Gloria Golf Resort, Turkey

The stunning luxury resort on the Turkish Riviera, Gloria Hotels & Resorts first opened its doors in 1997 and has subsequently seen remarkable growth and investment.

Situated 30 minutes from Antalya International Airport, the venue offers a wide range of accommodation with three luxurious and stylish five-star hotels on the beach: Gloria Golf Resort, Gloria Verde Resort and Gloria Serenity Resort. There are also a host of luxury villas dotted around each of the three connected resorts.

But the golf is a huge draw for visitors with 45 holes available, making it the biggest golf complex in Turkey. Comprehensive golf facilities also include outstanding practice opportunities for novices and those keen to sharpen their skills on the driving range or short game areas.

In addition, the nearby Gloria Sports Arena – built over an area of 105,000m2 – offers state-of-the-art facilities for more than 50 indoor, outdoor and aquatic sports, while an on-site hotel offers 110 modern-designed rooms suitable for all athletes and their needs.

Gloria’s Old Course opened for play in 1997, the work of French designer Michel Gayon. Known as one of the finest layouts in the region, it’s also one of the country’s oldest courses and is just a few short minutes away from any of the hotel receptions with regular shuttle transfers from door to door.

The layout sits in impressive surroundings, at the foot of the imposing Taurus Mountains and winds its way through the forest offering an idyllic setting.

Many of the holes encompass a risk-and-reward test, but the course is kept in superb condition with fluffy fairways and generally fast, true greens.

The high level of maintenance is consistent on the New Course, which was added to the resort in 2005.

Although it is generally seen as less punishing than the Old Course simply because the New Course allows more margin for error from the tee, the newer addition also poses a stern examination of all facets of your game with an abundance of water and clever bunkering.

Gloria’s New Course layout is the perfect complement to the Old Course, while the Verde Course – a tricky nine-hole test – is an ideal added extra for quick round and still stays true to the feel of the other two courses.

Away from the golf courses, the famous Gloria hospitality is a huge attraction with 23 sumptuous á la carte and main restaurants across the three hotels to enjoy and an opportunity to sample some of the best cuisine from around the world all at the same location.

And of course, the Mediterranean climate ensures the weather will be just another added incentive to make a memorable Turkish trip.