Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa

Set between a golf course and its own private beach, the Cornelia Diamond feels upscale and welcoming. Instead of with sleek interiors and high-tech amenities, the resort pleases most guests with good food, huge pools, and cozy interiors that draw heavily on plush carpets, comfortable seating, and earth tones. Granted, some areas could use a decor update, and the extensive carpeted areas make it feel a tad chain-like, but the comprehensive renovations program focuses on maintenance and everything is in good shape. The outdoors are particularly inviting, with lovely manicured grounds full of trees, and ample space to relax. The hotel has one U-shaped building housing all rooms and suites, and several blocks with villas occupying the central part of the U. The pools take up the rest of the grounds all the way to the hotel’s beach. Although the hotel is popular among families with young children, the areas for activities and quiet relaxation are well-defined, and the only place with loud music is in the pool closest to the beach. The Cornelia Diamond is a solid upscale pick for families, but Gloria Serenity Resort is a better option for couples wanting a quieter, virtually kid-free vacation in this price range. Those looking to splurge even more may want to compare rates at the Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort, which is one of the top luxury properties in the area and has many family-friendly amenities. Families on a tighter budget may prefer the Limak Atlantis Deluxe Hotel & Resort, which has a livelier entertainment program, good food, and contemporary (albeit generic) rooms.  

Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa is located at the very end of a road lined on one side by golf courses and by large beachfront all-inclusives on the other. There is nothing within walking distance of the property except for other hotels, though a few restaurants and shops can be found about a 10-minute drive away, both in Kadriye and Belek. Side, known for its impressive Hellenistic and Roman ruins and seaside cafes, is about a 45-minute drive from the hotel. Driving to Antalya and its many historic sites -- including the Old Town, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Yivliminare Mosque -- takes about 40 minutes. The hotel is a half-hour drive from the airport.

The hotel has 571 rooms spread over one large building and a couple of rows of villas in the central part of the property. Decor is classic, albeit a tad chain-like, with dark-wood furniture, thick gray carpets with white and fuchsia designs, and gray walls. The round, frosted-glass windows overlooking the bathroom, dark-wood headboards and closets, and raspberry accent walls give rooms a more contemporary feel, but the style may be a little too generic for some. Starting at 452 square feet, rooms are spacious and comfortable, and have at least a double bed (or two twins) and a sofa bed, which means they can sleep a minimum of two adults and two kids, or three adults. The largest unit is the Presidential Suite, which has a private indoor pool and three bedrooms. Villas have either two or three bedrooms and a kitchen, and offer direct access to a pool. Each room is outfitted with solid amenities, including flat-screen TVs with international channels, electric kettles, robes, slippers, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Minibars are stocked with water, sodas, juice, and beer (replenished daily free of charge) in all rooms, and suites and villas come with a selection of liquors. A balcony or terrace is also standard. Suites and villas have espresso machines instead of electric kettles, as well as home theater systems.Azure Villas is a separate section located at the golf course. It was added in 2013 and has 33 beautiful villas, a shared saltwater pool with a kiddy section, a private a la carte restaurant, and its own front desk. Each villa has either two or three en-suite bedrooms, Hermes toiletries, and spacious outdoor areas with loungers and rope hammocks. The Azure Villa section opens only in the summer. 

The hotel has several huge pools, all located between the main building and the beach. The ones closest to the sea are a little louder, with music and activities in one of them, but the pools by the main building are quiet and relaxing, with a large deck that has dozens of loungers and umbrellas well spread out. The main snack bar is located by the activity pool at the beach, and is open 24/7.The 54,000-square-foot spa is lovely, with all-wood decor, candles throughout, and lots of plants. One of the floors is free for all guests, and features a hammam, sauna, steam room, and whirlpool. Kids are allowed in the free spa area, which some guests may find annoying. The second floor is home to 14 treatment rooms, each with its own certified therapist specialized in one discipline. The heated indoor pool is large and sunny, with a huge skylight, big windows overlooking the grounds, a kiddy pool, and a well-maintained wooden deck lined with loungers. The fitness center has several rooms packed with up-to-date machines, and there are personal trainers available for those wanting to get a full workout plan for their stay. There are also three tennis courts and a mini-golf course that guests can use free of charge.  

The resort has a wide array of family-friendly room types, ranging from Garden Family Rooms for up to four adults and one child, to Family Suites with kitchenettes, and huge villas with private chefs. Additionally, guests can request accessories such as changing mats, bottle warmers and sterilizers, potties, baby tubs, and child toiletries, all free of charge. Loaner strollers are also available.The kids’ club is open to all ages, although children four or younger must be accompanied by an adult. There is a daily program with many age-appropriate activities, including face painting, arts and crafts, group games, and dance shows, as well as a nap room and a toy room for babies. Parents can use the on-site kitchen to prepare food for their children at no extra charge. The kids’ club also features a small train, a carousel, and kiddy pools, including one with four slides. Babysitting services are provided for a fee.

 The buffet spread at the Cornelia Diamond is one of the largest we’ve seen at a four-pearl hotel. All the food we had was hot and well-prepared with quality ingredients. The dining room is huge and has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grounds and the sea, but there is no outdoor seating available. Additionally, there are seven a la carte restaurants, serving an array of world cuisines, including French, Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Asian. None of them are included in the all-inclusive package, and two are only open seasonally. The snack bar located by one of the pools at the beach is open 24/7. 

The hotel is a popular pick among European golfers in the cooler months, and features tee time booking service at several nearby golf courses. It also offers golf enthusiasts discounted rates at the 27-hole Faldo championship course across the street, and the Leadbetter Golf Academy, which offers private and group classes for a fee.