Sentido Flora Garden Hotel

The Sentido Flora Garden feels a world away from the busy highway running right outside the property. The atmosphere is relaxing and serene at this adult-only all-inclusive, with soft entertainment rather than loud pool games, a zen-like garden with koi ponds and Japanese-inspired pavilions for morning yoga classes, and two quiet pools with double loungers and sea views. The pebbly beach is quiet and serene, with just a handful of spaced out loungers under big umbrellas. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a non-alcoholic drink and a cold towel in a stylish, airy lobby decorated in turquoise and white hues, clean lines, and stylish wood accents. The color palette, decor style, and welcome treats are part of the brand’s concept, which the hotel adopted after joining the Sentido Hotels group in 2016. 

The property -- and especially the main restaurant, both pools, and all bars -- makes the most of its location directly overlooking the Mediterranean, with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious terraces with stunning sunset views, and long, winding paths running through lush beachfront gardens. Those seeking a private spot can find plenty of nooks amid mature pine trees and flowers. Even at full capacity the hotel has an uncrowded feel thanks to its long beach, two pools, and linear layout on a skinny stretch of land between the highway and the sea. 

Sentido Flora Garden draws European couples of all ages throughout the season (the hotel is only open between April and October), but older couples seem to prefer the slightly cooler months of May, September, and October. The Commodore Elite Suites & Spa is another option for a quiet couples’ retreat, but rooms at Sentido Flora Garden are more stylish. The cheaper and less upscale Alba Royal Hotel has more bustling atmosphere. Golfers may want to consider the Gloria Serenity Resort, which is more luxurious but also generally more expensive. 

The hotel occupies a skinny stretch of land sandwiched between the D-400 highway and the Mediterranean. There is another huge resort across the road from the hotel, but little else can be found within walking distance, and the beach goes on untouched for a couple of miles towards the west. While this location may seem a little secluded, having the highway right at doorstep allows for easy access to nearby attractions. A 20-minute drive west is Side, a charming little city home to gorgeous historic sites -- including a stunning Greek amphitheater, the Temple of Apollo, and an archaeological museum -- lovely seaside cafes and lounges, and plenty of shops. The Manavgat Waterfalls are about a 25-minute drive from the hotel, and there is also a couple of large shopping malls within a 15-minute drive of the Sentido. Antalya and the airport are just over an hour away. Local buses to Antalya, Alanya, Side, and Manavgat stop right outside the hotel. 

The hotel has 224 rooms spread over several low buildings and a few bungalow-style structures. Decor is stylish and contemporary, with a chic combination of purples, whites, and wood paneling that gives them a fresh feel. LED mood lighting and gray accent walls are sexy, sleek touches. Rooms are a tad small by Antalya resort standards, but floor-to-ceiling windows, clean lines, and big mirrors add visual space. Each room is equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, and electric kettles. Minibars are stocked with water, juice, sodas, beer, snacks, and liquor, but only water is free and replenished daily. Guests can also choose from a selection of pillows, and robes and slippers are provided in every room. Bathrooms are clean and contemporary, with gray accent walls, beige tiles, round sinks over wood vanities, and glass-enclosed showers. Hairdryers and a few toiletries are provided. 

Deluxe Rooms are located around the main pool, and have small patios with loungers instead of balconies with chairs. Additionally, there are a number of rooms housed in thatched wooden cottages featuring spacious terraces with outdoor whirlpools. Some of these units are set deep in the gardens, but others offer panoramic sea and sunset views. At 430 square feet, Suites are the largest units here, with a living area separated from the bedroom by a a half-wall. Some of these units have a jetted tub. 

Units closest to the highway may get some traffic noise. 

The Sentido Flora Garden's 2,624-foot-long beach is one of the longest in the area. It is full of pebbles, but features plenty of padded loungers spread out over a big area, and a small wooden pier with direct access to the water. A thatched hut with a few tables serves drinks until the sun sets. This beach is a loggerhead turtle nesting spot, and the hotel has a program that helps protect the nests and the baby turtles when they hatch. The Sentido also features a beach cleaning program that actively involves guests. Water sports are available for a fee.

The spa is small but relaxing, with dim lights, soft neutral hues, and lots of wood accents. All guests get free access to a marble hammam, a sauna, and a steam room, and there is a long list of body treatments available for a fee. Guests can book a beautiful thatched hut in the garden for outdoor massages. Adjacent to the spa is the fitness center, a small room with a few modern cardio and strength-training machines, and huge windows overlooking the grounds. The hotel also features two tennis courts that guests can use free of charge, and an outdoor fitness area with a few machines and sea views. 

The entertainment program offers a few daily activities, including darts, mini-golf, aqua gym, and bowling. Yoga, Pilates and stretching sessions are offered every morning at the lovely zen-like garden, complete with a Japanese-inspired pavilion, a pond with fish, and a wooden bridge painted red. Wine tasting sessions are available weekly as part of the entertainment program, as are daily evening shows at the amphitheater. 

This is one of the few pet-friendly hotels in the Antalya area, but note that there is a weight restriction of five kilos (11 pounds) and a cleaning fee. Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the hotel. 

The hotel has a large buffet restaurant offering a huge, quality spread with lots of tasty international and Turkish dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A slightly smaller but varied selection is also available for late breakfast, and snacks are provided after dinner. The dining room is spacious and stylish, and features huge windows overlooking the sea. The outdoor terrace is a favorite for watching the sunset. 

There are also four a la cartes on-site, including a teppanyaki option, a fish joint, a steakhouse, and a restaurant serving Turkish cuisine. They all serve excellent food, but reservations require an extra fee. Additionally, there is a patisserie with fresh Turkish coffee and pastries, and a beachside snack bar. Room service is available 24 hours a day for a fee. 

The all-inclusive package covers all food and local drinks, but imported brands are an extra charge.

Sentido Flora Garden has two pools, both located on big decks overlooking the sea. There is soft music playing around the main pool, but the atmosphere is generally relaxing. For something even quieter, guests can lounge by the hotel's other, smaller pool, located a little away from the main building. Each pool has a bar with an array of drinks, and both have double loungers and big umbrellas.