Corendon Playa Kemer Review: Mediterranean Luxury In Antalya

When Paul and I arrived at Corendon Playa Kemer this October, we were immediately struck by the property’s stunning position between the turquoise Mediterranean Sea and the pine-forested Taurus Mountains. This ultra all-inclusive resort, which opened in 2016 and underwent comprehensive renovations in 2019 and 2021, has mastered the art of delivering genuine luxury while maintaining the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes a beach holiday truly memorable.

Spanning 20,000 m² with 360 rooms accommodating up to 742 guests, the resort feels spacious rather than crowded, a quality we particularly appreciated during our stay.

Understanding the Ultra All-Inclusive Package

One of Corendon Playa Kemer’s greatest strengths is the transparency and comprehensiveness of its ultra all-inclusive offering. It’s worth understanding exactly what’s included to maximise the value of your stay.

Complimentary inclusions:

• All meals at Zephyrantes Main Restaurant and Food Court
• Daily events and entertainment programme
• Fully equipped gym with professional trainer-led sessions
• Table tennis, darts, single hoop basketball court, volleyball court, and futnet/pickleball court
• Turkish bath, sauna, and steam room
• Wi-Fi throughout the property
• Outdoor parking lot
• Minibar in room, refilled daily with soft drinks, beer, ice tea, and water
• Tea and coffee facilities in room (kettle and Nespresso machine)
• In-room safe box
• Beach sunbeds, umbrellas, and pool towels
• A selection of local and imported alcoholic beverages at all bars
• Mini Club for children aged 4-12 (operating 10:00-17:30)
• Kids’ water slides (operating at designated hours)

Services requiring payment:

• À la carte restaurants: Bona Fides (international cuisine) and Pier Restaurant (seafood)
• Premium import beverages aged over 12 years
• Fresh fruit juices (except complimentary orange juice at breakfast)
• Bottled beverages from bars
• Water sports and diving lessons
• Spa treatments including massages, peeling, body treatments
• Hairdresser services
• Doctor and nurse consultations
• Shopping at hotel boutiques
• Laundry services
• Professional photographer
• Car and bicycle rental
• Telephone calls
• Babysitting services
• Beach cabanas (Silver, Gold, and Diamond tiers)

Understanding this distinction helps you budget appropriately and decide which premium services are worth the additional investment during your stay.

The Beach Experience at Corendon Playa Kemer

The resort’s private sandy and pebble Blue Flag beach is where Corendon Playa truly shines. Two spacious piers extend into the crystal-clear waters, and it’s here that the property distinguishes itself from ordinary beach resorts. One pier features a resident DJ whose carefully curated music creates an effortlessly sophisticated atmosphere, lively enough to energise yet refined enough not to overwhelm those seeking tranquility.

The real highlight, however, is the tiered cabana system. Corendon Playa offers three levels of luxury: Silver, Gold, and Diamond cabanas, each providing increasing levels of privacy and service. We opted for a Gold cabana on the right-hand pier, and it transformed our beach days into something truly special. Our cabana came equipped with a thoughtfully curated fruit basket, premium nuts, chilled Champagne, a selection of soft drinks, and crucially, a lockable safe for valuables, allowing us to relax completely without worry.

An unexpected delight was the over-water nets installed for cabana guests, perfect for lounging directly above the sea, feeling the gentle Mediterranean breeze while remaining cool. These nets offer a unique perspective and have become our new favourite way to experience the water without fully committing to a swim.

Accommodation Options

Our Superior Sea View room, at 30 m², struck the perfect balance between spaciousness and intimacy. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a thoughtful welcome tray featuring honey cake, premium nuts, a fresh fruit platter, and a bottle of white wine, setting the tone for the hospitality we’d experience throughout our stay.

