Limak Arcadia Sport Resort

Built in 1995, the Limak Arcadia was one of the first resorts to open in Belek, an area now known for its world-class golf courses and high-end resorts. Some renovations were carried out in 2016, but the overall design is still rather bland, with exposed brick arches, basic tiles on floors, and generic furniture in all common areas and rooms. The grounds, however, are pretty and tidy, with stone paths winding through beautifully landscaped lawns, and a few buildings designed in the local style, with arched windows and pastel-colored facades. The hotel is set on almost 24 acres of gardens and Mediterranean forests abutting a lovely private beach, but most rooms and common areas are packed into a relatively compact area in the central part of the property. The large forest separating the main entrance from the building may give the Limak Arcadia a peaceful feel at first sight, but there is nothing boring about this place. The resort draws lots of families with young children, and features an extensive entertainment program with activities for kids, teens, and adults in the summer. The hotel draws mostly golfers and couples in the winter with an affordable (but basic) all-inclusive package, discounted rates at several local golf courses, and daily indoor activities and evening shows. Sports teams make up a large part of guests in the cooler months as well, as the hotel features professional soccer fields and tennis courts, both on-site and in a large sports complex shared with other Limak properties in nearby Kadriye. The Limak Arcadia offers a fun, family-friendly vacation without the high price tags of many other resorts in the area, but its all-inclusive package may feel a little basic to some, especially in the winter, when all a la carte restaurants are an extra charge, safes are not included in the price, and only local drinks are free. The IC Hotel Santai is a great alternative for families wanting something a little bit more upscale and modern without breaking the bank, as it provides contemporary rooms, ample on-site activities, excellent kids’ and teens’ clubs, and a wonderful beach. Couples seeking a quieter vacation may want to compare rates at the Crystal Tat Beach Golf Resort & Spa. With sleek rooms, a beautiful bi-level spa, and plenty of dining options, the Rixos Premium Belek is an excellent pick for those wanting to splurge. 

Limak Arcadia Golf Resort is located on a private stretch of beach and directly across the street from the Cornelia and Montgomerie golf courses. The area is quiet and serene, with dozens of self-contained resorts packed along the coast, and numerous other internationally renowned golf courses. There is little within walking distance, but there are a few restaurants and shops in central Belek, located less than a five-minute drive away. Side, known for its impressive Hellenistic and Roman ruins and quaint 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 also about 45 minutes. The hotel is a 35-minute drive from the airport. 

The Arcadia’s 465 rooms are simple but comfortable, with good beds, long work desks, and spacious closets. Laminate floors, off-white walls, and warm lighting make rooms feel cozy and relatively fresh, but decor is a tad bland and basic in most rooms thanks to generic wood furniture and the earth-tone palette. Rooms in the 4000s Block were renovated in 2015-16 and have a more stylish, contemporary feel, with cleaner lines, blue accent walls, and big mural paintings. Our two-bedroom suite was chic, with handsome wooden floors, sliding doors between the bedroom and the living area, off-white tufted chairs, and modern bathrooms with rainfall showers and sleek sinks. These more updated units are just a minority, but the hotel has plans to renovate more rooms in the coming years. Big glass doors open onto furnished balconies in all rooms, and some offer partial or sea views. In-room amenities are decent for the price, and include flat-screen TVs with a few international channels, safes (free only in the summer), and air-conditioning. Minibars are stocked with water, sodas, and juices (plus beer in the summer), and are refilled daily free of charge. Electric kettles are not available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but the signal was weak in our room. Clean bathrooms are outfitted with wooden vanities, big shower/tub combos (only showers in Family Rooms), and hairdryers.  

The hotel has a well-designed main deck complete with four pools, including one with slides for kids, and a semi-Olympic one with activities and music. There is a quieter pool in a separate area, but although the atmosphere was somewhat mellower, there were plenty of kids in it when we visited and we could still hear the music coming from the main pool. The indoor pool is a great perk in the winter, though it is better suited for a quick dip than for swimming, as it's round and a little small. All guests get free access to a hammam and sauna in the spa, and massages and salon services are available for a fee. The spa is pleasant and clean, but we found the music a bit too loud and upbeat.The main restaurant serves a good buffet spread with local and international options for all three main meals, and snacks and other smaller bites are available for lunch at the pool bar in the summer. All outdoor areas remain closed in the winter, which means that the DIY barbecue restaurant and the Turkish eatery (which are the two free a la carte options available at the Limak Arcadia) are closed several months per year. In the winter, the only two a la cartes available are the Italian and the Chinese. We tried the former, and food was well-cooked and tasty. The setting was pretty, too, with tables in a vine-covered patio and dim lighting. The kids’ club offers indoor and outdoor spaces, including an arts and crafts room, a playground with swings, a kiddy pool with water features, and a ball pit. There is also a mini-golf area and special activities for teens in the summer. The hotel is popular with business travelers and sports teams in the winter, and features a good number of sports facilities and meeting areas. The fitness center has an array of cardio and strength-training machines, and there are two tennis courts and a soccer field in the gardens that guests can use free of charge. The convention center houses a big ballroom that can be divided in two smaller sections, and two meeting rooms with full audiovisual equipment.