A true luxury experience for the price of a standard five-star hotel in Turkey

I’m happy to share my impressions of Selectum Luxury Belek, where I recently stayed for my birthday with my husband — as a tourist.

We received a very warm welcome and were checked in almost immediately — at 8:30 in the morning, after breakfast.

By the way, Moët champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries are available, but only after 9 am.

Perhaps because I am a travel agent, a returning guest, and had written an email in advance and communicated with the Front Office Manager — Ozgur Cof — we were given a room with a large balcony and a beautiful view.

I will say straight away what pleasantly surprised me: unlike NG Phaselis Bay, Selectum has a higher percentage of European and Turkish guests. Perhaps this is because it is not high season and there are various corporate events and conferences taking place, although they did not interfere with the holiday at all.

The hotel congratulated me beautifully on my birthday — with a cake, a display of sweets, and wine delivered to the room. They really made an effort. Well done to the team!

I booked a Luxury Side Sea View room, and it fully met my expectations: it was located in the second building, decorated in elegant purple tones, with a large bed and a spacious balcony overlooking the sea and the neighbouring Calista hotel.

The room was very comfortable and well equipped: Bvlgari toiletries — shower gel, shampoo and conditioner; dental kits, exactly like the ones at NG; even manicure tools, bathrobes, slippers, scales, a kettle with a tea and coffee set, a minibar — water, soft drinks, beer and wine — replenished daily, a safe, a large TV, a shower cabin and a whirlpool bath.

The downsides: there was no body lotion or coffee machine in the room, although the bars serve very good coffee.

Food and drinks are definitely one of the hotel’s strongest points. For breakfast, there was always salmon and strawberries, as well as an impressive selection of cheeses. For dinner, there was a wide variety of fish, meat and very tasty desserts. There are also many healthy options, baby food jars, soups, breakfast porridges and steamed vegetables.

The main bar looks very impressive and is open 24/7, offering a premium selection of imported alcohol. I’m adding a video.

During the day, we also enjoyed the beachfront restaurant and the 24/7 à la carte restaurant, where the menu is available via a QR code.

Throughout the day, there is a large selection of packaged ice cream, including Magnum, in the area between the beach and the pool.

The hotel has a sushi bar and several à la carte restaurants, including a steakhouse at an additional charge. We visited the Italian restaurant — it was very tasty and atmospheric. We especially liked the veal carpaccio and the risotto with truffle and saffron.

The relaxation areas by the pool and on the beach are comfortable and well maintained. The bright red sun loungers are large and comfortable, almost like sofas. A nice detail is that waiters on roller skates regularly come by to take drink orders.

There is a pier with a bar, as well as private cabanas — on the beach, on the pier and by the pool — with service.

Because of the weather, we did not get to enjoy the pier fully, but in season it must be wonderful, especially thanks to the cabanas with direct access to the sea, some of which also have a jacuzzi.

The hotel is very family-oriented: there is a separate club area with two-room family rooms, a kids’ club, a funfair and a water park. Everything is well thought through for children — from accessories for little ones, such as baby baths, potties and step stools, to the option of renting a PlayStation for older children.

In season, a separate restaurant will operate in the family area.

There is also a spa with a hammam, sauna and heated indoor pool, as well as a small heated outdoor pool near the spa, although the water there is no longer seawater.