When you browse hotels in Antalya, Kemer, Belek and Side, the phrase you will see most is “ultra all-inclusive”. But what exactly does it cover, how is it different from standard all-inclusive, and which things still cost extra once you are there? This guide explains ultra all-inclusive in plain English and what to look for when you choose a hotel.
Board types at a glance
- Bed and breakfast: only breakfast is included; lunch, dinner and drinks are paid for.
- Half board: breakfast and dinner are included; drinks are usually extra.
- Full board: three meals are included; drinks are usually paid separately.
- All-inclusive: buffet meals, snacks and local alcoholic and soft drinks at set times are included.
- Ultra all-inclusive: everything in all-inclusive plus a wider choice of drinks, à la carte restaurants and longer service hours.
What does ultra all-inclusive usually cover?
It varies from hotel to hotel, but these are typical features at ultra all-inclusive hotels in Turkey:
- Buffet meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus late breakfast and late-night snacks.
- Snacks all day: pide, gözleme pancakes, ice cream, cakes and fruit between meals.
- A wide range of drinks: local drinks plus some imported spirits, cocktails and freshly made coffees.
- À la carte restaurants: Italian, Turkish, seafood or Asian restaurants; most hotels require a booking and include a set number of free visits per stay.
- Minibar: usually stocked with water, soft drinks and beer and refilled regularly.
- Long service hours: some bars stay open late or around the clock.
- Activities and clubs: entertainment shows, a kids’ club, the gym and non-motorised water sports are usually included.
What usually costs extra
Ultra all-inclusive does not mean everything is free. At many hotels these are charged separately:
- Spa services such as massages, facials and the foam scrub in the Turkish bath
- Premium and top-shelf spirits, and wine by the bottle
- Some à la carte restaurants, or bookings beyond your allowance
- Room service (some hotels charge a service fee)
- Motorised water sports, diving and boat trips
- Private beach cabanas or VIP areas
- Airport transfers (if not in your package) and excursions outside the hotel
Reading the hotel’s board description before you travel, and asking about anything unclear, is the easiest way to avoid surprise bills.
Who is ultra all-inclusive for?
It is ideal for families who want to relax without leaving the resort much, guests with children and anyone who wants to know the cost of their holiday up front. If you love eating out, exploring town and trying local restaurants, bed and breakfast or half board may make more sense. In areas close to the city, such as Konyaaltı, eating out is easy, while at the large resorts of Kemer and Belek ultra all-inclusive becomes more attractive.
What to check when choosing a hotel
- À la carte rules: how many free visits, and when do you book?
- Drinks list: which brands are included and which are charged?
- Bar hours: which bars stay open late?
- Children’s facilities: kids’ club age range, children’s pool and mini disco?
- Beach: does the hotel have its own beach, and is it a pier or sand?
Ultra all-inclusive hotels in our packages
Among our packages with flights, hotel, tours and transfers, Akra Kemer Ultra All Inclusive stands out in Kemer. In central Antalya, the all-inclusive Rixos Downtown Antalya also includes access to The Land of Legends theme park. For another option in Kemer see the Kemer Royal Beach package, and for everything else our holiday packages page.
Why does ultra all-inclusive cost more?
Ultra all-inclusive hotels run more restaurants, longer bar hours and a wider drinks range, which takes more staff and stock, and that is reflected in the rate. The difference depends on the location, season and room type. If you do not plan to leave the hotel often, adding up lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks separately usually shows that ultra all-inclusive is the more predictable option for your budget. If you will eat out a lot, half board may make more sense.
Kemer, Belek and Side: where ultra all-inclusive shines
The big resort areas along the coast are where the concept is most developed. Kemer’s resorts sit between the mountains and the sea, often with their own piers and pebble beaches; Belek is known for large resorts with golf courses and sandy beaches; Side combines resorts with an ancient town nearby. If you are deciding between regions, our guides to each area and the hotel lists on our site will help you compare.
Handy tips
- Book à la carte restaurants on arrival day; the popular ones fill up quickly.
- If your hotel uses wristbands, keep yours on at all pools and bars.
- Tipping is not compulsory, but a small tip for good service is appreciated.
- Check the check-in and check-out times; if you land early, ask about early check-in.
- Bring a refillable water bottle for excursions; drinks are only included inside the hotel.
A note on families and children
For families, the value of ultra all-inclusive is often in the details: snacks available whenever children get hungry, a kids’ club that runs most of the day, children’s pools and slides, and evening mini discos. Ask whether children’s menus and high chairs are available in the à la carte restaurants, and whether the kids’ club accepts the age of your youngest child.
The bottom line
At the right hotel, ultra all-inclusive fixes almost all the costs of your holiday in advance and makes for an easy family break. Read the board details and match your expectations to what the hotel offers, and you will enjoy your stay without surprises. Compare every hotel in the region by board type on our Antalya hotels page.
