Tahira Khan Explores Two Halal Beach Hotels for Women in the Turkish Riviera
Halal tourism has seen significant growth over the past two decades. Among the countries catering to Muslim travellers, Turkey ranks in one of the top Muslim women-friendly destinations, providing safety, faith-based experiences, and exclusive facilities for women. With more countries over the globe recognising the demand, according to the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024 report.
Among the countries catering well to Muslim travellers, Turkey holds the fourth spot in the Global Muslim Travel Index. Additionally, it ranks seventh as one of the top Muslim women-friendly destinations, providing safety, faith-based experiences, and exclusive facilities for women. Despite these offerings, searching for a truly 100% halal resort online can be challenging. This is where specialised booking platforms such as ‘Halalbooking’ step in to streamline the process by curating a selection of halal-friendly accommodations and travel experiences.
As a Muslim female traveller; my concerns and preferences are to have separate amenities for women, no alcohol and praying facilities. This is where I observe how halal it really gets.
The Bera Alanya Resort
One of the options offered to me was ‘The Bera Alanya Resort’ being a world-class all-inclusive resort hotel in the charming Turkish region of Konakli, Antalya. Known for its idyllic picturesque scenery of palm trees, golden beaches and the perfect Mediterranean ambiance. Surrounded by the scenery of the stunning Taurus Mountains and Damlatas Cave, which is an enchanting cave with fifteen thousand years of history. Alaettinoglu Cultural Park offers activities such as jeep safaris, quad biking and paragliding. Sarapsa Han Caravansera is an ancient fortress in Konakli steeped in history. It also houses a small mosque that is still used for religious purposes. Whereas Konakli Mosque, the main mosque is an eight-minute drive from the hotel, is visited for peaceful prayers behind the muezzin.
The resort, resembling a grand cruise liner from a distance, features rooms with balconies that offer stunning views of the inner atrium. As I stroll towards the breakfast area, the peaceful recitation of the Qur’an filled the air from the non-alcoholic bar. Here, guests are enjoying a variety of beverages such as homemade lemonade, hot drinks, and rich Turkish coffee – a delightful way to kickstart the day. The extravagant patisserie on the ground floor and shopping facilities are also an added bonus.
Designed to symbolise a combination of family fun and integrated relaxation for everyone. The halal-friendly, alcohol-free seafront resort has a mixed-gender beach and pool area, as well as dedicated women-only and men-only indoor and outdoor pools. I also witness a live performance at the amphitheater by Cüneyt Güzel, a talented singer who reached the semi-finals of Turkey’s The Voice competition. He captivated the audience with his powerful vocals.
Bera Resorts Hotel Manager Ruhat Ülgen Cengiz stated, ‘The government and Turkey in general don’t recognise halal tourism as a separate sector, but it is one that contributes significantly to both the Turkish and global economies”.
She also emphasises the importance of hospitality to her staff, highlighting it as a sacred duty, especially for Muslims. She encouraged her employees to follow the example set by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who personally attended to and served his guests with utmost care and generosity. She reminded them that even if they have little to offer, they should always be willing to share, just as the Prophet (PBUH) did when he shared his last piece of bread with his guests.
There are impressive segregated fitness and wellness facililties for both genders and the spa area provides an amazing thermal spa alongwith traditional Turkish hammam and beauty treatments separately for both men and women.
The resort ensures that all the food served is strictly halal, eliminating any concerns about non-halal items like pork or even additives like gelatine being present in the buffet. Additionally, the absence of alcohol is a welcome sight. As a foodie, what excites me most is the grand display of food available in the breakfast buffet, with endless options. This outdoor terrace and eating area near the aqua park and children’s beach make the views very pleasant, but just a sidenote, be aware of the loud music blasting from the children’s aquapark from a distance if you prefer a quieter morning.
I am pleasantly surprised to discover that every detail for a Muslim traveller has been meticulously thought out. For example a charming straw prayer hut is set up on the beach allows me the convenience of performing my prayers without having to rush back to my room. I can simply perform my ablutions in the sea or under the beach showers before offering my prayers there. The beach itself is on point in its level of cleanliness, and I didn’t see any litter.
