Hillside Beach Club, Turkey: An A-Z review of this luxe family resort
If Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye, Turkey is on your holiday wish-list then maybe our A-Z of why we think this may just be the most perfect luxury family resort will convince you to book up NOW...
Hillside Beach Club is often described as "heaven on earth" by guests and that really isn't hard to understand if you have visited this jewel of a hotel in Fethiye, Turkey. For those who haven't been, are thinking of going or are simply intrigued at what this luxury 5-star family resort in the spectacular Kalemya Bay has to offer, then our indispensable A-Z of Hillside Beach Club is not to be missed.
With its own blue flagged beaches, exclusive and remote location with no neighbouring properties, this resort runs like a small holiday town across its 24 acres. With impeccable food, top-notch facilities and rooms and friendly, genuinely sincere staff who are all committed to high-quality service, Hillside Beach Club really is the ultimate 5-star family holiday resort that has something for everyone. And, it's the sort of place you want to tell all your friends about and then again - not, because you want to keep this secret hideaway all to yourself. But perhaps it's too late for that, as they did scoop a Junior Design Awards for Best Family Hotel this year.
The JUNIOR A-Z of Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye, Turkey
A is for Atmosphere
Hillside Beach Club is the perfect choice for families who want to indulge in the holiday of a lifetime. Picture this: relaxing hammocks and sun loungers lining the Kalemya Cove in Turkey, surrounded by fragrant pine forests and azure seas. There's a quiet zone and an adults only beach and spa, three fantastic on-site restaurants, a huge pool, a host of activities for kids and so much more.
You cannot help but be drawn into the welcoming, friendly and relaxed atmosphere of this resort with its “feeling good” ethos enveloping you from the moment you arrive. It fact, you may never want to leave!
B is for Beaches
There are 3 private beaches at Hillside. The Main Beach is the longest of the three and is a stone's throw from the main pool. The pebbly beach is home to the resort’s state-of-the-art Water Sports Centre that offers lessons and classes for all abilities, from wake boarding, canoeing to sailing (fees apply for some activities). The sun loungers are lined up under wicker parasols with handy 'buzzers' to order refreshments directly to your bed. The main beach is for families and fun.
More like this
For those seeking more peace and tranquillity, Serenity Beach and Silent Beach are 2 adult only beaches. Serenity is a 650 walking trail or a five-minute boat trip away (half hourly boats depart and return daily from 10am) where you can sink into a hammock, take a book or just catch up on some sleep. With its own Verity Beach bar you will feel like you are on your own private island. Just don't forget to collect the kids from kids club on your return! The Silent beach is for those who might be having trouble switching off. Maybe you've been glued to technology (us, never!), been working to the max or just want to find some inner peace. This beach is just a short stroll away through cooled paths and pine trees and right neighbouring the Sanda Nature SPA (more details below).
GOOD TO KNOW: The water is crystal clear and perfect for small children but as the beach is quite pebbly small children may find beach sandals more comfortable.
C is for Clubcard
Upon arrival you will be given your 'Clubcard' this is your room/key/charge card that is essentially your passport to all that is on offer at Hillside. Use it to access your room, to turn on your electricity when in the room and and most importantly as a credit card to use around the resort, in the shops and restaurants (you pay your bill upon check-out). The Hillside Clubcard means you never have to carry any money and worry about finding change for those poolside snacks, as well as being your general identification when within the resort when entering the restaurant and such.
D is for Download (the Hillside App)
One thing we recommend you do the minute you have landed in your room (besides take those all important photographs of the view) is to download the Hillside App. This will be your lifeline throughout your whole stay. Not only can you view 'Hillside Daily' a newsletter of events, fitness times and general resort news, view all the activities (and add any you are interested in to your list) and make appointments of the spa and water sports. You can use your Clubcard electronically via the app - and best of all - you can order hot and cold drinks, snacks and even mobile phone chargers.
