I desperately needed a vacation, and living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, I noticed that many locals would take a trip to Antalya, Turkey. This was on my radar so I contacted local travel agencies and found a great deal that included direct roundtrip flights from Bishkek to Antalya via Turkish Airlines and a five-night stay at a luxury all-inclusive resort. I was given a number of different resort options, all varying in price and star rating, but I made my decision to stay at Kaya Palazzo Golf Resort in Belek.
After reading online reviews, I noticed its stellar reputation and I can confidently say that it more than lived up to my expectations. From the moment I arrived to the day I reluctantly checked out, my experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
Arrival and First Impressions
Since I booked a package through a local travel agency, transportation was provided from the Fraport TAV Antalya Airport to the Kaya Palazzo Golf Resort Belek. Upon arrival, I was impressed with the sheer size of the resort and its opulent design and soothing atmosphere. I've only been at one resort previously in Varadero, Cuba, but this was much more elevated. I arrived before check-in time but I was able to check in, drop off my luggage, and meet a designated staff member who was genuinely kind. She set up a 1:1 WhatsApp chat with me and every morning, would message us with the activities that were available at the resort. If we had any questions, she would be our designated point of contact. Since we arrived before check-in time and our room wasn't ready yet, we were able to get access to the buffet to enjoy lunch and walk around the resort.
Room: Suite with a Sea View
Once my room was ready, I was escorted and the sea view was breathtaking. Spacious, modern, and beautifully decorated, the room featured a view of the ocean. Welcome fruits and desserts were sitting on my table, and the plush large double bed made it hard to ever leave the room. I was working remotely at this time so I was happy to see a large sofa with a table on which I could take video calls.
To see additional photos of my room, check out the listing on Booking.com here.
The bathroom was another highlight, with a marble finish, rainfall shower, and a soaking tub perfect for unwinding after a long day by the beach or pool. Every amenity you could think of was available, from bathrobes to toiletries.
Dining Experience
At Kaya Palazzo, there are several restaurants offering a variety of cuisines from seafood, Japanese, and steakhouses, there was never a shortage of options. I personally only ate at the main buffet, and every night there was a different theme such as seafood, grilled meats, etc. Every meal was fresh, diverse, and meticulously presented. I was worried that I'd get tired of eating 15 meals at the buffet but there was an endless number of options from Turkish specialties, Mediterranean flavors, or international dishes. Special shoutout to the booth that offered freshly baked pide and a variety of fresh fruits.
If you are outside, there are plenty of restaurants at cafes that are part of the resort that offer different meals throughout the entire day. From burgers, and pizza, to desserts, each day the food was what I looked forward to the most.
I only found out on the last day of being at the resort, is that there is a lady near the water rides who makes fresh gozleme. It is a Turkish flatbread that has various toppings to put inside. I placed spinach and cheese, and this came piping hot. This was absolutely delicious and I wish I found out about it earlier before.
Activities and Entertainment: Something for Everyone
Whether you're a golfer or not, the resort offers activities to suit all tastes. My main goal for this vacation was to relax and recharge, so I took full advantage of the beach and multiple swimming pools. The beach was pristine, with soft but hot golden sand, and warm waters. The beachside service was impeccable and I spent my afternoons sipping cocktails while reading by the water. I never had trouble finding a beach chair.
For the more active guests, Kaya Palazzo's golf course is a major attraction. I can imagine my parents coming here and loving it since they are golf enthusiasts. There were daily activities across the resort such as beach volleyball, and aerobics, and I highly recommend attending these events. There is a gym and I used it every day. The resort also has a Hammamm spa that everyone can use but also an excellent spa.
In the evenings, the resort provided a variety of entertainment options from live music to shows. The ambiance throughout was vibrant without being overly busy, making it easy to enjoy a drink at the bar or immerse myself in the entertainment.
If you're looking to leave the resort, these are extremely popular attractions that people visit:
As I packed my bags at the end of my stay, I reflected on how quickly the five nights had flown by. Kaya Palazzo Golf Resort in Belek is more than just a luxurious escape, it's a place where attention to detail, high standards of service, and a warm atmosphere come together to create a perfect holiday experience.
If you're considering a trip to Antalya, I can't recommend Kaya Palazzo enough. My September stay was unforgettable and I can't wait to visit with my family!
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