Elegantly appointed with modern furnishings, the room featured one double bed and one single bed, along with a private balcony offering breathtaking sea views. The beverage facilities were particularly well-considered, with both a kettle and a Nespresso capsule coffee machine for early morning caffeine fixes. The minibar was restocked daily with beer, cola, ice tea, a variety of canned soft drinks, and water, all included in the ultra all-inclusive package. The in-room safe provided secure storage for valuables.

The bathroom impressed with its comprehensive amenities. Beyond the standard toiletries, we found loofahs and a complete hygiene kit, while fluffy bathrobes and slippers added a spa-like quality to our stays. What particularly stood out was the availability of additional essentials upon request, including a shaving kit, nail file, comb, dental kit, and even a sewing kit, demonstrating the resort’s attention to guests’ practical needs.

Satellite TV and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property kept us connected when desired. For families, the resort offers well-designed Family Rooms (32-40 m²) with adjoining doors and two separate bedrooms, accommodating up to four guests comfortably.

Food and Beverage Options

The ultra all-inclusive concept here genuinely means round-the-clock indulgence, with carefully orchestrated dining schedules that ensure you’re never far from excellent food.

Zephyrantes Main Restaurant serves impressive open buffet spreads with stunning sea views. Breakfast runs from 07:00 to 10:00, with a late breakfast option from 10:00 to 11:00 for those who prefer a leisurely morning. Lunch service operates from 12:30 to 14:30, whilst dinner is served from 18:30 to 21:00. The quality and variety across all meal periods consistently impressed us.

Food Court Restaurant offers à la carte service from 11:00 to midnight and remarkably continues from midnight to 07:00, ensuring genuine 24-hour dining availability. What particularly charmed us were the robot waiters working seamlessly alongside the regular wait staff, delivering dishes with precision and adding a touch of modern innovation to the service.

The Patisserie, open from 10:00 to midnight, became our daily ritual with exceptional coffee and artisanal treats available whenever the mood struck. Ice cream is available 24 hours, offering both cone varieties from the patisserie and packaged options. With multiple flavours available throughout the day, it became an almost obligatory afternoon stop during our stay.

À La Carte Restaurants (with reservation and payment required) offer elevated dining experiences. We made a reservation at Bona Fides Steak House, serving international cuisine from 19:00 to 21:30. The cuisine and ambiance justify the additional cover fee. Pier À La Carte Restaurant, specialising in seafood, also operates from 19:00 to 21:30, though it’s only open from 15 May to 15 October, so unfortunately it was closed during our October visit.

Bar Services

The resort’s bar offerings are genuinely comprehensive, with strategically placed venues ensuring you’re never far from refreshment:

Lobby Bar operates 24 hours, serving imported drinks up to 12 years old alongside all local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Court Bar also maintains 24-hour service with the same comprehensive beverage selection.

Service Bar operates during meal times (12:30-14:30 and 18:30-21:00), providing convenient drinks service in the restaurant areas.

Pool Bar runs from 10:00 to midnight, perfectly positioned for daytime refreshment whilst lounging by the pool.

Pier Bar extends its hours slightly later, operating from 10:00 to 01:00, ideal for those enjoying evening views over the water.

Disco keeps the party going from 23:30 to 02:00 for night owls wanting to dance into the early hours.

Ocean Spa and Wellness

The Ocean Spa experience deserves a special mention and proved to be one of the highlights of our stay. We both indulged in medium pressure sports massages that expertly addressed tension from travel and daily stress, but the spa’s treatment menu extends far beyond this.

The comprehensive massage offerings include lymph drainage for those seeking detoxification, hot stone therapy for deep relaxation, shiatsu for targeted pressure point work, deep tissue for chronic muscle tension, the Hawaiian lomi-lomi technique with its distinctive flowing movements, and Ayurvedic treatments rooted in ancient Indian wellness traditions.

The traditional Turkish bath (hamam) lies at the heart of the Ocean Spa’s appeal and is complimentary for all guests, along with the sauna and steam room. However, the hamam experience can be elevated with a range of additional treatments available for a fee.

