FODELE RESORT HOTEL AQUAPARK
Fodele Resort Hotel Aquapark is the first international project designed by Tülay Tosun. Located in the Fodele region near Heraklion, the project sits on a steep 60% slope and expands the existing resort with a 5,000 m² aqua park developed at the uppermost level of the property. The family-owned Fodele Resort Hotel, managed by the founding and second-generation members of the Giannikakis family, forms the emotional foundation of this collaboration, built on trust and friendship.
The site’s narrow, rocky, and highly sloped topography defined the design approach. Tülay Tosun transformed this challenge into the project’s strength — embedding slide towers into the hillside and connecting a three-tiered pool system through bridges, ramps, and platforms. Facing the breathtaking Fodele landscape, the topography itself became part of the design language. The aquapark complex was named “Funny Waters.”
The program includes multiple slides catering to all age groups, a 35 cm-deep children’s pool, calm swimming areas around the bar, infinity water channels, and waterfalls. Despite the compact scale, the space achieves remarkable functional diversity. A historic watermill was repurposed as a restaurant, while a dedicated train line connects the beachfront with the aquapark. Wooden shower and changing cabins were custom-manufactured in Turkey and assembled on site.
Adjacent to the aquapark, a boutique mini golf area was also designed and implemented by Tülay Tosun — a playful, small-scale landscape intervention that adds character and joy to the overall resort experience.
Throughout the construction process, Tülay Tosun frequently visited the site, guiding the local teams and sharing expertise in design detailing. Following the completion of the aquapark, renovation projects including restaurant and guestroom redesigns were also carried out for other parts of the hotel under her direction.
Fodele Resort Hotel Aquapark was listed among the world’s top 10 aqua parks by Trivago and the German press. The long-standing friendship built with the Giannikakis family has made this project not only a professional success but also one of deep personal meaning for Tülay Tosun.
“The biggest heart I’ve ever drawn.”
— Tülay Tosun
— Tülay Tosun
This project remains one of the studio’s all-time favorites.
DETAILS
Location:
Fodele, Heraklion / Greece
Gross Area:
5.000 m²
Completion Date:
2005 – 2006
Status:
Completed
Landscape Architect:
Tülay Tosun
EXPERTISE & SKILLS
• Steep Terrain Design
Functional and safe design strategies on steep 60% slopes
• Slide & Water Feature Design
Multi-level pools, integrated slide towers, and infinity channels
• Children & Family Facilities
Safe children’s pools and family-centered recreational design
• Wooden Facilities & Craftsmanship
Custom wooden shower and changing cabins manufactured in Turkey
• Mini Golf Design
Small-scale mini golf area integrated into the natural landscape
• Adaptive Reuse
Conversion of a historic watermill into a restaurant
• Access & Circulation Solutions
Dedicated train system and non-slip circulation design
REGION
Fodele, Heraklion / Greece