Regnum Carya

Known for having hosted the 2015 G-20 Summit, the Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort is the epitome of luxury. It is huge and classy but unpretentious, exclusive yet laid-back. There are tight security measures on arrival: explosive detection devices are swept under and inside cars, passports are checked, and front desk is contacted to confirm the reservation. It makes it feel like you're entering an official building during a meeting of world leaders. However, unlike some other high-end resorts of this size, the vibe inside is quiet and relaxing. The atrium-style lobby has huge ceilings and gleaming off-white floors that stand out against the sleek graphite gray walls. Comfortable beige couches placed along floor-to-ceiling windows offer seating with a view, while whimsical rust suede armchairs add some color in the reception area. The carya tree theme has been incorporated throughout, more obviously in the front desk area but subtly on floors, elevators, and walls. 

The grounds are some of the largest in Belek, with a million square meters (over 247 acres) of both manicured and wilder areas. The section closest to the main building features well-kept lawns bursting with shrubs and trees around large pools and shaded decks. The area adjacent to the beach is beautifully landscaped as well but with a more rural feel, with pine trees, flowers, and even a lovely waterfall with a couple of loungers and a flat area for picnics or sunbathing. A little deeper into the property, almost overlooking the beach, is the adult-only pool. A handful of rollerskating waiters zoom around with trays, while the stylish swim-up bar serves drinks until late in the afternoon under a large sail shade. Villas are located on the other side of the street from the main building, and have an even more serene, exclusive feel, with butlers, private pools, and golf carts to move around the property.

This high-end all-inclusive has drawn well-heeled families and couples along with celebrities since it opened in 2014. Besides being the venue of the G-20 Summit, the hotel also hosted some world leaders, including the Turkish president, who stayed in a villa equipped with bulletproof windows and a 440-square-meter (4,736-square-foot) heated pool. The Turkish national soccer team was staying there during our visit, taking advantage of the hotel’s three soccer fields and its professional fitness center. 

This level of luxury is hard to beat, but those interested in exploring other options as well may want to compare rates and amenities at the Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort and the Gloria Serenity Resort, each with its own golf courses and long list of top-notch amenities. The Papillon Zeugma Relaxury is another excellent, yet smaller and somewhat less exclusive, option in the area.

The Regnum Carya is located on a two-lane road flanked on both sides by golf courses. There is nothing within walking distance of the property but other hotels, though a few restaurants and shops can be found within a 10-minute drive of the hotel, both in Kadriye and Belek. The dolmus (local minibus) to Kadriye stops right outside the hotel, and there is a taxi stand by the main entrance. While the hotel has its own golf course (the National -- which was the first course in Turkey -- and the Carya, equipped with floodlights), there are a few other ones in the area, including the the three owned by the Gloria Hotels Group, and the Titanic. Antalya city center is about a 35-minute drive away, and the hotel is less than a half-hour drive from the airport.

The Regnum Carya has a total of 533 rooms, including 433 guest rooms in the main building, and 100 suites and villas across the street. All are stylish and elegant, with a soft neutral palette with a few pops of navy and black, clean lines, and parquet floors. Wood accents, thick rugs, and soft lights make rooms warm and welcoming, while huge beds with duvets and a choice of five different pillows allow for personalized comfort. 

Standard units (aptly named Luxury Rooms) feature 55-inch flat-screen TVs, Bulgari toiletries, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, electronic safes, and 130-square-foot balconies, some with sea views. Minibars are replenished daily free of charge with beers, red and white wine, sodas, water, juices, and snacks. Suites start at 1,076 square feet (each with a 260-square-foot balcony) and feature upscale extras such as Nespresso machines, liqueurs and candy in the minibar, and larger Bulgari toiletries. Turndown service is standard and includes chocolates and a handwritten note. Luxurious bathrooms have dark veined marble floors and walls, double sinks over wood vanities, and separate walk-in rain showers and soaking tubs. 

The Golf Residence section, located across the street, is home to 100 suites and villas, each housed in a stand-alone structure with its own garden and pool. Golf Rooms are similar to Luxury Rooms in the main building, but have direct access to a pool shared with another room. There are also different types of villas, ranging from 1,076-square-foot one-bedrooms to huge five-bedroom units with private heated pools. Butlers, designated golf carts, and VIP airport transfers are extras available only for villa guests. 

One of the hotel’s highlights is its outstanding multi-story fitness center, which features a wide array of professional equipment and daily group Les Mills classes. Personal trainers are available for a fee on request. There are also three professional soccer fields on-site (all built according to FIFA standards), and several clay tennis courts (for a fee). There is a climbing wall at the Adventure Park, complete with zip-lines, rope bridges, and a free-fall area. This service is operated by a third party and is an extra charge. 

The top-notch GreenDoor Spa & Wellness features 22 massage cabins, five wooden pavilions for special treatments, a juice bar, two relaxation rooms, and rooms for couples. Treatments are carried out using organic products, and the use of natural materials such as wood and stone add to the upscale, soothing atmosphere. On top of the usual massages and treatments, the spa also has a few unique features, including a cryotherapy cabin, hot stone loungers, and an ice bath. All guests get free access to a gorgeous marble hammam, a sauna, a steam room, and two quiet lounges. 

The spa also features a glass-enclosed indoor pool, complete with a kiddy section and padded loungers. Use of the pool is free of charge, and the water is heated year-round. There are an additional five outdoor pools on-site, including a relaxing adult-only pool, a zero-entry wave pool, a heated outdoor pool, a family-friendly activity pool, and a water park with slides. The kids’ club features a smaller kiddy pool with water features, as well as a full program of activities catering to specific group ages between 4 and 17. Activities for children include cooking, video games, dance, gym, sports, arts and crafts, and movies. 

The hotel is home to a 80,000-square-foot convention center with meeting rooms of different sizes and a pre-function area. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and reaches all the way to the beach and the piers. 

The hotel features a wide array of dining options, all of which get great reviews for their quality and variety. The main restaurant is a large buffet serving an extensive spread with international and Turkish specialties, a fresh juice corner, an organic area, and separate adult-only and kids’ sections. Additionally there are six a la cartes, specializing in Italian, teppanyaki, seafood, Brazilian, Turkish, and fish dishes. All but the teppanyaki are part of the all-inclusive package and don’t require an extra fee. All restaurants have outdoor seating. 

There is also an all-night buffet, a beach snack bar, and a 24-hour lobby bar. 

The Regnum Carya has a beautiful, wide beach with fine white sand imported from Egypt. There are six rows of loungers placed under long white awnings or big umbrellas, along with a few beautiful wooden cabanas on a grass area adjacent to the beach. Butlers offer wet and cold towels to guests several times a day, and a snack bar serves regional cuisine and salads.

The beach features two piers, one with loungers and umbrellas, and a VIP one with gorgeous cabanas with nets covered in pillows over the water, mini-fridges, fans, music, and safes. Waiters with drinks and snacks are a call button away. Wi-Fi is available throughout the beach and on the piers.

With two renowned golf courses on-site, the Regnum Carya is an excellent luxury pick for golfers. 

The National Golf Club -- opened in 1994 as Turkey’s first golf course and designed by David Feherty and David Jones -- has a beautiful setting amid pine trees. It features 27 holes, an 80-person driving range, and an academy with private classes (for a fee).

The Carya Golf Course has a total of 18 holes, nine of which feature floodlights for night play. This 7,186-yard, par 72 golf course was designed by Australian professional golfer Peter Thompson and offers a challenging layout, with a sand ridge and 75 bunkers. The course also features private lessons, a club house, and a pro shop.