What's more, while at Hillside you have access to Press Reader which allows you to read hundreds of digital magazines and newspapers from over 100 countries. So no need to lug any magazines to the pool. Only available while at Hillside - using you Clubcard as verification - you can download from the Apple App store and Google Play.
E is for Entertainment
A great thing abut Hillside is that you can do as much or as little as you like, meaning the whole family can do things they enjoy. From daily fitness classes in the pool and on the beach, to more energetic volleyball and waterpolo games. Morning yoga for early risers, darts, bingo and bocci for some afternoon fun and late night beach parties, club nights and movies on the beach for the night owls. Each night the Hillside entertainment team put on an evening show in the amphitheatre - anything from dancing, singing, quizzes and even a childre's cabaret (this encourages all the younger guest to get involved). The entertainment crew are top notch and you will get a chance to meet them as they visit you around the pool to clean your sunglasses, offer a cool flannel and encourage you to participate in some light activities.
There is plenty on offer for children too - see K for Kids Clubs below.
GOOD TO KNOW: Although you don't have to book for any of the fitness and sports activities (apart from the Spinning class) - its worth turning up a few minutes early to secure a place.
F is for Food
We can't discuss Hillside without mentioning the food. As an all-inclusive resort the food is as much a part of the holiday as the sun, sea and sand. With 3 on-site restaurants to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice daily as the freshly prepared food has to be seen to be believed. Freshly cooked fish - you've got it. Carvery joints and grilled meats - its all there. Fresh vegetables and salads that will make even a non leaf eater rejoice and more bread choices than you will have room for - yep, you've got it.
The Main Restaurant is a food-court style buffet, which is perfect for families as you can arrive, grab a table and eat whenever you wish with no reservations. There is also an adults only section for those who want to get away from flying food! as well as a healthy eating and gluten free section. The eye-popping breakfast buffet is served here from 7.30am-10am and includes freshly made eggs, pancakes, fruits, breads and more. Lunch is served between 12.45-14.30 and dinner from 7 to 9.45 pm. Guests are encouraged to wear smarter clothing in the evening. Your meals include bottled water (which is brilliantly placed on your table before you seat), house wines, beers and soft drinks.
The separate Baby Chef Buffet offers freshly prepared and blended vegetables that staff will steam and puree for you with no added oils and salts. Here you will find bibs, cups and melamine dinner-ware for younger guests (with cute compartmented plates for those fussy toddlers.) Highchairs are also readily available.
Pasha on the Bay Restaurant is ideal for late diners and great beach views. For adults and children over 12 years, dinners are from 7.30-11pm. It's worth noting that Pasha serves a lighter breakfast for late risers or those after a little less hustle and bustle of the main restaurant (Pasha is a smaller more intimate restaurant) from 10am until noon. You can take babies and children at breakfast time also. The al-fresco Beach Bar Restaurant is open for lunch (13.30-15.30) and dinner (8 -11pm) and is in a more romantic setting on the beach surrounded by palm trees. The cuisine is Italian and served by candlelight.
GOOD TO KNOW: Both Pasha and The Beach Bar restaurants require reservations in the evening and all beverages are charged outside of your all-inclusive rate. Throughout the day there are also plenty of 'snack' opportunities, if you have room! Freshly sliced fruit is served from noon until 12.45 (when the restaurant opens), tea and cakes are served daily at various locations between 16.30-17.15 and hamburgers from midnight until 4am for party goers and midnight feasts (for an extra charge).
G is for 'Green'
This totally unique holiday resort has the luxury of being nestled amongst pine trees, in the most stunning natural surroundings with beautiful ocean views . Hillside prides itself on its environmentally friendly credentials. Using energy efficient and sustainable resources throughout the resort, Hillside Beach Club has achieved Travelife Gold certification for sustainability. Encouraging a general ambiance of wellness, mindfulness and as part of it's commitment to the environment, Hillside also plants one tree nearby on behalf of every guest (they have planted over 127.350 trees in 17 years for its guests to date.)
H is for Help!