Traditional hamam rituals include peeling and foam washing, where skilled therapists exfoliate and cleanse the skin using centuries-old techniques. The full body clay mask treatment draws impurities from the skin whilst mineralising and rejuvenating, and various other specialised body and skin care services round out the offering.

The rituals using natural materials left us feeling thoroughly refreshed and renewed, and the spa’s serene atmosphere provided a perfect counterpoint to the livelier beach and pool areas.

Pools and Recreation

The resort features an impressive array of pools catering to different preferences. The main outdoor pool spans 750 m² with a depth of 140 cm, while families with young children appreciate the shallow children’s pool (10 m², 35 cm depth). The indoor heated pool (100 m², 140 cm depth) proved perfect for early morning swims during cooler October mornings, and the pool with three slides (50 m², 130 cm depth) provides thrilling entertainment for adventurous guests at designated hours.

The fitness centre, equipped with modern facilities, offers daily sessions with professional trainers including yoga, Pilates, and aqua gym. Free sports activities include single hoop basketball, futnet/pickleball, table tennis, darts, and beach volleyball.

Corendon Tennis Club Kemer

For tennis enthusiasts, Corendon Tennis Club Kemer represents a significant draw, though it’s important to note that whilst affiliated with the resort, the club is not adjacent to the hotel property itself. A complimentary shuttle bus service conveniently transports guests between the hotel and the tennis facility.

Opened in April 2024, this dedicated centre has rapidly established itself as a serious player in the international tennis community. Located at the foot of the Bey Mountains, the club seamlessly blends world-class sporting facilities with the natural beauty of its pine-forested surroundings.

The club’s 14 meticulously maintained clay courts, including a central competition court, welcome players of all levels from age five upwards. Beyond the courts themselves, the facility impresses with its outdoor fitness area, dedicated warm-up zones, practice wall, and Corendon Club Cafe. Individual and group instruction is available with qualified coaches, whilst court rental provides flexibility for independent players.

The club hosted the inaugural Turkish Bowl tournament which attracted young athletes from approximately 50 countries across five continents, putting Kemer firmly on the international junior tennis circuit. The second edition took place in April 2025, with the 2026 iteration already scheduled and expanded to three weeks.

Activities and Entertainment

The professional animation team curates an impressive calendar throughout the day and evening. Concept parties, from Latin nights to tropical themes, ensure there’s always something happening, whilst live music performances add sophistication to evening hours. The Mini Club operates from 10:00 to 17:30 for children aged 4-12, with both indoor and outdoor play areas, followed by Mini Disco from 20:00 to 20:30.

Water sports and diving lessons are available on the beach for an additional fee.

Shopping and Services

The hotel’s lower ground floor houses a convenient collection of boutiques that will prove useful during your stay. There’s a clothing shop, together with a handbag and shoe shop for any “forgot to pack” moments.

A Turkish Delight shop allows you to sample and purchase authentic lokum in various flavours, perfect for gifts or personal indulgence. The general shop stocks practical essentials including toys for children, sunscreen, toiletries, sunglasses, and other holiday necessities, eliminating the need to venture off-property for forgotten items.

Additional services available for a fee include a hairdresser, doctor and nurse for medical needs, professional photography services, laundry, and car and bicycle rental desks for those wanting to explore independently.

Exploring the Region

The hotel makes exploring the surrounding area straightforward. A dedicated excursion desk in the lobby can arrange various tours and activities, whilst guests seeking more independence can hire bicycles or arrange car rental through the on-site desk. These services provide flexibility whether you want a leisurely cycle along the coast or the freedom to explore at your own pace.

We arranged for a driver to take us to Antalya, where we spent a delightful day exploring the atmospheric Old Town (Kaleiçi) with its narrow, winding streets and beautifully preserved Ottoman-era architecture. The Old Bazaar offers everything from traditional Turkish ceramics and textiles to spices and jewellery. Having the option to arrange such excursions directly through the hotel eliminated the stress of navigating unfamiliar transport systems and allowed us to simply enjoy the experience.

