Oludeniz, or the Blue Lagoon, is a startlingly turquoise inlet that is as magical as its name suggests, backdropped by the towering Babadag mountain. This whole area is one of Turkey’s tourism powerhouses, attracting scores of local and foreign holidaymakers seeking pristine beaches, high-octane adventure sports and soothing nature alongside all the conveniences that a well-developed resort town brings. You can find any kind of hotel you’re looking for here, from sprawling all-inclusives that you’ll never have to leave, to tiny family-run places out in the sticks where all the produce on the breakfast table comes from the garden. The town centre gets lively at night, but if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway there are plenty of hidden and low-key spots, too. And don’t just stick to the lagoon — the whole coastline in this region is dotted with world-class beaches and coves.
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1. Oludeniz Blu Luxury Boutique Hotel, Blue Lagoon
£ | POOL | Best for couples
This small, adult-only hotel close to the Blue Lagoon tempts with unique touches including an on-site gallery, art classes and a library. Its intimate size makes it a far more relaxing destination than many of the bigger resorts, and pillow menus and a turndown service make it feel far more expensive than it is. There is a honeymoon suite which can be booked as part of a proposal package, and some of the other rooms are swim-up.
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2. Green Pine Beach and Bungalows, Blue Lagoon
£ | Best for beach lovers
The location is the star attraction at this rustic, chalet-style hotel: it’s just a few steps from your door to the crystal waters of the Blue Lagoon. Even the swankiest hotels rarely bag this kind of positioning, and although this is an inexpensive option, it’s far from roughing it. The wooden bungalows come with bathrooms and mini fridges, and there’s even a honeymoon option which includes a hot tub. There is a restaurant on site, but it is basic, so be prepared to venture out in the evenings for food.
3. Beyaz Yunus, Blue Lagoon
£££ | POOL | Best for foodies
This adult-only B&B is elevated by sophisticated touches including 24-hour room service and suite options that include private gardens or terraces with a pool or hot tub. It’s a short walk to the beach, but the rooftop pool, complete with bar, also makes a great place to relax above the hustle of Hisaronu. The restaurant prepares excellent local cuisine using produce from the lovely gardens.
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4. Han Deluxe, Hisaronu centre
£ | POOL | Best for value
There aren’t many frills at this mid-size in the centre of town, but it is comfortable, the rooms are huge, and you’ll be pushed to find better value anywhere in Turkey. While it’s a bit of a drive to the beach, the hotel’s outdoor pool with its luxury sunloungers makes up for it. There are also good facilities for families, with a children’s pool and a babysitting service for an additional fee in case you fancy a night out on the (somewhat raucous) nearby strip.
5. Belcekiz Beach Club, Blue Lagoon
££ | POOL | SPA Best for activity-filled holidays
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This all-inclusive beachfront hotel is arranged in the style of a village, with low-rise buildings scattered around the huge gardens, giving it an intimate vibe. If you’re set on spending a fortnight lying on a sun lounger and soaking up the sun, then the stretch of white sand on the Blue Lagoon and the hotel’s sumptuous spa will fit the bill. Want to be more active? It’s also equally well-positioned for the thrill-seekers’ sports the area has to offer, and staff can help you arrange paragliding, diving and boat trips.
6. The Pearl Oludeniz, Blue Lagoon
££ | POOL | Best for big groups
Simple and sophisticated, this B&B stands out with some of the perks of the best all-inclusives, including swim-up rooms and coffee machines in the rooms. The outdoor pool and bar come with outstanding views of the mountains surrounding the Blue Lagoon, and you might be lucky enough to see paragliders drifting overhead as you relax on your sunlounger. There is an excellent restaurant on site, but this hotel is perfectly positioned in the centre of the action as a base for getting out and exploring some of the area’s outstanding cuisine.
