Calista Luxury Resort

The Calista Luxury Resort is one of Belek’s big names despite not being as sparkling new as some of its most direct competitors. The hotel opened in 2007, and while it still retains most of its grand feel, the decor style is a little dated, particularly the thick hospitality-style carpets, huge ornaments, and large, silver-colored pillars in the lobby. Yearly cosmetic renovations keep things in relatively good shape, but interiors were commissioned to a famous designer and can’t be modified without written approval, which means changes beyond fresh paint are slow. Although we found the classic decor a little too generic and business-like for a beach resort, guests -- most of whom are families and older couples in the summer, and conference attendees and golfers in the winter -- seem to find the style a nice departure from the ultra-modern design of other luxury all-inclusive resorts in the area. The outdoors are particularly impressive at Calista Luxury Resort, thanks to huge, beautiful pools lined with plush loungers, manicured lawns dotted with pine trees, and a lovely, sandy beach with two piers. The atmosphere ranges from quiet to lively, but the louder outdoor areas are separate from the quieter ones and there is always a serene spot from those who want to relax. The food is another top selling point here, and there are great amenities for all types of travelers -- from a kids’ club with lots of activities, to an upmarket spa, and extensive meeting space. Still, those seeking an even more luxurious property may want to compare rates at the Maxx Royal Belek, the Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort, or the Gloria Serenity Resort. Next-door neighbor Sueno Hotels Deluxe Belek is more modern and has an outstanding kids’ club and two on-site GPA golf courses. Travelers seeking something cheaper and with a more upbeat vibe may prefer the Spice Hotel & Spa. 

The Calista Luxury Resort is located in a cul-de-sac shared with the Sueno Hotels Deluxe Belek. There is nothing within walking distance of the property except for other hotels, though a few restaurants and shops can be found about a 15-minute drive away, both in Kadriye and in Belek. There are several renowned golf courses within a short drive, including the next-door Sueno, the Gloria, the Titanic, the National, and the Montgomerie. Side -- known for its stunning ruins and lovely seaside lounges -- can be found about 50 minutes away by car. Antalya and the airport are each about a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel has a total of 600 rooms spread over one large main building and several smaller ones. Room decor is elegant and classic, though some guests may find it a tad dated, due to the brown palette throughout, wood paneling, patterned carpeting, and beige wallpaper. Big mirrors with silver pyramid-studded frames, and huge gold-and-black paintings above the bed are contemporary touches, but we found rooms overall a little outmoded. Additionally, there were some details that were disappointing for a hotel in this price range, including older flat-screen TVs and a lack of attention to detail -- in our room, the electronic scale didn’t work, the curtains were a good foot too short, and the wall-mounted conditioner dispenser was empty. The vast majority of rooms at the Calista are Standard units, which start at a sizable 560 square feet (including a 107-square-foot furnished balcony) and come with a good range of amenities, including fully stocked minibars (replenished daily free of charge), free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles with free tea and coffee. Family Rooms are duplex units that can sleep up to four guests, and suites have separate living areas with sofa beds. Villas range in size from 1,614 square feet to over 16,000 square feet (with an 11,000 square-foot-garden), and come with high-end extras such as butlers, turndown service, free airport transfers, free fresh fruit juices at the bars, and a private pier on the beach complete with serviced cabanas.  

One of the best features at the Calista Luxury Resort is the food. The main restaurant is open for all three main meals, and offers a big spread with many local and international options. The variety was particularly stunning at breakfast, which included everything from cereal and grilled halloumi, to fresh orange juice, sausages, pancakes, and eggs. Villa guests have their own private international restaurant, but other guests can eat there for a fee as well. The a la carte options include Asia, Italian, Turkish, seafood, and South American cuisine, but there is a fee for all of them, and only the Asian and Italian remain open in the winter. The vast majority of imported drinks are free for all-inclusive guests.

The pools are another definite highlight at Calista. They’re all big and clean, and feature dozens of padded loungers. There is some soft entertainment during the day, but the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing for the most part, as the kiddy area, the louder pool activities, and the water park are all a little away from the central part of the property and the main pool. There is also a pleasant, sunny indoor pool that is open and heated year-round and has a separate kiddy section. Callos Spa is high-end and relaxing, with lots of marble and wood accents, and a comprehensive treatment menu that includes peelings, scrubs, reflexology, aromatherapy, and a wide array of massages and salon services. The adjacent fitness center is equipped with good cardio and strength-training machines, and it has large windows overlooking the grounds. There are also several tennis courts that guests can use free of charge (though there is a fee for loaner equipment). The resort draws many couples in the summer, and offers a full entertainment program for all ages, including family-friendly evening shows and nightly song and dance sessions for children. During the day, kids and teens are kept busy with an array of indoor and outdoor activities, including arts and crafts, sports, and pool games.The hotel has almost 11,000 square feet of meeting space, complete with a 4,400-square-foot foyer and a large ballroom that can be divided into three smaller rooms.