Just got back from a delightful week golfing in Belek, Turkey. Belek is a sprawling resort town where all the hotels and golf courses in Turkey are situated. The town of Belek itself is compact and has a small shopping centre with souvenir shops and some cafes but that is all. If you blink you will drive past it! Belek is, however, close to a number of interesting sites and there are several exciting activities on offer for those who fancy some culture. The ruins of the Roman town of Perge is an interesting excursion, as is the well-preserved ancient amphitheatre at Aspendos; its acoustics have stood the test of time and it still plays host to the occasional concert. Jeep safaris into the mountains are another popular outing, as are boat trips, watersports, and visits to nearby Manavgat waterfalls and the thermal baths at Pamukkale.
There is a limited choice of restaurants in Belek as most guests eat in their hotels. The nearby city of Antalya, 22 miles (35km) away, offers many restaurants which serve up some of the best of local Turkish food. I would personally recommend Urcan Fish Restaurant - located above the old town overlooking the ocean and the Antalya coastline - it really is a cracking spot and has live music most evenings. `
The nightlife in Belek is largely limited to the large hotels, many of which have their own nightclubs, bars and entertainment. However a night out in Antalya is well worth a break in your 5* food fest - The 'Old Town' is a cracking spot with loads of bars and restaurants and regular boat trips touting for your business. Into the evening 2 nightclubs open up and the locals and tourists can party till the early hours. Well worth a visit to break up your week.
Here is my guide to Belek from East to West :-
Gloria Golf Resort and Gloria Serenity (Half Board) - are next door to each other and you will get better rates at Gloria Golf Club. 45 holes made up of Gloria Old (18), Gloria New (18) and Gloria Verde (9). Nobilis Golf Club is opposite the entrance and is a stunning golf course.
Papillon Ayscha (All Inclusive) - this is where I stayed and it is a truly great hotel. It has a private beach area and is very popular. Papillon Golf Club (Montgomerie course) which opens in September is only 5 mins away.
Cornelia Deluxe Resort (All Inclusive) - next door to Papillon Ayscha - is only 6 years old and really smart. Twined with Cornelia Golf Club (Faldo course) which has 27 magical holes. This was my favourite golf course.
Sueno Golf Hotel (Half Board) - Only hotel not on the beach but still only 400m away - regular daily shuttles. This however is a golfers hotel, pro shop is off reception and even the spa has got golf course views. Two golf courses on site The Pines and The Dunes and both of them are excellent. Offers unlimited golf in September and over xmas period.
Kempinski The Dome (Half Board) - stunning 5* property - head and shoulders above the others but you do pay for it most of the year however they do have a really good offer 05 Dec - 05 Feb as free golf is offered across the road at Antalya Golf Club (Sultan and Pasha). I played the Sultan and it was the best condition golf course I have ever played on.
Sirene Golf Hotel (All Inclusive) - same owners of Kempinski and Antalya Golf Club - totally different experience but again very popular with our clients. The free golf on offer at Antalya makes this a great choice of hotel.
Barcelo Tat Beach - (Half Board) - only recently taken over by Barcelo so probably one to watch. It is a little tired but it does have all the facilities/activities of all the other hotels. Tat International Golf Club is 500m away and has 27 holes. This is a very cheap option compared to the other courses and good for keeping the price down when packaging up lots of golf.
The nearest Airport is Antalya which is only 30 mins from Belek. The following arlines fly to Belek from the UK:-
BA, Turkish Airlines, Cyprus Airlines, First Choice and ThomasCook fly into Antalya from Manchester, Birmingham, Gatwick, Stansted and Glasgow.
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