A handful of hotels in Turkey are true icons, steeped in luxury and the kind of understated glamour that keeps guests returning year after year. Hillside Beach Club is one of them. With one of the highest return-guest rates in the industry, Hillside Beach Club delivers an unrivalled hotel experience where not a single five-star detail is overlooked.
The drive to Hillside is a scenic feast – winding roads hugging lush green mountains, with wild red poppies dancing on the roadside. It builds anticipation for what’s to come, and the reward is every bit as captivating as the approach.
From the moment you check in, it’s clear this place is something special. You’re welcomed not just by impeccable staff – for whom nothing is too much trouble – but by the subtle sounds of a holiday in full swing: birdsong, waves lapping the shore, laughter from the outdoor sports deck. It’s an atmosphere that doesn’t try too hard, yet leaves an unforgettable impression.
My superior double room came with its own private terrace, complete with an outdoor private terrace area and uninterrupted sea views. Designed to resemble treehouses nestled in the hillside, each room blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The newly refurbished interiors give off laid-back beach house vibes – think clean white lines, fresh eucalyptus, and USB chargers exactly where you need them.
The attention to detail here is what keeps guests coming back. From the infrared lighting in the bathroom to the waterfall shower with under lighting. Complete with Hillside’s own Sanda Spa toiletries – lemongrass and lavender-scented body wash, loofahs, lip balm, branded slippers and soft cotton robes. Even the practical details have been considered: mosquito repellent plugs, a travel adapter, and enough hangers to hang as much Alo activewear as I could cram into my carry-on.
The views are sensational. The hike to the higher floors is absolutely worth it – though each level has a lift for those who prefer to take it easy.
Catering for the digital-savvy traveller, the Hillside app is your go-to for everything from restaurant information and daily activities to watersports and coffee workshops. There’s even a cocktail picker game based on your taste preferences. Light and fruity? Strong and bitter? Let the app guide you to your perfect sundowner drink of choice.
Start your day with sunrise yoga on Silent Beach – a calm, adult-only area where the only soundtrack is the breeze and the birds above in the trees. After your final downward dog, you’re greeted with a shot of fiery ginger tea (so good you ask for the recipe, and to this day I’m still making a morning cup), and – as if by magic – an array of Balinese therapist appears for post-yoga shoulder massages. It’s these thoughtful details that truly set Hillside apart.
And if wellness is high on your agenda, Hillside has not one but two tranquil spas, each with a distinct focus. From Balinese massage to reflexology and deep tissue, they cater to both mind and body. Time it right and you can catch their biannual Feel Good Week in May or October, with a schedule packed full of body-positive workouts and wellness experiences. Bradley Simmonds was just there in May with his high-energy sessions, joined by renowned yoga teachers Annie Clarke and Chris Chavez, plus breath workshops, face yoga, aromatherapy oil blending, sound baths, and even ice plunges. It’s the ultimate balance of holistic and fitness.
But if wellness isn’t the only reason you’re here – Hillside has no shortage of action. There’s a full outdoor and indoor gym, padel courts, guided hikes, waterskiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and scuba demos. The sea is your playground. Then, when evening falls, the entertainment begins – and it’s not just for the kids. From live music to beachside movie nights and curated wine-tasting experiences, evenings are designed to help you unwind.
Speaking of beaches, you’re spoilt for choice. The main beach is roomy, with two buzzing beach bars and plenty of loungers. Prefer something a little quieter? Take a five-minute boat ride (it runs every half hour) or a pine-scented forest walk to Serenity Beach, one of two adult-only beaches. Each cove has its own distinct energy, but the unifying theme is crystal-clear turquoise water and soft sand underfoot.
One not-to-miss experience? The sunset boat tour – complete with chilled fizz on arrival, a curated cheese board, with cosy blankets for the evening chill and the soft, golden light of sunset, it’s the kind of scene that stays with you long after the trip ends.
And now, let’s talk food. Because if you came for the beach, you’ll stay for the buffet. This is where Hillside truly outdoes itself. The main restaurant is a paradise for foodies, with dishes so beautifully prepared you’ll be snapping photos before you eat. Fresh burritos made to order, poke bowls with ceviche, pizza fresh from the custom-made oven, Turkish specialities like slow-cooked lamb and aubergine, a butter station (yes, really – with flavours like chilli and truffle), chocolates, an entire table dedicated to honey, plus endless stations of grilled meats, fresh salads, and hot-from-the-oven soufflés.
And it doesn’t stop there – if buffet dining isn’t your thing, you’ve got two à la carte restaurants to choose from. The Italian restaurant, tucked just steps from the sea, offers romantic candle-lit dining with a rotating menu of classic dishes. Pasha, the Mediterranean restaurant, showcases seasonal flavours in a dreamy setting that’s perfect for slow, wine-sipping dinners.
With children in the mix, you can still enjoy everything Hillside has to offer thanks to the kids club, with themed evenings like carnival night, cupcake workshops, and mini discos. There’s also Artside – a creative hub where guests of all ages can try their hand at painting, t-shirt design, marbling, mosaic making, and more.
By the end of my stay, that ‘just one more day’ feeling was undeniable. Hillside Beach Club is so much more than a luxury beach resort. It’s a complete sensory escape – where you feel deeply rested, well-fed, creatively inspired, and, above all, happy. They call it Feeling Good, and it’s not just a motto. It’s a lifestyle.
Nightly rates at Hillside Beach Club start from £175. Rates based on two people sharing a standard room on a full board plus basis*. Activities during Feel Good Week are free-of-charge and subject to availability. For more information visit hillsidebeachclub.com/en
*All meals are included and drinks consumed during meal times.
Hillside Beach Club, Belen Cad. No:132 Kalemya Koyu, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla
