Adam & Eve

The Royal Adam & Eve is aptly named, as the theme is strong throughout this funky and futuristic-feeling resort. Quirky touches like astroturf covered buildings as well as the integration of apples into much of the decor -- like fake apple trees in the lobby and tweaked apple-shaped pillows -- make for a modern spin on the Garden of Eden. Temptation is the mood in many of the public spaces, with dark or colored lighting and mirrors adding to the edgy ambience. It’s no wonder the resort is mostly geared toward couples, especially honeymooners, but Adam and Eve attracts adult groups that are looking for something ultra-modern as well. While this isn't quite a rowdy party resort, it's certainly not quiet either, with entertainment and parties running day and night. That vibe is enhanced by generous all-inclusive policies. What's more? Adam & Eve aims for over-the-top in myriad ways, reportedly having one of the world's longest bars and pools.

This resort is centrally located in beautiful Belek, one of many towns that line the Mediterranean coast near Antalya, the closest major city. Belek is especially well-known for its many popular golf courses, several of which are within walking distance of the resort. That includes the Montgomerie Golf Complex, which is practically adjacent to Adam & Eve. There are a cluster of other high-end resorts nearby, though all of them feel quite self-contained. The hotel sits right on a sandy beach and has gorgeous views of the sea and surrounding forests. For guests who choose to venture beyond the confines of the resort, there are several nearby attractions for history buffs. The ancient Aspendos Amphiteater is about a 30-minute drive north, and the Perge ruins are to the west, near the center of Antalya (40 minutes by car). Antalya's airport can be reached in 30 minutes, too, and from there flights to Istanbul take one hour and 15 minutes. 

Rooms at the Royal Adam & Eve are designed in the same modern, sleek style as the rest of the hotel, and all have a clear Garden of Eden theme. Apple shaped pillows on the beds and other red accents pop up in the decor, which is otherwise mostly black and white. Certain rooms feature extra steamy perks like mirrored ceilings, in-room whirlpools, or self-controlled ambient, colored lighting. The look -- to be clear -- won't please everyone. Some rooms have their own open decks with sunbeds, and others have enclosed wraparound patios with floor-to-ceiling windows and incredible views of the sea and the grounds. Keep in mind that not all rooms have sea views. The Heaven Villa is especially posh -- a two-floor structure with multiple bedrooms, living areas, a private pool, and its own sauna. All rooms and suites are spacious, with the smallest at a generous 64 square meters (688 square feet). Features include massive closets, minibars, safes, air-conditioning, free W-Fi, robes, and flat-screen TV. Minibars are part of the all-inclusive packages. Bathrooms are spotless and gleaming white. Some have both walk-in showers and large tubs, and all have toiletries and hairdryers. Bathtubs are jetted in all units. Keep in mind that sea- and pool-facing rooms will pick up some noise from evening entertainment.  

As a resort that considers itself outside the confines of any star rating system, the Adam & Eve has just about every amenity and activity that one can think of when considering a luxury resort. It also claims to have the record for the world’s largest lounge, longest bar, and longest pool -- even if that's not true, they are huge (like everything about this property). There are multiple pools here, each with its own purpose -- an indoor pool, a waterpark pool with slides, and the big main pool. On the beach, guests have the option of resting on lovely wooden lounge chairs covered in red cushions -- either on the sand or in a lavish cabana on the long wooden pier that sits over the water. There is a beach bar, but food and drink service are not available in beach cabanas or at pool. Water-sports activities are available, as are land sports with plenty of well-groomed tennis courts on the property. The hotel's all-inclusive is generous up to a point. Snacks, drinks, and food of some sort is available around the clock, and nearly all on-site activities are included in rates. However, the a la carte restaurants will incur extra service charges. Most guests are happy with the food at the included and excluded restaurants, and options include blind tasting menus (where you eat in the dark), special aphrodisiac-inspired dining, Turkish, seafood, and buffets. The spa is a true highlight, with the hotel’s signature funky design integrated in saunas, steam rooms, a Turkish bath, and indoor pools. It's clearly designed for couples seeking a romantic, sensory-filled experience. Massages can be done either in the spa or in freestanding poolside cabanas with private sundecks. A game room with space-age design details has a pool table, foosball, arcade games, bowling, and more. For conveniences, the resort has several shops laid out like a mall, selling everything from basic sundries to flowers, beach gear, souvenirs, and salon services. Wi-Fi and parking are free.