5* Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection

On Location at Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection

I’ve just returned from Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection in Side, Turkey and can honestly say it‘s a fabulous place.

The resort is right on the beach, with a lovely area for hotel guests, beautiful sunbeds and Bali beds, volleyball and full waiter service. There is a general area and an adults-only section.

Service from every staff member was exceptional. They were keen to chat and happy to show me some rooms.

While families are welcome, the vibe is geared toward adults. There are quiet zones on the beach, a spa that stays open late, and good live music/entertainment in the evenings. , just right that adds just the right touch of ambience.

I loved the layout. It‘s a small hotel in comparison to most Turkey properties, with gorgeous, relaxed seating areas dotted around, so there's plenty of space to chill in the shade without missing out. You can also be as close to the entertainment as you like, it can be watched from the pool bar, La Maison Plage a la carte, the upstairs lounge bar terrace or even the terrace of the main buffet restaurant.

Rooms

The resort has 261 rooms, all of similar design. I stayed in a Superior Sea View, perfect size for 2 adults.

Superior Side Sea View

Superior Sea & Pool View

Deluxe Sea View – slightly larger with front sea view

Family Rooms – partial sea view, king bedroom and twin bed, only 14 of these rooms

Swim Up Rooms - superior rooms with shared swim up pool, garden view

Penthouse Suite – huge terrace with jacuzzi and panoramic views, sleeps 3

Grand Penthouse Suite - sleeps 5, wraparound terrace

Dining

Wonderful, we loved every single meal. We had breakfast in The Palmiye Main Restaurant, a great buffet with endless options, egg station, omelettes on request and drinks served to tables.

There is also La Maison Plage, which is a la carte, however open all day/night and no reservation required. It's fab, substantial menu of everything from salads, soups, burgers to fajitas, roast chicken and Turkish meats and kebabs - very laid back, great food and exceptional service. We had lunch here and dinner on our first night when we arrived in the evening.

The 3 other A La Carte's are included in the All Inclusive and need to be booked. This can be done via the app up to 2 days in advance or at Guest Relations. They can only be booked after check-in.

We dined at Safran International Restaurant and also Roka Seafood Restaurant - both were unreal, food and service equally fantastic.

Transfers from Antalya Airport took around 50 minutes.

I've sent many couples and families here over the last few years and can see why they all love it —it’s very classy, adult-focused, although they do have families staying, flawless service, and the food was the best we've had in an all-inclusive.