Crystal Green Bay Resort Spa

A driveway lined with trees and lush vegetation sweeps down to the stone-clad entrance of the Crystal Green Bay Resort & Spa. Glass doors lead into the hotel's high-ceilinged lobby, where guests are greeted on arrival with traditional Turkish sweets and a glass of "sherbet" fruit drink. The reception area is bright and spacious, characterized by decorative bamboo, lavender-colored seating, and warm wood paneling, while a white baby grand piano and red roses add a touch of ritz. As the only hotel in the bay, it has an exclusive and secluded ambience, enhanced by the 12-acre grounds consisting of sprawling lawns dotted with palm trees and spiral-sculpted shrubbery, and scented by the surrounding pine forest.

Built in 1992 and fully renovated in 2011, the all-inclusive complex was previously a water-sports club and still maintains a certain sporty vibe -- mostly due to the various water-based activities available from the private beach and jetty. The animation team, mini-golf and game room, kids' club, and pools with waterslides make this child-friendly property an excellent option for vacationing families. Guest rooms are divided between the hotel's main building and the newer-looking annex, which contains most of its more spacious Family Rooms.

The hotel is the only property nestled at the bottom of a pine-covered valley that overlooks picturesque Kuyucak Bay on the northwestern corner of the Bodrum Peninsula. Its secluded setting means there's nothing of interest within walking distance or even any other buildings within view; most guests rarely leave the complex and there's little reason to do so. The hotel is also particularly convenient for access from Milas-Bodrum Airport, which is about a 15-minute drive away. For travelers that want to explore the city of Bodrum -- with its ancient ruins and pretty Old Town -- it's also around 15 minutes away by car. 

The 291 rooms are spread between the main building and an annex -- those in the latter are much larger and include Family Rooms with two rooms and multiple beds. Interiors are simply styled with light wood or beige furniture, and wood veneer or tile floors; some rooms have dated patterned bedspreads and curtains, while others are more contemporary and outfitted with modern white-and-wood furniture and blue accent walls. Each room opens to a balcony or terrace, and 129 of the units have sea views (the rest overlook either the garden or forest). Some rooms and particularly bathrooms are quite tight on space.

Amenities include free minibars (only stocked once, on arrival), flat-screen TVs (with a couple of English-language channels), and free Wi-Fi. There are no in-room coffee- and tea-making facilities, and while room service is available it's not covered in the all-inclusive plan. Bathrooms are well-maintained, with small walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries. 

Dining options consist of a buffet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner (included in the all-inclusive plan) and an a la carte eatery offering Italian and seafood options (one free visit per week). Both restaurants extend to outdoor terraces with sea views. The plan also covers a good range of branded soft and local alcoholic drinks that are served across the hotel's three bars -- one open around the clock and another serving snacks. 

The extensive water-based facilities are a standout, as the hotel has both freshwater and saltwater pools, a splash pool with a mini water park, and another with waterslides. The hotel's long private beach is mostly shingle, lined with plenty of lounge chairs and parasols; it also features a jetty complete with a bar and separate, circular sun terraces overlooking the water. Water sports are numerous and most non-motorized options are included in all-inclusive rates. 

Various animation activities are put on throughout the day, while in the evening there are shows, live music, and the occasional disco in the hotel's nightclub. Children are kept entertained with a kids' club, and there are also a game room, a small cinema, mini-golf, sports facilities, and two tennis courts. Adults have access to the on-site spa with a Turkish bath, sauna, and steam room, plus a gym. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel complex and even sometimes extends to the beach.