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Travelling to Lara Beach

We flew to Antalya from Manchester airport in the month of September. The holiday for two weeks cost £800 with Tui. This was a great price for the time of year and the standard of hotel. Often we book last minute as the prices can come down but on occasions they can also go up (supply and demand). Following our flight we were taken to the hotel by coach which was included in our holiday price. Transfer to the IC Hotel Green Palace was pretty good as it only took around 20 minutes.

Accommodation

We were not sure what to expect or what restrictions would be put in place due to Covid 19. We arrived at the hotel around 11pm and check in was quick and easy. Hand sanitizer was available through out the hotel. All members of staff wore face masks. Some things had to be changed due to Covid which was understandable. The lobby bar was open 24 hours therefore we could sit and have a drink whilst our cases were taken to our rooms. Unfortunately a drink turned in to several drinks therefore we didn’t actually get to our room until 2.30 am the next day lol.

Hotel Rooms

The rooms are a bit dated and basic not what you would expect from a 5 star hotel.  Every day the rooms are cleaned to a high standard. Due to covid there were no soft furnishings in the room or cups which is understandable. As we do not spend much time in the hotel room this was not an issue. The hotel made up for this in so many other ways. The staff were very attentive and nothing was too much trouble.  The hotel itself has a Bali theme and is quite pleasing to the eye.

Dining

The hotel had many specialist restaurants Turkish, Mexican, Italian, Teppenyaki and Fish Restaurant.  We ate at the Turkish, Mexican and Italian on more than one occasion as we liked the food so much. The Turkish and the Mexican restaurants are a snack bar and part of the buffet restaurant during the day which made it feel like you were not in a specialist restaurant.

Turkish Restaurant

On one occasion whilst we were in the Turkish restaurant a child and his father drove through the restaurant on a childs electric car even though it was easy to just drive around. Although the surroundings were not as we had experienced on other holidays the food and service were excellent.

Mexican Retaurant

The Mexican Restaurant is part of the buffet restaurant therefore the waiters are serving both the Mexican Restaurant and Buffet Restaurant therefore service was a bit slow. Fortunately the food made up of this as there was a good choice on the menu. Certainly overlooking the water fountain made this a pleasant dining experience.

Italian Restaurant

The Italian Restaurant is purpose built therefore the experience is as you would expect. Undoubtedly this was our favorite place to eat because the service was excellent, the surroundings were very pleasant and the food was good for an all inclusive Italian restaurant. Although we only age at the Italian, Mexican and Turkish Restaurant the Italian was what we considered the best.

As we booked with Tui and it never stated on their information that these restaurants were chargeable. We complained to Tui who allowed us to visit the Al a carte restaurants at no cost. They have since changed their website to inform that the restaurants are now chargeable.

Beach

The sea is crystal clear and nice and warm to swim in. Due to the sand being a mixture of sand and gravel at the edge of the sea suggest taking water shoes. Although Children and other adults did not seem to mind it and had no problem walking on it. Must be made of stronger stuff than us as it hurt our feet. Also there is a long jete where there are sunbeds and steps down to the sea.

Pool Scene

The pools are in plenty at this hotel and there is one which is supposed to be adults only. The clientele at the time we went was mainly young Russian families who ignored that the one pool out of many was adults only. Also we met some lovely Russian families who also did not agree with children in adults only pools and ensured their children did not do this. We love to see children and having fun but sometimes it is good to have a place where it is adults only.  There is a pool where there is a lot of activities aimed at adults but children can go in this pool.. Aerobics, water cycling etc. which was great fun.

Pamukale

Having been to Turkey so many times and always wanted to go to Pamukkale meaning “cotton castle” we decided as we were in Turkey for 2 weeks we would go there. The journey from Antayla to Pamukkale is approximately 3 hours 30 mins which is quite a long time. Firstly we were picked up at our hotel at 6.30am and then picked up some other guests from various other hotels. After around 30 minutes we then had to change to another bus. Nobody was wearing masks on the mini bus not even the driver or the guide. On our way to Pamukkale we came to a police check and was told to put our masks on as if not it was £100 fine. Once we had gone past the Police we were told we could take our masks off.

