When it comes to luxury destinations, Turkey often tops the list, yet there’s nothing quite like the ELA Excellence experience. A stunning setting, impeccable facilities, first-class service, and a kind of understated luxury you never realised you needed.
But ELA goes beyond aesthetics.
It’s a wholesome, heart-warming kind of luxury; the kind that stays with you. The brand is masterful at creating moments: the kind that make you feel alive, that you’ll recall fondly when you’re back at your desk in a grey, rainy UK.
It might sound sentimental, but we left ELA better than when we arrived.
A warm welcome
The ELA Excellence experience involves impeccable facilities and world-class service. Image credit: Suzi Eaton
They say you can never make a good second impression – and ELA Excellence never needs to. From the moment you arrive, you’re treated like family.
There’s no queue at reception; instead, guests are welcomed into the lobby with refreshments while check-in is discreetly handled for you. Lemon water, Champagne or tea; your holiday begins the moment you walk through the door.
We were looked after by Deniz, who continued to check in on us throughout our stay. A kind, familiar face who perfectly captured ELA’s genuine warmth and attentiveness. Deniz, you really are one in a million.
Guests are then connected to their own personal WhatsApp concierge, an inspired touch that redefines five-star service.
Daily fitness timetables, live entertainment schedules, and restaurant bookings are all handled in minutes with just a message. It’s seamless, intuitive, and effortlessly modern; the definition of stress-free luxury.
Nights to remember
ELA Excellence has found the perfect formula for entertainment; chic, vibrant and fun for all ages. Image credit: ELA Excellence
Arriving late, our first evening fell on Havana Night – and what a welcome it was.
Picture this: a seven-piece band, 1960s cars glimmering poolside, waiters serving cocktails on roller skates, and an atmosphere so electric you can’t help but dance.
ELA Excellence has found the perfect formula for entertainment; chic, vibrant and fun for all ages. The music was sensational, the dancers magnetic, and the mojitos divine; mixed with care, served in stylish glassware, and bursting with flavour.
By the end of the night, we looked at each other and knew: this place is pure magic.
A taste of excellence
Music, dance and fun occurs regularly at ELA Excellence. Image credit: Suzi Eaton
The next day’s agenda was simple – to relax. As John Gunther famously said: “Happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast,” so we (thanks to ELA) embraced that mantra beautifully.
Guests can enjoy the extensive international buffet, open morning, noon and night, or choose from six à la carte restaurants offering world-class gastronomy.
One of our personal favourites was Galata, the beach club, where we spent lazy afternoons listening to chilled house beats, sipping pale rosé, and enjoying the freshest seafood. The oysters? A perfect ten.
At the buffet, we recommend grabbing a table by the water for that extra touch of serenity. And yes, there’s even a 24-hour restaurant at ELA Excellence. Because true luxury means not having to look at the clock.
The Olive Festival: A celebration of nature and taste
The Olive Festival is pure magic. Image credit: Suzi Eaton
By Friday, excitement filled the air as ELA Olive Festival 2025 began. This is a three-day celebration of wellness, culture and gastronomy.
It’s a signature ELA experience and if you get the opportunity to be there, please don’t miss it.
Think gourmet cooking experiences with leading chefs, alongside candle and perfume workshops, and sound therapy sessions on the lawn.
It’s an event that celebrates food, art, and nature in perfect harmony.
The Olive Festival is pure magic. A sensory experience that stays with you while honouring the Mediterranean’s olive heritage, uniting nature and wellbeing in a way only ELA could.
The Olive Festival celebrates food, art and nature. Image credit: Suzi Eaton
We didn’t quite know what to expect but were completely enchanted. Rows of local produce, artisan breads, fresh fish, cheeses, wines and Turkish delicacies, transformed the lawn into a culinary dreamscape.
The attention to detail was exquisite, every dish elegantly presented with ELA’s signature flair. Remarkably, this experience is offered at no extra charge; a true reflection of the resort’s generosity and commitment to guest delight.
That evening, we were honoured to attend an exclusive Olive Festival Dinner at La Perla, hosted by executive chef Zafer Tok. Dining under the stars beside pools lined with flowers, serenaded by an acoustic singer, we indulged in a seven-course tasting menu that was nothing short of spectacular. As we toasted with a beautiful red wine, we both agreed, this was a dinner we’d never forget.
Sea breezes and sunset skies
There are three stunning swimming pools and a fully equipped gym. Image credit: ELA Excellence
As our mornings blurred into golden afternoons, we found ourselves drawn to ELA’s famous Pier; a sleek, purpose-built deck stretching elegantly over the turquoise sea.
With a central bar, plush loungers and thick cushions, it exudes chic South of France energy.
Here, time slows down. You sip a cocktail, watch the boats drift past, and let the gentle sea breeze erase every trace of stress. We often returned for sundowners, watching the sky turn shades of rose and gold. These are moments that will forever define our stay.
Other highlights included three stunning swimming pools (one heated, ideal for off-season travel) and a fully equipped gym for my husband’s workouts.
While I discovered a secret sanctuary: yoga in the hidden garden. A tranquil space surrounded by greenery, led by an instructor whose calm expertise left me floating in more ways than one.
There is also the children’s pool (which looks a lot of fun) with its own splash-park and slides, if you’re travelling as a family.
Everland: A world of wonder for children
If you’re travelling with children, this place is pure paradise. Image credit: ELA Excellence
Though we travelled child-free, we couldn’t resist exploring Everland, ELA’s extraordinary children’s area. And honestly, our jaws dropped.
Safety comes first; every child wears a secure smart wristband, but it’s the creativity that captivates. There are art studios, gaming zones, outdoor theatres, and miniature versions of police and fire stations.
The timetable is spectacular: from pirate parties to olive tree painting, cupcake making to adventure games. This is a wonderland designed to ignite imagination.
If you’re travelling with children, this place is pure paradise. We can’t wait to show our four year old next time, which says something to us, as we rarely re-book the same resort.
The final word
The brand is masterful at creating wholesome memories for guests. Image credit: Suzi Eaton
Our time at ELA Excellence was, in every sense, exceptional. Each day revealed another layer of thoughtfulness, another touch of magic. It’s a resort that keeps on giving, and one that lingers long after you’ve left.
We created countless moments we’ll hold close to our hearts, and as we left, we found ourselves already planning our return.
ELA Excellence isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling. And we can’t wait to feel it all over again in 2026.
Factbox
Address: Belek, İskele Mevkii, 07506 Serik/Antalya, Türkiye
Phone: +90 4441352
Website: elahotels.com/tr/otellerimiz/ela-excellence-resort-belek/
