Spice Hotel & Spa

The five-pearl Spice Hotel & Spa has massive gold pillars with peacock plumage designs that surround a stately fountain in the lobby -- its a fitting welcome for this resort which goes big in many ways. Hallways feature scalloped Moroccan entryways that lead to decadent lounges filled with classic artwork, peacock decor, and rich fabrics in red, gold, and purple; even the elevators feature gold mirrored doors. At the entrance there is a lovely oversized swing draped in ivy and purple flowers. Hallways are surprisingly muted with brown checkered carpeting and dark wood doors. Facilities cater to both families and couples. There is a lively vibe at weekly champagne parties in the outdoor pool featuring costumed dancers, large floating ice cubes, a swim-up bar, and performers on a poolside stage. The resort also has a family-friendly atmosphere at the water park pool and kids’ club, which hosts mini discos for children. Set on a 225-acre property with well-manicured grounds and fruit trees, the hotel has feline friends that roam the property, which might not please non-cat lovers. 

This hotel sits directly on a wide and sandy beach along the Mediterranean Sea. There is a small pier and lots of luxe cabanas on the sand. Belek city center -- with a few bars, restaurants, pharmacies, and markets -- can be reached in five minutes by car. The road in front of the hotel is fairly busy. For golfers, there are numerous courses within five to 10 minutes by car, including the Montgomerie Golf Complex (behind the resort), the Cornelia Golf Club, National Golf Club, and Gloria Golf Club. Getting to Antalya -- with Hadrian’s Gate and the Antalya Museum -- takes 45 minutes by car. The commute by car to the Antalya Airport is 35 minutes. Yivliminare Mosque can be reached in an hour by car and Termessos is one hour and 30 minutes away. 

Rooms feature a good dose of romance and opulence, with accents like velvet pillows, pops of gold, wood-laminate floors, arched doorways, and furnished balconies or terraces that sometimes offer Mediterranean views. Hardwood furniture is high-quality, with contemporary Moroccan shapes and lines, and details like princess canopies over some beds up the charm. A variety of room types are available, from Duplex Rooms with lofts to Honeymoon Suites with whirlpool tubs.  All rooms have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, safes, minibars, desks, bathrobes, and slippers. Accessible rooms are available. Family and Pool Rooms are in the annex building with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. One- and Two-Bedroom Suites are located in the main building, and feature living rooms and VIP perks. The three-bedroom Presidential Suite has a sauna and Turkish bath. Two-bedroom Coconut Duplex Suites have two floors, two sitting areas, and two bathrooms. Private Villas are available with pools, kitchens, and fireplaces in living rooms. Bathrooms have hairdryers and showers, shower/tub combos, or whirlpool tubs plus separate walk-in showers. The King Suite has a visually arresting bathroom decked in floor-to-ceiling mirrored tiles. Thin walls mean that noise from both neighboring guests and nightclubs at neighboring hotels can be an issue in some rooms, and there have been reports of inefficient cleaning staff.

The major draw at this resort is direct access to the beach, where there are Moroccan-style cabanas, lounge chairs, the occasional turtle spotting, and a jetty with more seating. Speed boat trips and water sports rentals can be arranged on the beach. At the center of the property there is a sprawling lagoon pool with fountains, a kids' section, more cabanas, and poolside pavilions -- which are included in some room packages. Caretta Aquapark is a fun seasonal feature complete with waterslides, but kids also enjoy the kids' pool with a small frog slide and the game room that has two bowling lanes, pool tables, and video games. Continuing the Moroccan theme, Spa Ice is a luxurious space with a lounge, saunas, steam rooms, a Turkish bath, and a stylish indoor pool and hot tub. The colorfully designed gym offers modern equipment and free weights, and there are four outdoor tennis courts and a soccer pitch as well. A shopping arcade provides jewelry, clothing, and accessory stores. Conferences can be accommodated with two meeting spaces, six workshop rooms, and a ballroom that holds up to 1,200 people.

There are also seven restaurants, four bars, an ice cream shop, and bakery that serve Asian, Italian, Russian, and Turkish cuisine. Rooms service is available 24 hours a day and drinks are served by the pool and on the beach. Breakfast is included in the daily rate and all-inclusive rates are available. Wi-Fi is also free and free car services are also available.