Golf Paradise Lykia World

A five-star retreat on the Turkish Mediterranean coast.

Lykia World is like a “small, self-contained village.” It lies just under an hour from Antalya and around 35 km from the well-known resort of Side, in the “middle of nowhere.” On one side, the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean with a 2.5 km sandy beach; on the other, the snow-glittering peaks of the Taurus Mountains in the distance. The view alone from the luxurious rooms, suites and villas — ranging from 35 to 200 square metres depending on category and furnishings — is enough to put you in holiday mood.

For all those seeking a true extra in luxury, space and privacy, LykiaWorld Antalya offers the ideal five-star retreat. And for those who want the ultimate in luxury, one of the four presidential suites beckons — with even finer furnishings including an indoor pool or jacuzzi and butler service. All rooms offer dream views over the sea or the golf course.

Seven restaurants — some open on a rotating basis — pamper guests with exquisite international cuisine: at the main restaurant “Leziz,” breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in buffet form, always with the option of dining al fresco. “Singapore” offers Far Eastern cuisine, “Balik Evi” specialises in fish and seafood. Traditional Turkish cooking features at “Türk Mahallesi” and Italian specialities at “Vinoegusto.” Not forgetting the “Links Bar & Steak House” at the adjacent golf club. Outside mealtimes, small snack stations ensure “no one goes hungry.” Even the youngest guests have their own restaurant: “Lykie” serves all the favourite children’s classics. Which brings us neatly to the relaxing child care at the “Lyki Club!”

One thing must be noted here: the consistently exceptional friendliness of the staff — found to such a degree so rarely — is simply extraordinary. Throughout the whole of Lykia World, “all inclusive” prevails. With the exception of unusual special requests, everything is included. One example: at the various bars, we are not talking about the “no-name drinks” common in many Turkish hotels. And despite “all inclusive,” the incredibly warm service staff constantly enquire whether you would like another drink. Not a glass, not a cup, remains empty for even a minute.

From the head chef to the chambermaid, you are constantly asked about your wishes and your wellbeing. It is almost like paradise.

In terms of sport and wellness, the five-star resort lacks for nothing. From tennis players to golfers, from archers to wellness enthusiasts, everyone is offered a barely manageable programme. The wellness centre, spread across two full floors, offers hamam, Ayurveda and Qi Gong. The wellness area — a floating island of calm — combines the Japanese pool (see photo below) with all manner of Far Eastern, Oriental and classical wellness philosophy. Just the right relaxation after a demanding round of golf.

Golf in the dunes — an incredible experience!

Lykia Links Golf — every golfer’s heart beats faster at the mention of a “links course.” For when does the average golfer ever get the chance?!

Golf courses that wind along the coast through the dunes simply have a special appeal. “Lykia Links” is a perfect example at world-class level. Lykia Links Golf is ranked among the Top 100 courses in Europe — and for all those who have yet to experience it, surely excellent preparation for St Andrews! There are some golf courses that belong on every golfer’s “must play” list. “Lykia Links Antalya” is certainly one such course that no golfer should miss.

Designed by architect Perry Dye — one of the most renowned golf course architects in the world, who together with his father Pete also designed the famous TPC at Sawgrass in Florida, home of the Players Championship — the course is a masterpiece.

Sooner or later you will come face to face with them: the railway sleepers in the dunes. Because one thing is certain — nobody gets round this course without finding one of the 54 bunkers reinforced with railway sleepers. The 44 endlessly elongated “waste bunkers” practically invite you in. The links course winds through the dunes and along the sea, which means the wind also frequently upsets your calculations. But you are compensated a thousandfold. Time and again your gaze lingers on the beauty that presents itself: on one side the broad beach, on the other the distant silhouette of the Taurus Mountains.

Before you lies the course with its beautifully maintained fairways, undulating and in two cases running entirely alongside a water hazard. From 15 of the par 72 course’s holes, you have an impressive view of the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains. The course is a challenge even for the experienced golfer and demands a considered and somewhat more cautious approach, as befits many courses in Scotland. Extremely heavily undulating, in places narrow fairways are strongly reminiscent of famous Scottish links. The cluster of pot bunkers around many greens practically demands a precise approach. The golf course covers an area of 603,000 square metres and was opened in November 2008. Course details: 18 holes, par 72, pros 6,850 m, men 6,316 or 5,870 m, ladies 5,320 m. Guests of Lykia World receive a 20% green fee discount — which makes a noticeable difference at a peak-season green fee of €110. Holders of the GOLF FEE CARD® also receive 20%: www.golfcard.de