Paloma Finesse Side

“5 stars: Kindness when we needed it most”

5 stars: Kindness when we needed it most Paloma Finesse is a truly cosy resort and we couldn’t have asked for better care during a tough time. I had an operation during our stay and the staff were incredible. From the front desk to housekeeping, everyone was so helpful, kind, and attentive without… more

5 stars: Kindness when we needed it most Paloma Finesse is a truly cosy resort and we couldn’t have asked for better care during a tough time. I had an operation during our stay and the staff were incredible. From the front desk to housekeeping, everyone was so helpful, kind, and attentive without making us feel like a burden. They checked in, made sure we had what we needed, and gave us space to rest. I even had a visit in the hospital from a lovely manager Stella! It was so kind and I really appreciated it. The resort itself is peaceful and comfortable. Rooms were clean, beds were great, and the whole vibe is calm and relaxing. Perfect for recovering and just unwinding. You can tell the team genuinely cares about their guests. The restaurant at Paloma Finesse was a highlight of our stay. Food was fresh, flavorful, and had something for everyone. Breakfast had a great spread with hot options and fresh fruit, and dinner always had lovely grilled fish and meats. Service was just as good as the food. Staff were attentive, quick, and really warm. Even with my recovery needs they made sure meals were easy and comfortable for me. You could tell they take pride in what they serve. I want to thank Yakup, Hidayat and Hatice especially because they all went out of their way to help and I will always be grateful for their kindness. We’ll be back! If you want somewhere that feels like home with staff who treat you like family, Paloma Finesse is it. Thank you to the whole team.

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“Thanks for good service”

We had a truly wonderful dinner here. The food was absolutely delicious, fresh, and beautifully served. But what really made the experience special was the service. Mehmet Can, Semih, and Zeynep took fantastic care of us from start to finish. They were incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely … more

We had a truly wonderful dinner here. The food was absolutely delicious, fresh, and beautifully served. But what really made the experience special was the service. Mehmet Can, Semih, and Zeynep took fantastic care of us from start to finish. They were incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, always making sure everything was perfect. It’s rare to find a place where both the food and the service are equally outstanding. We really enjoyed the whole evening and will definitely come back again. Highly recommended. Thank you for such a great experience!

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“Wanderful restaurant Chefs kitchen”

“We had such a lovely dinner at this restaurant! The food was delicious, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the service made the whole evening even more special. A big thank you to Mehmet Can and Semih for their kindness and hospitality. And especially to Zeynep — she was incredibly sweet, … more

“We had such a lovely dinner at this restaurant! The food was delicious, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the service made the whole evening even more special. A big thank you to Mehmet Can and Semih for their kindness and hospitality. And especially to Zeynep — she was incredibly sweet, attentive, and made us feel truly welcome throughout the night. Thank you for the amazing experience, we will definitely come back!”

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“Paloma Finesse, Side – An Exceptional and Unforgettable Stay”

What a fantastic choice we made—Paloma Finesse in Side truly exceeded all expectations. The only downside to our stay was that it lasted just five days, and now we’re back in London wishing we could have stayed longer! We had heard about the Paloma brand prior to our trip and had considered Paloma … more

