Rixos Sungate

The Rixos Sungate has an atmosphere unlike any other resort in the area. The hotel is one of the top family-friendly options in the Kemer region, thanks to tons of amenities for kids and an array of room types suitable for families and larger groups. But it is also one of the best picks for couples wanting to let loose. While during the day guests are kept busy with the usual water polo, beach volleyball, and Zumba classes, the hotel turns into a fashionable party venue in the evening, when groups of young people dress up for long nights of disk-jockey sessions and celebrity singers, bars turn on their neon lights and lounge beats, and couples of all ages sit around candlelit tables for a drink. However, the property is designed in a way that guests of all types can find the right spot for them. There are two piers -- including an exclusive one with serviced cabanas, butlers, hot tubs, and lounge music -- quieter and more bustling areas, and even a separate section for villa guests. 

The hotel first opened in 2005, and although there were extensive renovations in 2012, some areas are starting to show some age. Interiors are overall stylish and contemporary, and the outdoors are beautiful, but we saw some wear and tear in hallways. Also, while about 200 rooms were renovated in 2017, their decor is a tad conventional for a party and family-friendly hotel.

The Rixos Sungate Hotel is an excellent upscale pick with competitive rates, but those wanting to stay closer to the airport may want to compare rates at the IC Hotels Green Palace, which has great food and separate areas for quiet relaxation and activities. Travelers on a slightly tighter budget may want to check out the Renaissance Antalya Beach Resort & Spa, which has a wide array of amenities and modern rooms. Those wanting to splurge may prefer the Maxx Royal Kemer Resort, complete with gorgeous suites, three beaches, top-notch facilities, and gourmet dining. 

Rixos Sungate Hotel is located on the main street in Beldibi, a beachfront resort-filled area between Kemer and Antalya. Built with its back against the imposing Taurus Mountains, the property offers direct access to a long beach made of sand and pebbles with lots of loungers and two piers exclusively for guests. There are a few small shops and cafes within easy walking distance of the hotel, but there isn’t much else of general interest in the area. Kemer -- known for its nightlife and restaurants -- is a 15-minute drive away, while the gorgeous ruins of Phaselis are about 25 minutes from the hotel. It takes about 40 minutes to get to Antalya and its many attractions, including the Old City, the Duden Waterfalls, and the harbor. The airport can be reached in 45 minutes by car.

The hotel has a total of 1,094 rooms ranging from 400-square-foot Standard Rooms to five-bedroom villas. Decor is classic and a tad bland, with ochre-colored furniture and an understated brown palette throughout, including in carpets, bed runners, and headboards. Caramel-colored walls and wooden furniture are elegant, and the many small lights make spaces cozy and inviting, but the style feels older and doesn't tie in well with the hotel’s relaxed, fun atmosphere.

All rooms and villas are outfitted with all the amenities expected of an upscale resort, such as flat-screen TVs with international channels, free Wi-Fi, safes, and robes and slippers. There are also a few great extras, including what the hotel calls the Maxi Bar, which is a drawer stocked with an array of convenient items for sale, including hair brushes, tampons, tweezers, snacks, and gum. All rooms have furnished balconies offering either mountain or sea views, and Lake Houses have direct access to a pool via long stairs. Villas have their own private plunge pools, as well as access to a pool shared with other villas. 

Bathrooms are big and bold, with canary-yellow tiles on walls, rectangular white sinks over wooden vanities, and shower/tub combos. Jacuzzi Rooms have walk-in showers and separate hot tubs on a wooden deck by the window, and Deluxe Rooms have them on the balcony. Villas have jetted tubs in at least the master bedrooms.

Guests staying in Deluxe Rooms and Villas get a few additional great perks, including butler service, access to the hotel’s VIP areas (which include an exclusive restaurant and the VIP pier, complete with free drinks and food, serviced cabanas, butlers, and hot tubs), and priority bookings at the a la carte restaurants. 

The hotel’s all-inclusive package covers buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all drinks (including some imported brands), and a wide array of snacks, from fresh pastries to fruit, pizza, and salads. The hotel has a whopping eleven restaurants, including two buffets and nine a la cartes, including teppanyaki, Chinese, Italian, Mediterranean, and Mexican. Guests get one free dinner at an a la carte when they stay more than seven days, but there are fees for all otherwise. Room services is available 24/7 for a fee. 

The Rixos Sungate has a staggering number of on-site features, including some surprising ones, such as a zip-line that goes from the top of the main building to the beach, a Go Kart track, and a farm. There are several pools and a large water park in the central part of the resort, where the vibe is bustling, but those wanting some peace and quiet can also find a few quieter pools in the gardens. Waiters on roller skates go around the main pools with drinks and small bites during the day. The indoor pool is a great perk for the colder days, with lots of room to swim, big windows, and a kiddy pool.

A 68,000-square-foot spa is beautiful and upscale, with wooden floors and Zen-inspired decor in neutral hues. All guests get free access to a hammam, two saunas, and a steam room, and the spa offers a wide range of body treatments and salon services for a fee. There is also a ladies-only spa in a separate area in the gardens. The fitness center is excellent for a hotel in this price range, with high-end equipment from 2017, personal trainers, outdoor areas, and many free group classes, including yoga.

The entertainment program offers lots of daily activities and some of the best evening shows around, including DJ sessions and concerts with popular singers. Children up to 12 years old can take part in the myriad daily activities offered at the five-acre kids’ club, complete with two pools, a nap room, games, and babysitters. There is also extensive meeting space on-site, consisting of15 meeting rooms outfitted with high-tech audiovisual equipment, three conference halls, an amphitheater, and even a movie theater.