Have you already had a nibble today? If not, then I can recommend this soft, melt in the mouth praline creation, which is a perfect blend of freshness, sweetness and subtle tartness. A touch of cinnamon, intense cocoa combined with almond, carrot and some chilli... you should definitely travel to southern Turkey to sample this or one of the many other exquisite chocolaterie creations. Located some 50 kilometres to the west of Antalya, the Maxx Royal Kemer Resort offers a chocolaterie of the highest calibre. And that’s not all: the other all-inclusive services provided by this 5 star plus hotel are also aimed entirely at the most discerning holiday guests.
Are we really in the right place? On the shuttle ride from Antalya Airport to the Maxx Royal Resort, which is situated in Kiris district of Kemer, we pass by ordinary areas, which would not be totally suitable locations for an elegant 5 star plus hotel. But I am really impressed on arrival: a true oasis lies before me. The complex, which is nestled within the wooded, steeply sloping cliffs of the Taurus Mountains, was designed with plenty of consideration for exclusivity and appearance. The foyer area presents itself with great expression in metallic splendour. The in-house chocolate bar with its delicacies is also located here. A little bit further along, the renowned pâtissier, Guillaume Bonnety, spoils guests at ‘Le Melange Patisserie’ with his wonderfully presented patisserie works of art – a house speciality and worth a special recommendation. Overall, guests at the resort are spoiled in a variety of different culinary ways: one can enjoy Turkish, Italian and Japanese specialities, choose some cured meat in the Himalayan Salt Room at the Bronze Steak House or opt for some fresh fish, which is available in every variety, and also readily available as a whole fish in salt crust. The all-inclusive meals are not served in the form of a buffet, as is customary, but they can be individually combined à la carte – orders are placed at your table via tablet. The all-inclusive offering also includes a vast selection of international brand drinks. And those guests with a late-night appetite can order a variety of food and drinks around the clock at Azure 24 or the Jay Lounge – for maximum enjoyment.
Unlike the long, continuous beaches of Antalya or Side, the coastal terrain around the Maxx Royal Kemer Resort is rich in variety with bays, cliffs, forests and three private sandy beaches. The main beach in front of the beach villas impresses visitors with its length and the loosely scattered pavilions. The golden bay that lies beneath the two main pools is distinguished by its bizarre rock formations in the turquoise water. A unique oasis has been created below the steep cliffs at Tangerine Beach using the finest white sand extracted from the Maldives and coconut trees. Families with children are also in the best hands at this elegant resort: the aquapark provides fun and excitement with its countless water slides. While the young ones are making use of the childcare services in the children’s club, parents can enjoy some peace and relaxation at the Aven Royal Spa – the indoor pool, hamam, rhassoul sauna and salt room are just some of the attractive facilities available there. There are also a number of wellness, detox and beauty programmes available. The range of accommodation is just as varied: the choice includes suites and family suites, beach villas and laguna suites, laguna duplex suites and the presidential villa. With floor space sizes starting at 100 square metres, they offer comfortable space and sophisticated surroundings. But before retreating back to your room, it’s worth paying a visit to the resort’s shows and performances: these offer extraordinary entertainment of the highest level throughout the season – often with renowned international stars.
9,500 square metres – that is the impressive size of the laguna pool, which runs though the middle of the Maxx Royal Kemer Resort. It’s exclusively reserved for guests staying in the laguna duplex suites, which line both sides of the seemingly endless pool. From your terrace you can immerse yourself in this wonderful water world, stay in fine surroundings with great privacy, which is also assured in the outdoor area due to the elegant natural stone walls. My abode is one of the exclusive beach villas. A sea-facing villa, only separated from the wide beach by a well-maintained grass area, it provides guests with unobstructed views of the horizon. Even though the dark wooden interior requires the utmost care when cleaning – in any event the only small point of criticism to be found –, the furnishings are testimony to the overall design and sophistication. The spacious feeling in the rooms, the wonderful sun terrace and private pool – I am certain of one thing: this resort is currently the best available in the entire Turkish Riviera. As of this year, the introduction of the Fast Direct CIP Service further underlines this: upon arrival guests are greeted on the airport runway by a hostess, accompanied through a VIP security terminal and taken directly through to the outdoor Maxx CIP lounge, where they can refresh themselves ahead of the journey to the hotel. A free helicopter shuttle is available for villa guests. The luggage is also loaded directly from the aircraft. The same applies to the return journey: you can board your return flight without having to enter the airport building. It couldn’t get any better.
