Papillon Zeugma Relaxury

Housed in a nondescript pale gray building with a design that harkens to the '80s, the Papillon Zeugma Relaxury doesn’t look like much from the outside. Stepping into the lobby, though, is like arriving in a different hotel altogether. The property was fully renovated in May 2015 and its interior design is fresh, smart, and stylish. Gleaming white floors with brown square inlays, chic yellow, white and peacock blue armchairs, and a large central staircase with wrought-iron railings make for a striking first impression. Stained glass details in the huge vaulted ceiling along with Classical-style mosaics lend the lobby a slight old church feel, but the massive lamp made of hundreds of glass globes cascading three stories down is a stunning piece of contemporary art. This elegant style continues in the rest of the common spaces, but more particularly in the hotel’s main bar, where handsome wood and marble accents, and huge arched windows with delicate latticework give it a sleek colonial feel. Black-and-white checkered floors, dark woods, and polished metals combine throughout to create smart, dapper spaces. 

Outside, spacious decks with sea views and lots of seating under big umbrellas feel inviting and relaxing, as do the many lawns shaded by palms and pine trees. The main pool area, located between the beach and the main building, has a bustling atmosphere, with music, daily activities, a snack bar, and a volleyball net. Those seeking a quieter spot can head to the Silent Pool, which is away from the music and entertainment. The hotel’s private stretch of fine sand is also a great spot for some relaxation, with dozens of loungers under long awnings, a bar, and a big lawn with additional seating -- but no pier. 

This clear separation between areas for family fun and relaxation makes the hotel a good pick for families and couples alike. The Bellis Deluxe Hotel has a similar vibe and comparable decor style, amenities, and rates. Those seeking something a tad cheaper may want to check out the hotel’s sister property Papillon Ayscha, but some may find the atmosphere a little too loud and busy in the summer. The Gloria Golf Resort is an excellent pick in this price range for those looking for a family-friendly golf vacation. Couples may want to consider the quiet Gloria Serenity Resort, though rates can be higher depending on the season. 

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

The hotel’s 362 rooms were fully renovated in mid-2015, and feature smart, elegant decor with thick rugs over wood floors, textured walls, and quality beds topped with duvets and teal-and-silver bed runners. Huge windows open onto small furnished balconies, most of which offer at least a side sea view. Junior Suites and Excellent Suites all have full views of the sea. Rooms start at 409 square feet, making them some of the most spacious in Belek, and feature amenities such as LED TVs, electric kettles, safes, and minibars (restocked daily free of charge). Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but can be spotty in the evening. There are 24 duplex units, six of which are suites with two living rooms, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms connected via a spiral staircase. Rooms are clean and well maintained, but housekeeping may sometimes seem rushed and can miss details such as fully restocking the minibar, emptying trash cans, or removing stains on upholstery between guests. 

Bathrooms are clean and upscale, with sleek glass showers with rain showerheads, double sinks over wooden vanities, and large mirrors. Toiletries, robes and slippers are provided in all rooms, and suites offer a few extras such as a wider array of toiletries, shaving kits, combs, and cotton buds. 

Luxury Pool Suites are the most special units at the Papillon Zeugma Relaxury. These rooms are housed in several two-story wooden buildings set in small clusters around a shared pool. Spacious terraces with lounge furniture offer direct access to the water, while spacious living areas are separated from the bedroom by a swiveling TV. Bathrooms are huge and high-end in these suites, with separate rain showers and deep soaking tubs, TVs hidden away in mirrors, and large sliding wood shutters opening onto the bedroom. 

The hotel’s private stretch of beach is sandy and pleasant, with dozens of loungers and long awnings for shade. There is no pier here, which is rare in Belek, but additional loungers and umbrellas are available on a huge lawn adjacent to the beach. A big snack bar serves international and traditional Turkish cuisine for lunch, and offers an array of smaller bites between breakfast and dinner. 

The Zeugma Relaxury has a gorgeous spa decorated with candles and natural materials such as wood and stone. Dim lights and polished surfaces make the spa soothing and luxurious, while big windows offer serene garden views in some treatment rooms. All guests get free access to a hammam, a sauna, and a steam room, and there are plenty of treatments available for a fee, including myotherapy, lymph drainage, reflexology, aromatherapy, hot stone massages, and ayurveda. A kids’ area provides services for children of all ages, such as facials, fruit treatments, and massages. 

The fitness center was renovated in 2015 and features high-end cardio and strength-training equipment, a stretching area with yoga mats and Pilates balls, and free weights. Group classes are not available, but yoga, Pilates and some cardio activities are available outdoors in the summer as part of the entertainment program. There is a tennis and basketball court on-site, and the hotel offers free shuttle service to a large sports complex with six professional training soccer fields, press rooms, and locker rooms.

The large kids’ club offers daily activities for children of all ages, including sports, games and video games for teens (seasonally). Indoor rooms have cute, colorful decor and child-size furniture, while the outdoors include a playground with soft flooring, climbing structures, and a kiddy pool with water features. 

The hotel also features two flexible meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment. 

There are two outdoor pools at Papillon Zeugma Relaxury, including one with music and entertainment, and a quieter one in the back. Each features tons of loungers, umbrellas, and a bar with snacks and drinks. The main activity pool also features a separate kiddy section. The indoor pool is located adjacent to the fitness center, and features a kids’ area, large windows overlooking the gardens, and dozens of loungers. Additionally, there’s a water park with slides for all ages, but it is only open a few hours a day. 

There are four main dining options at the Papillon Zeugma, including buffet and a la carte restaurants. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the main buffet, which offers plenty of choice from fresh salads to show cooking of chicken, meat, and veggies, and plenty of Turkish dishes. The main dining room is big and comfortable, with large windows, wood accents, and a brown palette. A spacious outdoor terrace overlooks the pool and the gardens, and there is a separate area for kids with child-size furniture and a small buffet with kid-friendly food. Late breakfast and late-night snacks are also available at the main buffet. In the winter the food choice is more limited, but quality remains high. 

The three a la cartes offer tasty Asian, Italian, and Middle Eastern food in small dining rooms with terraces overlooking the Silent Pool and stylish themed decor. All, however, are an extra charge, and the Asian restaurant closes during the winter. There is also a charming bakery with several types of coffee, Turkish tea, and pastries. Drinks are available 24/7 in the lobby bar, and the all-inclusive package includes many imported brands.