Adalya Elite Lara

Set amid dozens of other upscale resorts, the 2016-opened Adalya Elite Lara is especially imposing inside and out. It's housed in a huge U-shaped building topped with domes, and its atrium-style lobby is outfitted with elegant velvet couches in soft hues over thick dark carpets and gleaming marble floors. Delicate wall moldings and plush seating make the space feel classic and sophisticated, while a backlit front desk with feather-inspired lamps and a striking wall made up of gold, black, and white diamond-shaped pieces add style. 

Though the design may seem better suited for adults than for families, the Adalya is packed with fun things to do for guests of all ages. The main pool is loud and vibrant, with booming music and non-stop entertainment for teens and adults, and there are special areas for children, including a water park, a wave pool, and a kids’ club. Those seeking a more relaxing atmosphere can find a quieter spot at the beach and the adult-only pool.

Rates are adequate for location, amenities, and room and food quality, but travelers on a slightly tighter budget may want to check out the neighboring Aska Lara Resort & Spa, which has a bigger water park. Hotel Baia Lara is also family-friendly, but has a quieter, more relaxing vibe. Those wanting to stay closer to Belek’s world-class golf courses may prefer the Bellis Deluxe Hotel. 

Adalya Elite Lara is located between the beach and the main thoroughfare running through Lara, a resort-filled area just east of Antalya. The property is pretty much self-contained, but those wanting to explore the neighborhood can find a number of shops and malls within a 15-minute walk. Several top local attractions -- including Antalya’s old town and the Perge archaeological site -- can be reached in about 30 minutes, while the Duden Waterfalls are just a 15-minute drive away. Belek’s many renowned golf courses are all within a 20-minute drive of the Adalya Elite Lara, as is Antalya International Airport. 

The resort has a total of 525 rooms, all outfitted with furnished balconies, and many with sea views. Rooms are decorated in an appealing, contemporary style that combines subdued elements such as simple blue armchairs, wood paneling, and textured beige walls with more eye-catching touches, including silk-like comforters with beehive patterns in pink and gray hues. Big mirrors printed with nature-inspired motifs are a distinctive touch in all rooms. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, AC, electric kettles with free tea and coffee, and minibars stocked with sodas, water, and beers -- all replenished daily free of charge. Bathrooms are clean but a bit underwhelming, with beige marble-like walls and floors, oval sinks over white stone counters, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. No rooms have bathtubs. Basic hairdryers and a wide array of toiletries are provided in all rooms.

The hotel’s six outdoor pools are where most guests gather during the day. The entertainment team keeps guests busy with contests, games, and fitness lessons around the main pool, and there are five other pools where guests can relax, swim, and play, including a wave pool, a water park with five slides, an adult-only pool, and a semi-Olympic pool with lanes. There is also a heated indoor pool for cold or rainy days. The kids’ club offers indoor and outdoor activities for children up to 12 years old, plus a wading pool with slides and water features. An arcade and carnival rides are available for a fee. The beach is long and sandy, and it has a big wooden pier with dozens of loungers and a bar.

Food is good and varied at the Adalya Elite Lara, with a huge buffet restaurant and five a la carte eateries that offer tasty world cuisines, from traditional Turkish cuisine to Italian and Mexican specialties. The only complaint guests seem to have about the buffet is the size and layout of the dining room, which puts tables too far from the food stations, making it especially inconvenient for parents with young children. The all-inclusive package covers all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (including some imported brands), all buffet meals and snacks, and one free dinner at an a la carte restaurant per week. 

Guests get free access to a hammam and a sauna, and massages and other body treatments are available for a fee at the spa. The fitness center is well-equipped and spacious, with a good array of cardio and strength-training machines, and huge windows overlooking the grounds. Wi-Fi is provided free throughout the property, and most guests find it reliable and strong, even at the beach.