The capital of the sparkling Turkish Riviera, Antalya has become a go-to spot for holidaymakers to set up camp for a week on one of the region’s white sand beaches. In the last fifty years, the area has mushroomed into a cacophony of all-inclusive resorts, water parks and shopping malls lining the endless coast that 13 million tourists flock to visit each year.
Named after the largest rough diamond ever discovered, Cullinan Belek is one of the newest and most decadent additions to the area’s already staggering offering of luxury hotels lining its glittering coast.
From a whopping 13 swimming pools to a onsite nightclub, here’s what to expect.
Where?
Set on the turquoise coast, Antalya’s longest stretch of coastline, Cullinan Belek is an hour’s drive from Antalya airport and 45 minutes from Antalya town centre – an idyllic spot to easily explore all that the area has to offer. Home to more than 30 four-star and five-star hotels, there’s a reason why Belek is such popular for the most luxurious hotels in Turkey.
But, let’s be honest, you’re probably there to lie in the sun, and there is plenty of opportunity for that. Nestled in front of the stunning Taurus mountains, a wooden walkway takes you straight from the hotel onto the charming 800-metre private white sand beach.
Style
If opulent aesthetics are high on your list of priorities when it comes to a hotel, then you’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere that fits the bill better.
Gold maximalism is the order of the day at Cullinan Belek – a high-ceilinged, heavily-chandeliered reception area leads to a magnificent winding staircase taking you out to the pool and bar area. Open to the sea, the Mediterranean light floods through the property, reflecting off the shallow waterways that wind through the outdoor seating area. The aesthetic out here is far more understated and rustic, with the wooden browns of the palm trees and cream whites of the many cushioned sun loungers dominating the colour palette.
Food & drink
When it comes time to refuel, guests at Cullinan are spoilt for choice. The hotel is home to ten dining outlets, with four à la carte and six open buffet restaurants. All the chefs use local produce where possible, choosing rich fruit and vegetables from the fertile fields of the Mediterranean.
The hotel’s à la carte restaurants include Pascarella, serving Italian fare, Indian restaurant Saphore, serving a broad international cuisine, Yamas serving Greek cuisine, Hasir with its authentic Turkish restaurant serving food inspired by traditional Ottoman cuisine, and steak restaurant Beef Grill Club for standout cuts of meat.
The hotel also has its own on-site patisserie for those guests with a sweet tooth who want to start the day with a still hot from the oven, freshly-baked pastry.
Facilities
For the few moments in which you’re not feasting, there are endless activities to enjoy during your stay. Cullinan Belek is part of a growing trend in Turkey of the “ultra all-inclusive”, and the resort feels like a mini-village, designed so that guests never have to venture outside during their stay.
As well as 13 swimming pools complete with poolside food and drink services delivered by waiters whizzing around on rollerblades, you’ll also find a hair salon, designer clothing stores, a night club, a mini-supermarket, and of course, like in any holiday destination, a bespoke Irish pub. Guests looking to wade into the waters of adventure can explore the resort’s aquapark, featuring slides and endless opportunities for fun.
But Cullinan’s golf offering is where the resort truly excels – and in a region already famed for golf, that is really saying something. The hotel is centred around an expansive 36-hole golf course and driving range, with the coast on one side and a river and expansive views of the Taurus mountains on the other.
For visitors looking to wind down with a wellness-focused stay, as well as its pools the hotel is home to a state-of-the-art 8,000 square metre gym and spa, making it one of the largest in Europe. It makes for the perfect place to fit in a workout, book a beauty treatment such as a laser facial, or experience a traditional Turkish Hammam. âAnd of course there is a kids’ club to keep the little ones occupied while you get your sweat (or swim) on.
If you’re struggling to keep up with what’s happening when, worry not: all guests have 24/7 Whatsapp access to an assistant throughout their stay.
Extracurricular
Many tourists visiting the Turkish Riviera are happy to fall into the holiday rhythm of oscillating between the beach and the pool, but it would be remiss not to take advantage of all the area has to offer. For the more adventurous visitors, you can hire a boat — be it a self-propelled kayak or speedboat — to explore the coast or watch the sunrise.
For those looking to get their culture fix, visiting the old town of Antalya, Kaleici, with its Roman and Ottoman ruins, is a must-do. Don’t miss Hadrian’s Gate, the old town’s grand entrance build during the second century as an ostentatious display to honour the Roman Emperor. Another option is to visit one of Antalya’s gorgeous mosques, such as the the 13th century Yivlvi Minare, visible across the city.
Which room?
The hotel has 600 rooms, all of which are equipped with quiet private seaview balconies and quality room service, the ideal place to embrace the sea breeze. The superior rooms are the perfect option for those looking for a luxury stay without having having to splash quite so much cash.
But to those for whom money is no option, check into the the hotel’s luxurious 70 metre-squared swim-up rooms, where guests are treated to an expansive infinity pool on their balcony, big enough to do some serious lengths to set you up for the day.
