Ditch reality and head straight to Anda Barut Collection’s five-star surroundings this summer. The design is impressive, the food is superb and when it comes to the fitness opportunities, getting sweaty has never looked quite so sleek
A holiday in paradise often requires three main checklist items for me. Sun. Beautiful surroundings. And exercise. Lots of exercise (yes, I’m one of those people).
The latter should have been first in the list really. Being somewhat of an obsessed runner, my trainers will always get packed before I even dig out the evening dresses. And yes, I’m the type of girl to pre-map routes and scan Strava heat areas to try out in the same way others might scour travel blogs for itinerary gems.
Located in Didim, Turkey, five-star Anda Barut Collection resort ticks all of those boxes. And for its inaugural launch weekend, the resort programme seems to have been crafted by the gods themselves for me, with each of those must-have items showcased to the max.
Not only surrounded by swoon-worthy design and good weather, a star-studded lineup of Olympians and top professional athletes lead the way for a non-stop four-day programme of fitness, exploring and of course, sampling Anda Barut Collection’s delectable range of cuisines.
With nothing mandatory and everything optional, one look at the itinerary and I’ve already fallen in love (and soon into my gym gear).
The Resort
Situated in the pristine azure waters of the Aegean Sea, Anda Barut Collection is a sparklingly brand new haven to explore. An enormous, sprawling resort, it feels more like a mini city than a hotel thanks to its multiple pools, restaurants, 547 rooms and hidden areas to discover.
There’s something for the party animals, the pool loungers, the Fitbit crowd and the families trying to tame children alike. You could easily walk from section to section each day and feel like you are only finding your bearings after a full week within these contemporary walls.
Stunning in design, the decor and interiors aim to bring the outside in with oodles of natural light and a soothing colour scheme. Foliage fills the hallways and atrium, adding a sense of serenity heightened by the high ceilings. Contemporary, elegant and sophisticated, the resort is sleek enough in its own right to impress before you’ve even stumbled across the range of sport and activities on offer here.
The outside elements are equally as impressive as the rooms and spaces within. Stroll from shimmering pool to pool (eight of them, to be precise) or simply pull up a lounger and watch the world (and waiters go by, most usually on roller-skates for added effect). Being located adjacent to the sea allows plenty of sea swimming opportunities from the multiple jetties, as well as water sports for an additional fee.
The Food
Smack your lips together and get ready to feast. The cuisine goes above and beyond my expectations for an all-inclusive property, with not a handful but 12 different restaurants to try out.
Available for main meals (or simply a sneaky snack pitstop) for most of the day, the main Zestful Bazaar Main Restaurant provides buffet-style dining with section after section after section of food to try. With dishes changing on the daily to allow for variation, forget what you know about sloppy buffet cuisine. At Anda Barut Collection, expect only beautifully-presented, fresh and local ingredients at their finest.
From fresh breads, cheeses and delicate cakes through to authentic Turkish specialities, hot dishes and every salad under the sun, there’s no chance of going hungry from this world cuisine eatery. And this is coming from a very finicky eater.
There are multiple other a la carte restaurants to try out, each with a varied menu and decor, but it’s the ground floor Olivae Patisserie that steals the show for me. This opulent space feels like a chic slice of a Knightsbridge cafe or a Dubai cake shop. Marvel at pristine countertops filled with row after row of flawless pastry and confectionary creations – including Turkish delight, chocolates, sweets and cakes.
The freshly-baked pastries are a particular highlight, with both classic creations and even the latest baking trends on-display within the cabinets. Iced coffees and cocktails can also be ordered as standard, with no limit for guests once the eatery has opened for the day.
The Rooms
Spacious and serene, the brand new rooms, located in different zones of the property depending on whether you’re looking to party, adventure or relax, come kitted out with all the holiday essentials with a wide range of categories to select from.
I stay in a Deluxe Double 4 Room Sea View in the ‘Community’ zone, where large beds, chic artwork and balconies all add to the calming experience, whilst walk-in closets allow for the overpackers to let loose in style. A complimentary minibar, restocked daily, comes equipped with a range of soft drinks, chocolate bars and other classic bar nibbles.
The bathrooms are particularly swish, featuring powerful walk-in showers and his ‘n her sinks. In the corner, a thoughtful basket provides almost every toiletry imaginable, so if you’ve forgotten to pack something, fret not – the hotel probably has it covered (there’s also a small shop on-site for any handy extras too).
It’s worth noting that if you prefer an early night, ask for a room on the quieter sides of the property, as the on-site live music and entertainment can often end at 11pm or later – with little sound-proofing for the noise. If it’s the luxe life you’re seeking, 14 rather exquisite private villas are also available within the resort.
The Movement
An ideal way to get out of your comfort food and immerse yourself into a positive and supportive experience, a weekend of sport is always my idea of a good time – especially when led by absolute industry champions.
Athlete-led travel is a smoking hot travel trend for 2024, but this weekend puts all the previous lineups I’ve seen to shame. With an itinerary ranging from a daily morning 5km run with icon Paula Radcliffe (yes, really) through to relaxing yoga sessions with former Olympic diver Leon Taylor, it’s a non-stop agenda of all things movement with beach fitness, swimming, rowing, yoga, and dance on offer from dawn ’til dusk.
Circuits is headed up each morning by Denise Lewis, Colin Jackson, Daley Thompson (formally known as Francis Morgan Thompson) and Jamie Baulch, whilst over in the pool, Rebecca Adlington, a double Olympic gold medalist, helps guests with all things aquatic. Put simply, everywhere I look, there’s a champion.
Strictly dancers James and Ola Jordan teach a tough mix of dance and HIIT and those keen to try out rowing learn from Olympic Silver medalist Vicki Taylor and Olympian Richard Egington. And when observing them all in the wild (AKA teaching their chosen activity) it really does feel like watching each athlete in their natural habitat.
There’s no pressure to do it all (unless you count Daley Thompson’s somewhat motivational shouting during Circuits) and I observe effort levels ranging from those trying out every class through to the guests who sample one or two sessions before calling it a day. It’s clear that this is 100% your holiday, meaning you can sweat as much or as little as you wish.
It’s also worth noting that the experience offers the very relaxed chance to mingle with top athletes both during the day and at special dinners (where one swaps the lululemon for a little more sparkle), without the typical barriers that might come with standard retreats.
At the end of the day, it’s a reminder that we’re all just people (and nobody’s immune to a post-dinner trip to the chocolate counter). Joined by positive, upbeat fellow guests also there for the retreat, there’s a sense of almost being on a very luxurious school trip by the time we all fly back home to reality.
The weekend is a one-off occasion, of course, but a similar programme of fitness classes, a rugged running track and an incredible on-site gym still awaits guests and their Garmins.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Ditch reality and head straight to Anda Barut Collection’s five-star surroundings this summer. The design is impressive, the food is superb and when it comes to the fitness opportunities, getting sweaty has never looked quite so sleek.
Start the adventure
Getting there: Anda Barut Collection offers easy access to İzmir and Bodrum airports via private transfer.
How: Find out more and make a booking via barutanda.com
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
