Latest news with #Belek
Telegraph
6 days ago
- Telegraph
Why Antalya offers a world-class sunshine getaway
The dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture that Türkiye (Turkey) is loved for meld with a raft of sublime beaches and stunning nature in Antalya, a province that attracts an array of in-the-know holidaymakers to the country's southwestern shores. Known by many as the Turquoise Coast, this destination has everything you need from a sunshine holiday: heart-stealing sandy beaches, boat trips that lead you to undiscovered coves and scenic treks that take in pristine nature, caves and waterfalls. Thanks to Antalya's long hours of sunshine, it's a prime spot for golfers too, with Belek now recognised as Türkiye's leading golf resort. At the heart of all this is Antalya's namesake city whose beautiful Old Town of Kaleiçi, with its ancient harbour, is a delight to explore. It's here, among the souvenir shops and lively cafes you might stumble upon a traditional Turkish restaurant, known here as a meyhane, its tables spilling out onto atmospheric cobbled streets. If you're keen to explore Antalya, book your trip with British Airways Holidays and benefit from regular direct British Airways flights, a range of hotel options and a generous baggage allowance. You'll also receive Atol protection from the moment you book, and can secure your holiday with a low deposit and flexible payment options*. All British Airways Holidays customers have access to a 24/7 holiday helpline, giving you the peace of mind to relax and enjoy your holiday. Things to do in Antalya Antalya's natural beauty is one of its finest attributes and exploring some of its 200-plus Blue Flag Beaches is a must. Coastal spots like Kemer and Beldibi treat you to long, clean arcs of sand and gently shelving waters. You'll find an array of watersports options across the region's beaches too, with the precipitous Taurus Mountains providing a captivating backdrop. Across these summits, plunging valleys and a network of ancient footpaths are bound to unlock your adventurous spirit. Its Köprülü Canyon is a spectacular place to enjoy river rafting and kayaking while The Lycian Way – a 540km-long walking route from Ölüdeniz in Muğla, famous for its lagoon, to Antalya's village of Geyikbayırı – unearths pine-clad scenery, cedar forests and ancient Lycian ruins. One section takes you to the irresistibly pretty Kaş, one of Türkiye's top diving destinations, while other spots, like Olympos and Phaselis, feature remarkable ancient ruins. The archaeological site of Patara is particularly impressive with its ruined bathhouses, temples, Roman city gate and theatre. And if you're keen to combine these historical sites with idyllic islands, you can, via a relaxing boat trip from Antalya's harbour. History aside, you'll find an array of stellar golf courses dotted along Antalya's coast, especially if you head towards Belek, Türkiye's premier golf resort, just 20 minutes from Antalya city. Belek is home to 11 different golf clubs. Within these clubs, you'll find a total of 17 different tailor-made, 18-hole championship courses, designed to meet international standards and catering to both professional and amateur players. Fifteen of the golf courses here meet PGA standards, with many greens having been designed by champion golfers, their coastal settings completing the slick and scenic experience. And while other golfing destinations might close at sunset, Belek plays home to Europe's first fully lighted golf course, which means you can perfect your swing long into the evening. With extra-long driving ranges, PGA professional-led training academies and luxury hotels to boot, golfing holidays in Belek are hard to beat. When you've worked up an appetite with the region's myriad active pursuits, Antalya offers a profusion of authentic Turkish flavours for you to enjoy. The seafood here, for a start, offers a lesson in tide-to-table freshness, with regional favourites such as grilled octopus, red mullet and stuffed mussels (midye dolma) gracing the menus. Local specialities like citrus jams and Antalya piyaz – a bean-based salad dressed with tahini – are a must-try too. The bustling Antalya Bazaar is a great place to pick up a wide selection of local preserves.
