My halal-friendly getaway to Turkey: From burkini anxiety to beachside bliss in Alanya

Before my trip, a wave of discomfort crept in one of those anxiety-driven thoughts that often arise when planning a holiday.

Should I pack swimwear? Would I look out of place wearing my burkini, especially after gaining weight? Or should I avoid swimming entirely and stick to wearing all-black outfits on holiday?

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from a halal-friendly holiday, but I couldn’t help harbouring some doubts.

My previous experiences with all-inclusive resort breaks- often centred around sun and swimming- have been mixed.

At times, I avoided swimming altogether, opting instead to "halal sunbathe" under the glistening sun in a long-sleeved black sundress.

On other occasions, I reluctantly joined in, battling insecurities over whether my swimsuit suited me or dealing with the discomfort of unwanted male attention.

Determined to embrace the unknown of what a halal holiday might entail, I decided to muster my courage and pack that two-piece burkini, ready to dive into Turkey's crystal-clear waters.

After all, it was my first time visiting the country, and I was eager to embark on what promised to be a truly unique experience.

Visiting Turkey’s resort town of Alanya with HalalBooking

Not only was it my first time visiting Turkey, but it was also my first time touring its famed towns via a halal tourist experience — and nothing encapsulated that more than travelling with HalalBooking.

According to CrescentRating, the global authority on halal travel, the tourism subcategory must be eligible to be deemed "halal" if it incorporates Islamic values and practices such as accessibility to halal-certified food, prayer rooms, and gender-segregated spaces.

HalalBooking, which describes itself as "the world’s leading website and app for Muslim travellers," offers access to over 500,000 hotels and villas worldwide- covering nearly all available global accommodation.

The platform allows users to apply specialised filters tailored to halal requirements, helping them find options such as alcohol-free hotels and rooms, women-only pools, beaches and spas, as well as facilities where modest swimwear is permitted. 

Kathryn Irrgang, a journalist, presenter and travel expert, emphasised the growing popularity of halal tourism and HalalBooking’s role in pushing the niche industry into the mainstream.

"As the halal tourism industry is growing, we're hearing more and more stories about how there are hotels that will cater for us Muslims, that it is safe to go as a Muslim woman, and that there are, for example, companies like HalalBooking that will help you if you want to go to those destinations," she tells The New Arab. 

"I feel it's coming out of that niche corner- it's becoming mainstream, and I think that's wonderful, because then you can start planning, for perhaps any of your friends and family to go."

Kathryn also described her own previous experience travelling to halal-friendly destinations as "extremely freeing", adding, "I think it's a growing industry as people want to explore. And of course, if it comes out of that niche corner, then prices become more competitive and perhaps there will be something that everybody can afford.

"I think when I discovered 'Muslim tourism', I thought that these hotels were a little bit more expensive, or they were in strange places, whereas now they're more accessible places and then in more touristy places."

For instance, a halal-friendly holiday in Antalya can start at just $25 per night for a budget-friendly apartment. In comparison, a stay at a luxury resort averages around $231 per night, according to HalalBooking’s official guide.

These price points have sparked debate over whether the cost of accessing halal amenities is reasonable.

However, others argue that pricing depends on factors such as the hotel’s category, seasonal demand, and the specific halal features offered.

The halal and Muslim-friendly tourism market is projected to grow from $256.5 billion in 2023 to $410.9 billion by 2032, according to industry forecasts.

In response, other popular travel destinations globally- such as Hong Kong, Thailand, and Zanzibar- are rolling out new initiatives to capitalise on the surge in demand.

Travelling to sunny Alanya as a Muslim woman

I was intrigued to uncover the rising demand for Alanya, on the southern coast of Turkey, as a hotspot for beach tourism- especially as I prepared to visit its white-sand beaches, gently washed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The first halal-friendly resort I visited exemplified what attracts Muslim travellers to this booming industry; Bera Alanya Resort, a contrast to hotels associated with Turkish nightlife that appeals to foreign partygoers, ticks all the boxes of a Muslim-appropriate destination.

Following an hour-and-a-half journey from Antalya International Airport through the pitch-black stillness of the late night, the hotel’s warm and homely interior offered an immediate sense of relief upon my arrival at nearly 3 am.

The next two days were filled with all-inclusive halal, family-friendly enjoyment- from accessing the hotel’s quaint prayer hut and hearing the powerful sounds of the Islamic call to prayer ring across the area, to all-day buffets (a foodie’s idea of paradise on Earth) and savouring the best of Turkish cuisine from menemen to manti- as well as endless pours of Turkish tea, much to the detriment of a self-described tea addict.

There were no concerns among Muslim travellers about pork or bacon being on the menu, nor the presence of alcoholic options.

Bera also features a lively women‑only rooftop area with outdoor pools, water slides, and children’s pools- accessible only after security staff carry out thorough bag checks for cameras, in line with the hotel’s strict no-photography policy designed to prevent any risk of unauthorised images being shared publicly on, or offline.

