You can understand why Mirage Residence is named after an apparition in a barren desert - you cannot quite believe that such a haven could exist given the direct locality. The complex is modern, clean, reasonably high-spec, nicely landscaped and well-maintained. The large pool is its crowning glory, given the fact that it is huge for 32 apartments. There were no worries over sunbeds as the number of people around the pool barely exceeded 20, and was often less. It stays open until late into the evening. There is a terrace area with play area over a gym but this is not used, with the waterfall turned off and the indoor pool and baby pool empty. With minimal investment into say a table tennis and pool table this could be so much more.
The immediate area around Mirage is typically Turkish with potholed roads and paths and waste ground interspersed with apartments. Mirage is definitely the finest. Within 5 minutes walk there are well stocked supermarkets. Up to the main road and turn left and within 10 minutes you reach a strip of restaurants, cafes and shops. Turn right and you meet a more significant road which takes you past numerous restaurants and shops all the way down to the front. We saw very few Dolmus in the immediate area and relied on taxis to get into the Old Town at a cost of around £4-5. There is a taxi button outside the complex and the taxi arrives almost immediately. The Old Town is a pedestrianised warren of shops, bars, restaurants, etc. We used Trip Advisor and recommendations from owners/guests at Mirage to choose where to eat, but never had a bad meal. Our favourite restaurant was 'Gul' in the Old Town.
Groundfloor Apartment C1 is conveniently situated in the middle of the complex. It was excellent inside with everything we needed and plenty of room for a family of four. We had a couple of minor niggles. Firstly, it is a pity you can't walk directly to the pool from the terrace and have to go round the back, especially as the back door was too stiff for our 10 and 8 year olds to open. Secondly, you have to have the patience of a saint to get either shower to a comfortable temperature. The kitchen, with washing machine, was excellent. TV channels are limited for the English. The Wi-Fi is unpredictable, it is OK in the lounge and around the pool, but it was a bit hit and miss in our second week.
It is worth looking into local trips and going down to one of the beaches. The white water rafting is a definite and suitable for young kids. The beach bars, we chose Appolon, will pick you up and drop you off.
We booked through Richard Hnat at Horizon and he was helpful and generally accurate in the advice he gave us beforehand. The booking process was smooth. Transfers were organised efficiently.
I strongly recommend Mirage if your priorities are a quiet but lovely pool in a swish and contemporary complex. It is not for those who want a lively bar on tap and activities on your doorstep.
All bookings are direct with the owner 