BIJAL

BIJAL, located in Side, Turkey, has quickly established itself as a beacon of luxury and tranquility on the Mediterranean coastline, earning a coveted Michelin Key selection. This exclusive villa-only resort is celebrated for its commitment to privacy, exquisite design, and exceptional personalized service, offering a "game-changer" experience for the Antalya region.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for BIJAL is overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently praising it as a "hidden haven of opulent tranquillity". It garners excellent ratings across various aspects, including room quality, service, and cleanliness, often receiving top marks. The Michelin Key selection further solidifies its reputation as a property offering a remarkable stay.

Key Highlights

Guests are particularly enamored with several aspects of BIJAL:

• Privacy and Seclusion: Each of the 19 villas is thoughtfully spaced, featuring walled gardens and private heated pools, providing an unparalleled sense of seclusion.
• Exquisite Design: The resort showcases modern elegance with a playful retro feel, blending Mid-Century Modern aesthetics with thoughtful, nature-integrated architecture. Interiors are designed to harmonize indoor and outdoor spaces, reflecting the acclaimed designers behind JOALI Maldives.
• Personalized Service: The 24/7 personal butler service is frequently highlighted, ensuring every guest's needs are met and exceeding expectations.
• Michelin-Starred Dining: The presence of a Michelin-starred chef curating the menus is a significant draw, offering sophisticated culinary experiences.
• Amenities: State-of-the-art amenities, including heated pools, expansive terraces, sun-drenched decks, and a range of curated activities, contribute to a luxurious stay.

Room Quality

BIJAL's accommodation consists of 19 private villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms, each a "masterpiece of design and luxury." The villas celebrate the harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces, surrounded by lush, flower-filled gardens featuring olive and lime trees. Key features include:

• Private Outdoor Areas: Heated pools, expansive terraces, and sun-drenched decks provide personal oases of tranquility.
• Thoughtful Design: Interiors boast understated elegance with a relaxing color scheme of neutral tones, rustic wood, and stone, accented by pops of sunflower yellow and sea green. Rounded corners, lozenge-shaped pools, and waveform shapes create a sense of softness and flow, complemented by stucco walls and floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Premium Amenities: Villas are equipped with climate-controlled interiors, high-speed Wi-Fi, premium toiletries, Dyson hair straighteners & dryers, Nespresso coffee machines, SMEG kettles, and a "Fashion Bar." Flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and mini-fridges are also standard.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at BIJAL is a significant highlight, featuring menus curated by Michelin-starred Italian chef Theodor Falser.

• ClubHouse: This is the more formal fine-dining venue, offering an international à la carte menu showcasing seasonal ingredients. It's also where a "feast" of a breakfast is served, including a dedicated buffet room and à la carte Turkish specialties like menemen and çılbır.
• BeachHouse: Ideal for informal lunches and dinners, this restaurant specializes in salads, mezze, fresh fish, and seafood, with an outdoor pool and a resident DJ creating a lively atmosphere.
• Additional Options: During peak season, a beach teppanyaki restaurant offers Japanese-inspired fare. Guests can also enjoy private dining setups, from romantic candlelit dinners to family-style barbecues in their villa gardens, and 24-hour in-room dining.

Service & Staff

The service at BIJAL is consistently described as exceptional and personalized. A key feature is the 24/7 personal butler service, ensuring every need is anticipated and met. Guests appreciate personalized welcome gifts and the option to tailor services, such as arranging a private chef, bespoke excursions, or in-villa spa treatments. The staff are generally praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and highly hospitable.

Location & Accessibility

BIJAL is strategically located near the ancient town of Side, Antalya, on Turkey's dazzling Mediterranean coastline.

• Proximity to Side: The resort is a casual half-hour walk along the beach to Side town, which is renowned for its impressive Greco-Roman ruins, including the Roman Amphitheatre and the Temple of Apollo.
• Beach Access: The resort offers exclusive direct beach access with private cabanas on fine golden sand. Sorgun Beach, an eight-kilometer-long stretch of quiet golden sand, is on the resort's doorstep.
• Transportation: Antalya International Airport is approximately an hour's drive away, and the resort offers transfers in an ultra-luxury Mercedes van. Free parking is available for guests who choose to rent a car. The resort is located in the Sorgun district.

Value & Pricing

BIJAL is positioned as a "next-level luxury" destination, and its pricing reflects this exclusive offering. While specific daily rates can vary, initial information suggests prices around €595 per night or season deals from $1720, indicating a high-end luxury segment. Given the private villa concept, personalized butler service, Michelin-starred dining, and extensive amenities, guests generally perceive the experience as offering excellent value for the level of luxury provided. Booking.com has rated the property's quality as 5 out of 5 based on its facilities, size, location, and services.

Common Complaints

Based on the available information, there are no significant recurring complaints or criticisms about BIJAL. The reviews consistently highlight positive aspects, focusing on the exceptional quality of the villas, service, and dining. While some sources refer to "Bijal Bed & Breakfast Side", the core offering and reputation, particularly with the Michelin Key selection, revolve around its private villa resort experience.

Sources

1. standard.co.uk
2. michelin.com
3. edynblue.com
4. alida.lv
5. bijal.com.tr
6. mrandmrssmith.com
7. side-hotels.com
8. booking.com