Dotted around the resort are a number of telephones that can be used for information, advice and in case of emergency. The only number you need is 1000. This number connects you to the guest relations team who will provide assistance to ensure you have an enjoyable holiday. There is also an on-site Doctor and nurse (9-7pm) and 24/7 medical care and ambulance service (extra charges apply).
I is for In-Room
All of Hillside Beach Club’s 330 rooms are organised in separate blocks all across the resort - be warned there are lots of steps with rooms on the higher levels reached by a short funicular ride. The Tuscan-style units have terracotta roofs and are draped in bougainvillea and are literally chiselled into the hills. With rooms designed in harmony with the natural surroundings the decor is contemporary, unfussy and fresh. Kingsize beds, simple wood furnishings (such as built-in nightstands and desks with ottomans on wheels), walk-in wardrobes and terraces enjoying a magnificent sea or bay view - they each accommodate one to four people (family rooms with two separate bedrooms plus, a light and airy living room, can sleep up t0 5-6 adults/children).
Bathrooms (with separate toilet, sink area and shower cubicles) are accessed off the terrace rather than en suite - and come fully loaded with everything you need from shower gels, body scrubs, wash cloths, hair accessories and more. The rooms include free WiFi, and come with a mini-bar, flat screen TV, air-con, coffee & tea making facilities, electronic safety deposit box and a large supply of fluffy towels. The rooms provide a truly heavenly base and you will find it hard to pull yourself away from your comfy furnished balcony.
GOOD TO KNOW: Baby cots are also available on request and children sharing a family room will have a camp-style bed made up. You will also find a hair dryer, travel plug, and mosquito plug in each room. Hillside have thought of everything - a notepad by the phone, a bookmark for your holiday reads, a pillow menu and even black out curtains to ensure a restful night's sleep is had by all.
J is for Join In!
At Hillside you can join in as much or as little as you like. With daily sports tournaments, a tennis club, fitness classes and workshops its totally up to you how you and your family spend your time. We do recommend Artiste though. Here adults and children can participate in classes including mandala, marbling, henna tattooing, t-shirt/stone/wood painting, ceramics, jewellery design, watercolour painting and more. A great way to unlock your creative side and while away an afternoon out of the sunshine. Open daily 09.00-19.00 (fees apply)
K is for Kids Zone
Hillside Beach Club has a reputation for being incredibly welcoming to families - they did win a Junior Design Awards for Best Family Hotel after all - looking for a place to enjoy each other’s company but to also enjoy some much needed time-out with plenty of activities and clubs. Hillside offers a range of facilities, a children's playground, activities and clubs for all children from newborn to 15 years. Hillside can also provide strollers, cots and a babysitter service.
Baby Park (0-3) Has been specially designed for those little guests to enjoy with their parents or guardians. With a sandbox, playground, nursing area for breast feeding mums and diaper changing station. Open daily 09.00-18.00.
Kidside (age 4-10 years) With water slides, pools, workshops, sports lessons, music lessons, reading nooks, seasonal activities and even cabaret rehearsals - children can spend the day here or just a few hours in the company of professional instructors. With lockers for children to store their swim suits, a stay for lunch/dinner option (where staff will take them to the restaurant all together) and later opening hours, parents can enjoy some alone time knowing their children are in a safe and friendly environment. Open daily 09.30-22.30
Young Club (age 8-15) Entertaining tweens and young teenagers is made easy with the the activity centre. Here guests may participate in basketball, DJ workshops, electronic darts, dance lessons, enjoy the whirlpool; play table tennis or try out beach volleyball, water polo, and other water sports. A great place for making friends. Open daily 10.00-18.00.
Wake Point (13-15) Older teenagers who may be more free to roam the resort can use this 'meeting point' to arrange meet-ups, have fun and make friends.
L is for Location
As we have mentioned, the Hillside Beach Club resort is located in the private Kalemya Bay surrounded by pine trees, the Aegean coast of the Mediterranean and densely wooded hills. Hillside is is a 55 minute drive south of Dalaman International Airport, Muğla and 15 minutes/ 7km south of the small port city of Fethiye.