Onyx Factory

Our first stop on this excursion was an onyx factory and store. Like all places that are trying to sell tourists expensive products you are given a talk in groups about the history of the products and the origin. The items were very beautiful and range from jewelry to large statues. We did not buy anything as we felt it was too expensive. Fortunately there was no pressure to buy and we wasn’t there long.

Hot Springs

Our next stop was the hot springs and mud bath. The hot springs consists of one extremely hot natural pool where the water comes from beneath the earth. The other pool is normal temperature. The idea is to go into the hot pool for about 8 minutes and then into the other pool for two minutes which is supposed to cleans your skin and leave it soft and fresh. The hot pool is  very hot and takes some time to get into at first. There is changing facilities here and somewhere to get food and drink if necessary.

Pamukkale

Finally we arrived Pamukkale itself which was the highlight of the day. its official name is Hierapolis. The area is steeped in history going back to the ancient romans. The guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a tour of Pamukkale for about 30 mins informing us of the history. From a distance the area looks like it is covered in snow but is actually carbonate minerals left by the flowing thermal springs. The whole place is spectacular and interesting.

Preserve the site

To preserve the sight you can not wear shoes whilst walking on the carbonate minerals. You can bath in the hot pools which was lovely. We were given approximately 3 hours at Pamukkale which seems a lot but there is a lot to see therefore the time went past so quick. Although the main attraction is the snowy white carbonate minerals there is a lot of other interesting things to see from ancient ruins to Cleopatra’s pool. There are many places to get a drink and a bite to eat. It was a very hot day when we visited therefore a fresh ice cold drink was much appreciated.

When we arrived back at the hotel it was around 11.30 which was a very long day.  Despite this we would strongly recommend to do this excursion.  It cost around £55 each which included lunch and dinner.

Adventure Day

Also we had an adventure day which consisted of white water rafting, quad bikes, jeep safari, fishing and zip liner. In the morning we were picked up at our hotel around 8.30. The journey time to the destination was about 1 hour 40 minutes. Approximately half way there we had quite a lengthy stop on the way to get a drink and use bathroom facilities. 

When we arrived we were taken to a large room with many other guests from different mini buses for a briefing. Throughout this there is someone filming you so be aware as some of the footage of us does not look very flattering lol. Firstly we were given helmets and life jackets and advised to be in our swim wear. All other belongings had to be left in the mini bus. The guides try to sell waterproof phone covers and water shoes but we had brought our own.

Jeep Safari

Our first stop was the Jeep Safari which consisted of 6 people in each jeep. This jeep safari was nothing like we had experienced before. On previous Jeep Safari’s we have not needed an helmet but on thisjeep safari you definitely needed one.  Because the driver was excellent and was so in control of the jeep his driving made the experience so exciting. The driver drove up and down steep hills, through water and on rocks. Which was all done at quite a speed.  On many occasions we were lifted off our seats and hit our heads on the bar of the jeep hence why helmets were needed.

River Crossing

From the jeep safari we were then taken to a river. It was quite funny walking down to the river as the guides made everyone walk down in a zig zag making movements like a plane. Not sure why this was but it seemed ridiculous but fun at the same time. The guide asked us to form a human chain across the river as the rocks at the bottom were quite slippy. Also the water in the river was the coldest water we had ever been in. It quite literally took your breath away. Looking at peoples reaction it was clear to see that everyone was shocked to feel how could it was. It was such a relief when we got to the other side to be out of the water.

White Water Rafting

The main attraction of the day was the white water rafting. This was our next stop where we were taken to the boats. Each boat had 6 people and a guide in our boat.

Firstly the guide gave us direction with regards to the rowing of the boat and also some words that we had to shout when he said specific words. When we got in to the boat we were put in set positions due to our weight and to ensure the boat was evenly weighted. There were a lot of other boats setting off at the same time. Soon after setting off we experienced some rapids which were great fun. When we got near other boats the guide advised us to splash the other boat by scooping up water with our oars and they did the same back to us. Again the water was very cold but not has cold as the previous river.

