Melas Lara Hotel

Opened in 2009, Melas Lara Hotel is an elegant hotel with a beachfront location and stunning gardens. The building is modern and boxy in structure, but designed so that rooms and restaurants look over the pool complex and green gardens filled with day beds and trees, to the blue waters of the sea. As for the interior, it’s classy in design. The lobby is a large circular area with high rounded ceilings with beautiful glass designs. Marble columns and floral-design floors add to the luxe nature of the public spaces. As for the dining areas, they might feel a bit plain if it weren’t for gilded lighting, maroon and white marble floors, and sophisticated landscape paintings on the walls. The hotel welcomes all types of guests and is reportedly very German-friendly, but is working to improve its relations with English guests. Though the atmosphere screams couple’s retreat, it's mostly families that stay here, attracted by the kids’ pools and kids’ club. 

Melas Lara Hotel sits on the beachfront of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, a 30-minute drive east of Antalya. The hotel is surrounded by other hotels and Wet’n Wild Park. There are a few restaurants and some grocery stores within a 12-minute walk. For those who wish to explore away from the resort, Duden Waterfalls takes 35 minutes to reach by car. Koprulu Canyon is an hour- and 30-minute drive away. Antalya has plenty of diverse dining options, shopping, and historic points of interest, like Hadrian’s Gate, that are worth a visit. It takes 26 minutes by car to reach Antalya Airport. 

Rooms here are well-maintained and elegant. They're filled with a gorgeous mix of fabrics and patterns that come together to create a soothing atmosphere. The wood laminate floors contrast well with the sophisticated furniture and walls made of varying shades of wood. The turquoise floral patterns of the bed mix well with floral patterns carved into the headboards. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, stocked mini-fridges, and kettles. There’s air-conditioning, but guests can’t control it year-round as it’s shut off during the winter months and well into spring. The furnished balconies are especially lovely and many have ocean views. Tan bathrooms with vessel sinks match the subtle elegance of the rooms. They have shower/tub combos or showers with waterfall showerheads, toiletries, and hairdryers. 

Melas Lara Hotel has all the features expected of a five-pearl hotel, like a beach filled with loungers and both indoor and outdoor pools, including those for children, one of which has a selection of waterslides. Other outdoor features here are sports activities like squash and tennis, free mini-golf, a giant chess game, and a children’s playground. Guests stay entertained with day entertainment usually by the pool, or evening entertainment at the outdoor theater or on-site nightclub. The gym is filled with mostly modern cardio equipment, and there’s a small selection of weight equipment. A spa day could consist of taking part in a selection of its facilities including massage treatments, a sauna, steam room, hot tub, and hair salon. 

The dining options are impressive, with all-inclusive meal packages covering alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, stocked mini-fridges, and all three meals. The breakfast is diverse with eggs, pancakes, pastries, yogurts, and fruits. The two restaurants have buffets and a la carte menus with Turkish and international cuisines. There are three bars (including a pool and beach bar) and a bakery available. Room service costs a fee. 

Wi-Fi is free, though use of the public computers incurs a charge. Other amenities include one banquet hall, laundry facilities, and boutique shops.