Hillside is a 30-minute drive south of the famous blue lagoon of Ölüdeniz, 20-minutes to the abandoned village of Kayaköy and during the summer season, a ferryboat makes round trips to Rhodes, only one and a half hours away.
M is for Money
Your Clubcard (see C above) is your on resort charge card but you can pay with cash in the boutiques, hairdressers and infirmary. You can change money at reception and there is a cashpoint/ATM near the shopping are also.
N is for Nightlife
If the daytime programme hasn't exhausted you, the night time programme will keep you awake until the early hours. With 7-bars including a coffee bar, pool bars and cocktails bars there is something to suit every taste. Many are open from morning until midnight, with the Pasha (over 18's only) and Abacco Bar open until 04.00! Pasha Disco is open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night with themed nights including After-Show and The White Party (where guest are encouraged to dress in all white).
More family friendly after-dark fun can be found with the early evening sunset beach parties, beachside/sea dance shows, the Gala Night end of week party, night football (for 7-12 year olds) and movie nights. For Movies-on-the-Beach you just grab some popcorn, find a sun lounger and then sit back as movie classics are played on large screens at various idyllic locations around the resort, including a floating stage on the main beach.
O is for Outside (Hillside)
As much as you won't want to leave Hillside, they do encourage you to get 'outside' and explore. Offering excursions (that can be booked through reception) including a 12-Island Boat trip, Sunset Tours, mountain biking, e-bikes and trekking trails and day trips. For those who want to go further afield, a trip into Fethiye is a must-do. One of the oldest towns of the Lycian Coast, it's situated in a very secluded bay, which is a natural marina, strewn with islands. As a typical Aegean Coastal village, the old town often know as "downtown" is full of narrow streets opening to small squares full of various shops, coffee houses, and bustling restaurants.
GOOD TO KNOW: All recommended tours and trips can be arranged on-site and are organised in cooperation with a trusted agencies. Their is a shuttle service to Fethiye.
P is for Poolside
At the heart of the main area at Hillside is the pool. The 680m2 heated outdoor pool includes a children's pool area and an outer edge, winding shallow 'paddling pool'. With regular organised activities, games and aqua fitness classes the pool area is a lively and fun place during the daytime. But, don't think that doesn't mean you can't relax. With various sun beds and loungers, a stock of fresh beach towels and 'beach order' buttons you can block out the noise, catch up on some reading and drift into a sunny slumber.
Q is for Quiet
There are so many areas to find some peace and quiet. The Silent Beach (see B above), where children and mobile devices are not invited is perfect for taking some time out. Here you can find some inner calm and stillness with a selection of yoga classes throughout the day (morning classes take place on the silent beach) and dotted along the walk to the Sanda Nature Spa there are various wooden sunbathing jetty/rafts for adults only to sunbathe and snooze.
R is for Retail Therapy
We did tell you Hillside was like its own little town and with its cute little strip of boutiques you can indulge in a little or a lot of retail therapy too. The Hillside Boutique sells designer beach wear, cover-ups, shoes, accessories and a cool selection of evening fashions (just in case you haven't packed enough party outfits). You can find jewellery at Bee Goddess Jewellery, toys, magazine, toiletries and more at the Gratis Wellness Market, music, books and tech accessories at D&R Music & Book Store, upload photos and print images at Photo Stop and grab a blow dry or trim at Vassal Hairdresser's. Here you will also find a coffee bar, Nice Cream ice-cream parlour and guest relations (where you can buy Hillside merchandise including t-shirts and mugs.
Hillside also hold a weekly market/Bazaar, where external traders and store holders set up around the main pool for you to pick up some souvenirs and gifts. Think jewellery, handcrafted ornaments, turkish clothing and more.
GOOD TO KNOW: You can pay cash or use your Clubcard at all the boutiques and services along the strip. here you will also find the medical centre.
S is for SPA
Hillside has two very different spas on-site to ensue your full relaxation. Treatments can be booked directly or requested via the app.