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Real Madrid star spotted playing padel on holiday at luxurious Cullinan Belek resort in Turkey
A Real Madrid star has been spotted playing padel while on holiday at a luxurious resort in Turkey. The player in question joined Los Blancos from Fenerbahce in 2023 having come through the Super Lig side's academy and made 32 league appearances before a move to LaLiga. He is viewed as one of the hottest young prospects in world football at the age of 20 and is tipped for greatness. That individual is none other than Arda Guler, who was seen enjoying a game of padel at the Cullinan Belek resort, 25 miles east of Antalya. He enjoyed a well-deserved break at this distinguished destination, which is popular with a number of high-profile athletes. The Turkish star also took an interest in one of the world's fastest-growing sports in padel, which has been popular in Spain particularly for a number of years but is now becoming more commonplace across the globe. Arda Guler has been spotted playing padel at the Cullinan Belek resort in Turkey Maintaining his fitness even while on holiday, Guler put his lungs to the test on Cullinan Belek's professional padel courts. Combining luxury with dynamism, Cullinan Belek continues to offer a unique atmosphere to its clientele. That provides the opportunity for both rest and relaxation while allowing top-tier athletes and guests the chance to stay active throughout their stay. Having competed at the Club World Cup, Real Madrid will return to domestic action on August 19. Their first match of the 2025-26 season sees them host Osasuna as they look to regain the LaLiga title from fierce rivals Barcelona.
Al Jazeera
16-06-2025
- Al Jazeera
Turkiye for all tastes
With its captivating history, wealth of natural beauty, and year-round appeal, Türkiye is the ultimate travel destination. Discover an enchanting country offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences to suit every type of traveler. Traveling with family is about creating moments everyone - from toddlers to grandparents - will treasure. Whether you're planning an intimate getaway or a multigenerational adventure, Türkiye has something for the entire family. İstanbul is the perfect place to have a family adventure in Türkiye, before heading south for a beach vacation or an outdoor escape. This city, where history and entertainment go hand-in-hand, is ideal for people of all ages. For family fun, visit Miniatürk, a miniature park showcasing the country's main landmarks. Alternatively, explore interactive and educational experiences offered by the city's prominent cultural spaces like İstanbul Modern, AKM (Atatürk Cultural Center) and Rahmi M. Koç Museum. After a few days of exploration, you'll be ready to exchange the city's energy for the soft sands and azure waters of the south - or set off on an adventure of your a stress-free vacation, nothing beats an all-inclusive resort. Head to Antalya, the crown jewel of the Turkish Riviera, where miles of pristine beaches and luxurious accommodations await. Whether you're splashing in the waves, lounging by the pool, or perfecting your swing at Belek's world-class championship golf courses, there's an activity for one and with nature and each other while enjoying a digital detox by camping along Türkiye's breathtaking coastline. Here, your days can be spent sea kayaking, paddleboarding, or introducing your kids to the joy of catching their first fish, all capped off by evenings around the campfire. In addition to traditional campsites with basic amenities, Türkiye boasts several coastal spots offering a full range of glamping facilities, including canvas tents, geodesic domes and capsules, quaint cabins, and towering tree houses. Such an array can be found in diverse destinations like Akyaka, Bördübet, Bozburun, and Çıralı.
