Hillside Beach Club

Nestling amphitheatrically against wooded hillsides overlooking a private bay just across the headland from Fethiye, Hillside Beach Club is a wonderfully secluded, self-contained resort that succeeds in catering equally well to families with children and to couples and other adult travellers. Whilst we normally specialise in much smaller properties, we felt compelled to make an exception for the Hillside Beach Club, due to its magnificent setting, its extensive grounds, its impressive range of facilities and optional activities, and its enviable reputation, attracting a loyal clientele who return time and again, and earning the hotel several international awards over the years.

The resort covers an area of more than 100,000 square meters, with its 330 guestrooms spread out across several staggered blocks set amidst fragrant pine trees. The rooms themselves are spacious and comfortable, and designed in harmony with nature. Natural materials and soothing tones create a calm, contemporary feel whilst large windows make the most of the splendid views. Superior Rooms benefit from large terraces with sea views; of these, the Superior Double Rooms (Type A) are approximately 40 sqm and accommodate up to 3 people whilst Superior Family Rooms (Type B) are approx. 50 sqm and incorporate a smaller second bedroom, with a maximum occupancy of 4 adults or 2 adults plus 3 children up to 11 years. Park View Rooms (Type E) can also accommodate 3 people; these are around 35 sqm and have terraces with garden views. Club Double Rooms (Type C, approx. 30 sqm) have lateral or partial sea views but do not have balconies or terraces and there are also Club Rooms for single travellers (Type D, approx. 20 sqm), again without balconies. All rooms benefit from en-suite shower rooms with walk-in showers, centrally regulated air-conditioning, safety-deposit boxes, minibars (payable locally), TV, free WiFi, tea and coffee-making facilities and hairdryers.

Overlooking the beautiful bay of Kalemya, the resort's shoreline stretches for around 1 km and includes not one but four private beaches. The 200-metre main beach in the centre of the resort offers all the facilities that families could wish for including a range of watersports activities. It is backed by the large swimming pool (with a shallow children's section) and the building housing the main restaurant and other public rooms. Separated from the main beach by the hotel's private jetty is Pasha Beach with its own restaurant and bar, whilst for adults seeking peaceful relaxation there are two smaller adults-only beaches: a short walk along the seafront path takes you to Silent Beach in the north-east corner of the resort, whilst Serenity Beach at the western end can be reached by a stroll through the pine forest or by hopping onto the complimentary boat shuttle from the jetty.

Those who wish to intersperse their relaxation with some more active pursuits will be spoilt for choice at the Hillside. Activities that are offered free of charge include canoeing, paddle-boarding and windsurfing, yoga, pilates, zumba and dance lessons, waterpolo and water gymnastics, tennis, football, beach volleyball, table tennis, boccia, darts and archery. Payable activities include motorised watersports such as waterski or ringo rides, wakeboarding, fly-boarding, wake-surfing, sailing (catamaran and topper), diving, and any watersports tuition or tennis lessons. A small charge also applies to the hotel's art club where you can get creative and hone your skills in a variety of arts and crafts, and to the range of excursions arranged by the hotel, with a particular focus on exploring the nature and culture of the surrounding area. Naturally, all activities listed are subject to availability, sufficient demand and suitable weather conditions.

Younger holidaymakers are also highly unlikely to ever find themselves bored. The hotel's "Baby Park" for children up to three years has a playground, sandpit and splash pool. Children from 4 to 10 years can enjoy their own pool with four waterslides in the "Kidside" zone, together with a programme of activities laid on by the hotel's children's entertainers. In the "Young Club", 11 to 15 year olds can take part in all kinds of sports tournaments, take DJ classes or just play games or chill with their new friends in their own lounge area. Activities offered are subject to demand and may be more limited outside main school holiday periods.

With so many ways to get active, it is just as well that it's so easy to refuel and refresh yourself at the Hillside Beach Club. The hotel's "Full Board Plus" package includes extensive buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurant, where bottled water, soft drinks, house wine and draught beer are also included during lunch and dinner. There are several bars servicing the various beaches and other public areas so wherever you choose to spend your leisure time, you are never far from a cooling cocktail or a light snack. Subject to advance reservation and a small fee, with drinks payable separately, you also have the option to dine à la carte at the Beach Bar Restaurant (Italian cuisine) and Pasha on the Bay (Mediterranean cooking), the latter being adult-only for dinner. During the summer months, alfresco evening entertainment for all the family is hosted at the amphitheatre, whilst couples may prefer a quiet drink in the more secluded Abacco Bar, or perhaps dance to the DJ beats at Pasha Disco (three nights a week).

Those who enjoy a spot of pampering can make use of the hotel's two spa areas, where a comprehensive range of health, beauty and massage treatments are available for an extra charge. The Sanda Day Spa incorporates a sauna, whirlpool and traditional Turkish Bath, whilst the Sanda Nature Spa to the rear of Silent Beach offers seven treatment rooms in wonderfully relaxing natural surroundings.

To round off its range of facilities, the Hillside Beach Club also boasts a mini-market/boutique, a hair salon, a photo studio, a fitness centre and an ice cream stall, so its easy to see why so many guests never feel the need to drag themselves away from this idyllic resort. However, with the centre of Fethiye just 4 km away and reasonably priced taxis easily available, it would be a shame not to visit this bustling town with its picturesque harbour and atmospheric market district at least once or twice during your stay.

Please note that, due to the resort's hilly setting and sprawling layout, we do not consider it suitable to those with walking difficulties.