Amara Dolce Vita Luxury

Located at the end of a beautiful bay where the Taurus Mountains tumble into the Mediterranean, the Amara Dolce Vita wows at first sight. A large gated entrance leads to the main building, an imposing white structure with huge arched windows and two towers. An army of valets welcomes guests under an airy porch decorated with billowy curtains, while porters whisk away suitcases and bags. The atrium-style lobby is nothing short of grand, with a massive crystal chandelier, high coffered ceilings, golden accents, and gleaming floors with delicate flower patterns. This ornate style (in fact, some may find it a little too over-the-top) continues in hallways and common areas in the main buildings. Yet the rest of the property, and especially the Club section, is slightly more understated. Built in the 80s and located in the gardens, the Club area is cute and quiet, but feels a world away from the grandiose main building. Its design, with paths lined with two-story "houses," storefronts, and even trees, resembles a city block, and the vibe is more casual and relaxed.The gorgeous outdoors combine pretty lawns dotted with sculptured trees and shrubs, and wild forest areas with small winding paths for golf carts. The area closest to the beach is where most amenities are -- including the two main pools, most restaurants, and the lobby -- but the rural side of the property is where guests can find some of the hotel’s crown jewels: the outdoor spa, the lovely zoo, and the fish restaurant, perched atop a hill and designed like a lighthouse.The hotel offers tons of perks for families, but those seeking some peace and quiet are likely to find a serene spot to unwind, as the water park and the kids’ club are tucked away in the gardens, and there is a VIP area on the beach with cabanas for two and a more mellow vibe. Unlike many resorts in the Antalya area, the Amara remains open throughout the year, and offers both indoor and outdoor amenities for all types of weather. The outdoor saltwater pool is heated seasonally, and the indoor pool is a good alternative for rainy days. Entertainment is also taken indoors in the colder months, but the pool and beach bars stay open, and loungers are available both by the sea and around the pools year-round. While the Amara is one of the most luxurious resorts in the area, the Gural Premier Tekirova and the Rixos Hotel Tekirova are also worth considering. With a large water park featuring 25 waterslides, a huge kids’ club, and a beautiful spa, the more expensive Gural is a great option for families and couples alike. The cheaper Rixos, while still luxurious, feels a tad less exclusive and has a more bustling vibe. 

The Amara Dolce Vita is located at the end of a small road that runs between beachfront resorts and the mountains in Tekirova, a tourist area south of Kemer. The hotel is the last property on a long, sandy bay lined with other properties, and feels serene and remote. There are a few tourist-oriented clothes and bag stores a short drive from the hotel, but the southern side of the property abuts a rugged mountain and Kleopatra Koyu, a small pebbly cove only accessible by boat or via a rustic path adjacent to the hotel’s zoo. Kemer -- known for its nightlife and restaurants -- is a 25-minute drive away, and the Olympos Aerial Tram can be reached in about 10 minutes. Another interesting attraction located within a short drive of the hotel is Phaselis Antique City, a Greek and Roman town with striking ruins dating back to the 2nd century B.C. Antalya and the airport are each over an hour away.

The hotel has 710 rooms spread over several buildings overlooking the sea or tucked away in the gardens. All feature great amenities such as flat-screen TVs with plenty of international channels, fine toiletries, pillow menus, electric kettles, and custom-made beds. Each room also features a spacious walk-in closet, free Wi-Fi, and minibars with snacks, sodas, water, beers, and energy drinks (restocked daily free of charge). Deluxe rooms and suites -- all located in the main buildings -- are decadent and upscale, with a soft neutral palette, thick rugs, elegant wooden furniture painted white, cute wallpaper, and heavy drapes. Club Rooms, however, may be a little disappointing to some. They all overlook the gardens and have a more secluded feel, but classic decor with heavy wooden furniture, cream-colored rugs, and an all-brown palette is a little dated. Bathrooms are spacious in all room types, and many have separate showers and tubs, but most could use a few touchups here and there. Villas range in size between 220 and 380 square meters (2,368 and 4,090 square feet) and are located in a secluded area away from most common spaces. All units feature exclusive services and amenities such as private pools (some of which can be heated on request), private butlers, Bulgari toiletries, swivel TVs, and kitchens with washer/dryers. Some villas have classic decor in brown hues, but units renovated in 2011 feature sleek minimalist design in a stylish white, gray and brown color scheme. Each villa is equipped with rope hammocks and loungers in the patio, and features direct access to the VIP area on the beach, complete with private cabanas and waiter service. 

The hotel is located on a lovely beach with clear waters and a mix of sand and pebbles. The vibe is relaxing and serene, with dozens of loungers and umbrellas, and a pier with additional seating and direct access to the sea. DJ sessions are held from time to time on the beach, and both motorized and free non-motorized water sports are available on-site. A separate area closer to the villas offers cabanas with waiter service, and a bar shared with the main pool keeps drinks and snacks flowing year-round. There are five pools on-site, including four outdoors and one indoors. The two main ones are located right by the beach, and the saltwater one is heated in the winter. Additionally, each Club building has its own smaller pool. The indoor one is heated seasonally and features a whirlpool and a kiddy area. Sports, cultural, and leisure activities for both adults and children are also available on-site, including a water park with slides, a music academy with lessons, eight tennis courts (four with floodlights), and horseback riding classes. The kids’ club offers separate areas and activities for babies, toddlers, and teens, and there is a charming zoo complete with ponies, flamingos, chickens, and goats set amid pine trees.The spa has a beautiful indoor area with several massage cabins, a sauna, a steam room a hamam and a juice bar, as well as a tranquil open-air area atop a hill with thatched pavilions that feel exotic and exclusive. The Amara is a popular event venue in the winter due to its extensive flexible meeting space, including a large ballroom and several smaller boardrooms. Evening shows are held at the convention center in the winter. 

The hotel offers a whopping 10 restaurants, including a main buffet, eight a la cartes, and a 24-hour snack bar with buffet and a la carte options. The main buffet offers a big, tasty spread for all three main meals, and features a spacious terrace with lots of seating (and friendly cats!). Additionally, the eight a la carte restaurants offer an array of world cuisines, from Turkish to molecular to Italian. Of all, only the Greek tavern and the Mexican are included in the all-inclusive package; there are per person fees for all others. The most impressive and romantic of all is the fish restaurant, perched atop a rugged mountain and offering sweeping views of the sea and the surrounding areas.