"Our original plan this week was Dubai. Instead, we ended up staying at Regnum The Crown — and as people who travel widely, have stayed in many world-class hotels, and own a home in Turkey for years, we can confidently say this resort sits comfortably alongside some of the finest luxury hotels we’ve experienced anywhere.
Arrival
From the moment we arrived, the tone of the stay was set. Our car door opened immediately, our luggage was whisked away, and the car parked while we were guided into reception. Rather than standing at a desk, we were invited to sit comfortably while the team came to us with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. Because we had mentioned we were celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary, we were also presented with a hand-tied bouquet of flowers, a personal and thoughtful touch that made us feel genuinely celebrated from the very first moment. And then — the scent. A beautiful, calming fragrance filled the lobby, soft and elegant, instantly quieting my mind. It actually stopped me in my tracks. I would genuinely love to know what it was. Anyone know?
Once we had finished our drinks, we were escorted to Lotus Restaurant for breakfast while our room was prepared. Eggs, avocado and steak? Absolutely. Protein pancakes and fresh fruit? Without question. Fresh smoothies made us feel virtuous — at least until later, when we discovered the patisserie.
By the time we returned to reception, our suite was already ready, earlier than expected. Within moments, we were whisked across the resort in a golf-cart buggy, our luggage arriving ahead like very efficient VIPs. One thing worth noting — message the buggy via WhatsApp, and often it’s already waiting outside before you’ve even finished reading the reply.
The Amber Lagoon Suite
The Amber Lagoon Suite is quite simply out of this world — incredibly spacious, beautifully designed, and full of thoughtful details. There is far more to discover than I’ll list here, and part of the joy of staying is uncovering those little surprises for yourself.
The bedroom features floor-to-ceiling private interior garden windows with soft lighting among the trees. Interior shutters and an electric curtain allow complete privacy when desired. The ambience is set to calming nature sounds, which adds a subtle, luxurious layer to the experience.
The bathroom is a statement in itself.
In the bedroom area a freestanding slipper bath sits beneath a television with a gently glowing fire display, creating a perfect combination of warmth, light and relaxation. A safety panic button sits discreetly nearby.
The lounge area sits a few steps down, with sofas, chairs, tables, and a small indulgent snack area. The television greeted us personally and even allowed access to UK Netflix.
The minibar is exceptional: branded Absolut vodka, branded whiskey, red and white wine, Coke, Coke Zero, Red Bull, still and sparkling water, milk, juices, sweets, fruit, pastries and crisps — all replenished daily. Bathroom toiletries are Bvlgari, refreshed twice daily during housekeeping and turndown service, each visit accompanied by another chocolate.
Lagoon Pools & Outdoor Spaces
The suite opens onto a private garden with sofa seating, loungers, a dining table, and a suspended daybed over the water. Steps lead directly into the Amber Lagoon pool, which winds past surrounding suites. A cave-style swim-up bar allows you to pause for a drink without ever leaving the water.
The larger cave pool with the waterfall is separate and magical. During the day, serenity descends as water cascades elegantly over the rocks, creating a peaceful, meditative atmosphere. Multiple pools and swim-up bars across the resort mean there’s always somewhere new to explore.
Dining
Food at The Crown is exceptional.
Yan Ji staff guided us through the menu with confidence. The dim sum was delicate and perfectly balanced; the duck pancakes outstanding — the sort of dish where you pause and immediately consider ordering another.
The buffet is extraordinary. Multiple stations offer fish, meats, cheeses, salads, breads, eggs prepared any way imaginable, and chips in more varieties than you might think necessary. One station is devoted entirely to olives — who knew there were so many?
Families are catered for brilliantly, with a children’s dining area and buffet positioned at their height. The American diner (do not miss this) adds fun contrast, and the patisserie is a deliciously dangerous temptation.
Spa & Treatments
The spa is beautifully layered. The main indoor spa and pool includes a large swimming pool, hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, and relaxation areas. This part is family-friendly, and children are welcome, with lifeguards on duty.
The treatment spa area is a hidden gem. Quiet, peaceful, and reserved for guests receiving treatments, it includes heated therapeutic relaxation beds with personal headphones for an immersive experience.
I had an 80-minute full body relaxation massage with Tia, a therapist who was warm, welcoming, friendly and professional. My shoulders had long felt permanently elevated (so much so that I joked they were my ear-rings). By the end of the treatment, I could move freely again — Tia had gently but firmly worked through every knot. It was one of the best massages I’ve ever had in a hotel spa.
Service
Service throughout the resort is impeccable. Staff are friendly without being intrusive. Lifeguards are observant and proactive — one at the cave pool offered swim nappies to families and later did the same in the spa. Small gestures, like a fresh towel handed politely after a swim, highlight the attention to detail.
Getting around is effortless via WhatsApp buggy service. The buggy arrives remarkably fast — often before you’ve finished reading the reply. Of course, you can also walk along the beautiful beach path connecting The Crown to Regnum Carya, which is lovely and passes Ali Baba’s Farm.
Ali Baba’s Farm
The farm is delightful. We wandered through flamingos, peacocks, goats, Shetland ponies, rabbits, a baby Highland cow, and even reindeer. The animals are healthy, relaxed, and clearly well cared for. Walking through the farm feels unexpectedly magical and adds charm to the resort grounds.
A Few Tips for Future Guests
• Choose a lagoon suite if possible — the swim-along lagoon and cave-style swim-up bar are memorable.
• Visit the cave pool with the waterfall — separate, dramatic, and serene.
• Don’t miss the treatment spa — the real hidden gem.
• Walk between The Crown and Carya at least once — the beach path and Ali Baba’s Farm make it worthwhile.
• Leave room for the patisserie. You’ll understand why when you see it.
How It Made Us Feel
Luxury hotels can offer beautiful rooms and facilities, but what stays with you is how they make you feel. Running my own business means life never stops, yet at The Crown everything felt calmer and quieter. I felt genuinely seen and cared for, and for a short break, I actually left rested — which is an achievement in itself.
Departure
Check-out was as seamless as arrival. The same staff member who welcomed us checked us out, our car was already waiting, luggage loaded, and we were handed chilled water and Regnum wipes for the journey. Even the conversation about which suite to book next was thoughtful and personal.
Final Thoughts
We arrived expecting a luxury hotel.
We left feeling we had discovered something rather special.
Having travelled widely and stayed in many excellent hotels, we can confidently say The Crown delivers Dubai-level luxury combined with the warmth and hospitality Turkey does so well.
We will absolutely return.
Although next time, I may need to arrive with slightly stronger willpower… and possibly a larger waistband."