Rixos Premium Tekirova

Set on over 47 acres between the imposing Taurus Mountains and the sea, Rixos Hotel Tekirova is one of the most upscale hotels in the area. The extensive 2014 renovations are still very much apparent, and interiors look polished and handsome throughout. The curved lobby, with huge windows overlooking the grounds, thick rugs over gleaming marble floors, arched latticework-clad ceilings, and elegant suede seating in neutral and pastel hues makes for a grand first impression. Other common areas, and in particular the bars closest to the beach, have a more casual yet similarly upmarket feel, with cute details such as retro-style metal chairs in bold colors, and heavy wood patio furniture with plush pillows. However, the original building (which was built several years before the other structures on the property) has only received cosmetic updates, and some areas -- including lower-category rooms -- can feel dated and worn. 

The gardens provide ample space for guests to spread out, and although the main pool deck is loud and busy with music, games, and many families with young kids, there is a quieter area around the Lotus Stage, as well as a serene beach area with serviced cabanas. Russian, Eastern European, and German families make up the majority of guests during the summer, but the property also draws couples and honeymooners in the spring and fall, when kids are back in school and the atmosphere is more serene.

While Rixos Hotel Tekirova is a good pick for families wanting a bustling vacation, those on a tighter budget may want to compare rates at the Limak Limra, which has similar amenities, simple rooms, and a full entertainment program. Maxx Royal Kemer Resort is the top luxury option in the area, and offers not only three beaches, top-notch dining, and an outstanding spa, but also beautiful rooms outfitted with an array of luxe amenities, and gorgeous pools with sea views. 

Rixos Hotel Tekirova is located at the end of a small street on the northern edge of Tekirova, a beachfront resort-filled area south of Kemer. Built with its back against the Taurus Mountains, the property is the last resort on a long beach made of sand and pebbles, and there are only other hotels and a few shops within walking distance. Kemer -- known for its nightlife and restaurants -- is about a 20-minute drive away, as are the gorgeous ruins of Phaselis and the Olympos Aerial Tram. Antalya and its many attractions, including the Old City, the Duden Waterfalls, and the harbor, are all about an hour away. The airport can be reached in 75 minutes by car.  

The hotel has a total of 770 rooms ranging from smallish Standard units to 3,230-square-foot (300-square-meter), four-bedroom villas. The majority of rooms were fully renovated in 2014 and have tasteful contemporary decor consisting of crushed velvet armchairs, trunk-style nightstands, and plush rugs over polished marble floors. However, the building housing Standard Rooms only received minor updates -- such as new carpets, wallpaper, and TVs -- and rooms there have a simpler design with padded headboards, a navy palette, and generic furniture. At 279 square feet, these units are also small for the price, and most are showing wear and tear. 

All rooms are outfitted with big LCD TVs, free minibars stocked with beer, water, juice, and soda (all replenished daily free of charge), and electric kettles. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but some guests have complained that it can be spotty in rooms. Villas have kitchens, dining areas, and between one and four bedrooms (including one for the butler or nanny). Pool and Executive Villas have their own shared pool with beach-style access and a sandy bottom, while Superior Villas have private pools with loungers. All but Pool Villas also come with a few extra perks, such as access to an exclusive 24-hour restaurant, free airport transfers, and 24-hour butler service.

Big windows open onto furnished balconies in all rooms, but views vary depending on room type and location within the property -- many have sea views, but others overlook the gardens and/or mountains. Bathrooms in all but Standard Rooms are sleek and upscale, with backlit mirrors, large walk-in showers, and a wide array of toiletries (L’Occitane in Suites and Villas). Only some higher-category units have bathtubs.

The hotel has four pools, including a large main pool with music and activities, two sandy-bottom ones in the Villas section, and a heated indoor one big enough for laps. They provide enough loungers for all guests, and there is additional seating on the surrounding lawns and at the beach. The hotel is home to one of the largest water parks in the region, complete with a lazy river and tons of water features for kids, as well as a section for teens and adults with 11 slides and music. The kids’ club offers a wide array of daily activities for children, an adventure park, and a movie theater with two screenings per day. The teens’ club is only open in the summer, but the on-site game room and bowling alley are available year-round. 

The all-day main restaurant features its own pizzaiolo and several corners with different types of cuisines from around the world, however, food gets average reviews and there have been complaints of a lack of variety. Guest can also book a table at any of the five a la carte restaurants, which include Italian, Chinese, Ottoman, Mexican, and fish. There is only a fee for the latter two. Villa guests have their own private restaurant, which is open 24/7. 

All guests get free access to a hammam, sauna, and steam room, and the spa provides a wide array of massages and salon services in a big, upscale space decorated with candles, marble, and wood. There are also six bungalows for outdoor massages. The gym is on the small side, but it's well-equipped, with personal trainers and a good selection of machines, and there is additional fitness equipment along the long jogging trail that goes all around the property.