With white-sand beaches, towering mountains, amazing food, and an exotic flair, holidays in Turkey is a great idea for families and couples. To take the work off your hands of scouring through the hundreds of lodging options, we’ve found the 10 best luxury hotels this country has to offer.
SENTIDO Gold Island
The eye-catching circular design of the hotel hints at the cosmopolitan atmosphere within. The SENTIDO Gold Island is gorgeous, with contemporary interior design and deluxe rooms. It’s ideally set on a sandy beach a peninsula away from the hustle and bustle. At the hotel are three pools, a spa, Turkish bath, and five bars, including a disco. What more could you want?
Limak Lara Resort
The Limak Lara Resort is a five-star hotel with an impressive, chic appearance. Located directly on the sandy Lara beach, the seven outdoor pools almost seem a bit superfluous (almost). Grab a lounger on one of the sun terraces and people watch or look out into the blue sea. The hotel has a wealth of bars, bowling, billiards, and separate clubs for both children and teens.
Hotel Delphin Palace
The Hotel Delphin Palace was named one of TripAdvisor’s “Best Hotels 2012” and it’s easy to see why. The hotel was designed in the style of the Ottoman Sultan’s Palace. With four-poster beds, soft lighting, intricately carved mahogany wood, crimson and gold accents, along with dramatic chandeliers, the hotel oozes glamour. Combined with its beachfront location, sophisticated atmosphere, and extensive facilities, this hotel is an excellent choice.
St. Nicholas Heights
Another hotel on TripAdvisor’s “Best Hotels 2012” list, St. Nicholas Heights is set in a gorgeous location up in the hills, surrounded by pine forests. The age restriction of 16 years and up ensures that this hotel will be an elegant, peaceful retreat. The highlight of the hotel is the two infinity pools, one of which has a swim-up bar. A free shuttle will quickly whisk you into town or the beach.
Liberty Hotels Hisarönü
The Liberty Hotels Hisarönü is a great choice for couples and families. The several on-site restaurants serve up a variety of tasty dishes that will please even the fussiest eater. If you need more choice, it’s a two-minute walk to Hisarönü center, where there are a number of bars and restaurants. The work off all of the delicious food, there are a number of sporting activities including football, basketball, air hockey, and volleyball.
Xanadu Island
A luxury getaway, Xanadu Island offers suite-style lodgings and villas that are nestled amongst gardens and spacious courtyards. The lodgings are tastefully decorated with flat screen televisions, separate bathtub and shower, and large plush beds. Look out of your hotel room’s balcony and savor the lovely vistas of the sea and the nearby islands. The hotel’s staff is friendly and attentive, truly befitting of the 5-star accommodations.
WOW Topkapi Palace
WOW Topkapi Palace brings water fun to the next level with its on-site aquapark. This popular hotel is truly a child’s dream come true with not only the aquapark, but Gameland featuring video games and an Internet café as well as the hotel-run kids’ and teens’ clubs. Adults can try their hand at sailing, waterskiing, or even take classes at the scuba diving school.
Alba Royal
With no children under the age of 13 permitted, the contemporary Alba Royal is made for a romantic getaway. Couples can engage in a number of water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and waterskiing. In the evening, they can take a moonlit walk on the sandy beach a stone’s throw from the hotel and take in the beautiful sea views. The hotel has a number of bars, restaurants, and sun terraces.
Hotel Turquoise
Hotel Turquoise could not be set in a better location—the hotel is nestled at the foothills of rising mountains and the surrounding gardens with swathes of colorful flowers are a gardener’s dream. The rooms come with a balcony or terrace, try to get one with a view of the mountainside and watch the paragliders zoom by. With comfortable rooms, great facilities, and delicious food, it’s a perfect retreat.
Hotel Karbel Sun
The Hotel Karbel Sun provides a good value with comfortable accommodations. It’s located near Ölü Deniz and Belcekiz beaches as well as the resort center. The hard-working staff ensures that your room is kept spotless and that your food is fresh and lovingly prepared. Take a swim, laze around on one of the poolside loungers, or take shade in the gardens.