7. Jade Residence, Blue Lagoon
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£ | POOL | Best for relaxation
The two-century-old tropical gardens are the showstopper at this small hotel situated in a historic building a short stroll from the Blue Lagoon. You’ll find an effortless blend of traditional and modern throughout the premises, from the chic minimalist decor in the spacious rooms to the gnarled old olive trees hanging over the architect-designed pool. This tiny, ten-room hotel also has an adult-only policy, making it a great choice if you want the best of both worlds — close to the action, but also perfect for unwinding.
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8. Morina Hotel, Blue Lagoon
£ | POOL | Best for location
Set in beautiful gardens at the top end of Oludeniz, this family-run hotel is perfectly positioned midway between the beach and the bright lights of Hisaronu town centre. The decor is fresh and cheerful throughout, and the terrace boasts superb mountain views, best enjoyed with a sundowner cocktail from the well-stocked bar. The à la carte restaurant is first class, and there are a wide range of room types to choose from, including suites and swim-up.
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9. Lissiya Hotel, Kabak
££ | POOL | SPA | Best for escapism
This hotel is located a short drive away from the main bars and beaches and is close to Kabak, a striking stretch of coastline framed by pine forest-covered cliffs that is one of the Turkish riviera’s best-kept secrets. Its dramatic cliffside spot creates striking views over the azure sea and mountains, and the modern but rustic buildings bring both supreme comfort and authenticity. This is not the place if you’re after a loud, action-packed holiday — but there are few better spots if you need to retreat from the world, clear your head and soak in the gorgeous nature of the Turquoise Coast.
10. Oludeniz Loft Exclusive, Blue Lagoon
££ | POOL | SPA | Best for luxury
This aptly named spa hotel is situated literally in the loft of Oludeniz, on the slopes of the Babadag mountain. There are showstopping panoramas over the Blue Lagoon everywhere you look, from the breakfast terrace to the decks where you can lounge over sheer mountain drops. There’s plenty to tempt your eye inside, too: all the rooms are individually designed, with richly coloured rugs, eclectic furniture and luxury fittings (including rainfall showers), and hot tubs in some.
11. Flamingo Hotel, Blue Lagoon
£ | POOL | SPA | Best for dogs
Plush touches make this charming, recently renovated hotel feel far more upscale than it costs — Egyptian cotton bedding in every room, rainfall showers and an on-site restaurant serving international cuisine are just some of the surprises you’ll find inside its chic interior. It is also pet-friendly — still something of a rarity in Turkey — and the surrounding geography of the Blue Lagoon and mountains make it a perfect spot for dog walking. Splash out a (very little) bit more and you can book the penthouse suite that comes with a private pool.
12. Monastery Suites Hotel, Cedit
£ | POOL | Best for walkers
This modern hotel is on the edge of Hisaronu town centre and is right beside the Oludeniz Nature Reserve, a crescent of protected pine forests framing the Blue Lagoon itself. Most tourists head straight for the beach and miss out on wanders through the pines — the best way to cool off on a hot day. If you’re feeling fit, hiking to the beach for a swim is a great way to enjoy this beautiful area. Accommodation is simple but clean and comfortable, with swim-up and deluxe options available.
13. Symbola Oludeniz Beach Hotel, Blue Lagoon
£ | POOL | Best for families
There is plenty to please children here, from the swing chairs on the terrace overlooking the Blue Lagoon to the magical palm tree-filled gardens surrounding the bungalow-style rooms. It’s a short stroll to the beach, and even though the hotel is in the middle of the action, the soundproofed rooms mean you won’t be disturbed by the hubbub. There are also family suites and rooms available, and a grill for barbecues in the garden.
14. Ecclesia Hotel, Blue Lagoon
£ | POOL | Best for history lovers
One of only a few hotels that include an archaeological site, the Ecclesia is built next to the remains of the 4th-century church of St Demetrius, which was destroyed during a raid by pirates in the 7th century. The ruins were uncovered by the family that runs this stylish hotel and they have preserved them and turned them into the main feature of the central courtyard. Inside, the theme is understated luxury, with marble and stone finishes alongside crisp linen. The over-14s policy ensures that the atmosphere stays as refined as the surrounds.
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