Turkish Delights: Bayou Villas at Lara Barut Collection

There are hotels, and then there are experiences. Bayou Villas Lara, tucked within the grand folds of the Lara Barut Collection in Antalya, is gloriously and unapologetically the latter.

Jonathan and I were spirited away to this Turkish treasure in suitable style – ensconced in a sleek Maybach van from Antalya Airport. The journey itself was a soft whisper of what was to come. We arrived at Bayou Villas to the kind of reception that makes one want to throw away one’s passport and simply never leave. Think: airy, architectural splendour with a bar that murmurs martini o’clock at any time of day.

Bayou Villas is no ordinary bolt-hole. This is a bougie Eden—24 standalone villas, each lounging around a freshwater lagoon like spoilt cats in the sun. Landscaped gardens spill colour and perfume into every view, while golf buggies flit guests silently from reception to villa, like courteous elves in a five-star fairy tale.

We were fortunate (and indeed, faintly smug) to be staying in a two-bedroom villa. “Villa” hardly does it justice—it was more Versailles-with-wifi. Enormous, airy and endlessly elegant, the ground floor houses a vast sitting room, dining area, and terrace that whispers to the sea via a private saltwater pool. Step beyond, and there’s direct access to the lagoon, as if nature herself were part of the amenities.

Downstairs? Oh, darling. A private gym, games room, hammam, sauna, massage room with jacuzzi… the sort of subterranean haven one might imagine Bond villains holidaying in. Each bedroom, naturally en suite, had a dressing area worthy of Grace Kelly.

If the villa wasn’t already marvellously decadent, the contents of its bar pushed things into bacchanalian territory. Bottled water and soft drinks by the dozen, yes—but also gin, vodka, whiskey and wine. Room service, by the way, is delivered from the divine Weik, Bayou Villas’ exclusive à la carte restaurant, and ordered, rather niftily, via QR code.

Should you deign to venture beyond your private paradise (no pressure, but you really must), there’s the wider Barut Lara Resort to explore—eight additional restaurants and VIP seating for nightly entertainment await Bayou guests with a flick of the wrist and a whisper of the concierge.

And then there’s the beach. Oh, the beach. Each villa has its own seaside pavilion complete with butler service. Yes, you read that correctly. One lounges, one raises a brow, and miraculously, an Aperol spritz appears.

Those with itchy feet (or simply a need to wear proper shoes) can reach Antalya’s enchanting Old Town within half an hour. The Roman remnants—Hadrian’s Gate, the ancient walls—are charmingly cinematic. For those of a more retail persuasion, Lara Beach offers shops galore, all within walking distance. The shopkeepers are charming, and while the haggling tradition remains intact, it’s all done with wit, warmth and a wink.

After five nights of lounging, swimming, sipping and indulging (we won’t discuss the number of baklavas consumed), we returned home heavier, happier and positively glowing with joie de vivre.

Bayou Villas Lara, we tip our sunhats to you. Blissfully over the top, utterly spoiling—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Written by Jenni White who stayed at Lara Barut Collection in June 2025.

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