Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection

If you want ultra all-inclusive comfort, your own patch of sand and the ruins of Side within walking distance, Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection deserves a place on your shortlist. It sits on Özal Caddesi in the Side neighbourhood, right on the sea.

According to the hotel's 2026 fact sheet, there is a private sandy beach of about 160 metres in front. The concept is ultra all-inclusive, and the official site says so in its title. Family and children's activities feature on the site too, so this is a mixed hotel rather than an adults-only one.

In our view, location is the big selling point. Many Side hotels sit a few kilometres out of town; here, an evening at the ancient theatre, the harbour or the Temple of Apollo needs very little effort. All-inclusive by day and a stroll round the old peninsula by night is an easy rhythm to settle into.

Things to weigh up:

• At 160 metres, this is not a sprawling resort beach, and the front row can fill quickly in peak summer.
• Being close to town means a livelier setting in the evenings; it is not a secluded cove.
• The fact sheet puts Antalya Airport at about 62 km, a noticeably longer transfer than Lara or Belek.

It is not the place for couples who want a strictly child-free atmosphere, or for anyone dreaming of long beach walks.

Nearby, the group's TUI BLUE Barut Andız, also in the Side neighbourhood, takes guests aged 16 and over, though its beach is across the road. Arum Barut is also beachfront and ultra all-inclusive, but its beach is shorter, at around 85 metres.

July and August are hot in Side, so explore the ruins early in the morning or around sunset. June and September strike a good balance between swimming and sightseeing.