Cullinan Belek revamps golf offering to 18 holes, elevating Turkish resort status for European golfers

Cullinan Belek in Belek, Antalya, has reimagined its golf offering by replacing a traditional 36-hole layout with a single, modern 18-hole course. The resort previously hosted two courses, The Aspendos and The Olympos, but has merged them into one track that carries the name of the Olympos. The shift is part of a broader investment in the property that aims to keep Cullinan Belek at the forefront of Europe’s luxury golf circuit as Belek cements its status as a top destination for international players.

The design embraces the strengths of both former layouts. The first nine holes reveal the new front-nine, which follows the line of the Olympos along the beachfront and, at times, plays like a links-style layout under sea breezes. The back nine is formed from a reworked Aspendos, with a few alterations that effectively blend the two courses’ most compelling elements. After a round, the overall effect is a cohesive, single 18-hole experience that challenges accuracy off the tee and demands strategic club selection around water hazards and flanking dunes.

The front nine can be demanding when the wind picks up, with many holes playing along water on one side. The ninth hole drops toward the clubhouse, presenting a water hazard on the right that adds pressure even on a calm day. The back nine, by contrast, is built to reward mid-level golfers with several birdie opportunities: par fours that come in under 300 yards and straightforward par threes provide a more forgiving rhythm for those seeking to post a solid score. The 12th and 13th holes form a pair of par fours that curve around a central body of water in opposite directions, each under 300 yards and offering a moment to rethink strategy rather than simply swinging aggressively.

The 18th caps the round with a par-five return to a clubhouse-facing green. It requires two quality shots to approach the target, yet the green is protected by a sizable water stretch, inviting gauge-and-commitment in the final moments of the round. A new halfway house sits near the tenth tee, backed by the hotel, making it convenient for players to replenish without leaving the course. The facility emphasizes practical comforts—easy club rental, golf carts, and a casual option to grab a bite or a drink—while the surrounding landscape and sea views remind guests they are playing in a singular Belek setting.

The resort notes a 35-degree heat profile during peak season, so staffers keep players hydrated with chilled water in cart cool-bins and a quick, efficient on-course service model. The course renovation is designed to be part of a larger hospitality upgrade at Cullinan Belek, ensuring that guests can pair golf with a seamlessly integrated resort experience from check-in through dinner and evening recreation.

Beyond the fairways, Cullinan Belek positions itself as an all-inclusive luxury destination, with an array of dining, nightlife, and family-focused amenities. The Noble Irish Pub operates around the clock and consistently screens live sports, with Guinness on tap adding to the bar’s appeal for visiting golfers and their companions. The resort’s family offerings are highlighted by a well-regarded kids club, Upapa, which blends supervised activities with educational and creative programming, including cooking lessons at a local mini-restaurant.

Evenings showcase a diverse entertainment slate, from performances by international DJs to daytime workshops and art sessions. Outside the kids club, a sizeable water park provides slides and splash zones for children, while adults can unwind at the spa, the C'erce, which offers a wide range of treatments. The property also features a hairdressing salon and other personal-care services, with bundled pricing that the staff describe as competitive for a luxury, all-inclusive property.

Families can rent cabanas by the pool, complete with a private bed, a mini-fridge, and waiter service that operates through the day and into the evening. For guests who want to balance a family-friendly environment with their golf plans, Cullinan Belek provides a steady rhythm of activity and relaxation options without the need to leave the resort.

Accommodation at Cullinan Belek leans into a graceful blend of luxury and privacy. The Golf Lagoon rooms, described by staff as close to bungalow-style units, are arranged in clusters that split into two separate rooms and share a swim-up pool and decking. This setup allows families to enjoy direct pool access and a central dining option within the Lagoon block, while still delivering the high-end finishes the property is known for, such as marble flooring, high-end bathroom appointments, and the ability to tailor housekeeping and room-service requests to individual preferences. Guests can summon a golf-cart shuttle from their rooms to move around the property with minimal effort, a practical touch given the resort’s expansive footprint and the heat that characterizes the region.

As for the golf product itself, Cullinan Belek’s single 18-hole layout is already being positioned as a major selling point. Although the resort does offer night golf, it is limited to groups of eight, which can constrain spontaneous play but reinforces the hotel’s emphasis on structured, social rounds. The development signals a broader commitment to maintaining Belek’s status as a premier European golf destination, even as competitors and new properties enter the market.

From a broader perspective, Cullinan Belek’s repositioning aligns with Belek’s ongoing evolution as a top-tier golf and luxury leisure hub. The region’s appeal continues to grow as international players seek a combination of championship-level golf, all-inclusive refinement, and family-friendly amenities in a climate that invites year-round golf and resort downtime. Cullinan Belek’s integrated approach—reworking the golf course, expanding hospitality offerings, and maintaining high service standards—aims to capture and sustain interest from European golfers who travel extensively for weekend and seasonal getaways.

All told, the resort’s move from a 36-hole model to a single, reimagined 18-hole course appears to be paying dividends. The strategic blend of challenging holes near the water, accessible back-nine scoring prospects, and a robust on-site experience positions Cullinan Belek as a compelling option for both dedicated golfers and luxury-seekers who want to combine a high-end golf vacation with a family-friendly resort environment. While night golf remains a popular feature for some groups, the property’s core strength lies in its holistic offering: a thoughtfully designed course, extensive on-site amenities, and a setting that continues to elevate Belek’s profile among Europe’s golf destinations.