickleball courts were first class, with amazing views of the beach. Loved the coaching though ideally I’d like slightly more play and less drills. Coaches were a brilliant mix. I loved the tournament on the last day and the last night all having a gala dinner together. Everyone had a great time and all of us said we would highly recommend the holiday”

Would we do it again?

Simple answer to this is: “ In a heartbeat!”

Feel free to chat to us if you would like any further information on the venue - with or without pickleball.