"We returned from our latest stay at Barut GOIA a few weeks ago, and once again, we had a fantastic holiday. There is something about this hotel that keeps bringing us back. From the welcoming atmosphere to the beautiful surroundings, it really ticks all the boxes. Cleanliness is excellent throughout the hotel, and the rooms are stylish, modern and maintained to a very high standard. The housekeeping team deserves praise for keeping everything in such good condition.
One of the nicest moments was getting to see our dear Nesilihan again. Although she wasn't looking after our room this time, it was still lovely to meet her. She has such a warm personality and is incredibly good at what she does.
Dining Experience
We were just as happy with the food at Inanna as we have been on previous visits. There is plenty of choice, and the range of dishes makes it easy for everyone to find something they like.
We would also like to mention the lovely female chef who works at both the restaurant and JOS. We still haven't learned her name because, to us, she will always be our Lovely Lady. Her friendly nature makes her unforgettable.
Helin looked after us at the restaurant on most days, and she was wonderful throughout our stay. She always greeted us with a smile, made us feel welcome and provided prompt service without unnecessary waiting.
Music & Evening Atmosphere
The entertainment was another highlight of our holiday. We particularly enjoyed Spice Band, The Drifters and Queens, and the new saxophone player was a great addition to the programme. The DJ also did a brilliant job, offering a varied selection that kept the evenings enjoyable. One of the best surprises came on our final night when Freestyler suddenly played. That really made the evening!
There was one aspect of the music programme that we felt could be improved. On a few occasions, bands performed several Russian songs consecutively. Since we were unfamiliar with the music, it was difficult for us to connect with it and enjoy the performance as much. A song in another language now and then is perfectly understandable, but a more balanced selection would help create an atmosphere that appeals to guests from the many countries represented at the hotel.
Cihan once again brought plenty of enthusiasm and positive vibes to the hotel. His energy is infectious, and it was nice to see him and the other entertainment staff spending time with guests during the evenings. We were disappointed to miss his quiz this year, though, as it is always a fantastic activity!
The Entertainment Team
If we had to single out one person from the entertainment team, it would undoubtedly be Hatice. She is genuinely lovely, considerate, approachable and always makes people feel comfortable. Her presence added so much to our holiday, and we cannot imagine the experience being quite the same without her. She is truly one of a kind, and we hope the hotel recognises just how valuable she is.
Seeing Begi and Yasemin again was also a lovely part of our stay. However, we found it harder to connect with some of the other entertainment staff this year. We had little interaction with them, and there were even occasions when we weren't greeted at all. A simple hello can make a big difference to how welcome guests feel.
Thank you to Lisa for sharing information about the daily activities and helping us keep track of the programme.
Swimming Pools & Sunbeds
The pool surroundings are kept in excellent condition, and everything looks clean and cared for. Another big advantage is the availability of sunbeds. There is no need to reserve them early in the morning or worry about finding a place, which makes relaxing by the pool so much easier.
During the evening shows, the seating arrangements can feel a little crowded. Thankfully, we managed to find a spot at our usual table every time.
The Beach & Beach Restaurant
The refurbished beach area was lovely and very well maintained. The beach restaurant was another success and provided an excellent experience.
We did notice that the beach was quieter in terms of music than it had been on our earlier visits. A little more background music would be welcome, as it helps create that relaxed holiday feeling we enjoy so much.
The beach is also very convenient to reach. The shuttle service runs often the short journey in just a few minutes, making it easy to travel back and forth.
Bar Service & Staff
The service from the bar teams was excellent, with the morning boys deserving particular recognition, specially Okan who started to make my morning ice coffee in a second he saw me. It was especially nice when our usual cocktails appeared in the evenings without us even needing to request them. Thank you, Nursin and Ibrahim, for remembering what we like and for such a thoughtful gesture.
Göktuğ deserves recognition as well. Working between the beach and the restaurant, he was always courteous and welcoming. He even remembered our orders without needing to check with us, and we often saw him chatting happily with other guests. His friendly approach really stood out.
Our thanks also go to Muhammed for looking after guests at the beach!
At times, we wondered whether the hotel had fewer employees working this season. We understand that staffing can be challenging, but we hope this is something management continues to monitor. The staff work hard, and having enough people on duty is important both for them and for the overall guest experience.
We are grateful to all the staff members we have come to know over the years, both at the bars and along the beach. Being welcomed by familiar faces and having those little personal interactions is a big reason why Barut GOIA feels so special to us. The people working here contribute enormously to the experience and make us want to return.
Useful Tip: Laundry Service
This year, our longer stay meant that we needed to use the hotel's laundry service. We were pleased with the experience, as everything went well. If you are staying for an extended period and need fresh clothes during your holiday, it is definitely worth considering and free of charge.
We think the real test of a great hotel is the feeling you get when it is time to leave. When you wish you could stay longer and start looking forward to your next visit almost straight away, you know you have found somewhere special.
That is exactly how we feel about Barut GOIA. Despite a few small things that could be improved, we have once again had a wonderful holiday filled with lovely moments and great memories.
We are already looking forward to our next visit, and one thing is certain: we will be returning next year!"