Discover BIJAL Resorts: Where Luxury and Play Unite on Turkey’s Riviera

(IN SHORT) Gürok Group, renowned for its luxurious JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING properties, introduces its latest brand, BIJAL Resorts, with an ultra-luxury villa resort in the Antalya Province of Turkey. BIJAL Resorts combines Turkish hospitality with the ultra-luxury experience offered by Gürok Group’s previous ventures. The resort, nestled in the Antalya Province, features 19 villas designed by Autoban, surrounded by a pine forest and pristine beach. Emphasizing the theme of play, BIJAL Resorts offers immersive activities and services designed to boost relaxation and creativity, accompanied by outstanding service and Michelin-starred dining experiences.

(PRESS RELEASE) Antalya, Turkey, 2024-Mar-19 — /Travel PR News/ —The leading Turkish hotel company Gürok Group, known for its exquisite properties including JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING, introduce their new brand BIJAL Resorts, with the first ultra-luxury all-villa resort officially launching in March 2024 in the Antalya Province, Turkey. BIJAL combines the outstanding Turkish hospitality the group introduced over 30 years ago with Ali Bey Hotels & Resorts, with the ultra-luxury experience they have acquired through multiple award-winning JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING.

The intimate, sustainably-minded, 19-villa resort designed by Autoban, responsible for various top hotel and restaurant projects worldwide, is hidden away in expansive grounds, including a pine forest – where the only audible sounds are cicadas and the breeze in the trees – as well as a pristine and unspoilt beach on the Turkish Riviera; the perfect backdrop for families, groups and couples to reconnect with loved ones and meet like-minded people.

The Psychology of Play and Travel

Revolving around the theme of play, with the motto “we see play everywhere”, BIJAL, meaning enlightenment in Hindi, is based on the insight that play processes have a positive effect on the mind and soul. Although usually associated with children, play is actually a crucial element for adults as well to aid relaxation and connection. The brand’s vision is to put play back into the lives of guests who have forgotten how to, with a stay designed to boost life energy and potential.

BIJAL brings innovative services, immersive environments and well considered playful moments together to trigger imagination and creativity, enabling guests to adopt new perspectives on life’s challenges. Outstanding service is provided throughout the stay with personal butlers allocated on arrival, allowing guests to truly switch off and immerse themselves in the experience. A range of playful activities are available to guests, with everything from painting workshops, through to pottery, zumba, sleeping under the stars, cooking classes, aqua-gym, games nights, cycling in nature, solving puzzles and events, such as Family Challenge and Murder Mystery, promoting laughter and fun through the celebration of life and human experience.

Villas and Grounds

Each meticulously designed one, two, three or four bedroomed villa at BIJAL comes with its own impressively sized private pool within a spacious walled garden offering total privacy. Every space is a masterpiece of modern sophistication, effortlessly blending comfort with natural materials and striking aesthetics to create an oasis of relaxation and style.

Guests choose from swimming in their private pool, the large lake-style pool at the ClubHouse or heading down the path lined with olive trees (five-minute walk or two minutes by bike) to the beach to dive into the clear turquoise Mediterranean or take a dip in the BeachHouse pool, complete with underwater sound-system. There is also a variety of watersports on offer, including jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding and frantic boat.

Spa and Fitness

At the ClubHouse, the spa celebrates the art of self-care, offering a serene sanctuary where guests can reconnect with themselves; surrender to the healing touch of BIJAL’s spa therapists or embark on a journey of wellness and fitness in the state-of-the-art facility, which includes beautiful Turkish Baths, sauna and hammam, as well as three treatment rooms, offering Thai and Shiatsu massages.

At the fitness studio, workouts are turned into playdates. From heart-pumping group sessions like yoga, zumba and aqua-gym, to one-to-one personal training, whipping workout routines into shape, at BIJAL it is all about making fitness fun.

Dining

Michelin-starred chef Theodor Falser has developed the menus at BIJAL’s restaurants, with each dish, sip and snack being a celebration of flavours and fun. There is Italian fine-dining at the ClubHouse, which includes an expansive poolside terrace, fusing gastronomic artistry with the joy of sharing, and toes-in-the-sand informal dining at the BeachHouse Restaurant, with fresh seafood and local delicacies served up. As the sun starts to set, the DJ takes to the decks at the alfresco bar, with creative cocktails by the expert mixologists. In-villa dining can also be arranged for those after a more secluded experience, and there is also an exquisite Teppanyaki dining option outdoors on the beach.