What a fantastic choice we made—Paloma Finesse in Side truly exceeded all expectations. The only downside to our stay was that it lasted just five days, and now we’re back in London wishing we could have stayed longer! We had heard about the Paloma brand prior to our trip and had considered Paloma Club Marvy in Özdere in previous years following a recommendation from a friend who is a senior manager at a high-end tourism agency in Istanbul. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to visit at the time. However, remembering his advice, along with our own research and a very helpful conversation with the Paloma Customer Service team, we chose Paloma Finesse—and we are extremely glad we did. Booked via TUI as part of their Platinum range, the hotel fully lives up to that classification. Beverages, Bars & Service Experience If premium drinks matter to you, this hotel is exceptional. The variety and quality are on a completely different level compared to many all-inclusive resorts. From ice-cold bottled beers like Miller and Beck’s to perfectly poured Efes draft, everything is consistently served at the right temperature and with great care. The whisky selection includes high-quality options such as Johnnie Walker Green Label, Chivas, Dimple 12-year-old, and multiple Jack Daniel’s varieties. Cocktails are fresh, well-balanced, and clearly prepared with attention to detail. A must-visit is Yuzu Bar, a stunning space surrounded by natural greenery with a unique cocktail menu. Service across the bar and pool areas was outstanding throughout. A special mention to Pinar at the pool bar, and Yasemin, Erdinc, and Cagla at the bistro bar, who consistently delivered warm, genuine, and energetic service. This natural friendliness is something money cannot buy and makes a real difference. Another excellent feature is the ability to order drinks via the hotel app and have them delivered directly to your sunbed—effortless and very well executed. Pool & Aquapark We travelled with two teenage daughters (14 and 12), so the pool and activities were very important to us. Although the hotel has one main pool, it is large enough that it never feels crowded, and there are always plenty of sunbeds available. What truly exceeded expectations was the aquapark. This is far beyond the standard hotel water slides. Many of the slides are designed as dual racing courses, making it incredibly fun—especially competing with your children if you’re still up for it! Another standout feature is the “Survivor-style parkour course”, which is something quite unique. Make sure you encourage your kids to take part—and even join them yourself—it’s a fantastic and memorable experience. Rooms We stayed in a family room (not swim-up). While it would have been nice to have a swim-up, the price difference was quite significant. The layout, with two separate sections, worked well overall. The main bedroom was fantastic for us as parents. The girls were not entirely satisfied with the comfort of the sofa beds, but this was only a minor issue. The only slight downside was having one bathroom (one toilet and one shower), which can require some coordination for a family of four. However, given the overall quality of the stay, it was not a major concern. A huge positive was the departure day arrangement. Although late check-out was not available, the hotel provided a private room with a shower, sofa, safe, and air conditioning, which we could use until our evening transfer. This was extremely thoughtful and something we have not experienced elsewhere. Management & Attention to Detail The management team is extremely hands-on and visible throughout the hotel. One example that stood out: during dinner, I casually mentioned to my wife that a Turkish soup would be even better with fresh garlic. Shortly afterwards, a team member brought exactly that to our table—without us asking. We later learned that Tan, the General Manager, had overheard us and made it happen. That level of attentiveness is exceptional. At Yuzu Bar, we also had the pleasure of speaking with Sibel (Assistant GM) and Ali (F&B Manager). They took the time to listen carefully, engage with us, and actively look for ways to improve the experience. Every time we saw them afterwards, they continued to ensure our stay was as good as possible—we truly felt valued. Dining & Food The main restaurant offers outstanding food quality and variety. A very special mention must go to Hasan Kuru, one of the restaurant managers. He was a real standout during our stay. His professionalism, leadership, and attention to both guests and his team are exceptional. He manages a diverse team effortlessly, maintains a consistently high service standard, and always does so with a genuine smile—making every guest feel welcome. You can clearly see the positive impact he has on his team, including Aziz, Ela, Hidayet, Kerim at the grill, and the excellent staff at the salad stations. Do not miss the freshly made Pişi at breakfast, which became a highlight for us. We mentioned to Ali that they were slightly on the firmer side and would be even better if softer. From the very next morning, the difference was remarkable—we were served some of the best pişi we’ve had in a long time. Another great example of management listening and acting immediately on guest feedback. À La Carte Restaurants We dined at Med Kitchen, where the food quality was excellent and full of flavour. Portions are slightly smaller, but the team is more than happy to bring additional servings when requested. We also tried the Beach Restaurant for lunch. While the lahmacun was one of the best we’ve ever had, service was slightly slower on that occasion. Beach The beach area is very well organised, with plenty of sunbeds and large umbrellas ensuring continuous shade. Drinks service is available directly to your sunbed. The Mediterranean sea was clean, fresh, and very enjoyable—around 21°C at the end of May, making it perfect for swimming. Entertainment & Activities The entertainment is high-quality and well thought out. The dance performance on our first night was outstanding—far from the usual resort shows, this felt like a professional production. The Anatolian Shahman dance group was also excellent. Live music every evening at the beach bar (Latin, jazz, and even Turkish rock) created a great atmosphere, followed by a DJ set. Catamaran – A Must-Do One of the most unique offerings of the hotel. The catamaran lessons and rental options are fantastic and very reasonably priced, as the goal is clearly to offer a memorable experience rather than generate profit. Make sure you visit Ahmet and Hasan on your first day to book early. If you pass the training, you may even have the chance to sail independently—an unforgettable experience. Spa The spa experience was excellent. My wife had a Turkish bath, followed by a deep tissue massage and facial treatment—all very good value. The Indonesian therapists were particularly outstanding. Important Notes The hotel offers a low-key activity style. If you prefer constant, high-energy animation, this may not be the ideal fit. We personally preferred this more relaxed approach. Transfers can be long: Approx. 1h15 private Up to 3 hours shared We strongly recommend booking a private transfer (~€100). Final Thoughts This is not a budget hotel—and it shows in every detail. Any minor issues we experienced were simply small “nazar boncuğu” moments that did not detract from what was an exceptional overall experience. Paloma Finesse delivers premium hospitality at its finest. We would highly recommend it and very much look forward to returning.

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