Fantasia Hotel De Luxe

Leisure travelers of all types are drawn to Hotel Fantasia Deluxe for its long-standing reputation as a quality resort with a relaxing atmosphere. The lobby is done in shades of ivory, with gray stone and wood accents, but the neutral base is only the background to a fantastical design that blends quality fixtures with whimsical accents. Funky color combinations and lighting accents -- like the neon-purple pool with a brilliant blue cascade of lights -- give the lobby a fanciful feeling. Contrasts, like a flamboyant dragon statue in the same space as a beautiful but massive vase, give it a dreamlike atmosphere. The main bar, however has a relaxed, quiet atmosphere inside, plus seating in a pleasant atrium with a skylight, lanterns, and patio furniture for an outdoor cafe-like feel. It is a nicer spot to relax, without the dramatic feel of the lobby. Outside, the gorgeous grounds include trim gardens, flowers, and topiary. Low-hanging trees and tall bushes help to create a screen between areas for a semi-private feel despite the size of the hotel. 

Hotel Fantasia Deluxe is on Turkey’s southwestern coast, just south of Kusadasi. It is in a convenient spot, right on the main road along the coast and a four-minute walk from a grocery store. The area is mostly hotels and residences, but within a 10-minute walk there are several restaurants and a few tourist-friendly shops. It is a 12-minute drive to a nice shopping mall. There is a public bus stop directly in front of the hotel for trips into town or farther afield.  

Kusadasi is popular destination for cruise ships and boasts a lively nightlife -- the city center and all its clubs are a 13-minute drive from the hotel. It is also a 13-minute drive to a small island off the mainland, connected by a causeway, where there’s an ancient castle to explore and a nice walking path around the island. It is a 30-minute drive to the archaeological site at Ephesus, where ancient ruins and a museum are located in the nearby town. Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is a 75-minute drive from the hotel.

Clean, comfortable rooms with a neutral color scheme and modest design are welcoming, relaxing spaces. Standard Rooms have a double bed or two twins, with a third bed available for an extra guest. Amenities include a small flat-screen TV, a safe (for a deposit), and a kettle with free tea and coffee. Pillow menus add a lovely touch for a comfortable sleep. Many rooms have a minibar, but they incur a fee to use. Balconies are spacious and private, some offering a beautiful view of the ocean. There are options for rooms with more space, separate living rooms, and family rooms with extra beds in the living room. Upgraded units include additional amenities like a welcome basket of fruit, turndown service, robes and slippers, and newspaper delivery. Bathrooms are bland but clean, outfitted with a shower/tub combo and a bidet. Hairdryers are provided and a nice range of free toiletries include soap, shampoo, and shower gel. 

This all-inclusive resort offers a wide range of on-site features and entertainment. The main buffet restaurant serves three meals daily, offering Turkish and international dishes, plus regular theme nights. During the peak season, an additional, lighter serving is offered at midnight. A beautiful terrace offers seaside dining, as well. A la carte eateries include a seaside Turkish restaurant and a snack and fresh fish restaurant. Guest give the food mixed reviews, but generally find it satisfying and typical of all-inclusive fare. 

The main pool is large and often busy with activities and boisterous children. A small wading pool sits to one side, and there are shallow areas in the main section, as well. A second pool offers a quieter spot for relaxation. Both pools have free loungers under umbrellas, and towels are available. The man-made beach is a sandy platform off the back of the hotel, on a concrete slab with a drop into the water. Faded-blue lounge chairs under straw umbrellas offer shade, and cold towels and fruit are provided at times. A pier juts into the sea with several cabanas under thatched roofs available for rent. 

A lovely and modern spa offers massages and includes a heated indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and a fitness center. There are a tennis court and mini soccer field for adults, plus a game room with video games, a pool table, ping-pong, and TV. Entertainment includes shows and events in a large amphitheater, plus water sports and fitness classes are available. The mini-club offers games and activities for younger kids, and organizes sporting games for older children. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby, but there’s a charge to use it elsewhere on the property.