Gardenia Beach Hotel: Where Coastal Comfort Meets Culinary Tradition

Not much that can beat the feeling of the sea and good local food in combination during the vacation

Set on the tranquil shores of Alanya, Gardenia Beach Hotel is more than just a seaside escape - it is a deeply rooted culinary destination where local sourcing, traditional techniques, and community values shape every meal. Certified by the Culinary Heritage network, the hotel offers a dining experience that reflects the richness of Turkish regional cuisine and sustainable hospitality practices.

Local First, Always Fresh

Gardenia Beach Hotel stands out for its impressive commitment to local sourcing. Almost all ingredients come from regional farmers and Alanya’s food markets, with many contributions from staff members’ own gardens—including citrus fruits, olives, and aromatic herbs. On-site cultivation and a complete avoidance of chain supermarkets further emphasise the hotel’s farm-to-table ethos.

This practice ensures not only peak freshness and minimal food miles, but also a direct connection to Alanya’s agricultural landscape.

Menus That Reflect the Season

The hotel’s culinary team is guided by seasonal availability, sourcing produce directly from market stalls and adjusting dishes according to the harvest. Signature events like Turkish Night, Alanya Night, and the Tropical Fruit Festival bring this philosophy to life, featuring traditional dishes and vibrant regional flavours.

Guests can expect meals that are not only delicious, but also representative of the time, place, and culture.

Tradition at the Heart of the Kitchen

Gardenia’s kitchen takes pride in authentic preparation methods, including:

• Wood oven cooking for lahmacun, pide, and tandır kebab

• Handmade gözleme and fermented pickles

• Traditional jams and marmalades, made in-house

These practices showcase not just culinary skill, but a respect for the roots of Turkish gastronomy that defines the hotel’s culinary identity.

A Model of Sustainability

From thoughtful buffet management to zero-waste strategies, the hotel integrates sustainability into daily operations:

• Scraps are reused creatively (stocks, bread crumbs)

• Buffet portions are smaller with frequent replenishment

• Leftovers support staff with animals

• Waste reduction awareness is promoted with signage

Gardenia Beach Hotel proves that even in a high-capacity setting, environmental responsibility can thrive without sacrificing guest satisfaction.

Loyal Staff, Loyal Guests

Perhaps most telling is the deep trust and loyalty the hotel inspires. Over 85% of the staff have worked there for more than a decade, and 80% of guests return annually. This stability fuels both consistency in service and a sense of welcoming familiarity that’s hard to find elsewhere.

A Culinary Anchor on Alanya’s Coast

Gardenia Beach Hotel is a standout example of how tradition, sustainability, and hospitality can blend into a seamless, satisfying experience. It is a place where meals are meaningful, culture is respected, and guests feel part of a story worth returning to—year after year.