Cullinan Belek review: feel fully rejuvenated at this ultra all-inclusive in Turkey
Sparkling luxury resort has ten restaurants, an aquapark, golf and waiting staff on rollerblades
Named after the largest rough diamond ever discovered, the Cullinan Belek on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast certainly sparkles. An easy hour’s transfer from Antalya airport, the resort is nestled between a white sand beach, a river and the imposing Taurus mountains.
Post pandemic, we were after a fly-and-flop holiday where we could be pampered like sultans. Could this newly-opened resort fit the bill?
The rooms
The hotel has an impressive 600 rooms, all with a view of the sea. If you want to push the boat out, go for one of the ten luxury villas. We looked on enviously at the swim-up rooms, where guests can roll out of bed and straight into the water for the first dip of the day.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Our tastefully designed family room was more like a mini-suite with two sofa beds in the living area and a king size double in our room. Robes, slippers, beach bags and high-end toiletries come as standard, and my eyes nearly popped out of my head on realising the mini-bar was both fully stocked and fully inclusive. Sadly no bath, but the power shower worked its magic on the day’s sand and sun cream.
Remember the days when you had to phone reception if the telly wasn’t working or you needed milk? Not here. Every guest joins a WhatsApp group, with a personal assistant on hand 24/7.
Eating and drinking
The Cullinan Belek is part of the growing trend in Turkey of “ultra all-inclusive”. Apart from a small surcharge at some of the a la carte restaurants, everything is included – meals, drinks and snacks.
Among the site’s ten restaurants is Greek seafood spot Yamas. The service was as spectacular as the cuisine. When the mozzies came out so did a waiter to spray our ankles with insect repellent. And as the Greek music got louder and faster another waiter brought some empty dishes. The children were delighted to realise that traditional plate smashing was also on the menu.
The size of my steak at the Beef Grill Club was initially a bit daunting, but bravely I pushed on through. Much of the food is sourced locally and when chatting to staff I learned the hotel group has a long history of running high-end restaurants, and it shows.
At Mare, the main buffet restaurant, the scale and choice was mind-blowing. My fear with all-inclusive is that the children – and even a few adults – will pile their plate high and much of it will be wasted. At the Cullinan though, dishes are served by staff behind the counter. It means portions are sensible, presentation is great and waste is kept to a minimum.
Fancy an ice cream or drink by the pool? Waiting staff on rollerblades – yes you read that right – whizz up and down taking orders.
Things to do
I would recommend spending time at the pool – not just one, there are actually 13. Our favourite was the huge L-shaped pool, surrounded by crisp white sunbeds and umbrellas. For the more adventurous there is a waterpark with more than a dozen slides. An adults-only pool would be a nice addition, especially for honeymooners.
The hotel’s own sandy white beach is a short stroll away. Two piers lazily stretch out into the sea where you can rent private cabañas. All come with steps leading into the water, daybeds and a minibar. I’m guessing the rollerblading waiters can’t get across the sand…
The resort is also a golfer’s dream with a beautiful links course, nine of the holes floodlit. The lush green melts into the blue of the sky in such a tempting way even I – as a non golfer – was tempted to give it a go. My son and I had an hour’s tuition from the super enthusiastic head of the golf academy.
The verdict
You might not meet many Brits round the pool – the resort is popular with Turkish and Russian visitors. However, with a kids’ club, huge gym, the C’espace spa, water sports and evening entertainment you may find there’s little time left for making new friends. The welcome and facilities are exceptional. We left feeling fully rejuvenated.
Rooms can be booked from £347 per night; cullinanhotels.com
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Langdale Chase Hotel: a cosy nook in the Lake District
The Week Recommends This Victorian villa has breathtaking views and expansive gardens
By Natasha Langan Published
-
Ramdane Touhami's Hotel Drei Berge
The Blend A passion project in the Swiss mountains sees creative visionary Ramdane Touhami achieving new heights
By Delilah Khomo Published
-
Timeless hotels for old-school elegance
The Blend From Jamaica to Rome, we check into incredibly atmospheric landmarks
By Delilah Khomo Published
-
Hoteliers who host
The Blend Sublime design gets personal at these luxury properties with personality
By Delilah Khomo Published
-
5 best hotels for quiet travel
The Week Recommends Have a discreet retreat
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
A peaceful seaside village in Turkey
The Week Recommends Çıralı has been spared the 'scourge' of all-inclusive resort development
By The Week UK Published
-
Engel Ayurpura: a boutique Ayurveda retreat in the Dolomites
The Week Recommends The tranquil Italian hideaway offers an array of specially tailored wellness programmes
By Ann Lee Published
-
Yazz Collective hotel review: beachside bliss on the Turquoise Coast
The Week Recommends Switch off from everyday stress in this exclusive beach resort, accessible only by boat, on Turkey's southwestern coast
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published