Swimming in the water

On one occasion the guide from another boat pulled us out of the boat in to the water by our life jackets. It was all done in good fun and made the experience not only excited but great fun. Some of the river was quite tame but on some occasions the rapids were quite fast and in plenty.

One occasion the rapids through us all in to the center of the boat. There were occasions when we stopped to allow people to have a swim. We got out of the boat to have a swim but soon got back in the boat as the water was too cold. It was too difficult to climb back in the boat therefore the guide pulled you in by the back of your life jacket. Ladies it is advisable to wear a full bathing suite as when I (Debbie) was being pulled back in to the boat I almost lost my bikini bottoms.

Quad Bikes

After travelling down the river for some time we pulled to the side of the river and got out. Here we were given a cheese pancake and a drink which was not in with the price of the excursion but not expensive. After lunch we were then taken to where we would ride the quad bikes or buggies.

Face Coverings and Sunglasses

Before getting on to the quads we were advised that we needed to buy glasses and face coverings because of the amount of dust. As we had our sunglasses we only had to buy the face covering which cost about £3. We were given brief instructions on how to ride the quads and buggies. Someone was washing the quads and buggies down with an hosepipe to remove the dust from the previous group ride. He then turned the hosepipe and wet all of the group individually. This was quite a relief as it was a very hot day.

Riding round the tracks

All the group had to follow the guide in a line. I (Debbie) was the first in the group and had to break quite often as the guide stopped regularly to ensure that every one in the group was ok. It was very dusty and you did need the glasses and face coverings. We went around a large track several times. It was quite slow and tame compared to the other experiences on this day but still quite enjoyable.

Final white water rafting

Finally we went back to the boat to complete our journey down the river. The white water rafting journey was approximately 3 hours and was so enjoyable.

Fishing

When we got to where we started we had a short time to do some fishing which is not something we would normally find exciting but I (Debbie) caught two decent sized fish which they cooked for us.

Lunch

We then had a buffet style meal of pasta, chicken, salad, fish and bread which was included in the price. The fish that I (Debbie) had caught earlier was cooked and served with the meal. Drinks were an additional cost but again not expensive.

Zip liner

Our last item on the adventure day was the Zip liner. Prior to going on the zip liner you were provided with a safety harness. The zip liner wasn’t at a great height nor was it at a great length. When you landed at the bottom of the zip wire there was someone there to catch you. Although a bit tame compared to other zip liners it was thoroughly enjoyable. We arrived back at our hotel at 6.30pm having had the most amazing, fun exciting day. The excursion cost £60 each and was well worth it. We booked our excursion from a stand just off of the beach.

Summary

This was a exceptionally enjoyable holiday where we met some lovely people and had a great time. Drinks and food in hotel was very good and location also was good with own private beach. We walked on the beach on many occasions and saw many themed hotel eg. Titanic, Concorde, Kremlin. Most of the hotels at Lara Beach are of an high standard. We would strongly recommend a visit to Lara Beach. Should an holiday come up at the right price we would go back to Lara Beach.

Images

Things to do

• Visit Pamukkale
• Do an adventure day it was great fun.
• Spend a day at the beach.
• Try the local cuisine
• Visit a Bazaar
• Have a massage

Top tips

• Take Water Shoes for the beach
• Take plenty of water and snacks if going to Pamukkale as it is a long day.
• Take Sunglasses, Water shoes, Face Covering and Water Proof Phone Case if going on the adventure day.
• Excursions are cheaper if bought outside of the hotel.
• Check out if the specialist restaurants in the hotel are chargeable.
• We booked the holiday last minute and paid a lot less than most people in the hotel.
• Check out weather below for best time to visit Lara Beach.
• Check out other resorts we have visited in Turkey. Click on the following links Kemer, Kusadasi

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	15	15	18	21	26	31	34	33	31	26	20	16
Low Temp	5	6	7	10	14	18	21	21	18	14	9	7
Rainfall	180	130	80	80	20	10	10	10	10	90	180	210
Number of days	11	10	9	8	6	3	1	1	2	6	8	12