Adenya Hotel & Resort

First opened in 2012, the Adenya Hotel was one of the first Islamic hotels in the Antalya region and is still the only one with a full halal certificate (as of late 2016). Since then, over two dozen other Islamic hotels have opened in the area, but the Adenya is still one of the most luxurious of all. All common spaces but the restaurants and the amphitheater are segregated by gender, including the pools, the spa, the fitness center, and the beach. In fact, a bird’s-eye view would show two clearly separated areas within the hotel grounds: on the left, the men’s section, complete with an outdoor pool with slides, a whirlpool, a kiddy pool, a bar, and an open beach; on the right, the women’s section, with a large structure covering the semi-outdoor pool, the indoor pool, the pool bar, and the kiddy pool. Huge white sails block the view of the women’s beach and three outdoor saltwater pools from all other areas in the hotel, and breakwaters prevent women from being seen from boats sailing along the coast. 

Aside from the sex-segregated common areas, there are plenty of other religious elements throughout the hotel, including halal-only food, Qurans, prayer rugs and beads in all rooms, Qibla directions, and three mosques, including one with an imam for Friday prayer. However, there is no dress code at the Adenya. 

Set on 3.7 acres of land, the Adenya is small by all-inclusive standards. All rooms and most features are housed in a single large structure built perpendicular to the sea, and outdoor areas occupy only one-third of the property. Unlike at most other resorts in the area, there aren’t any lush gardens here, but what the hotel lacks in greenery it makes up for with spacious shaded terraces and lovely beaches with fine sand imported from Egypt. From the outside, the women’s section is completely hidden behind either screens or wooden structures with awnings, but sunbathing is possible by the small outdoor pools and at the beach. The atmosphere is lively around the pools during the day, with loud music (some Turkish and Western music is permitted) and soft entertainment. 

Inside, the hotel wows with lavish interiors decorated with hand-painted details, lots of gold accents, carpeted hallways, and plenty of velvet armchairs and couches throughout. The lobby is narrow but long, with polished marble floors with darker inlays, delicate painted ceilings, a huge chandelier in the center, and latticework accents. While the style is ornate and grand throughout, the hotel doesn’t feel gaudy or tacky, and its spacious seating areas and big terraces with sea views feel inviting.

Guests at the Adenya Hotel are mostly families from Arab countries, but though there are no mixed-gender areas beyond the restaurants and amphitheater, the hotel also caters to honeymooners and couples. Those seeking a more bustling atmosphere may want to compare rates and features at the Selge Beach Resort & Spa Hotel, which is less luxurious but offers plenty of on-site activities, good food, and some mixed-gender areas for families, including a pool and a section at the beach.

The hotel is located on the tip of a small peninsula in an area halfway between the historic cities of Side and Alanya. There are other resorts and a few touristy shops within a short walk of the Adenya, but little else of interest can be found in the immediate vicinity. Alanya is the nearest major city, and offers a wide array of bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as a number of excellent beaches. Major attractions in Alanya include a stunning medieval castle with panoramic views, the Damlatas Caves, and the 13th-century Red Tower. The bus to Alanya stops right outside the hotel. The city of Side -- known for its extraordinary archaeological sites, charming seaside cafes, and many shops -- is about a 40-minute drive from the hotel. Adenya Hotel is about an hour and a half from Antalya and its airport.

The hotel has 289 rooms, all decorated in an elegant, upscale style with laminate or wood floors, white furniture with a mix of classic and clean, contemporary lines, and bright teal and ruby-red accents that stand out against the beige walls and white wall paneling around the bed. Elements such as ornate silver mirror frames and traditional wood latticework details lend rooms an elegant feel, while the mix of bright and neutral tones, and array of textures in chairs, benches, and curtains are chic and contemporary. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, individual air-conditioning, laptop-size safes, and minibars stocked with free water. A Quran, prayer beads and rugs, and Qibla directions are provided in all units as well. Balconies are furnished with two chairs and a table, and Royal De Lux and Select Rooms and most suites feature outdoor hot tubs. Some suites also have private saunas with windows overlooking the hot tub and the balcony. About 45 percent of the rooms have full sea views, but a few overlook a construction site. 

