
Belek on the Turkish Riviera is a sprawling region with everything you could wish for in a vacation, including luxury resorts, great food, crystal-clear water and year-round sunshine.
It is also a destination for the adventurous, as I found on my last visit, when I launched off the side of Cleopatra’s Cliff for my first ever paraglide, so I had high hopes for this return.
Along with the action-packed activities, there is plenty to do away from the beachfront resorts. History buffs can enjoy the ruins such as Hadrian’s Gate, which dates the main city of Antalya back to 130 AD when the grand archway was built in honour of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The town is well worth exploring with its maze of narrow cobblestone streets and Ottoman-era houses and you can stop for a coffee in the many hidden courtyards and squares.
Also worth a visit is the fascinating archaeological site of Perge and the charming old town of Kaleiçi, which provides a glimpse of the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Renowned for its connection with Alexander the Great and the Apostle Paul, who preached here on his missionary journey, it features impressive ruins, including a theatre, stadium and ancient baths.
Aspendos is home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Built in the 2nd Century AD, it can accommodate up to 15,000 spectators and is still in use today.
In keeping with all this historical grandeur, I stayed at the five-star Kempinski Domes Resort – an all-inclusive offering just 25 minutes from Antalya International Airport.
The Kempinski brand has been around since 1897 and is renowned for celebrating the uniqueness of every destination. The Domes Resort nods to the region’s Seljuk legacy.
Designed by architect Kursat Aybak, everything from the impressive pillared entrance, Islamic-influenced arches and marble floors incorporates elements of the Turkic nomadic cultures of Central Asia and the Islamic civilisation of the Middle East.
From the ginormous swimming pools to on-site golf courses and direct beach access, the hotel has every detail covered.
I stayed at one of the Lagoon Golf Suites unveiled this summer – perfect for one (or two), they have their own private pool and terrace. Spacious and uncluttered, complete with classy fixtures and luxury bathroom products, there is even a decadent outdoor tub.
The rest of the hotel is discreetly palatial. The main building, with its marble and golden fittings, glass lifts and chandeliers and domed ceiling, is ostentatious, but luxe rather than tacky.
While the main pool boasts a swim-up bar, it is the turquoise sea that really seduces the eye. Beach worshippers are only footsteps away from the endless white sandy beach, which is dotted with thatched cabanas and loungers; however, it was the overwater pier cabana with its netted hammock and direct access to the sea that was a highlight for me.
Also worth noting is the sprawling spa. With a sauna, steam room and authentic marble Turkish hammam, you can book in for treatments, or just enjoy the facilities which include a state-of-the-art fitness centre. Alternatively you can do laps in the outdoor pool, which is accentuated by small wooden bridges and runs the length of the hotel.
The Pasha and PGA Sultan golf courses designed by former professional golfer David Jones are a big draw if you’ve come to play; and to complement your stay, new super luxe Sultan villas accommodating up to six adults might be more your thing. Situated directly on the course, overlooking the Taurus Mountains, each villa has a private outdoor heated pool, fireplace, a large garden and a personal butler service.
Also new for this year is the Seljuk restaurant, which offers an extensive breakfast buffet, providing freshly squeezed juices and power shots to local specialities that include Aegean olives, Turkish simit (similar to bagels), Turkish cheese, homemade yoghurt and freshly baked Turkish Gözleme (crispy flatbreads) as well as healthy Turkish soup!
Lunch includes a made-to-order buffet of traditional Turkish, European and Levantine specialities, including pizza, pasta, steaks, grills and a fresh seafood catch of the day; and the al fresco Palm Pavilion serves grills and seafood, while The Dome terrace cafe has a selection of drinks and snacks and the fully refurbished restaurant Lale offers indoor and outdoor seating and nightly live entertainment.
With everything included, you might not want to leave the premium service, but if you do, the concierge can source a guide for nearby attractions including the Saturday market in Belek, when the streets turn into a Turkish bazaar selling souvenirs and street food. It’s held at the intersection of Atatürk Caddesi and Mehmet Akif Ersoy Caddesi, close to the central mosque.
Or spend a day in the capital taking in the old town of Kaleiçi and the Tunektepe cable car for spectacular views at sunset, when the sparkling cityscape is framed by twinkling stars.
Turkish Riviera factfile
The Kempinski Domes Resort is set on grounds of 70,000 sq m with 156 rooms and suites, 43 lagoon suites and 27 private villas. Double rooms start from €450, all inclusive.

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