Where Elegance Meets Relaxation
A cool, summer breeze brings a sense of tranquility to the sparkling beaches of the Aegean Sea, with calm cerulean waves gently lapping against the shimmering sand. It’s summer in the Mediterranean, and bliss is in the air. With its opulent beaches and stunning resorts, the Turkish coast has become a symbol of an idyllic summer vacation destination. Hillside Beach Club, known as “Heaven on Earth” by its guests, merges the two worlds of the classic active vacation with sports and sun along with the more relaxed stay with stunning views and refuge from vibrant bustling cities.
The Hillside Beach Club, conveniently located between Serenity Beach and Silent Beach, provides guests with an unmatched level of peaceful luxury. The resort offers access to the unique and stunning landscapes Türkiye has to offer, bordering both the spectacular Fethiye Forests and the glittering Kalemya Bay. For its setting and its service, this award-winning gem is so beloved among its regular guests that Harvard Business School conducted a case study on its record-high levels of guest satisfaction. Regarding the stay, 99% of its guests actively recommend their experience, and the resort has a repeat guest rate of 74%. Those searching for a peaceful seaside vacation will find promise in Türkiye, and those looking to perfect their summers will find a home at the Hillside Beach Club.
A Tradition of Excellence
Hillside Beach Club’s commitment to creating an unforgettable experience has been widely recognized in the hospitality and travel industry. From being named one of the Top 30 Resorts in Europe in Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards to winning the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for the Best of the Best resorts in 2022, Hillside has been recognized as the crown jewel of the Turkish Riviera. The resort has won six Haute Grandeur Awards, including Best Seaside Resort in Europe, Best Family Resort in Europe, and Best Resort Hotel in the World.
Even more, the coverage of Hillside Beach Club by HBS is a testament to its dedication to providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for guests. In 2016, Harvard Business School’s Rajiv Lal and Gamze Yucaoglu detailed the intelligently crafted business structure and strategy of the Hillside Beach Club.
HBS found that travelers from around the world are drawn to the Turkish Riviera for its fair pricing, quality of service, and pleasant climate. The divine beauty of the setting is integrated with the Kalemya Bay pine trees, transparent waters, and seemingly endless beachfront into the resort’s foundations. All Hillside rooms have a beautiful view of the sea and either a balcony or patio.
The Hillside approach to service is defined by a personable relationship between workers and guests. Guests are warmly welcomed to Hillside Beach Club by friendly staff who cater to their every need. As a result, many families who stay at the Club meet new people and become friends, with some even making plans to return to HBC together in the future.
Amenities
Hillside has amenities and activities to offer for everyone. From being lathered in essential oils from the Aegean Seeds massages to taking in the sapphire blue hues of the Aegean Sea, Hillside uniquely provides a serene retreat for travelers to escape the exhaustion of the metropolitan lifestyle. Guests have the pleasure of choosing between relaxation and wellness.
With an Aperol Spritz in hand and wind rustling in the trees, guests may stumble upon one of the three beaches. For those yearning for peace and solitude, the adult-only Serenity Beach and Silent Beach are perfect havens. There is no better place to find a peaceful sanctuary where tranquility reigns supreme, providing the perfect location for travelers to cozy up on a beach chair with an enticing book. For those looking for a thrill, the Main Beach and its crystal clear waters are ideal for water skiing or wakeboarding.
After soaking up the sun and sea at the beach, guests can retreat to the serene comfort of their room. The accommodations, designed with both elegance and comfort in mind, promise a restful sanctuary with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The soothing decor and amenities ensure a restful stay for everyone, whether in a room with a direct view of the sparkling Aegean or a family room nestled in the gardens.
Hillside Beach Club is famed for its exceptional quality of food including Turkish, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisine. Guests are welcome to endless dining experiences at Hillside, from lavish international buffets to exquisite à la carte options by the sea. Each dish is prepared to perfection, making every meal a celebration of flavor.
Following a rich dining experience, unwind at one of Hillside’s uniquely themed bars where you can enjoy a cocktail while soaking in spectacular sunsets over Kalemya Bay. From the animated environment of the pool, shift to the tranquility of the SANDA Spa. Here, you can indulge in a range of treatments that meld Eastern and Western wellness practices. The cool calmness of nature at Hillside Beach Club is seamlessly merged with the huge range of activities and offerings for families and couples alike.