Bathrooms are compact but clean, with shower/tub combos with rain showerheads, white wall tiles with iridescent details, recessed lighting, and a wide array of toiletries, including body lotion, dental and sewing kits, and cotton swabs. Serenity and Superior Suites have clawfoot tubs in the master bedroom and rain showers in the bathroom.

Family Rooms feature two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with two twins, and all suites have a separate living area with an additional TV. Suite guests are offered butler service, free cabanas and cold towel service at the beach, and one free dinner at the hotel’s only a la carte restaurant. Daily turndown service and airport transfers are free for King Suite guests. 

All common areas except for the lobby and the main restaurant are housed in two wings -- one for men and the other one for women -- located two levels down from the main entrance. The central part where both wings meet is occupied by Meydan Cafe, a few shops, and the main mosque, which features a separate area for women, and an imam for Friday prayer. Each sex-segregated wing has a spa, a fitness center, and access to each section’s indoor and outdoor pools. Each spa features free access to a hammam, a sauna, and a steam bath, as well as lockers and treatment rooms. Women are scanned with a metal detector before entering the premises to check for cell phones or cameras, which are forbidden in the spa, the pools, and the beach areas. Adjacent to each spa is a fitness room, complete with cardio and strength-training machines, and direct access to the indoor pools. 

The kids’ club is located in the women’s section and offers activities for boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 7. Boys over seven are not allowed inside the women’s building, but there is a small outdoor area for them in the mens’ section, complete with a kiddy pool and a few slides. Sports and other activities for children, teens, and adults are available daily outdoors, but it is mostly soft entertainment, including darts, bocce ball, and pool games. In the evenings the hotel offers live music and professional shows at the mixed-gender amphitheater. 

The hotel also features three meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment, and a larger conference hall for larger events. Wi-Fi is free in all rooms and some common areas. Besides the main mosque, there are two other prayer rooms, one in each sex-segregated wing.

The hotel has two main freshwater pools, one for men and one for women. The men’s is completely outdoors and open, while the women’s is housed under a wooden structure with big awnings. Each has a few slides, a kiddy pool, and an area with massage jets, and loud music is played during the day at both. Additionally, each gender-segregated wing has a heated indoor pool with a whirlpool. 

The outdoor area in the women’s section features three small saltwater pools with several dozen loungers, while the men’s area has only one, plus a snack bar. The access from the covered pool to the outdoor area in the women's wing is done via a covered path for additional privacy.

The hotel’s two beaches (also segregated by gender) are beautiful and relaxing, with fine white sand imported from Egypt, piers with additional seating, and lovely thatched cabanas that guests can rent for a fee (they are free for suite guests). Outdoor prayer spaces are available at both beaches, and the men’s section has a snack bar with sail shades and outdoor seating. Both sections are separated by a wall, and big sails prevent women from being seen on the beach from the hotel’s common areas and rooms. Breakwaters in both beaches keep waters calm and provide additional privacy, but some guests may find the women’s side a little claustrophobic, as the beach is completely walled-off from the open sea. 

Sedir is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving a wide buffet spread for all three main meals. Breakfast is varied and tasty, with plenty of pastries, ready-to-order egg stations, pancakes, Turkish sausage, different types of bread, cereal, fresh fruit, and both savory and sweet bites. Waiters go around the dining room and the spacious covered terrace with tea and fresh orange juice. The lunch and dinner spreads, though, may be a little too repetitive for some. 

Tas Ev is the hotel’s only a la carte restaurant, and serves an international menu with Turkish specialties and fresh fish dishes for dinner. It is located between the men’s and women’s beaches, and is housed in a cute thatched hut with sea views. There is an extra charge for dinners, though, except for top-category rooms and all suites. 

Smaller bites are available during the day at several bars and cafes, but there is no food served after midnight. The lobby lounge serves free non-alcoholic drinks 24 hours a day in a spacious lounge with plenty of comfy seating and views. Alcohol is not served at the Adenya.