Jiva Beach Resort

There's little to criticize at the Jiva Beach Resort, where modern architecture centers around a wildlife-rich lagoon. Despite the wealth of activities, which range from yoga and rock climbing, to belly dancing shows and late-night discos, a carefree feel pervades throughout. Breezy interiors follow suit, with minimalist, neutral-tone decor that's contemporary and stylish -- think tufted cream chairs, pendant lamps, and patterned accent wallpaper. A chic outdoor lounge brightens up the space with colorful couch cushions, and the lagoon-side bars are particularly romantic at sunset. The surrounding nature is gorgeous, and there are plenty of details the resort uses to optimize these assets, like using glass railings on the wooden bridges that cross the lagoon. Adult-only and family-friendly pools allow guests to find a spot that suits their style, though beware that pavilion-set discos can cause noise issues for nearby rooms. Although this property doesn't live up to its advertised five-star rating, it's a solid beachfront pick. 

The resort sits at Calis Beach's northern tip, where a private stretch offers loungers and umbrellas. Nearby amenities are slim, although 15-minute seafront walks lead to Calis' bars, restaurants, and shops. It can also be reached via a bus that stops outside, which also runs to Fethiye in 10 minutes. Fethiye is larger, offering historic castle and amphitheater sights, as well as nightlife. Cheap taxis are a popular way to get around, and both Hisaronu town and Oleduniz's Blue Lagoon beach are within a half-hour drive. Dalaman Airport is 45 minutes away by car.

Like the rest of the hotel, spacious rooms have a bright, neutral-tone palette. The wood furniture is a bit on the dated side, but wood floors, woven headboards, and pops of blue in wood chairs are attractive. There are 24 units that share swim-up pools reached by lounger-flanked terraces, however, though they feel glam, guests traversing them to reach bars can infringe on privacy. Similarly unfortunate, units near bars can have noise issues. Categories range from Attic and Standard Rooms -- with small furnished balconies, and nature, pool, or partial sea views -- to Family Rooms sleeping four. Suites with living rooms sleep two or four people, and upgraded Suites offer private hot tubs or pools. Compact, chrome-accented bathrooms have rainfall showers, bowl sinks, toiletries, and hairdryers. Phones, desks, cable flat-screen TVs, fridges with bottled water, air-conditioning, and kettles for tea- and coffee-making come standard. Free Wi-Fi and safes are also provided. 

Features largely center around the lagoon, which the Lagoon, disco Caria, and 24-hour Lukka's Bar make the most of, as do two a la carte restaurants serving Turkish and Mediterranean fare. A casual spread of outdoor tables, chairs, stools, and white or tan sofas with colorful cushions give these spaces a hip look. The buffet's fresh spreads, morning omelet stations, and themed nights such as sushi or barbecues are popular. Most meals, drinks, and all snacks and ice cream are part of the all-inclusive package, including the pool bar.The pebbly stretch of private beach is lined with free loungers and umbrellas, as are a good-sized main pool with music, an adult-only "quiet" pool, and one pool dedicated to five colorful waterslides. These form part of the resort's family fun, which includes a colorful kids' club with a playground, mini-golf, petting zoo, and animation, plus sports such as beach volleyball and basketball. Note that unheated pools are reportedly cold outside peak season. Adults can unwind in the spa, which has tranquil decor, an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, whirlpool, hair salon, old and basic gym, and room for treatments. Evening entertainment gets mostly positive reviews with amphitheater acrobats and belly or salsa dancers. Pets aren't permitted. Free parking and property-wide Wi-Fi round out amenities.