The Sanda Day Spa, is located along the main strip of boutiques and is a more contemporary, concept spa. This peaceful and relaxing spa offers a Turkish bath, a sauna, a whirlpool, a snow fountain and seven massage rooms, with treatments provided by Turkish massage therapists. There are large divans in the Spa lounge where you can relax afterwards. Visit the small shop for gorgeous products and Turkish Hamman wraps and branded silk, linen and cotton 'peshtemal' towels too.
The Sanda Nature Spa, is located near the 'Silent Beach'. The nature spa is an 'outside' style spa and is reached via a winding staircase and nestled around trees trunks twisting peacefully throughout the seven intimate therapy rooms (two of which are double/couple rooms). The sounds of nearby birds and the sweet scent of blossoming flowers, offers a complete sensory experience and it literally oozes clam. We promise you one visit will not be enough. Expert Balinese therapists offer various types of massage and special body treatments that will send you into a deep state of relaxation. Seriously, it's that good.
T is for Tennis
For those wishing to brush up on their tennis or learn this outdoor sport Hillside's tennis club is open for lessons or, one of its' 4 vast courts can be booked at leisure (fees apply). Tennis club is open between 07.00-12.00 and 15.00-20.00. Each year (usually a week in October) infamous tennis players from around the world are invited to compete in the Tennis Cup Tournament. Guests are invited to sit front row, as well as practice their own serves on the court.
U is for Useful Info
Check-in is after 2pm and check-out is at 11am. Call reception by 11am at the latest on your day of departure so your luggage can be collected by buggy cart. Believe us you won't be able to carry it up/down the stairs and the through the resort. Hillside offers room cleaning daily between 09.00-17.00.
V is for Value for Money
Double rooms cost from £118 in low season; and from £298 in high season. This includes full board (buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, bottled water at the table, house wine, soft drinks and draught beer included at the Main Restaurant). A vast selection of water sports and activities (see W below), free Wi-Fi, in-room toiletries, beach towels and access to the Hillside App.
W is for Watersports
Surrounded by cerulean seas, it would almost be a crime not to enjoy the water sports on offer at Hillside. For those seeking action, there are motorised water sports such as water skiing, knee boarding and sky-sailing under the supervision of Don Buffa , founder of 'Stars of Florida', a group of water ski professionals. Or, for those more leisurely mornings, scuba diving, sailing and diving school introduction classes happen each day. Hillside is home to Turkey's first official "School of Motor Water Sports and Wakeboard" making it the perfect place for young learners and experts alike. There is also a selection of catamarans and sailing tours available. All watersports incur an additional fee.
X is for Adults only
Although we have reviewed Hillside as the ultimate 5-Star family holiday resort, Hillside's romantic surroundings and adults only offerings: the adult-only beaches, couples menu spa treatments and after-hours nightclubs makes it an idyllic option for couples and even for a honeymoons too.
Y is for Yoga
We have already mentioned the yoga at Hillside - and it's such a big part of the 'feeling good' vibe, that they also offer a two-week programme with different class themes and styles each morning and evening. Great if you are really wanting to destress from the treadmill, work pressures or the daily grind - the kids can hit the kids clubs and leave you and/or your partner to reconnect and find some peace and balance.
Throughout the year, Hillside also hosts an annual dedicated Feel Good Week (on selected dates), where guests can live, eat and breath yoga all week long. Offering multiple yoga sessions that take place each day at different locations, such as Silent Beach, or onboard a large sailing boat as you sail out at sunset. The packed week also offers guests walking routes through the local surroundings, wellbeing workshops, expert nutritional advice and healthy cuisine so that all-inclusive doesn’t have to be too self-indulgent. We think this would make the perfect couple or girls holiday. Feel Good Week Dates for 2020 include: Sunday, 3 May – Saturday, 9 May and Monday, September 27, - Saturday, October 3 (inclusive)
Z is for Zone Out!
If you have made it to the bottom of this list then massive congratulations. But, before you zone out, here is all that useful information you need. because, if this A-Z doesn't make you want to book Hillside Beach Club immediately then nothing will!