By Catie Funk

The larger cities of Fethiye and Bodrum usually over-shadows the sunny, beach town of Marmaris, Turkey. While those sister cities may have more tourist sites to visit, the blue flag bays of Marmaris are one of Turkey’s most stunning locations. The area known as “The Turquoise Coast,” on the Mediterranean Sea, features picture-perfect lagoons backed by dramatic pine-clad hills.

Marmaris is located at the meeting place of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. This intersection grew Marmaris into an essential coastal town and the center of the trade market.   Today, one of Turkey’s most popular holiday locations, Marmaris grows from its 40,000 population peaking to 400,000 in the summer.

The area is perfect for an easy week-long trip with plenty to do and see. Marmaris translates as ‘dead sea’ or ‘calm sea,’ but the name contrasts with the liveliness of its’ bars and live music. Perhaps for some, choosing the right location and resort can be intimidating when there is a line of beachside resorts either in the quiet, secluded suburbs or the bustle of nightclubs in the Marmaris region.

 So here are 3 we suggest you consider:

1. Grand Yazici Club Turban (All-Inclusive)
2. Marti Resorts (All/Semi-Inclusive)
3. D Maris Bay

Grand Yazici Club Turban

Grand Yazici Club Turban is the closest all-inclusive resorts to Marmaris on this lying just on the edge of town. The 459-room resort provides several types of accommodations; 224 of which are villas. Whatever style room you would like, they most likely have for your all-inclusive stay.

Hospitality is not lacking here. Upon our arrival, the hotel delivered a beautifully arranged tray of fresh fruits, nuts, and dried fruit and cookies accompanied with wine and whiskey to your room.

Stretched over spacious grounds are six swimming pools including an adult-only pool for those DINKY couples. Otherwise, the private 330-meter beach is set up with sun loungers and umbrellas for guests. Food is available at all hours either through the main restaurant or several minibars.

In the evenings, guests can enjoy a mix of entertainment from 9 PM entertainment show like magic or acrobatics, live music every night at 9:30 PM, and on the weekends, alternating Disco and “White dress” parties.

Some of the best all-inclusive accommodations starting from 120 pounds, but usually you can find a discount deal for a week-long stay.

Marti Hotel

Just a 10 minutes drive south from Marmaris along the Mediterranean coast, the 5 star Marti Resort de Luxe sits in a pine tree covered bay of Içmeler. The cove is quiet, relaxed town, perfect for those wanting to leave the city behind. Even though the city is known for the more peaceful atmosphere, the area is not lacking when it comes to diverse restaurants, souvenir shops, and local markets. Visitors can choose from Steakhouses, Italian Pasta and Pizzeria, Chinese, and several Indian restaurants.

The prestigious hotel is one of the oldest in the area, but their renovation has kept up with the times. While overlooks by most foreigners, it does not lack in space in the 31,000 meters of sea-side private grounds. The 280 room resort provides several types of accommodations: garden access rooms, standard rooms, 1-bedroom Sultan Suites, a few 2-bedroom suites, and duplexes with a balcony area.

The view from the sea-side rooms of the Marti Resort is best you can get in Marmaris. As well, each room comes with a sitting area for extra room and comfort. Guests have the option of over 1333 meters of the outdoor pool, indoor heated pool. Otherwise, the private 115-meter beach comes set up with sun loungers and umbrellas for guests every morning.

Full-board, all-inclusive orange bracelet gives you access to all the services like the meals, restaurants, al la carte menus, snack bars, and afternoon tea breaks. The al la carte restaurants are Chinese, Turkish, and Italian but guests must receive a voucher to eat there at a discounted rate.

Rates start around 150 pounds per night.

D Maris Bay

D Maris Bay comes at steep prices of 270 – 380 pounds per night, but with the secluded location and on-site amenities, you never need to leave during your stay.

The room rates include a fantastic breakfast buffet, but not much more than that. Since you are secluded from any towns or villages, D Maris Bay offers five modern restaurants, overlooking the coastline’s many bays. One of the most famous restaurants is the contemporary steakhouse, Nurs-Et, created by the Turkish chef and butcher sensation Nusret Gökçe, aka Salt Bae.

With each room boasting an outstanding view of the bay waters or the rolling mountains jutting up from the bay, this luxury hotel is perfect for a DINKY couple.

Apart from the view, the hotel’s main appeal is the five beaches, with white powdery sand lining the crystalline waters; it’s location chosen for it translucent waters and hidden coves. The hotel’s private funicular tram takes guests to the main Bay Beach below the hotels.

A water taxi will take guest to the other four beaches: La Guérite with a Mediterranean restaurant, Manos featuring Greek style cuisine, Maris Beach with private bungalows and jacuzzis, and the Silence Beach for those wishing to destress and unplug from all technology.

While this is the least inclusive hotel, the restaurants and private beaches make it worth staying a few nights!

All three hotels arrange transfers to and from the airport for a fee.