Lara Barut Collection

Renovated in 2015, the Barut Lara resort has a fresh, modern feeling that's complemented by impeccable service throughout. Guests frequently note the friendliness of staff and efficient service in restaurants and poolside. The 27 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds mean that despite the high room and guest counts, the resort rarely gets crowded or noisy. The main building, a modern beige concrete structure, has 10 floors. A contemporary sculpture with a circular garden greets guests as they approach the entryway. Inside, the lobby is massive with high ceilings and filled with natural light that floods in though numerous skylights. The mostly beige and brown decor includes touches of wicker, leather couches, wooden benches, and angular standing lamps. Vases of bright pink tropical flowers are a cheerful touch. Most guests are families with children, or couples, who divide their time between the numerous restaurants and bars, the roomy outdoor pools, and the private beach. 

The Barut Lara is located in the Kundu area of Lara, at the start of the tourist strip of Antalya. It has a private beach, accessible via a short path. Other luxury properties neighbor the resort and occupy the shoreline between Antalya and Belek, a town located 45 minutes away and that offers Greek and Roman archaeological sights and a water park. Supermarkets and pharmacies are located within a five-minute drive of the resort for last-minute necessities. The Antalium Premium Mall is a seven-minute drive east for guests who want to do some shopping. The beautiful Lower Duden Waterfall is a 15-minute drive west. Sandland, a sand sculpture theme park, is a 10-minute drive away. Antalya Airport International Airport is a 15- to 25-minute drive from the resort. 

Rooms at the Barut Lara are bright, modern, and immaculate. They're also spacious. The smallest Standard Rooms measure 323 square feet and Deluxe Rooms are almost twice as large. There's an array of suites available, including a Family Suite for five guests. All rooms extend to furnished balconies with garden, pool, or sea views. Decor is contemporary and upbeat with parquet wood floors and white walls decorated with vibrant abstract paintings. White curtains and bedding are accented with bright turquoise and red accents, while desks and dressers are sleek and stylish. All rooms have minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. DVD players are available on request. Attractive bathrooms feature beige frosted doors and beige tile, modern sinks, and showers with rainfall showerheads and green mosaic tile. Some rooms have shower/tub combos. Hairdryers, robes, and slippers are provided. 

There are 12 different dining options at the resort, including fine dining restaurants serving Italian and Turkish cuisine, a barbecue eatery, a patisserie, and a main buffet restaurant with a vegan corner. All restaurants, including a la carte options, are included under the all-inclusive plan and don't have any restrictions. There are also a few different bars, including one by the pool, and a night club. Guests give high marks to the dining venues here. There are three outdoor pools, including one for kids with rainbow waterslides, as well as an indoor pool. The pools are large and clean, and decks are lined with sunbeds, umbrellas, and palm trees. Guests can also head to the private beach, where more sunbeds and umbrellas await. 

A sleek, all wood spa has thalassotherapy offerings, a hammam, and a Turkish bath, plus a full menu of massages, facials, and body treatments. Along with a fitness center there are lots of activities available, from Muay Thai to yoga to aqua zumba. Clubs for kids and teens, as well as a variety of special amenities for babies, like high chairs and bottle warmers, are available. Evening entertainment can be Broadway-inspired. A meeting room holds up to 1200 people and can be divided up to accommodate smaller groups. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the property.