Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort

In an area known for its high-end resorts and undulating golf courses popular among celebrities and world leaders, the Maxx Royal is in a league of its own. Just the mention of its name brings approving nods and pleased 'aaahs' from even the managers of its most direct competitors in the region, due to its unparalleled level of service, overall elegance, and slew on-site amenities. There is plenty going on during the day at the resort -- a full entertainment program, several pools, and a large water park -- but there are also quieter areas for those looking to get away from it all, including an adult-only pool and a pier with cabanas and waiter service. In the evening, guests are kept busy with live music, dance shows, musicals, and beach parties. We found the atmosphere lively but upmarket, and although there were many families when we visited at the end of the summer season, the hotel has a more adult vibe in the winter, when most guests are couples and golfers. While the Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort is one of the Maxx’s few real competitors in the area, many find it just a tiny bit less decadent. It is an excellent alternative, though, with beautiful rooms and high-end villas, two golf courses, and ample activities both for kids and adults. Sister property Maxx Royal Kemer Resort offers virtually the same top-notch amenities, plus three beaches, a gorgeous beachfront pool, and even sleeker interior design, however, it closes in the winter. Couples seeking something a tad cheaper and quieter may prefer Gloria Serenity Resort. 

Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort is located on a private stretch of beach and directly adjacent to its own golf course, the Montgomerie. 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 Belek, located a five-minute drive away. Side, known for its impressive Hellenistic and Roman ruins and cafes along the water, 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 -- also takes about 45 minutes. The hotel is a 35-minute drive from the Antalya Airport. 

The resort’s 512 suites and villas are all decorated with a tasteful combination of white contemporary furniture and stone accent walls, with more classic touches such as plush beige rugs over wooden floors, brown walls, and ambient lighting. The soft neutral palette is punctuated by bold golden accents, while darker curtains and chairs add texture. Royal Suites, which start at 1,076 square feet, have a more classic, decadent style, with baroque furniture, beige wallpaper, and crystal chandeliers.Standard amenities are high-end and extensive, and include 42-inch LCD TVs with DVD players and several international channels, espresso machines, electric kettles, robes, and slippers. Minibars are stocked with sodas, still and sparkling water, beer, candy, and juice, all replenished daily free of charge. Bathrooms feature separate rain showers and jetted tubs, along a full range of Etro toiletries and vanity boxes with extras for men, women, and children. Located adjacent to the golf course, villas have either two or three bedrooms and swish decor that draws heavily on crushed velvet, leather, and beige hues. Each villa has its own private pool with golf views, as well as a full kitchen equipped with a cooktop, espresso machine, dishwasher, oven, microwave, and fridge. Private hammams and saunas are also provided in all villas.Maldives Villas are housed in stand-alone wooden cottages set between the main building and the beach. These units have an upscale tropical feel to them, with four-poster beds, stylish wicker furniture, pitched ceilings with fans, and direct access to a pool shared with five other units. Each of these villas have a whirlpool on the terrace, but there are no kitchens in any of them.

The hotel is set on a beautiful, 984-foot (300-meter) private beach with a big lawn, numerous loungers, and a playground. A lovely pier features a few cabanas equipped with waiter call buttons and safes. There is also a separate VIP area for villa guests with additional cabanas and food and drink service. Those wanting a more bustling atmosphere can head to the main pool, which is located by the beach and has a separate kiddy section. There is also a quieter adult-only pool on a separate deck lined with loungers. Waiters on roller skates bring food and nibbles on request, and there is ice cream and a fresh fruit buffet adjacent to the main pool. Additionally, the hotel has a large, fun water park with multiple waterslides, music, and a snack bar shaded by pine trees. There is a section with big slides for adults and teens, while younger kids and toddlers have their own area with cute water features. All of the outdoor pools close in the winter except for a smaller one that’s heated year-round.The hotel has an extensive entertainment program that focuses on sports. There is a glass-enclosed room by the adult pool with a full program that includes CrossFit, TRX, Pilates, morning jogs, and core training. There is also a fully equipped gym with high-tech machines in the main building. Evening entertainment options range from live music at the main stage to beachside dance parties and professional shows and musicals. The kids’ club is open for children ages one to 17, and it offers a huge array of age-appropriate activities, including arts and crafts, movies, mini-golf, video games, sports, laser tag sessions, and DJ classes. Located by to the kids’ club, the adventure park -- complete with wooden bridges, zip lines, climbing walls, and big electronic dinosaurs that can be controlled by kids -- is a great perk for families as well. 

The main buffet offers a massive spread with dozens of delicious local and international dishes, and guests can pick their own produce from the counter for the chef to prepare. The a la carte options are equally great, and guests can choose from five different options. The fish, Italian, and Turkish restaurants are free for all guests, but there is an additional charge for the steakhouse and the Asian a la carte. In addition, villa guests can use the Royal Villa Restaurant, which serves international food at the golf course. Azure 24 is located in the main building and is open 24/7. Food is selected on an iPad instead of a paper menu, or guests can walk up to the many different sections and pick their own ingredients to be prepared to taste and delivered to their table.Snacks are also available throughout the day in different parts of the resort. The chocolatier, which makes its own chocolates on-site, is a favorite among guests, as is Le Melange, the resort’s excellent bakery.

The 3,000-square-meter Aven Royal Spa immediately feels serene and upscale, with a pleasant smell throughout, natural stone and wood accents, and dim lighting. All guests get free access to a lovely area complete with several saunas and a hammam. There is a total of 25 massage rooms where guests can get a huge array of body treatments, including salon services and couples’ packages. The indoor pool is particularly appealing, with an infinity edge, a spacious wooden deck, and large windows overlooking the grounds.

The hotel is home to the renowned Montgomerie Maxx Royal, a top-notch, 18-hole golf course designed by Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie. The award-winning course has hosted international championships and celebrity golfers, and has a great driving range with 25 two-way sections, a pro shop, and a clubhouse with a lounge, an outdoor area, and a restaurant. Holes 10 through 18 have floodlights for night play. 

Maxx Royal Belek is home to a 107,639-square-foot (10,000-square-meter) convention center with its own entrance and storage space. It features a number of options for events of different sizes, from 50-person meeting rooms to ballrooms for up to 2,500 guests. The hotel has meeting and wedding services, as well as catering options and high-tech rental audiovisual equipment.