Antalya has a history of more than two thousand years and was founded in 159 BC, originally called Attalia. During its existence, apart from the Greeks, it managed to be a part of the Roman and Ottoman Empires for several centuries, followed by Byzantine and Seljuk warlords. The result is Antalya today is not just a centre of beach tourism from around the world, but also a place that holds priceless treasures of ancient civilisations. During my recent visit to Turkiye to check out some MICE properties in Antalya and Istanbul, this city impressed me most with its regal MICE venues, splendid attractions, and its charming Mediterranean vibes.
Prashant Nayak
Indian arrivals to Turkiye are growing at a very steady rate thanks to its recognition as a top tourist destination. The most popular tourist destinations for Indians visiting Turkiye include Istanbul, the buzzing cultural heart of the country, as well as the resorts in Antalya, the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia, and winter ski resorts in Bursa. Those looking to get off the beaten path may also venture into Ankara or Izmir.
With Istanbul’s reputation as a worldwide hub, it’s easier than ever to travel from India to Turkiye. Turkish Airlines operates a B777-300 ER in its daily service between Istanbul and Mumbai. I had a great time during the seven hours non-stop journey in the extremely comfortable business class flatbed seat coupled with great inflight service and F&B options. From Istanbul, it’s about a 1 hour 30 minutes flight to Antalya.
Antalya on the Mediterranean coast is always favoured by wonderful weather and is a destination with two seasons, summer and spring. It is one of the most visited destinations in Turkiye and it is the biggest international sea resort, located on the Turkish Riviera. Large-scale development and governmental funding have promoted tourism to a great extent. Antalya is particularly popular with visitors from Europe, the Middle East, Ukraine, and Russia.
Antalya is renowned for its upscale hotels, gaining popularity with tourists due to their high-quality service underpinned by reasonable prices. Many hotels and resort here operate on the ‘All Inclusive’ concept which has proven to be a successful model in Turkiye. These properties have distinguishing lifestyles and offer special pleasures in having your meals and beverages. I have started liking the ‘All Inclusive’ concept in hotels as it surely gives a different dimension to the word ‘enjoyment’ during a vacation. In Antalya, I was glad to have some very enriching experiences and to be showcased to some excellent MICE and wedding venues, which I highly recommend.
The Gloria Golf Resort, a wonderful combination of golf, beach, and luxury
The Gloria Golf Resort in Serik, Belek is a stunning beachside 5-star property and a popular golf destination. The resort offers golf lovers two 18-hole championship courses and a 9-hole course, as well as access to the Gloria Golf Academy. The resort has 515 rooms in different capacities which boasts of pure comfort.
Gloria has a remarkable selection of event spaces, and infinite dining and catering options, with a dynamic range of entertainment options for groups. Gloria’s event spaces overlook vistas of rolling greens, making it an opulent destination venue fit for memorable events, whether for grand family celebrations, weddings, or landmark corporate events. The brand also consists of Gloria Serenity Resort and Gloria Verde Resort, which are again fabulous properties nearby. In addition, resort guests enjoy free golf training, as well as the use of the shuttle service operating from the hotel to the Gloria New Course, Gloria Old Course, and Gloria Verde Course golf courses. My stay at this charming place has made the trip more memorable.
Variety is the name of the game at Regnum Carya Hotel
Regnum Carya is a modern five-star ‘All Inclusive’ hotel positioned on a private beach in Belek. With a giant water park, a golf course, and a sprawling private beach, the resort redefines what it means to be a massive hotel. This property, with a great choice of 553 luxurious rooms and suites, comes with a convention centre for MICE and weddings. The rooms have high ceilings and receive natural light and are equipped with advanced visual, audio, and light systems technologies. Private meetings for different group sizes in this special area can be arranged by dividing them into different sections. Regnum Carya had been chosen as the central hotel for the G-20 Summit 2015 in Antalya.
A larger-than-life feeling at the Titanic Mardan Palace
The magnificent Titanic Mardan Palace is more of a kingdom than a castle, and this palatial resort holds the distinction of having one of the largest outdoor pool complexes in all of Europe. The “All Inclusive” property offers 546 elegant rooms and offers 19 meeting spaces that can accommodate more than 2,500 people. Framed by the most breathtaking view and brimming with natural beauty, it is one of Turkiye’s most fascinating wedding venues.
A mighty MICE venue- The NEST Congress and Exhibition Centre
NEST is relatively a new property opened in Belek. As Turkiye’s largest pillar-free meeting hall, NEST is expected to bring Turkiye’s event industry to a new level. Offering infra and upper structures designed to accommodate meetings, congresses, fairs, concerts, galas, launches, and all types of events, NEST provides a seating capacity for 10,000 people in the main hall, offering Turkiye’s largest capacity in a single hall. A 5,000 m2 ground floor comprises 24 meeting halls with 5-meter ceiling heights, in addition to the airy main hall, featuring 10-meter-high ceilings. These can be divided into five sections. There are plenty of hotels around to accommodate the biggest of meetings if booked well in advance.
Great time ensured at The Land of Legends Theme Park
Featuring a 5D cinema that offers guests a unique experience, a crazy river, a wave pool and water coaster, and a 4265 feet-long Hyper Coaster, the Land of Legends Theme Park offers a multi-sensory experience concept in Antalya. The Aqua Park inside offers complimentary access to adrenaline-pumping rides and relaxed explorations including 55 water slides. The Nemo restaurant here was amazing. This legendary theme park, with a unique world of fairy tales, is designed for great family time. The theme park is also available for MICE events with team-building activities.
Notable Moments
At the heart of Antalya is its oldest part known as the Kaleiçi district, which is still reminiscent of the Roman period. Perched above the historic harbour with fantastic views, Kaleiçi is a pedestrianised zone and one can take a stroll down the area’s interesting narrow streets and spot ancient mosques as well as bars and cafes along the way, and can try local cuisine.
The RuinAdalia Hotel is a delightful looking ‘adult only’ property with 26 excellent rooms in five separate refined Ottoman period mansions which surround a lovely sun-filled courtyard with a pool. This boutique property is well located for accessing Kaleici. However, do not miss visiting the astonishing ancient museum, located right under the hotel!
Antalya’s most beautiful monument is undoubtedly the monumental gate leading into the Kaleiçi. The gate resembles a typical Roman triumphal arch and was built in 130AD to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian to Antalya. Currently, it is one of the highlights of a visit to Antalya and the place where almost every tourist wants to take a commemorative photo. In Antalya, besides the old city walls, tourists can often encounter citrus trees laden with fruits while walking on the street.
The ancient city of Aspendos, approximately 50 km east of Antalya, is one of the big-time historic attractions for tourists. The site’s theatre is one of the Roman empire’s greatest remaining pieces of architecture and is the monument every tourist should see. During the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, many locals and tourists come to experience the theatre used for its original purpose and hear its stunning acoustics.
