Bellis Deluxe Hotel

Formerly part of the Iberostar group, the Bellis Deluxe feels serene and upscale. While the main building -- a nondescript seven-story cream-colored structure -- doesn’t make for a striking first impression, the surroundings are relaxing and appealing, with man-made streams running under wooden bridges, well-tended lawns full of flowers and shrubs, and stone paths shaded by towering pines. Full renovations in 2014 turned the once dated and worn hotel into a luxurious yet relaxed all-inclusive with good food, comfortable rooms, and both bustling and quiet sections. The pool area has loud music, activities, and a family-friendly vibe, while the Relax Pool is peaceful and oriented mostly toward couples. Large decks under sail shades feature lounge and patio furniture that makes them inviting and relaxing. The property’s layout in several buildings separated by gardens allows for an uncrowded feel even when the hotel is at maximum capacity. The hotel draws many Turkish guests, as well as clientele from Russia, Germany, and the U.K.

Indoors the style is polished and elegant without feeling overdone. The lobby is perhaps the most ornate of all common spaces, with baroque golden furniture in the reception area, crystal chandeliers, and gleaming white floors with dark inlays. The rest, however, has a more contemporary decor style, with cleaner lines, simpler wooden furniture, and a more neutral palette. 

Rates in the Belek area vary widely throughout the year, but the Bellis is generally closer to the higher-priced hotels than the budget all-inclusives. Depending on the time of the year, the Bellis will offer better value than some of its neighbors, but some may find the rates in the peak season a little high. In the colder months, the Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa offers overall a slightly more exclusive stay, while the Belmont Resort Hotel is cheaper but also feels a tad less luxurious than the Bellis Deluxe. The Letoonia Golf Resort has similar rates year-round, but food gets better reviews at the Bellis, and the Bellis is also more relaxing. 

The Bellis Deluxe Resort is located on a two-lane road lined on one side by golf courses and by large beachfront all-inclusives on the other. There is nothing within walking distance of the property, though a few restaurants and shops can be found about a 10-minute drive away, both in Kadriye and Belek. The dolmus (a local public minibus) to Kadriye stops right outside the hotel, and there is a taxi stand by the main entrance. While the hotel doesn’t offer special rates at any of the area’s golf courses, front desk can help book tee times and classes at most of them, including at the Gloria courses, the Titanic, the National, and the Cornelia. Antalya and its airport are each about a 30-minute drive of the hotel. 

The Bellis Deluxe has 554 rooms grouped in several buildings surrounded by nature. Most units are located in the main building, but there are four other sections, including a private area with luxurious villas. Jasmine Lake House units are farthest from the beach, but have their own big pool and are quieter at night. All units were renovated in 2014 and have large beds topped with quality linen and several pillows, laminate floors, and big windows opening onto furnished balconies. Some have sea views, but most overlook the gardens. Standard in-room technologies include free Wi-Fi, LED TVs, and electronic safes. Minibars are replenished daily free of charge, but rooms lack electric kettles. 

Most have stylish decor in earth tones, with elegant wood furniture, suede headboards, chocolate brown accent walls, and large backlit mirrors. Others, though, have a more generic style, with simple blond wood furniture that is showing some wear and tear. Bathrooms have clean shower/tub combos, large sink areas, and a wide array of toiletries, but a few are a little compact. At 237 square feet (22 square meters), Standard Rooms are a little small for the price.

Villas are housed in stand-alone buildings with big pools, three bedrooms (each with its own bathroom), spacious dining and living rooms, and bar areas stocked with an array of full-sized liquors. Villa guests get unlimited dinners at a la carte restaurants, as well as access to a gorgeous private lounge serving international cuisine and drinks, and a private beachside pavilion with extras such as cold towels and fresh fruit.

One of the features that sets this resort apart from its most direct competitors is its large on-site zoo, home to monkeys, chickens, ponies, and flamingos, among many other animals. Horseback riding is possible on-site as well, and both kids and adults can take private lessons for a fee. The kids’ club has spacious indoor and outdoor areas, complete with shaded playgrounds and a soccer field. The hotel’s daily entertainment program features activities both for kids and adults, and there is a mini-disco for children every night a little before the family-friendly live shows. Teens don’t have a specific club at the Bellis, but the sporty types have several options, including two tennis courts (equipment is available for a refundable deposit), two professional soccer fields with floodlights and a live broadcast tower, and a wonderful aqua park with separate areas for kids and adults. Additionally, the hotel has three other pools, including a loud family one with music, games, and fitness classes, and a quieter one closer to the beach. There is also a pleasant indoor pool heated year-round featuring a section for toddlers. 

The beach is long and sandy, with a few pebbles along the shoreline. There are plenty of loungers under big umbrellas, and a long, wood pier with double padded loungers, a lounge area, and direct access to the water. A handful of beautiful wooden cabanas -- complete with mini-fridges, free fruits and drinks, and waiter service -- are available for a fee. 

The spa has a soothing atmosphere, with soft instrumental music, dim lights, and lots of wood and stone accents. All guests get free access to a Turkish bath, a sauna, and a steam room, and massages and treatments are available for a fee. There is also a couples’ area with a private hammam. The fitness center is spacious, light, and well-equipped with separate areas for cardio machines and strength training. 

The hotel also features six meeting rooms with full audiovisual equipment and catering services. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

The Bellis Deluxe has five on-site dining options offering a range of cuisines. The main restaurant serves a quality spread for all three meals in a large dining room with a spacious terrace. It features show cooking stations, a grill with fish and meat options, and Turkish specialties. Breakfast offers fresh orange juice, plenty of types of cereal, an array of breads, lots of fruit, and hot items such as eggs, pancakes, and Turkish sausage.

The four a la carte restaurants serve Italian, seafood, Asian, and Turkish cuisine and are open for dinner only. Food gets great reviews, but there is a fee for meals at a la cartes. Villa guests get free access to a private lounge serving a la carte international food, a long list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks.

The ultra all-inclusive rate includes all meals at the buffet restaurant, and all snacks and local drinks throughout the day. The lobby bar is open 24/7, and there is a cute bakery serving Turkish coffee and pastries in the afternoon.