Telegraph
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
I took my children to the new ‘Turkish Disney' – it may be the highlight of their year
I can't say I've ever felt compelled to hurl tomatoes through a basketball hoop. Nor have I ever been tasked with smashing suspended dinner plates with burger patties, propelling them one by one, frisbee style. Yet during recent school holidays, I found myself doing exactly this, with a surprising level of determination. These unlikely scenarios were among the missions I encountered on SpongeBob's Crazy Carnival Ride at the new Nickelodeon Land in Turkey. While I wasn't hurtling vegetables around per se; I, my husband and our two children were using these ingredients on a series of screens, frantically trying to reach the high score from a moving carriage. While you could relive this zany ride in Vegas, it is Europe's first. As for Nickelodeon theme parks, you'll find two others on the Continent – in Spain and Germany – plus one on British soil, at Blackpool's Pleasure Beach. But the neon-lit underwater city of Bikini Bottom, here, near the coastal resort of Belek, is like nowhere else. To a bouncy bluegrass banjo soundtrack, we soared on swings beneath a giant pink jellyfish, squealed on the forbidding Flying Dutchman's Ghost Ship and got yo-yoed on the submarine-like Snailways Express. To temper the adrenaline, we took a sedate flight on Sandy's Rockets, marvelling at starfish-dotted rocks and 'flower clouds' around us. There are 15 rides and attractions across Nickelodeon Land. Neighbouring Bikini Bottom is the open-air PAW Patrol: Adventure Bay, where speakers blasted out classic tunes from the popular kids' TV series. Our eyes were drawn skywards to a PAW Patrol lookout tower whose pup-themed parachutes, we were told, were off-limits owing to high winds. But a flight on Skye's Flyers (which flew us round in a model of the namesake cockapoo's pink and grey helicopter) softened the blow before a circuit on Rubble & Crew (a spinning ground-level ride on which we were jerkily flung at high speed in mock construction vehicles that the cartoon's loveable English bulldog would typically drive) and a miniature racetrack drive. Keen on ticking off each attraction, I cajoled my brood towards the VR expedition of the Star Trek ™ Wild Galaxy. Eerily empty, save for the Galactic creatures encased in a 'Biodome', this low-lit capsule seemed to have the desired effect: 'We shouldn't be in here,' my six-year-old stuttered. After some gentle reassurance, we continued and a human eventually appeared, presenting us with 3D glasses to wear in the Space Shuttle theatre. Alongside a narration from Dal and Gwyn of the Star Trek ™: Prodigy spin-off series, blasts of water, sulphur-smelling air and a juddering simulator made us seemingly speed past unearthly creatures, tumbling rocks and treacherous lava fields. 'This place is epic,' the kids announced when we were back on planet Earth. I was starting to agree. I'd previously steered away from theme parks owing to my fear of heights – and I guess, pre-conceived notions of being in a queue-heavy 'fantasy bubble'. In the lead-up to our visit, I found myself downplaying our plans among fellow parents. 'The kids will love it, even if I don't,' I'd remarked. As it turns out, visiting outside of high season, around six weeks after opening, allayed my fear of tedious queues (€19pp Fast Track passes are available). Nick Land is part of the existing Land of Legends – which comprises four more attraction-filled zones – meaning we could dip into circus shows at Masha and the Bear Land of Laughter and enjoy a soaking on Adventure Land's Watermania boats. We followed foliage-lined paths to the Wave Shock Pool, whose faux beach setting and wave machine kept the others busy while I briefly basked in the sun. The five-star Rixos-owned Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya, which debuted with Nick Land, was our abode while at the park. Packed with Nickelodeon design features – from slime drips to life-size Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle models – and with free pick 'n' mix in the lobby, it was the stuff of kids' dreams. Staying here also gives guests unlimited park access, which usually costs from €40 per adult / €32 per child, per day. Our bright and spacious PAW Patrol Junior Suite (there are also various Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and SpongeBob-themed options), came with park views that we never tired of. And the hotel's SpongeBob-themed Le Spatula restaurant – with its wide-ranging buffet and Nick character-topped desserts – meant we could watch juggling chefs and the park's Typhoon Coaster through the windows. Thanks to the hotel's 'full board-plus' offering and handy location, we could swerve the park kiosks' £7 coffee, zipping back to the lobby bar for take-away drinks within minutes. As well as an on-site splash park and pool, the children could enjoy Club Nick's drop-off craft sessions and evening discos. Post-dinner, my husband and I headed off to the adjacent open-air Shopping Avenue, taking in its twinkly lights, gondolas (£25pp) and fountain shows. Stay up late enough (we didn't) to catch its musical boat parades and Wonder of Legends Laser Show, performed in front of a glowing model château (free for hotel guests). Nearby is another strong accommodation choice, the palatial Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel. This all-inclusive property has a colonnaded facade that wouldn't look out of place in ancient Rome. Inside, its 380 rooms come with games consoles and cartoon murals of Roman-like soldiers while dance machines, air hockey and a kids' bar serving drinks and treats complete the family-friendly picture. As we neared the end of our trip, it became apparent that our five- and six-year-old were at a sweet-spot age for Nickelodeon Land. They happily skipped past the 100cm minimum height restrictions, and the rides were scary enough to make them squeal, yet not so terrifying as to put them off theme parks forever. My six-year-old even built up the confidence to conquer the Fiery Fist of Fun and Plankton's Plunge, Bikini Bottom's most daring rides. High-fiving their favourite sea sponge by his underwater pineapple home, during a character meet-and-greet, may well be their highlight of 2025.
