Lara Beach for chilled holiday?

[Tequilamockinbird]

Currently looking for a chilled out week somewhere hot in September. Just DH and I.

Have never been to Turkey but like the look of Lara Beach, and in particular the Concorde De Luxe hotel.

Has anyone stayed here? Is it suitable for a chilled out week?

[BinBandit]

I've not stayed in the concorde but have been to Lara Beach - might have been hotel next door but certainly nearby. Honestly these hotels are big with lots of different areas so can be as chilled or active as you like. It tends to be busier round the pools with slides and definitely quieter on the beach or on the piers if that hotel has one. We've never gone to any of the clubs or party type activities and you can usually use the restaurants for some meals rather than just the buffet which will obviously be busier. You can easily avoid anything too raucus if you prefer to ime.

[BinBandit]

Dalyan is a very quiet resort without any big developments if that's what you'd prefer. You take a boat down the river through the reed beds to the beach which is lovely and it's nice and quiet to walk about with a little town square which restaurants etc.

[BinBandit]

Belek is very similar to Lara beach but not as close to Antalya as Lara Beach is if you fancy going there for a wander around.

[Tequilamockinbird]

Thanks will look at Dalyan too.

We just want luxury without a luxury price tag and Lara seemed to fit that!

Open to other suggested hotels if anyone has any? Have also looked at Belek but it seems a little more expensive.

[BinBandit]

If that's what you are looking for then Turkey definitely fits the bill. I honestly don't think you can go wrong hotel wise. At the core for the 5 star hotels, they will all offer 80% the same experience and its just about choosing from the slight differences, what other things are important. So maybe look at how often you can eat in the a la carte restaurants, if they have an adult only pool, if any spa experiences are included etc. I'm sure we stayed in the Sherwood breezes in Lara and another one and not sure where in Belek, Dalyan is lower key but we stayed in a Villa there rather than a hotel. Also been to Marmaris which probably doesn't meet the relaxing vibe you are looking for.

[BinBandit]

It's definitely worth taking a trip into Antalya, our hotel did a free shuttle bus, it had quite a nice feeling about it and we had a few stops for drinks in little bars in the side streets though we had pre teen DC with us so not quite as relaxing as you might experience!

[Tequilamockinbird]

Thanks @BinBandit will definitely take a trip into Antalya.

I think you're right about the hotels being 80% the same. I've spent all afternoon on TripAdvisor and keep changing my mind!

[BinBandit]

It was my son's birthday when we were at sherwood breezes so we paid extra to have a private barbeque. It is honestly one of the best experiences we have had on holiday and he felt very special. It was something like about $15 euros each but most people just stuck to the free buffets so it was just us and a personal waiter/chef who prepared everything for us. Honestly couldn't move afterwards. We had just taken a punt and thought if it wasn't enough then we could go eat at the buffet after. If the hotel you end up picking offers that then I'd do that if finances allow. As a family we prefer the sea to the pool anyway so we've never found it too crowded as most people crowd round the pools.

I'm sure you will have a lovely holiday. We've always found the Turkish people to be nothing but helpful and they've made our holiday. I'd also recommend a boat trip, you can get some that limit numbers so again it's much nicer when it's quieter. The menfolk in my family just love jumping into the sea from anything they can find. boats, rocks, piers etc. Oh and the local pomegranate juice is lovely.

[deathbollywood]

I don't think lara beach is a scenic area at all. Side is much nicer as are many other parts. I wouldn't go back to lara beach.

[Cantdecidewhich]

The Miracle is a great hotel in Lara, we went in March and going back in September.

[willow3012]

We have stayed at the Concorde twice and it’s lovely , huge pool, lots of different restaurants all included in the all inclusive, private beach , staff are lovely , rooms are great, we plan to go back.

[BinBandit]

OP is looking for a relaxing luxurious week in the sun, she isn't looking for scenic necessary.

[PedalPedal]

I've been to Lara Beach twice, stayed at Delphin Palace and Sherwood Breezes which were both close to Concord.
All the hotels are much the same there, luxurious, quite big, mini water parks, great selection of food etc
The twice we have been, we never left the resort. You can make it as chilled as you want, find a quiet pool or area on beach, most hotels have their own beach area and beds some with a decked area over the sea.
I'd go back anytime

[PedalPedal]

Forgot to add, most hotels have an adult only pool as well