Maxx Royal Kemer Resort

It is easy to feel like a celebrity at the Maxx Royal Kemer Resort. What other hotels provide only to their most exclusive guests, the Maxx Royal offers as standard, including sleek suites with top-notch amenities, free a la carte gourmet dining, and world-class spa facilities that guests can use free of charge. Interiors are striking and polished, with a black-and-white palette with pops of gold and bright colors, massive windows overlooking the grounds, and soaring ceilings. The outdoors are no less impressive -- the property is set on over 28 acres of pristine Mediterranean gardens abutting three private beaches on one side and imposing cliffs on the other. The vibe is upmarket but laid-back, and the property is popular with families and couples. There is some soft entertainment during the day, but the staff doesn’t come around the property encouraging guests to join the activities, and there is only some low music around one of the pools. Tangerine Beach is where those wanting something more hopping go, complete with lounge music, water sports, and serviced cabanas. The Maxx Royal Kemer has few competitors in the region, and its sister property in Belek is the only one that could possibly outshine it. Both resorts offer about the same level of luxury, but the Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort has its own 18-hole golf course, an adult-only pool, and a livelier atmosphere. Gloria Serenity Resort and Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort are both wonderful luxury alternatives for travelers with a slightly smaller budget. 

The resort is located at the end of a small, winding road on the northern edge of Kiris, a quiet beachfront community directly south of Kemer. The hotel is surrounded by Mediterranean forests, which gives it an exclusive feel, but there is nothing within easy walking distance. Kemer, known for its nightlife and shopping, is a 15-minute drive away, as are the lovely ruins of Phaselis. Antalya city center and the airport are each about an hour away by car, while the charming seaside city of Side and the world-class golf courses of Belek are all between one-and-a-half and two hours away. 

Rooms at the Maxx Royal Kemer Resort are not your standard hotel quarters -- they start at 1,076 square feet and are all suites with at least a spacious integrated living area. Decor is stylish and luxe, with bold wallpaper, dark-wood paneling, and wood-like floor tiles. Interior spaces are enhanced by a variety of patterns and colors, including blue geometric shapes, pink flowery prints, and bed runners in teal and golden hues. Beachy pillows and white chairs balance out the dark floors without feeling out of place, while clean lines and golden ceiling ornaments add elegance. All units have the same great amenities, including free, reliable Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, walk-in closets, pillow menus with five different options, electric curtains, and beach bags. Turndown service is also standard, and guests can choose from four scents to be sprayed in their room. Minibars are stocked with an array of free drinks, including sodas, water, juices, and beers, as well as with a few snacks. Villas feature full bars with up to 11 bottles of alcoholic drinks. Rooms also have spacious balconies with daybeds or chairs, and Laguna Suites have outdoor hot tubs. Big, swish bathrooms have jetted tubs and separate walk-in showers, and long counters with recessed mood lighting. All bathrooms come stocked with an array of Etro toiletries, along with robes, slippers, scales, and his and hers boxes with additional bath accessories, including nail files, combs, tampons, loofahs, and shaving and dental kits. Villas range between 2,691 and 4,843 square feet, and are located directly on the beach. Each has a private pool, kitchen, sauna, and steam room. Additionally, standard villa services include VIP airport transfers (helicopter transfers for guests staying over one week), free room service, free cabanas, and free meals and drinks at a private beachfront restaurant.  

The hotel offers direct access to three beautiful beaches, ranging from lively to peaceful. Tangerine Beach is the most hopping, with lounge music, water sports, and serviced cabanas. Pebbly Middle Bay is quieter and has a shallower area with calm waters for kids, while Emerald Beach is for villa guests (though non-villa guests can also access it for a fee) and has serviced cabanas and a private restaurant. Pools at the Maxx Royal Kemer are gorgeous and pristine. The main pool is located next to the beach and has a peaceful vibe with ample daybeds and no music. Adjacent is the heated saltwater pool, while the heated kiddy pool, complete with lots of water features and a few slides, is located by the kids’ club. Guests staying in the Laguna blocks have access to a huge, beautiful pool with plant-packed islands. There is also a water park with seven slides for teens and adults. Maxxiland is the hotel’s top-notch kids’ club, which offers dozens of daily activities for kids of all ages (including babies and teens), a shaded playground, a movie theater, and a sleeping room. Age-appropriate activities include pool games, DJ lessons, sports, and video games, and there is a cute little restaurant with ice cream hours, healthy kid-friendly food, and a kitchen for parents.The gym is equipped with a good array of cardio and strength-training machines, and there are personal trainers available for a fee. Group fitness classes are offered as part of the entertainment program, and there is a tennis academy with four tennis courts and lessons (for a fee).  

Unlike the vast majority of resorts in Antalya, the Maxx Royal Kemer does not have a buffet restaurant; all restaurants and bars here are a la carte, including the snack bars. The most similar thing to a buffet is the 24-hour Azure, which offers a staggering selection of gourmet food that guests can choose from market-style counters for the chef to prepare. Azure Food Court is set around the main stage where evening entertainment takes place, and offers gourmet Italian, fish, and Turkish cuisine, each in its own restaurant complete with a common outdoor area. All a la cartes are included in the all-inclusive package. Additionally, there are two fine-dining options -- a steakhouse and an Asian restaurant -- both only open for dinner and available for an extra charge. Two a la carte snack bars keep food and drinks (including top-shelf brands) flowing during the day, while handmade chocolates and fresh pastries are available for free in the lobby.

Located below the lobby, the gorgeous Aven Royal Spa is divided into two sections. The lovely free area is outfitted with a big whirlpool, steam room, Finnish and bio saunas, hot stone loungers, a beautiful hammam with private rooms for scrubs, and a big relaxation room with daybeds. The other section is where all 22 treatment rooms are, and a great array of treatments are on offer, including massages for pregnant women, facials, detox wraps, and scrubs. There is also a fitness pool with underwater bikes and other gym equipment, plus a large, gorgeous indoor pool with an infinity edge and a separate area for babies.