My daughter and grandkids live in Thailand - we live in Atlanta. Istanbul is a city we can both reach with (long) non-stop flights. The kids are young - ideally we want to go someplace NEAR Istanbul for a "chill time" - maybe using private van transportation. I have visited Istanbul several times - love it! and Bodrum on a cruise stop. But after getting the distance to Istanbul, we are hoping not to have to go much further since time will be somewhat limited. Any suggestions? and is Turkey issuing tourist visas to US citizens at this time?

Though not a "resort" I'd suggest a few days in the Princes Islands, reached by a relatively short ferry ride directly from Istanbul. Far from the bustle of Istanbul, psychologically speaking, no cars, transport by horse & buggy, I stayed a couple of days on the largest, Büyükada, but you might investigate the others also. I think the kids would love it (and the adults).

No problem with visas for US citizens, (so far)

How old are your grand children?

And when do you plan this visit?

An interesting and rather unknown location could be Darka at Iznik lake (where I am writing this response)
We have a few small guest apartments at the social facilities, next to the restaurant.
The lake is clean and fine for swimming. We also have an open pool in the Summer.
There is a playground, tennis courts, nice promenade, bar, restaurant and significant archeological sites less than two miles away
in the city.

The apartments or rooms are only for visitors of the residents, but I can help in that respect.

Darka Evleri ?znik BURSA
https://tr-tr.facebook.com/Darka-Tat...-100688524277/
Daytrip From istanbul: IZNIK (NICEA)

There is a bridge over the gulf of Izmit which cuts the driving time to 90-100 minutes from Istanbul. The three different ferry lines still operate because the bridge toll is rather expensive.

Wow, what an incredible offer and a lovely destination - sort of looks like Lake Geneva! Right now I am in the planning (pulling my hair out) stage. Our kids return to Thailand this summer and will be there 4 years. We did visit them there on a previous posting - we liked the country but that flightso we are trying to find a "meet in between place". I'm always doing trip research in my spare time so have been exploring some options. Istanbul is good flight wise but not a city for an extended, relaxing stay for small children. And with limited time and already long travel distance, don't want to have to go to far once we make the long flights. I will certainly put this in my wish list travel folder and see what the future holds. Thank you again for the information and offer to host us.