Turkey’s Riviera: Sun-Soaked Beaches, Coastal Towns and Luxury Golf Resorts

Turkey’s southern coastline has long been known for its stunning sandy beaches, turquoise waters and ancient ruins, with the province of Antalya being a stunning slice of it. The landscape flits between pine-covered hills and long stretches of shoreline, with golf courses cutting through the forests and offering breathtaking views of the sea.

It’s along this stretch of coast, just east of the city of Antalya, that Cullinan Belek sits between the Mediterranean and a network of fairways, making it one of the most impressive golf resorts in the country.

A prime spot on Turkey’s golf coast

The resort town of Belek has rightfully earned its reputation as Turkey’s top golf spot, with courses meandering through thick pine forests just moments from the sea, and fairways winding between the trees, with glimpses of the Taurus Mountains in the distance.

Just a 30-minute drive from Antalya Airport, the five-star Cullinan Belek resort occupies a good portion of the seafront. Immaculate gardens lead down towards the beach, with pools, restaurants and terraces generously spread across the property.

The on-site Cullinan Links Golf Club stretches between the sea and the Beşgöz River, making it the only course in Turkey bordered by water on two sides. The 36 holes are scattered through dunes and pine trees, offering scenic views of both the Mediterranean and the jagged Taurus Mountains rising inland.

For golfers, it means the first tee is only a few steps from the hotel, but even if you’re not playing, the surrounding greenery – which shapes much of the landscape around the resort, with sea views pretty much the entire time – is there to be enjoyed.

Rooms and suites with scenic views

The accommodation at Cullinan Belek oozes luxury. Ranging from hotel suites to larger villas tucked in among the gardens, they all come with calm, coastal-inspired interiors. Think pale woods and soft neutral tones, plus views of the Mediterranean, the golf course or the lush greenery of the gardens.

Some rooms open onto lagoon-style pools that snake between the buildings, so guests can slink straight into the water from their terrace. Elsewhere, private villas come with their very own pools and sun decks – allowing for a little extra privacy.

Dining across the resort

Food is a big part of any stay at Cullinan Belek, and you’ll find restaurants dotted all around the resort to suit every palate. The main restaurant, Mare, lays out buffet spreads piled high with everything from traditional Turkish dishes to global favourites, ideal for groups with differing tastes. Over by the beach, smaller spots serve freshly caught grilled fish, salads, and lunch between swims.

Come evening, it’s all about the à la carte restaurants. Pascarella pays homage to Italian comfort food, serving plates of pasta doused in rich sauces, Hasir is more traditiona and plates up Turkish dishes inspired by age-old Ottoman recipes, while at Nori, chefs cook Asian dishes on a teppanyaki grill right in front of you. At Beef Grill Club, the resort’s signature steak house, you can enjoy stunning views and dining al fresco.

Those who love seafood have to try Yamas, where the menu features fish caught just metres from the water’s edge. Once dinner has wrapped up, the resort’s bars and terraces keep things lively, serving cocktails, wines and an array of other drinks well into the night.

Spa, sports and family spaces

At the heart of the resort is a gorgeous 800-metre private sandy beach, where loungers and cabanas have a front-row seat to the crystal-clear Med. Away from the sea, the resort is brimming with things to do. There’s over ten swimming pools, an aquapark with thirteen slides and the Upupa Kids Club, plus water sports, tennis courts and games rooms with a bowling alley and arcade.

In between splashing around and sunbathing, the resort’s C’espace Spa has your back for a little R&R. The huge space encompasses indoor and outdoor pools with panoramic views, Turkish baths, private suites and treatment rooms overlooking the ocean. Treatments range from traditional hammam rituals to sumptuous massages and facials.

Days out around Antalya

If you can tear yourself away from the Cullinan Belek oasis, the nearby towns are well worth exploring. Start at Kaleiçi, an old town that’s a mishmash of cobbled lanes, restored Ottoman houses and courtyards that lead down to the yacht-filled Antalya Old Harbour. Head inland to Aspendos, where the Roman theatre remains one of the best-preserved in the world, while nearby Perge is a mosaic of ancient streets and columns slowly being reclaimed by the landscape.

Out on the water, boat trips are a great way to see the impressive coastline from a different perspective. You’ll glide past rocky coves and bays, while the hazy Taurus Mountains in the distance make for a picture-perfect backdrop.

For something a little different, the Mount Tahtalı Cable Car whisks visitors more than 2,000 metres above the coast, offering dreamy views of the Mediterranean, with dense pine forests and the rugged peaks of the mountains beyond.

To find out more, and plan your Turkish getaway, visit Cullinan Belek