by Nestled in a pine forest on the Turkish Riviera, the newly opened Bijal, which means ‘illumination’ in Hindi, has a fun, retro feel but an unmistakable finish.
The 19 villas are well spaced to maximize privacy, and each comes with its own private pool, walled garden and personal butler. This is next level luxury and a game changer for the Antalya region.
Where is he?
An hour’s drive from Antalya airport, and half an hour’s walk from the town of Side, with its impressive array of Greco-Roman ruins. You won’t be short of things to do in the neighborhood, if you can tear yourself away from the tranquility of the resort.
Style
Istanbul architects Autoban have created a fun yet tasteful space, reminiscent of 1950s California, with furnishings and layout that give a nod to Mid Century Modernity.
Nature is part of the design, with the villas built around the olive and pine trees and the roofs planted with jasmine and bougainvillaea. Rounded corners, lozenge-shaped pools and undulating shapes create a sense of softness and flow, stucco walls give texture, and floor-to-ceiling windows maximize natural light.
A relaxing color scheme of neutral tones, rustic wood and stone is offset by pops of sunflower yellow and sea green. Bijal’s unique, sophisticated style is evident in every aspect of the range, right down to his kimonos and sandals.
The theme of ‘play’ runs throughout, from the Polaroid cameras in the rooms and bright yellow bikes for guests to ride around, to the pottery, cooking and art classes, resident DJ, and Kids’ House for the youngest.
Food & Drink
Two restaurants, BeachHouse and ClubHouse, represent a range of international cuisine and flavours. Set menus feature themes from guest chefs in Japanese, French, Italian, Georgian, Russian and beyond.
ClubHouse is the more formal of the two, with a fine dining menu created by Michelin-starred Italian chef Theodor Falser. This is also where breakfast is served – a feast for the eyes and taste buds, where an entire room is dedicated to the buffet, and the a la carte options include Turkish menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and green peppers) and çılbır (eggs poached in garlic). yogurt).
BeachHouse is best for salads, mezze, fresh fish and seafood, and long lazy lunches overlooking the sea. There’s an outdoor pool and a resident DJ, and friendly, knowledgeable staff are always on hand. Dishes can also be brought to your beach cabana – highly recommended for maximum privacy and relaxation. During peak season, a teppanyaki beach restaurant serves Japanese-inspired fare.
In-room dining can be arranged around the clock, and the villas feature full bottles of champagne, Japanese whiskey, Mexican tequila and rum, as well as a cocktail shaker and mixer – just in case there’s a private pool party. the cards. The villas have a comfy sofa and a curvaceous table filled with local fruits and Turkish sweets that are replaced every day.
Facilities
The main house is located at the entrance to the resort, and includes a large outdoor pool, a 24-hour bar, an open-plan living area with board games, and an upstairs spa, sauna, hammam and fitness studio. Massages can be done in one of the three treatment rooms or in your villa, and run the gamut from Balinese and Thai to Lomi-Lomi and Shiatsu. We tried the aromatherapy massage which was very relaxing.
Private yoga classes and sessions with a personal trainer are available. Bicycles are conveniently located outside your villa so you can easily cycle to the BeachClub and beach.
As the beach is only for the use of guests, it feels blissfully spacious, especially for this part of the world. A variety of water sports are available, from jet skiing and windsurfing to parasailing.
Book a ceramics class or art session and the hotel will set you up with some canvases and paints on the lawn to recreate the scene.
Which room?
The villas range in size from one-bedroom to four-bedroom, with the former having outdoor baths, and the latter occupying a secluded corner at the end of the resort. Villa number 2 is the largest of the four beds, while 1 has the largest garden.
No expense was spared in the technology department. The lighting, temperature and entertainment in the room are controlled from a bedside tablet. And the latest Dyson hair appliances are ready and waiting on the dressing table.
extra curricular
Follow the promenade along the beach and you’ll hit the seaside town of Side, famous for its major archaeological ruins such as the 2nd century Roman Amphitheater and the Temple of Apollo, said to be where Antony met Cleopatra. It is well worth hiring a local guide here to talk you through the sites and bring the history to life. It’s also where you’ll find beautifully restored Ottoman houses lined with picturesque streets – perfect for souvenir shopping, an afternoon visit or that all-important evening treat.
On the coast to the east is the 13th-century Alanya castle, with its four-mile-long defensive wall that stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean.
It is best for…
Enjoy ultra-luxurious Turkish hospitality in private.
The details
Rates start at €900 (£760) for a one-bedroom villa for two adults on a B&B basis. bijal.com.