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
World-class entertainment on the Turkish Riviera
From concerts by global artists to two premier golf courses, an on-site waterpark and a sweep of top sports facilities, Regnum Carya offers seriously impressive credentials from its spot in the resort town of Belek, Antalya. This year, Regnum The Crown will open close by, adding extra-plush suites and villas, alongside adults-only zones for added privacy. Here's all you need to know about these two Antalya hotspots. Global stars and championship golf Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Jason Derulo, Tom Odell, Jennifer Lopez and Tom Jones are just a few of the stars to have performed on Regnum Carya's stage in the past – and its concerts are free of charge for all hotel guests. It's not the only perk of staying here; if you're staying at least three nights, you'll also get unlimited complimentary access and a free shuttle service to The Land of Legends, a sprawling theme park and water park a five-minute drive away. The resort also offers its own private white-sand beach, kids' and teens' clubs, a children's adventure park, a fitness centre offering Technogym equipment and complimentary Les Mills sessions, plus a huge spa. A brand-new on-site Aquapark has waterslides, a lazy river and a 1,500 sq m wave pool. It also lays claim to two 18-hole golf courses, including the Carya Golf Club – home to the first fully floodlit course in Europe and host to numerous international tournaments. Tennis, padel courts and two Fifa-standard football pitches add further sporting clout. It's all just as impressive on the culinary side, with more than 30 dining venues – from locally inspired Turkish to Thai, Japanese, Brazilian and plenty beyond, plus access to the bohemian elegance of Alia Beach Club, featuring a Mediterranean fusion menu, live music and private cabanas. For accommodation, you'll find 553 rooms and suites and a collection of 20 spacious villas with their own private pools. The pièce de resistance is the Crown Villa, which sleeps up to 14 and has a handful of indoor and outdoor pools, its own spa and gym, a swim-up bar, cinema lounge and more. Wherever you stay here, you can't really go wrong – this place knows how to dazzle. Next-level luxury Scheduled to open its doors this June, Regnum The Crown is set to bring more amenities to the area at a stone's throw from its sibling. Guests will get full access to Regnum Carya, while benefiting from an adults-only rooftop that will feature an infinity pool, restaurant, bar and fitness studio with sweeping sea views. Evening entertainment promises further appeal for couples and groups – but families won't be neglected, thanks to kids' and teens' clubs, outdoor play areas and baby-care services, alongside all the family-friendly perks of nearby Carya. You can expect swish touches across its 343 suites and 15 villas, from Bvlgari products to daily restocked mini-bars – guests in the Amber Lagoon Villas, Crown Horizon Suites and Crown Signature Suites will also get extra bonuses like butler service and private in-room check-in (anyone lavish enough to book the last will even get their own chauffeur and return airport helicopter transfer). But if you don't have your own private pool, fear not – you'll have a grand total of eight to choose from, including a Caribbean-style seawater spot with a vibrant tropical bar. The new resort will also have its own 4,500 sq m wellness centre with a Turkish bath, sauna, salt room, ice fountain and more, plus five fine-dining restaurants, several beachside eateries and a handful of casual culinary spots. And you'll find plenty of nearby attractions to explore, too, from the ancient city of Side to Antalya's atmospheric old town. If there's one challenge at Regnum, it's fitting it all in; you certainly won't be stuck for things to do across this lively duo. British Airways Holidays packages include a generous checked baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your all-inclusive holiday to Regnum Carya and Regnum The Crown with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*.