For anyone eager to maintain an active lifestyle during their stay, Hillside offers a variety of sports facilities and fitness classes. Whether you're up for a tennis match, a basketball game, or a yoga session, the resort brings in expert instructors who cater to all fitness levels and preferences. After energizing your body, immerse yourself in the cultural events organized by the resort. These events, ranging from jazz concerts to film screenings, provide unique experiences that enhance your stay and create lasting memories. A lasting collaboration between Hillside, the British Film Institute, and London Jazz promises guests an array of beautiful performances to choose from. Their annual Classical Music on the Sea allows admirers to embrace a classical music orchestra as they float on the sea bringing harmony and elegance to guests' ears, creating spectacular memories backdropped by stunning sunsets. Collaborating with IKSV, Hillside fills Fethiye with vibrant jazz tunes through the summer evenings with London Jazz in the Sun. By joining Hillside for a week, jazz enthusiasts get the chance to soak up the sun on the shore while exploring the plethora of live performances.
Those who are feeling more adventurous can explore the beauty of the Turquoise Coast with Hillside’s organized excursions. Whether it’s a boat trip to nearby islands, historical tours in ancient cities, or hikes on the Lycian Way, the resort offers numerous opportunities to discover the rich history and stunning landscapes of the regions.
An Immersive Journey: A Day in the Life at Hillside Beach Club
Morning Rejuvenation
A crisp sea breeze from the Kalemya Bay enters your room through the open window of your private terrace as you wake up from your restful night in the Superior Room. You head to the Main Restaurant to find a spread of locally-sourced ingredients from fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and fresh breads. On your way to the resort’s private beachfront, you stop by for an unforgettable morning pilates session. Overlooking the crystal-clear waters, you meditate and relax. As you move through each pose, you feel the stress and tensions of daily life disappear, replaced by a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
Afternoon Excursions
Feeling revitalized, it’s time to explore all the amenities and activities HBC has to offer. You may indulge in adrenaline-fueled water sports such as wakeboarding or water-skiing at Türkiye's first official wakeboarding school, located on-site. Guided by expert instructors, you’ll hone your skills on the water, pushing yourself to new limits.
Otherwise, you may opt for a scuba diving excursion, where you can explore the vibrant underwater landscapes teeming with marine life. Or, set sail on a private tour and let the gentle sea breeze guide you across the Aegean Sea at your own pace.
If you prefer to stay on land, you can join a guided hike tour or embark on a bike ride through the region’s picturesque landscapes.
Evenings of Cultural Immersion
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you sip a glass of local wine as you venture on a sunset boat tour. Gliding across the Aegean waters, you are treated to stunning views of the coastline, complete with the warm glow of the setting sun.
More than any other coastal resort, HBC offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture. You may choose to explore the region’s rich heritage by visiting a local village or bazaar. These authentic experiences offer a rare glimpse into the heart of the local culture, allowing you to forge meaningful connections with the people and traditions that have endured for generations.
Your Paradise Awaits...
At Hillside, every moment is thoughtfully curated to provide an experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re looking for a vacation that will keep you active with water sports and hiking trails or a relaxed stay by the waters of the Aegean Sea, Hillside Beach Club covers all fronts. A mix of family-friendly activities and adult-only areas provides the ideal stay for all potential guests. With the benefits provided solely to the Harvard Community, Hillside welcomes Harvard students, families, alumni, and faculty to explore the calm beaches of Türkiye. Discover why so many guests call it their “Heaven on Earth” and join the ranks of those who can't wait to return. Your escape to paradise awaits.
Exclusive offer to the Harvard Community, including students, families, alumni, and faculty for an unparalleled experience at Hillside Beach Club.
1. 15% discount on full board plus accommodation
2. Complimentary airport transfers between Dalaman Airport and Hillside Beach Club
3. Complimentary Sunset Cruise Boat Tour over the azure blue waters surrounding Hillside
This offer is valid throughout 2024. For direct reservations, please contact us at +90 212 362 30 30 or FeelGood@hillsidebeachclub.com
The Crimson's news and opinion teams—including writers, editors, photographers, and designers—were not involved in the production of this article.