Balmy Foresta

We arrived at the end of April around 3pm and were shown to the Garden House restaurant for lunch. The first thing we noticed is for a family friendly hotel, the lack of pram accessible ramps is quite surprising! We went to the room to discover is was very warm, but we turned the AC on and decided to go for our dinner once the buffet opened. The buffet was very quiet which was great. Now around 8pm, there was no entertainment which we thought was strange, the kids club is located in the Irish Bar but literally lasts 30 minutes and then they pack the speakers away and you’re left in a empty bar with nobody serving. We went up to bed and the room was still so warm, we attempted to sleep but at 3am my 4 month old baby couldn’t sleep as the temperature in the room was nearly 26 degrees! I went to reception and they said “the AC hasn’t been turned on as it isn’t hot enough outside”’ and they told me to leave my balcony door open. I can’t reiterate what a worry this was having a baby - but the room was unbearable otherwise, I asked for a fan but they didn’t have one, they assured me come May the 1st, the AC would work (it didn’t). Multiple other guests complained of the same issue and a week went by, still no AC. The balcony is so small it fits one chair and one small table. All Al A Carte restaurants bar the Italian were closed, to book the Italian was difficult as guest relations were never at their desk and when reception would call them they just said “come back in an hour”. The hotel hosted 5 events whilst we were there, these events allowed the guests to use the whole hotel. Now having hundreds of extra guests and only the buffet open was like feeding time at the zoo. I have never experienced a hotel like it, myself and my partner left feeling so angry as people who were attending the events would literally barge you out of the way for the food, they would take every single item out of the tray and then you’d be stood waiting and waiting for the food to be cooked, for someone to do the same thing!! Its table service for drinks in the buffet too, on an evening when the events were on you could be waiting a while. The best part of the holiday was breakfast and lunch at the Garden House - thank you to Ayse and Gengiz. These two staff members geniality made the holiday and it they weren’t there I would have genuinely asked TUI to move hotels. The pool is VERY cold, the sea is actually warmer. The grounds are lovely and it’s great having so many trees around.

Amazing resort, so relaxing! Everything you need for a break is here, we barely left the hotel. Beach, pools - including a smaller but perfectly swimmable indoor pool - and a jogging trail plus tennis/basketball for those who want to be more active. But it's the staff who really make the stay memorable for all the right reasons: Latifa, the guest relations manager, and her colleague, did everything possible including sourcing some postcards for us as none were available locally, then Iyse and Cengiz made every meal a delight! Bar staff made every drink and cocktail we wanted, the Sunset Beach Bar was comfortable for relaxing by the waves and occasional live music was fun. Only drawbacks were the terrible curtains that failed to block much light at all - not good if you prefer to sleep in darkness and the lack of interesting local walking trails, shops, cafes etc. But there's always uber!

Stayed at this hotel in Turkey and honestly, it started off pretty good. The first few days everything was fine – service was nice, no major issues, and we were enjoying the stay. But after a few days, things went downhill. One evening we went for buffet dinner and pretty much everything was empty. We asked a staff member what was going on, and he said there was a big group (family/friends of staff). From that point until the end of our holiday, it was a struggle to get food at meals because things just weren’t being refilled properly. The à la carte restaurant was closed, which was really disappointing as we were expecting to try it. There was barely any evening entertainment – only twice during our stay – and one of those times it was so busy we couldn’t even find a place to sit. Also no air conditioning in the room, which made it really uncomfortable, and when we asked for an iron, we were told they don’t have one. Overall, not the worst start, but it got frustrating quickly and definitely didn’t feel like good value by the end.

Food is good. Rooms are very big issue with cleaning at 1st. We had to ask 3 times if our room was being cleaned and could we have clean towels. There is conventions or something going on the that 2 days and the people attending seem to be treated like royals. Us on the other had we pushed and shoved. Food tongs snatched out of your hands and staff ignored us. I realised these people are bringing money to the hotel but so did we. Was glad to leave in the end. We were not even offered water in the restaurant. Good gym. Ferit was great with us. Magic with cards he is an asset to your team

We’ve been to a few all inclusives but this has been above and beyond the best I’ve stayed at so far. The staff and customer care is on another level. Everyone is happy and positive and very attentive! They are clearly well trained and looked after by the company! Particularly Latifa at front of desk and so many of the waiters, especially Cengiz who stands out. Facilities are great but not sign posted so you kinda come across them on the very large forest like grounds!! The beach is small and self contained which is great for security and privacy. The choice of food is great and of good quality. Especially the baklava and ice cream selection! The croissants also stand out!! Coffee from the patttiserie is hit and miss depending on who is making it. Ranged from amazing cappuccino on par with an independent to average. Good selection of pools inc some fun slides, an indoor pool and a private adults only as well! Sauna was not turned on when we there! Gym is also great with technogym level equipment and some free weights and cardio machines also! We are seriously considering coming again!