I spent a relaxing and delightful holiday from June 2nd to 9th at the Aria Resort & Spa Hotel in Alanya, Antalya, Turkey. Over these 9 days, I had a wonderful experience. Without a doubt, I give this Aria Resort & Spa Hotel a full five stars, and if I could, I would give it even more.This hotel was not gigantic in size, but as a 5-star hotel with multiple locations in Turkey, it was still quite substantial. The facilities and amenities were clean and luxurious, allowing guests to enjoy the refined atmosphere and services that a 5-star rating promises. My room was well-kept throughout the 8-day stay, and the dedication and friendliness of the staff were truly impressive.Although I haven't had many all-inclusive holidays—this being my fourth—I can confidently say that the dining experience at the Aria Resort & Spa Hotel was among the best I've ever had. Every meal was excellent, with standout features being the Mediterranean seafood dishes and the abundant, fresh salads. The vegetables were always crisp and fresh, never wilted or spoiled, and a dedicated staff member consistently ensured the cleanliness and orderliness of the food areas.The daily fish barbecues were a delightful highlight, and the lamb barbecue at the Aria Resort & Spa Hotel was grilled to perfection, reminiscent of Michelin-star quality, with rich and savory flavors. Although I usually avoid lamb due to its strong smell, the lamb here was odorless and exceptionally tender, making me crave it again as I write this review.Each day featured a new menu, offering a variety of special dishes, which made my 7-day dining experience truly delightful. Through this review, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the head chef and a heartfelt thank you to all the kitchen staff for their exceptional work.My first night’s memory of the hotel was not pleasant. The rudeness of the bartender at the main bar on my first night continued into the second night, significantly souring the mood for both my friend and me. However, what followed turned the situation around and ultimately led me to write this review.On the second night, after the ongoing issues with the bartender, Chief Waiter Cadnan approached me and offered a sincere apology, assuring me that he would do everything possible to resolve the issue. From the first to the last day of my stay, the rest of the staff at the main bar were friendly and accommodating. Even on that unpleasant second night, another waiter—whose name, unfortunately, I don't remember—made a significant effort to improve our experience.The next day, F&B Manager Sinan met with us during lunch. He extended a heartfelt apology and reassured us that the hotel and its management are committed to providing the best service to guests, especially when issues arise. The bartender also came over to offer a polite apology.I was genuinely impressed by how the hotel addressed our concerns. Despite the size of the hotel, Chief Waiter Cadnan and F&B Manager Sinan didn't overlook our discomfort. Instead, they made every effort to ensure our remaining six days were filled with attentive and kind service. Their dedication turned our experience around.Additionally, I’d like to extend my gratitude to the head chef. Due to our tight schedule, we had to leave for the airport early and missed the chance to have a proper meal before heading back to the UK. Knowing this, the chef kindly prepared packed meals for us. This gesture was especially meaningful as I had a long journey back to Bristol from London, and there wasn’t any time to buy food on the way. Thank you once again for making our stay memorable and comfortable.Lastly... Although I can't remember all their names to include in this review, I express deep gratitude to the many staff members whose kindness made me want to visit Aria Resort & Spa Hotel again. If you enjoy drinks, Aria Resort & Spa Hotel is a must. The beer, wine, and cocktails were all top-notch. It was truly the best. Thank you for reading this lengthy review.
