The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
“Don’t limit your dreams,” urged the legendary Michael Phelps, a multiple gold-medal-winning swimmer. once while Jamie Baulch, the silver medallist from Atlanta, also emphasised, “Success breeds success.” Becoming an Olympic athlete requires unwavering dedication, and surrounding yourself with high achievers can significantly impact your drive for success. Regardless of whether we are athletic elites, we can draw inspiration from their remarkable stories and apply their principles to our own lives. Most Olympians share a common trait – an unyielding belief in themselves and their dreams. Unlike any other sporting event, the Olympic Games foster a unique atmosphere of unity, inspiration, and motivation. My experience of spending time with some of the most celebrated Olympians during our time at the launch of the Anda Barut resort was truly transformative.
The glitzy launch of the newest Anda Barut hotel featured a wellness weekend with fitness classes led by Olympic legends. Guests had the amazing opportunity to interact with some of the most renowned Olympians in history and discover the secrets of their success. This event took place in anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, giving the athletes a chance to socialise before the Games began.
The hotel is located on Turkey’s Delice peninsula, where Jason and the Argonauts landed after crossing the Aegean Sea. It has a rich history, from being settled in the Neolithic period to later becoming a colony of Crete in the 16th century. Over time, it was ruled by various nations, such as the Romans, Turks, and more. Didyma is home to the ancient temple of Apollo, and you can also visit Lake Bafa and the ancient city of Miletus nearby.
If you want to explore the area, consider staying at the Anda Barut Collection Hotel, part of the Anda Barut Group. Established in 1971 by its owner, Ali Ihan Barut, who now owns eight hotels across Turkey, the Anda Barut Collection Hotel is part of the Anda Barut Group.
The hotel’s launch helped to establish it as a haunt for celebrities looking for a holiday destination. Guests had the opportunity to interact with these stars, participate in special fitness classes, and receive private tutoring from athletes and dance professionals. Every morning, guests had the opportunity to start their day with various Olympians and learn new activities.
They could choose to run with marathon champion Paula Radcliffe, engage in boot camp with decathlon champion Daley Thompson and heptathlete Denise Lewis and hurdler Colin Jackson and sprinter Jamie Baulch, who both won silver medals in their disciplines or opt for yoga with former Olympic diver Leon Taylor.
Additionally, swimming lessons were available with double swimming champion Rebecca Adlington and rowing tips were offered by Carl Egerton and Vicky Thornley on the Aegean Sea as well as dance classes with Strictly’s Ian Waite and Ola and James Jordan.
Anda Barut is designed to cater to different types of travellers. It includes a family area with waterslides, fairground rides, a park, and a dedicated kids club for children’s entertainment. The mixed community zone offers fun activities for people of all ages, including roller skating waiters and two pools. The centrally located community zone provides easy access to amenities and lively social activities. For those seeking a peaceful holiday experience, there is an adults-only section with a dedicated restaurant called Mansion, a pool area, and a bar.
The food at Anda Barut is five-star quality. With ten dining experiences, guests can enjoy different styles of meals from Italian, seafood, Asian to Turkish food. At Zestful Bazaar, guests can start their day like a champion with a lavish spread of endless fruit, salmon, yoghurts, cereals, eggs, pastries and even Turkish Delight for breakfast, as well as healthy lunches and dinners fit for athletes.
Fish Camp restaurant serves a delicious array of seafood, from grilled octopus to fresh salmon and sea bass, while Kara a la carte restaurant brings you magical mezzes and flavoursome kebabs. Although there is an emphasis on healthy food, there is also a dedicated patisserie for those with a sweet tooth. If you are looking for meals to suit children, The Pink Rabbit buffet offers a selection of choices.
When it comes to accommodation, there are so many categories to choose from. Those with children can opt to stay in the mixed or family zones. Adults can enjoy silence and tranquillity in their hotel rooms or the incredible Bayou villas. Some of the rooms have private pools and are expansive with a balcony and scenic views. Guests can enjoy all mod cons, such as a 55-inch LCD ultra smart TV with their favourite satellite channels. There’s even a well-stocked fridge full of cold beers and snacks replenished daily. The bathrooms have a double sink and a rain shower. The Penthouse provides a guaranteed sea view and a private pool in the adult zone. There’s also a complete living area with a large sofa and table. The presidential suite is 285 square metres and has up to three bedrooms and a private swimming pool.
There is a gorgeous beach with sun loungers overlooking the Aegean. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a water sports area with small car-shaped speedboats, jet skis and rowing boats.
Every evening there are theatre, dance and comedy shows on the main stage, and guests can continue dancing the night away at the Soa Playhouse. To keep fit, the property has a dedicated gym and multiple pools. Anda Barut’s spa offers a range of treatment options for those who need to reset, from Balinese massages to a full Turkish Spa.
Turkey is a magical place. Anda Barut’s launch was an incredible opportunity to spend time in the company of Olympic legends. The hotel’s impressive facilities are worthy of a gold medal. There is so much to do here that you can never complain you are bored. It is also a great place to relax and unwind. So if you ever wondered where Olympians like to go on holiday, this is the place.
