Hillside Beach Club

Family-friendly activity and serenity rarely go hand in hand, although this aptly named nature resort offers both. Lots of land, water, pool, and beach fun ensures the former, while offerings such as yoga and ginger tea at the waterfall-surrounded outdoor spa attract the latter. Couples also typically like that no kids or cell phones are allowed at two of the three private beaches (the main one welcomes everyone). Float-effect beach decks have button-equipped loungers for ordering drinks, as well as pop-up markets, open-air movie nights, and beach parties. Unfortunately, resulting noise disturbs nearby rooms, and the main beach gets crowded. Hillside-built rooms are beautifully set among pine forests, but their steps and slopes may be challenging for some. Expect lots of white or copper-accented decor, as well as log, slab, and bamboo woods to accentuate the nature theme. Shuttles (fee) to Fethiye offer a way out, but there's nothing nearby. Note, the hotel is only open April through October.

The resort's bay setting is removed from Fethiye, a 15-minute drive away. With so much to do, plus three private beaches, guests mostly stay on-site. Still, Fethiye's historic castle, amphitheater, and ruins can be reached by hotel shuttle (at a small fee), plus vibrant nightlife and shops here offer a change from the resort. It's 10 minutes farther by car or taxi to Oludeniz, known for its Blue Lagoon beach. Oludeniz has souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and spas. Hisaronu, with some similar amenities and a lively nightlife, is 30 minutes by car. Dalaman Airport is about an hour away by car.

Spread up the hillside, reached by elevators and inevitable steps, minimalist rooms feature stark-white walls, beds, and sheer drapes, warm wood furniture, and sleek inlay or painted shutter details. The overall look is a bit bland when compared to common areas, but the rooms are serene. Additionally, alcoved sofas in shades of lavender are cozy. Most, but not all, rooms have furnished outdoor spaces, and it's worth upgrading to a sea-view unit. Further additions in higher-category rooms include iPod docks, walk-in closets, and bathroom kits with loofas and lip balms. Family rooms for up to four people are available.

Phones, desks with stools, minibars, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, cable flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, and safes come standard. Likewise do air-conditioning and audio speakers. Nature-inspired bathrooms feature wicker, driftwood, or bamboo partitions in ones that are open-air. All have walk-in showers, smart vanities, and toiletries. Note, rooms near the Beach Bar suffer late-night noise.

The resort plays to its strengths, features-wise, embracing its privately owned forest and bay setting. Offering sandy, pebbly, or rocky shores, three beaches include the all-access main one, and adult-only Silent and Serenity Beaches. Cell phones are not permitted at the Silent Beach, and its outdoor spa amid forest waterfalls is zen, as are free yoga sessions here. Shores have lots of umbrella-shaded loungers, as well as water-sport equipment and instructors (fees apply). Boats to the one off-site beach are free. Stacked-stone cabanas at the Pasha and Beach bars and restaurants accompany lots of seating for romantic, Italian dining. Most guests opt for the main restaurant's extensive buffets, where live stations offer international cuisine and child-friendly fare. Meals and drinks are part of the all-inclusive, except some alcoholic beverages.

Four tennis courts, bike rentals, beach volleyball, and fitness classes are on-site, as are age-specific kids' clubs. Kids can partake in arts and crafts and games, alongside a playground, kiddy pool with waterslides, darts, and animated fun. Evening dance shows, beach parties, open-air movie screenings, and markets are popular entertainment options. There's also a large infinity pool with loungers. The indoor spa has a sauna, Turkish hammam, and whirlpool, plus pampering treatments and a hair salon. On-site shops sell souvenirs and essentials. The hotel has a meeting room. Guests wishing to leave the resort can use the regular Fethiye shuttles (fee), or take boat trips out to sea. Pets aren't permitted. Parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free.