Luxury Family Services

With space, privacy and a focus on play, BIJAL caters exceptionally well for family holidays. The Kids’ Club is open from 9am until 8pm, with fun activities to keep little ones entertained, such as mini discos, theme days, handicraft, competitions, horse-riding and cooking lessons. Babysitting is also available at an additional cost for infants over 12 months.

Location

BIJAL is situated one hour drive from Antalya Airport. The Southern Turkish coast enjoys warm and dry weather well into December, making it an excellent choice for Autumn, Winter, and Spring Sun outside of peak season.

The small harbour-side town of Side is just a 30-minute walk along the beach. It features a range of historical sites, with Greek and Roman ruins, including a colossal Roman Amphitheatre and Temple of Apollo, an excellent place for a sundowner.

The Turquoise Coast is home to rich myths, folklore, beautiful mountain scenery and has more than 600 miles of flawless shoreline. It is said that Mark Anthony chose this part of Turkey as his wedding present to Cleopatra. In fact, two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are also situated here: the ruins of the Mausoleum of Maussollos and the Temple of Artemis.

Spearheading Tourism Development in Turkey

Representing a $20 million investment, as part of the company’s wider expansion plans, Esin Gural Argat, Deputy Chairperson of Gürok Group emphasised the project’s contribution to the country’s economy, creating employment opportunities through foreign currency flow. In January – May 2023 there was a 23.65% increase in visitors to Turkey compared to the same time-period the year before. However, there is a need to move away from a reliance on all-inclusive coastal resorts, restricting tourists to their accommodation, preventing them from exploring the destination and meaning that local businesses miss out on sales. BIJAL Resorts is a trailblazer for ultra-luxury accommodation in the region and hopes that this model will lead to more high-end developments that serve to further enhance the reputation of this part of Turkey’s stunning coastline and great more opportunities for locals and tourists alike.

Rates start from 2,000 euros – around £1,700 – per night for a one-bedroom villa on B&B basis.

 

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www.bijal.com.tr / Instagram: @bijalresorts

For images, information, to review the resort or interview Esin Gural Argat, please contact: bijal@gribbonberry.com

Notes to Editors

ABOUT BIJAL RESORTS

BIJAL is Gürok Group’s latest venture in Antalya, Turkey. With 19 ultra-luxury villas, the primary focus of the resort is to cultivate a sophisticated ambiance. Nestled amidst the lush greenery and scenic landscape on the Mediterranean, BIJAL offers an exclusive retreat for those seeking the perfect blend of comfort and serenity. Embracing a play-oriented concept ‘we see play everywhere,’ BIJAL provides an avenue for individuals and families to cherish meaningful moments together and engage in fun activities together to foster stronger bonds. From its own villa and cabana on the beach to the 3 communal restaurants, Beach House and Club House, the resort serves as the quintessential destination where luxury finds its home, offering seamless elegance tailored for the discerning elite.

SUSTAINABILITY

BIJAL sustainability strategy encompasses four key pillars. Firstly, Environmental Responsibility involves adopting energy-efficient technologies and waste management policies to minimise energy consumption and environmental impact, alongside promoting water conservation. Secondly, Community Engagement and Social Responsibility entails collaborating with local communities, preserving cultures, and offering education and employment opportunities. Thirdly, Economic Sustainability focuses on supporting local economies through local products and sustainable business practices. Lastly, Guest Education and Awarenessinvolve raising awareness among guests about environmental and social responsibilities. To achieve these goals, BIJAL implements various sustainability projects, including renewable energy initiatives such as solar power, conservation efforts like sea turtle protection, rainwater harvesting, methane gas collection from organic waste, smart waste separation systems, electric vehicle, digital transformation for resource optimisation and waste prevention programmes in kitchens. More information is available on request.

ABOUT ESIN GURAL ARGAT

Esin Güral Argat is Vice President of Gürok Group. Since 1998, she’s led Gürok’s diverse brands including award-winning brands such as LAV, Ali Bey Hotels & Resorts, JOALI Maldives, and BIJAL. Esin is the first female president of both the Turkish and Kütahya Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Passionate about sustainability, regional development and gender equality, she’s active in the Board of civil society initiatives she developed TİKAD, GIRVAK, and TÜRKONFED. Additionally, she serves on the board of Fenerbahçe Sports Club, and a member of the Tourism Working Group and engages in various EU and women-focused commissions, driving projects for a better future.