We stayed for a week with one of our daughters and boyfriend and had a lovely week. Weather was beautiful every day. We had the basic room which was fine - no view to speak of but we knew that before we arrived. If I had to change anything I'd add a bathtub not just shower and sunbeds on the balcony not chairs. If we came back here I'd probably upgrade as some of the other rooms look lovely, just peeking in as we walked past and there seem to be many different room types.

The hotel was very busy (half term week) and at first I felt it was a little like being in a 5 star holiday camp but once I'd relaxed into it and we'd booked a la carte restaurants I didn't feel that anymore.

The hotel has amazing facilities - during our week we did padel, tennis, darts, reformer pilates (paid), yoga, gym, sea gym, waterslides, water sports (another hotel for their along the beach, paid), spa treatments (paid). We also played golf (Pasha 9 holes) (very expensive).

The main downside to the hotel is the restaurant booking system. The buffet is always available but at certain times it's overwhelming and horribly busy, even though the choice is extensive and food is good. There are loads of A La carte restaurants but you book on the app between 9am-2pm for three days ahead. By 9.05am all slots had gone and it's not relaxing knowing you've got to be ready with your finger poised at 8.59am to book a restaurant. We could only book for two and my 17 year old daughter and boyfriend in a different room weren't able to book due to being under 18 so we had to keep WhatsApping the hotel to get a separate table for them or a table for 4. There's one restaurant which is first come first served with no reservations that's very good - Turunc. I completely support not being able to book a week ahead but there must be a more efficient system.

The hotel WhatsApp was amazing though, particularly Anna and Alper. We'd definitely come back!

Still maintaining the best standards as far as we are concerned. We are frequent travellers and our experiences range from motor homing to 5 star hotels. Before we had stayed at Lara Barut we never returned to the same place as we always felt we wanted to explore other options. However, we were smitten by Day 1 of our first stay in September 2015 and have returned once or twice a year since then.

The main reason we return is the amazing staff who do a brilliant job. They work long hours and yet they always have a smile and greet you enthusiastically every time. Special thanks go to the following staff who we had the most contact with on this visit:

Salih who drives the buggy to and from the beach - always cheerful and such a lovely person.
Yamur on the animation team who oversaw us at bocci.
Amigo, Martin, Pekcan, Buket and Cheran - all on the animation team - encouraging us to dance and great fun all of them.
Atiye was fabulous at our Pilates workouts really putting us through our paces. Noyan Dulek visited when we were there and his chair workout and HIIT workout were fabulous.
Emre and Berkhay at Sandals Restaurant in the evening - so welcoming
Emine and Okan in Akdeniz - efficient and so friendly
Sidika and Rabia - Sandals at breakfast
Bekir and Verdat - Laura
Ceyhun at the Barbecue in the evening
Ebru at Majo Beach Bar in the mornings
Nese and Beyzanur in the Lobby Bar and Hanimeli
Last but not least Berhat on Guest Relations at the Majo Beach.

Of course, the management of the hotel is why this place is such a success. Onur was frequently seen walking around the complex and checking that all was well. If there were any issues they were addressed immediately. It is so important that managers are in evidence and not hidden away in their office.

Thank you LARA BARUT for another great holiday and see you next year.

October half term (week 1)

Excellent holiday, very relaxing, all reviews are very accurate.

We had a connecting garden swim up room which was amazing, kids really enjoyed it, was peaceful away from the other pools.

Lagoon swim up bar was our favourite with money heist cocktails. More quiet area.

Entertainment was really good but it was all outside and it was chilling at night but they did bring out heaters.

Food was great, lots of variety, always something to eat at all times, mini bars in rooms are included. We did the cook your own on bbqs which was fun.

We booked a room for our final day as we didn’t leave until 8pm otherwise you have to check out and use the complimentary room which is a room with lockers and a few sofas. We wanted to be able to shower change etc.

Negatives for us as a family:
•WiFi dropped out quite a bit
•Beds weren’t comfortable (hard)
•Water was very cold until day 4 when they finally heated some of the pools