Bera Alanya even boasts its own mosque where Friday prayers are conducted every week, complete with an imam delivering the sermon.The Aquapark is one of the biggest water parks in Alanya, with lots of slides and fun for the whole family. Sealanya Dolphin Park is a nearby water park that also offers the opportunity to swim with the dolphins. Swimwear regulations are enforced only on mixed-gender beaches, along with strict security protocols regarding photography and limitations on social media posting to protect privacy. Additionally, there is a men-only outdoor terrace on the ground level. The hotel offers exclusive private saunas and jacuzzi’s in specific junior, senior, and grand suites. One of the highlights of this resort is the selection of beverages served in the reception lounge, with the unlimited iced coffee being my personal favourite especially when it hits the 3’oclock slump. One other aspect which reassured me was how much the resort cared for the planet and committed to eco-conscious practices and sustainability efforts across the entire property.
The Adin Hotel and Resort
‘Halalbooking’ also offered another option of a luxury boutique hotel, also located in Alanya, is one of the rare establishments who provide a private beach exclusively for women. The exquisite hotel is positioned away from the women’s beach, with tall sails surrounding the swimming area to ensure complete privacy. A small mixed beach also separates the women’s and men’s beaches, lined with snack bars and a grill restaurant. Next to the women’s beach lies an outdoor pool, secluded by palm trees from the main road. Each gender-segregated beach boasts its own prayer facilities creating an atmosphere of freedom for female guests whether they are indulging in the spa and Turkish hammam or savouring snacks by the pool.
Adin caters exceptionally well for women, the female-only spaces and amenities available is an incredible eye opener. As a gym bunny and swimmer, I felt free to pamper myself during the day in the sun-lounging areas. An array of umbrellas, lounges and cushions sweep across the shoreline. I curb my hunger after a detoxifying salty swim in the female beach area. I order a mocktail and almonds from the snack bar on my way back to the hotel. In the evening, I take a relaxing stroll on the pier and watch the sun set in the horizon.
On the start of my morning. I head down for breakfast and the food buffet is deluxe, not as overwhelming as Bera. I had a refreshing view of the sea whilst enjoying my Turkish omelette with a mezze salad. It is an energising yet peaceful start to the day, I think.
The hotel itself, it’s definitely luxury boutique, smaller in size, offering so much variety whilst still being opulent, light and airy. I visit the female wellness area which includes a thermal spa. I opt for a medical full body massage similar to a sports massage at a fraction of the cost. The only difference is my therapist uses a self- heating balm, great for my sore muscles after the swimming session.
On my way back, I glance at the posters listing the variety of daily activities for children. From tennis, mini golfing, gym and water sports; there is a games arcade too. In close proximity, there is a soft play gym and roleplay town staffed by childcare professionals, allowing parents to relax knowing their children are being well taken care of nearby.
I enquired about what happens in a medical emergency scenario, and the manager reassured me “we have male lifeguards and female lifeguards, who are very experienced and well trained in the women’s section, or male lifeguards in the male section. That’s the same principle with the first aiders, who are female and vice versa in the men’s section”. Hmm well thought again, the rating went up in my head.
I headed out from the hotel and just a few minutes walking distance away, I notice a parade of local shops in rows. Here I was able to purchase souvenir gifts, pistachio home-made Turkish delight and sport accessories. I was in absolute stitches when I saw the replica of Primark, and looked nothing like the retail chain. I am proud of myself for my well-earned pair of Nike Air Jordan limited edition trainers after haggling them down to twenty- five euros, luckily the staff are English speaking otherwise there was no chance. I rush back to the resort in excitement to share my achievement with my fellow female travellers.
The selection of eateries such as an A la Carte restaurant, a snacking bar, and patisseries too never left any gap for hunger. There’s lots going on such at the aqua park, and then there’s the pavilion. There were a few couples celebrating their honeymoons too. Overall, it is a laid-back atmosphere at Adin, where families gathered on the spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the sea and relaxing, sipping Turkish tea. Whilst maintain the balance with entertainment nights, live performances and as a separate cinema.
Rest assured especially, you will find not just an amazing hotel, but also peace of mind thanks to ‘Halalbooking’ I was able to fully enjoy relax and have fun, whilst still fulfilling my islamic obligations in a peaceful and convenient environment.
For more information visit www.halalbooking.com
Tahira was a guest of Halalbooking – book online at halalbooking.com or
download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
She travelled on Corendon airlines and stayed in Alanya at Bera Alanya Resort and Adin Resort Hotel
