You’ve seen the photos of the plane-shaped building. It’s iconic. In the Lara Beach district of Antalya, where every hotel tries to out-glitz the neighbor, the Concorde De Luxe Resort stands out because it looks like a literal Concorde jet grounded on the Mediterranean coast. It’s quirky. But does a 20-year-old resort actually hold up in 2026, or is it just a gimmick for aviation nerds?
Honestly, the "jet" theme is just the wrapper. Once you're inside, you realize this place survives on something the newer, billion-dollar "palace" hotels often lack: a layout that actually makes sense. You aren't walking three miles just to get a coffee. Everything feels intentional.
The Reality of the All-Inclusive "De Luxe" Experience
Most people hear "all-inclusive" and think of lukewarm buffets and watered-down cocktails. That’s a fair assumption in much of the world. Turkey, however, plays a different game. At the Concorde De Luxe Resort, the "Ultra All Inclusive" label isn't just marketing fluff; it basically means your wallet can stay in the room safe for the duration of your trip.
The buffet at Le Buffet (the main restaurant) is massive. We're talking fresh honeycomb, Turkish pide made in stone ovens, and local olives that actually taste like olives. But the real secret is the a la carte circuit. If you’re staying a week, skip the buffet at least three times. The Da Vinci Italian restaurant does a decent risotto, but it’s the Asiana—with its teppanyaki—that usually requires booking the second you check in. They have a strict reservation system. Don't wait until Tuesday to book for Wednesday. You’ll be disappointed.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Let’s be real about the rooms. The hotel was renovated a few years back, so you aren't walking into a time capsule from 2005. The vibes are nautical. Blue carpets, light wood, lots of glass. If you book a standard room, you’re getting about 28 to 32 square meters. It’s enough. But the "De Luxe" in the name really applies to the suites.
The family suites are split-level. This is a game-changer if you have kids. You can put them to bed downstairs and actually have a conversation or watch a movie upstairs without whispering like you're in a library. The balcony views usually face the sea or the massive pool complex. Pro tip: higher floors on the east side of the "plane" get the best sunrise views over the Taurus Mountains.
The Pool Scene and the Beach
The pool is huge. It snakes around the property like a blue moat. During peak season (July and August), it gets loud. There’s no point in pretending otherwise. The animation team is high-energy, and there’s music. If that’s not your vibe, the "Carpe Diem" spa pool is the sanctuary you’ll need. It’s quiet. Truly quiet.
The beach is Blue Flag certified. In Lara, that means the sand is soft, though there’s a shingle line right where the water meets the shore. It’s the Mediterranean; it’s salty, buoyant, and clear. The pier is the best part. It has a bar and sunbeds, and jumping off the end of it is basically a rite of passage.
Does the Aviation Theme Get Annoying?
Surprisingly, no. Beyond the shape of the building and some subtle curves in the lobby that mimic a fuselage, the theme is fairly understated. You aren't sleeping in a cockpit. The architects used the "Concorde" concept more for the aerodynamic flow of the building, which helps with natural light and ventilation. It feels airy. Even when the hotel is at 90% capacity, the lobby doesn’t feel like a crowded airport terminal.
Beyond the Buffet: The Carpe Diem Spa
Many visitors skip the spa because they’re too busy at the swim-up bar. That’s a mistake. The Concorde De Luxe Resort has one of the largest spa facilities in the region, spanning two floors. They have a traditional Turkish Hamam that is actually authentic, not just a tiled room for tourists.
If you’ve never had a scrub (kese) and foam massage, do it on your first day. It removes the dead skin and actually makes your tan last longer. Science, right? The spa also features a "Snow Room" which sounds like a gimmick until it's 40°C outside and you need to drop your core temperature fast.
The Lara Beach Location Factor
Location matters. Lara is only about 15-20 minutes from Antalya Airport (AYT). When you land after a long flight, the last thing you want is a two-hour bus transfer to Alanya or Kas. You can be through passport control and in the pool within an hour.
Lara is also "Antalya's Las Vegas." It's a strip of themed hotels. You have the Titanic (shaped like the ship), the Kremlin Palace, and the Concorde. It’s surreal. If you want to see the "real" Turkey, you’ll need to take a 30-minute taxi to Kaleiçi, the Old Town of Antalya. Go there. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets, see Hadrian’s Gate, and buy some spices. Then retreat back to the resort's curated bubble.
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Common Misconceptions About Concorde De Luxe
Some travelers worry that the resort is "British-only" or "Russian-only." Actually, the demographic is a total mix. You'll hear German, Dutch, Turkish, and English in equal measure. This keeps the atmosphere balanced. It’s not a "party hotel" like some of the spots in Kemer, but it’s also not a "retirement home" vibe. It hits that middle ground where families and couples coexist without bothering each other too much.
Another myth is that all-inclusive drinks are terrible. At Concorde, they serve "international brand" spirits in several of the bars. If you want a specific gin or a recognizable whiskey, just ask for it by name. If you just say "Gin and Tonic," you’ll get the local stuff. It’s fine, but if you’re paying for Ultra All Inclusive, you might as well get the premium brands included in your package.
The Environmental Side
In 2026, we have to talk about sustainability. The resort has been leaning into the "Green Star" certifications. They’ve significantly reduced single-use plastics. You’ll see glass bottles and paper straws. It’s a massive operation, and seeing a resort of this scale try to manage its footprint is encouraging, though, like all mega-resorts, the energy consumption for air conditioning is naturally high.
How to Get the Best Value
Don't just book the first price you see on a major travel site. Turkey’s tourism market is volatile.
- Early Bird vs. Last Minute: In Antalya, early bird (booking in January/February for summer) almost always wins. You can save up to 30%.
- The "Special Days": If it’s your anniversary or a birthday, tell them. It’s not just a cliché. They actually do the swan towels, fruit baskets, and sometimes a free a la carte upgrade.
- The App: Use the hotel's app. It’s the easiest way to see the daily activity schedule without hunting for a printed board by the pool.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you've decided to book the Concorde De Luxe Resort, here is the most efficient way to handle your first 24 hours to ensure the rest of the week is seamless.
The First Hour:
Once you check in, don't go to the room first. Go straight to the guest relations desk in the lobby. This is where you book your a la carte dinners. The Italian and Steakhouse spots fill up the fastest. Secure your slots for the week immediately.
The Packing Essential:
Bring a pair of water shoes. While the sand is mostly fine, the heat makes it feel like walking on lava by 2 PM, and the pier ladder can be slippery.
Money Matters:
While everything is included, the staff works incredibly hard. Tipping isn't mandatory, but a few Euros or Dollars for your favorite bartender or the housekeeping staff goes a long way. They remember faces. Your drinks will arrive faster, and your minibar will always be suspiciously well-stocked.
Leaving the Bubble:
Set aside one afternoon to visit the Düden Waterfalls. They are literally 10 minutes away by taxi. It’s a massive waterfall that drops directly into the ocean. It’s a stunning natural contrast to the manicured lawns of the resort and well worth the $15 cab fare.
The Concorde De Luxe Resort isn't trying to be the most expensive hotel in the world. It’s trying to be a consistent, high-quality, and visually interesting base for a Mediterranean holiday. It succeeds because it knows what it is: a well-oiled machine that delivers exactly what it promises on the tin.