Arum Barut Collection

The first thing to know about Arum Barut Collection is that its beach is small. The fact sheet gives about 85 metres of sand in front of the hotel. If you choose it knowing that, the hotel's other strengths come to the fore.

The hotel is beachfront and runs on an ultra all-inclusive basis, which the fact sheet states clearly. Nothing suggests it is adults-only, so families stay here too. The official how-to-get-there page puts Antalya Airport at about 65 km, around 1 hour 10 minutes by road.

So why Arum? In our view, it is the combination of a beachfront setting and a full ultra all-inclusive concept. If you want to see the old town without worrying about meals and drinks for the rest of the holiday, it strikes a practical balance.

The plus side is simple: beachfront, its own sandy beach, ultra all-inclusive, with clear airport details on the official site.

The minus side is just as clear. A beach of around 85 metres can feel crowded in midsummer, the transfer is longer than from Lara or Belek, and guests who would rather not share space with families will be happier at an adults-only hotel.

Who should look elsewhere? Anyone who likes picking a spot on a wide beach, and couples after a child-free setting.

For comparison, Acanthus Cennet Barut is also in Side, ultra all-inclusive and beachfront, but its beach is nearly twice as long at about 160 metres. Barut Hemera, already on our site, sits about 3 km from Side and also has a short beach of mixed sand and gravel.

Early June and mid-September are good times to enjoy a small beach without the crush. In July and August the midday sun is fierce, so head down in the morning and keep the afternoon for the shade.