Located in a pine forest on the Turkish Riviera, the newly opened Bijal, which means ‘enlightenment’ in Hindi, has a fun, retro vibe but is unquestionably high-end.
The 19 villas are adequately spaced to maximize privacy and each has its own private pool, walled garden and personal butler. This is next-level luxury and a game-changer for the Antalya region.
Where?
It is an hour’s drive from Antalya airport and a half-hour walk from Side district, where impressive Greco-Roman ruins are located. If you can tear yourself away from the tranquility of the resort, you won’t be short of things to do nearby.
Style
Istanbul architects Autoban have created a playful yet tasteful space reminiscent of 1950s California, with furniture and a layout that references Mid-Century Modern.
Villas built around olive and pine trees are a part of the nature design with their roofs covered with jasmine and bougainvillea. Rounded corners, diamond-shaped pools and waveform shapes create a sense of softness and flow, plaster walls add texture, and floor-to-ceiling windows maximize natural light.
The soothing color scheme of neutral tones, rustic wood and stone is balanced by shades of sunflower yellow and sea green. There is a distinct, sophisticated Bijal style that is reflected in every aspect of the facility, from the men’s kimonos to their sandals.
The ‘play’ theme continues throughout, from Polaroid cameras in the rooms to bright yellow bicycles for guests to ride around, pottery, cooking and art classes, a resident DJ and a Children’s House for youngsters.
food drink
Two restaurants, BeachHouse and ClubHouse, showcase a variety of international cuisines and delicacies. Themed set menus prepared by guest chefs include Japanese, French, Italian, Georgian, Russian and others.
ClubHouse is the more formal of the two, with a fine dining menu prepared by Michelin-starred Italian chef Theodor Falser. Breakfast is also taken here; A feast for the eyes and tastebuds, an entire room is dedicated to the buffet, and à la carte options include Turkish menemen (omelette with tomatoes and green peppers) and çılbır (poached eggs with garlic). yogurt).
BeachHouse is best for long, lazy lunches overlooking the sea with salads, appetizers, fresh fish and seafood. An outdoor swimming pool, a resident DJ and a band of friendly, knowledgeable staff are always on hand. Meals can also be delivered to your beach hut; Highly recommended for maximum privacy and relaxation. During peak season, the beach’s teppanyaki restaurant serves Japanese-inspired cuisine.
In-room dining can be arranged at any time of day, and the villas offer full bottles of champagne, Japanese whiskey, Mexican tequila and rum, complete with cocktail shakers and mixers — just in case there’s a private pool party. The villas feature a comfortable sofa and a round table filled with local fruits and Turkish desserts, which are changed daily.
Facilities
The main house is located at the entrance to the property and includes a large outdoor swimming 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 performed in one of three treatment rooms or at your villa, and range from Balinese to Thai, Lomi-Lomi to Shiatsu. We tried the aromatherapy massage which was super relaxing.
Private yoga lessons and sessions with a personal trainer are available. Bikes are conveniently located outside your villa so you can easily cycle to BeachClub and the beach.
Since the beach is only open to guests, it feels refreshingly refreshing, especially for this part of the world. A variety of water sports are offered, from jet skis and wakeboards to parasailing.
When you book a pottery class or art session, the hotel will lay out some canvases and paints for you on the lawn to recreate the scene.
Which room?
Villas range in size from one-bedroom to four-bedroom; The first has an outdoor bathtub, while the second is located in a secluded corner at the end of the property. Villa number 2 is the largest of the 4-bed villas, and villa number 1 has the largest garden.
No expense was spared in the technology department. Lighting, temperature and in-room entertainment are all controlled from the bedside tablet. And the latest Dyson hair tools are ready and waiting on the dressing table.
extracurricular
Follow the promenade along the coast and you’ll arrive at the seaside town of Side, famous for its impressive archaeological ruins, including the 2nd-century Roman Amphitheatre and the Temple of Apollo, said to be where Anthony met Cleopatra. It’s worth hiring a local guide here to talk you through the sites and bring the history to life. This is also where you’ll find beautifully restored Ottoman houses along picturesque streets; Ideal for souvenir shopping, an afternoon walk or that all-important evening cocktail.
Along the coast to the east is the 13th-century castle of Alanya, with its six-mile-long defensive wall, standing on a rocky cliff above the Mediterranean.
Best for…
Enjoy ultra-luxurious Turkish hospitality in private.
Details
Prices start from €900 (£760) for a one-bedroom villa for two adults on a bed and breakfast basis. bijal.com.