The resort’s location, just 10 km from Kemer town centre and 40 km from Antalya Airport in the Beldibi area, also offers easy access to Göynük Canyon (4 km away) for those seeking adventure, whilst the ancient Lycian port of Phaselis lies 24 km distant.

Getting There: Flying with Corendon Airlines

Our journey to Corendon Playa Kemer began at London Gatwick, where we boarded a Corendon Airlines flight to Antalya. The airline offers a refreshingly straightforward approach to medium-haul travel, with the option to pre-order and pre-pay for meals before your flight, as well as a traditional trolley service for those who prefer to decide onboard.

Our flight departed punctually and the approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes passed comfortably, landing us in Antalya’s sunshine ready to begin our holiday.

What to Bring

Don’t forget to pack water shoes for navigating the pebbly sections of the beach comfortably. A portable umbrella can be useful for excursions.

There’s no particular dress code at this resort, although swimwear is not allowed in the restaurants. Bring coverups for walking around, and smart casual outfits for evenings. The temperature can drop quite a bit in Turkey at night, so a warm sweater is also a good idea.

Luxury Columnist Tips

Cabanas: Book your Gold or Diamond cabana well in advance as they’re limited and highly sought after. When you need to leave the area temporarily, place some of the blue towels provided on your adjacent sun loungers to prevent others from using your space. The cabana experience is genuinely self-contained – you can order complimentary food directly to your cabana, and there’s an adjacent restroom and shower, so you won’t actually need to leave for extended periods.

Restaurant reservations: Make à la carte restaurant reservations immediately upon arrival to secure your preferred dining slots.

Spa treatments: Book Ocean Spa treatments early in your stay, particularly popular options like the hot stone massage or traditional hamam rituals with full treatments, as appointments fill quickly.

Tennis planning: Tennis enthusiasts should enquire about court availability, coaching services, and shuttle times in advance, particularly if visiting during tournament periods.

Excursions: If planning to explore the region, speak to the excursion desk early in your stay to arrange trips to Antalya’s Old Town or other attractions.

Shopping: Check the Lower Ground Floor boutiques for any essentials you may have forgotten rather than making a special trip off-property.

Payment: The hotel accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Eurocard for any additional charges beyond the ultra all-inclusive package.

Final Thoughts on Corendon Playa Kemer

Corendon Playa Kemer excels at creating an unpretentious Mediterranean escape. The tiered cabana experience elevates the beach offering beyond standard resort fare, whilst the comprehensive ultra all-inclusive package (operating 15 March to 30 November) ensures every need is anticipated. The recent renovations have created a fresh, modern aesthetic without sacrificing the warmth and character that make a hotel feel welcoming.

The affiliation with the world-class Corendon Tennis Club Kemer, accessible via complimentary shuttle, transforms this from a simple beach resort into a genuine sports destination, appealing to serious tennis players whilst maintaining broad appeal for leisure travellers. The Ocean Spa’s extensive treatment menu and traditional hamam experiences add another dimension of wellness to the resort offering.

The ease of arranging excursions, car hire, or bicycle rental means guests can tailor their holiday to suit their preferences, whether that’s pure relaxation or active exploration of the region. Our October visit benefited from perfect weather and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to experience this property at its best. The convenience of flying directly with Corendon Airlines from London Gatwick made the entire experience seamless.

Best for: Couples seeking beach relaxation, serious tennis players and academies, groups wanting variety, families with diverse interests, wellness enthusiasts, anyone prioritising excellent beach facilities and comprehensive dining options.

Corendon Playa Kemer Beldibi Mah. Başkomutan Atatürk Cad. No:195/1 Beldibi 3. Mevki Kemer / Antalya Turkey

Telephone: +(90) 242 824 98 00 Email: info@corendonhotels.com.tr Website: www.corendonhotels.com

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