Cornelia De Luxe Resort

First opened in 2002, the Cornelia De Luxe is much more family-friendly than its convention center-style main building may suggest at first sight. The resort occupies a long, skinny plot of land between a golf course and the beach, and is divided into two sections with distinct vibes. The first half of the property is quiet and green, with tons of pine trees and low buildings housing the Villa Junior Suites. The other half (which is closest to the beach) is busier and more built-up, with several pools, the main building, and all restaurants. Interiors are well-maintained and polished, but run-of-the-mill throughout, including spacious seating areas dotted with couches in orange and neutral hues, and generic blue and green furniture in the main restaurant. The outdoors have a more casual, laid-back feel, with wicker furniture under wooden structures, and big lawns peppered with loungers. 

The property draws conference groups and professional sports teams in the winter, as well as many golfers in the cooler months. But most guests in the summer are German and British families, to whom the resort caters with a wide range of kid-friendly amenities, including a great kids’ club, plenty of pools, and large Family Rooms that can sleep up to four adults and one child. Still, the vibe is generally quiet and relaxing even in peak season, with just some soft entertainment (darts, archery, and other low-impact sports), and separate areas for louder evening shows and mellower live music.

The Cornelia De Luxe doesn't live up to its five-star advertisement, but it's certainly pleasant, and its all-inclusive package covers several nice extras -- in particular, some premium alcoholic drinks. However, couples seeking something truly luxurious may want to consider the Rixos Premium Belek or the Gloria Serenity Resort, both of which pull all the stops for a decadent vacation. The Limak Lara De Luxe Hotel & Resort and the IC Hotels Santai are great picks for families with a smaller budget.

Cornelia De Luxe Resort Belek is located on a private stretch of beach, right across the street from the Gloria Golf Club. The area is quiet and serene, with dozens of self-contained resorts packed along the coast, and numerous internationally renowned golf courses. There is little within walking distance, but there are a few restaurants and shops in Belek, located a five-minute drive away. Side, known for its impressive Hellenistic and Roman ruins and seaside cafes, is about a 45-minute drive from the hotel. Driving to Antalya and its many historic sites -- including the Old Town, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Yivliminare Mosque -- also takes about 45 minutes. The hotel is a 35-minute drive from the airport.

The hotel’s 358 rooms were fully renovated in 2014, and although there may be some minor wear and tear in some, the Cornelia’s signature green palette makes them look fresh and cheerful. Rooms are spread over the main building and several smaller structures in an area known as the Villa Junior Suite section, which is set around its own pool. Decor is contemporary, albeit chain-like and not quite elegant, with neutral bed runners and throw pillows that add balance to the more eye-catching green hues throughout. The most remarkable decor elements are the carpets and backlit accent walls, all of which have big, playful leaf designs. Big windows open onto furnished balconies in all but Family Rooms, and views vary between room types, ranging from serene garden views to expansive vistas of the sea. 

Rooms are equipped with all the amenities expected of a quality all-inclusive, including individually controlled air-conditioning, smart TVs, safes, robes and slippers, and electric kettles with free tea and coffee. Minibars are stocked with beer, sodas, and water (all replenished daily free of charge) and higher-category suites come with a selection of liquor and wine. Basic Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but guests can upgrade to high-speed internet access for a fee. Straightforward bathrooms have off-white or beige tiles throughout, big shower/tub combos with glass screens, and an array of Dove and hotel-brand toiletries. 

Villa Junior Suites are housed in several smaller buildings, and have direct access via the terrace to a pleasant, quiet pool, as well as sunken whirlpools in the bathrooms, and comfortable living areas. 

Dining options are good and varied at the Cornelia De Luxe. The main restaurant serves a large buffet spread for all three main meals, as well as a smaller selection for late breakfast in the summer. The dining room is large and light, and there are a separate section with smaller tables for children, a babies’ corner with a blender and a microwave, and a terrace with additional tables. The snack bar is open 24/7 in the summer and is a popular pick for lunch, as it is closer to the pool than the main restaurant. In addition, there are five a la carte options (only three are open in the winter) where guests can book a table for an extra charge. Room service is free between after dinner and breakfast, and the hotel can prepare customized baby food free of charge. 

There are several pools at Cornelia De Luxe, including one with three waterslides for teens and adults, two kiddy pools shaded by awnings, and a pleasant, sun-filled indoor/outdoor pool with heated water in the winter. All are clean and appealing, with lots of loungers and umbrellas, and easy access to bars and food. 

The spa is one of the hotel’s top highlights, with polished wooden floors, large windows, stylish minimalist decor in green and neutral tones, and a nice orange smell coming from oil burners. The free area -- complete with a sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, hammam, relaxation area with loungers and plants, and a juice bar serving free fresh fruit juices -- is located downstairs, while the salon and the seven massage rooms are located on the top floor. All treatments are done using high-end organic and eco-friendly products. There is also a well-equipped fitness center with modern cardio and strength-training equipment, music, big windows, and personal trainers. 

The kids’ club features a nap room for babies, and daily activities for older kids, including games, competitions, arts and crafts, sports, and movies. Every evening, after dinner and before the family-friendly shows, the entertainment team organizes a short disco for children where kids can dance and sing with the staff. 

The hotel is a popular pick among European golfers in the cooler months, and features tee time booking service at several nearby golf courses. It also offers golf enthusiasts discounted rates at the 27-hole Faldo championship course and the Leadbetter Golf Academy, which offers private and group classes. There is also a golfers’ bar that opens only in the winter and has a cozy atmosphere, with a long bar and comfortable couches.