Elsewhere on the property, guests can find a mixed‑gender beach and pool featuring an aqua park, dedicated men‑only indoor and outdoor pools, plus a women‑only indoor pool and spa- ensuring entertainment and relaxation for guests of every age.

A member of staff at Bera shared that the hotel remains popular with locals year-round, both during peak and off-peak seasons.

During my stay, I noticed a diverse mix of Turkish and non-Turkish Muslim families, including hijab-wearing mothers enjoying Bera’s offerings- particularly its emphasis on safety and privacy- with their children.

Bera resonates with Muslim couples, parents and toddlers looking for a family-friendly, halal-compliant getaway.

A newlywed Pakistani-British couple, who were staying at Bera, Ibrahim and Shabana, highlighted just how important such inclusive environments are when planning holidays like these.

"When I heard about the concept here, it's nice because it allows us to keep in touch with our religious values, whereas you don't really get that in many other countries," said 32-year-old London-based tourist Shabana.

"It's nice because, especially with women who cover their faces, having facilities where the ladies own a pool to themselves and finally seek that kind of enjoyment, you know?" she added. 

Her husband, 28-year-old Ibrahim, also stressed that even for faith-abiding men, hotels such as Bera respectfully cater to the needs of those looking to avoid forbidden acts such as consuming alcohol and gambling.

"We have experienced going as a couple to destinations where we were staying in hotels that had gender segregation options," Ibrahim said.

“However, there were times we requested having our own private pool, as I wouldn't feel comfortable going into a mixed pool, so for that I would have to pay that extra, but here in Bera we are lucky we had access to many choices.”

Meanwhile, Bera Alanya Hotel’s general manager, Ruhat Ülgen Cengiz, attributes the resort’s success to its alcohol-free and family-friendly environment, which continues to attract a loyal and diverse guest base.

Ruhat explained that Bera’s 17 years of experience, coupled with its official Halal Compliance Certificate, has established the resort as one of the key tourism destinations in both the Mediterranean and Antalya regions, thanks to its specialised amenities tailored for Muslim travellers.

"From what you eat to what you drink, it’s about making sure that everything is halal-certified — while also adapting to new circumstances. For example, anything that is currently boycotted due to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement in solidarity with Gaza is not served at the hotel, so everyone feels comfortable here," Ruhat told The New Arab. 

She continues: "We believe one of the core principles of the Bera brand is that everyone who comes here is treated as a guest, not just a customer. The customer's part ends once they've paid for the room. From the moment someone steps through the door, they're a guest, and they should be treated as such.

"Everyone should be welcomed and treated equally, regardless of their background, preferences, or social standing. When they come here, they are a guest."

One of the highlights of my stay at Bera was the family-friendly evening entertainment.

Despite not speaking a word of Turkish, I stumbled upon a performance by Cüneyt Güzel, a semi-finalist from Turkey’s The Voice, held at the hotel’s amphitheatre.

I eagerly joined the reserved crowd, who showed their excitement not through dancing, but with enthusiastic cheers and applause.

I tried to keep my own joy in check, settling for a gentle head bob to the rhythm of Cüneyt  Güzel’s melodic vocals — though my attempts to sing along were, admittedly, unsuccessful.

Adin Beach Hotel and Cleopatra’s shores

Following my stay at Bera Alanya Hotel, I also spent time at another well-established resort, Adin Beach Hotel.

Located nearby, Adin is one of just six beach hotels and resorts in Alanya that offer an entirely secluded beach exclusively for women.

Rated five stars by HalalBooking, the hotel is thoughtfully constructed at a distance from the women’s beach.

Large blue and beige sails surround the swimming area, ensuring complete privacy and preventing any visibility from outside.

I had the unique experience of swimming in the resort’s women-only section of Cleopatra Beach, fully aware of the history and significance of the moment.

As I floated atop the clear turquoise waters, I allowed myself to surrender to complete comfort — despite my initial hesitation about wearing a bathing suit.

I reminded myself of the privilege of being there, on a beach named after Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, who is said to have admired the beauty of these very shores.

I also took time to unwind in the women’s spa and Turkish hammam, where I met women of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life.

It was there that I experienced a moment of clarity about the power of holidaying as a solo Muslim female traveller.

My earlier anxieties about whether I was "vacation-body ready" began to fade, replaced by a sense of empowerment and comfort.

Surrounded by newfound female companions, I felt a deep sense of solidarity and solace that has stayed with me long after I left.

During a brief but meaningful conversation, 42-year-old Turkish dentist Yasin Aydin, who was staying at Adin, shared his own appreciation for the experience.

"I came here with my family and a friend of mine, and I think that’s what it’s all about; having experiences like this and knowing that the food is halal and delicious, knowing that the women in my group who are Muslim feel safe and protected. It’s hard in other public spaces where Islamic needs aren’t fully understood. So, experiencing this? It’s enough for us."

Assiah Hamed is a staff writer at The New Arab