"Marti Resort, May 2026
Resort Overview
Marti Resort Içmeler, established in 1967, is a stunning destination nestled along the Aegean coast, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern luxury. The resort boasts breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains, all of which are replenishing year after year following the fire. The architecture of Marti combines traditional Mediterranean charm with contemporary design, creating a welcoming atmosphere that feels lush and inviting.
Rooms and Facilities
The rooms at Marti Resort are spacious and slightly outdated, but don’t let that detract from the overall experience. I opted for a sea view room, for which I paid a premium. The beds are comfortable, and each room is equipped with a kettle for making hot drinks, along with daily replenished tea and coffee sachets. Additionally, there is a TV in the room and a fridge stocked with both still and sparkling water. The private balcony offers scenic views, making for a delightful retreat. Each room features air conditioning, ensuring a relaxing stay. The resort's facilities include multiple swimming pools, a well-maintained beach area, and a variety of recreational activities that cater to guests of all ages.
Beach and Water Experience
Marti Resort has its own beach. Beach towels are available so don’t take your own unless you want to. There are plenty of sunbeds available, along with cabins for changing, taps to wash hands and feet, and showers for convenience. In my opinion, the Aegean water is the best in the world—clean and perfect for swimming. You can see quite far down, and it’s great for the skin and hair. My hair felt so soft and lusciously curly during my stay; I wish I could bottle it up and bring it home with me! Once you’re in the water, you won’t want to get out. The views from the beach are stunning, adding to the overall experience. It truly is my slice of heaven.
Room Service and Housekeeping
Room service at Marti Resort is prompt and efficient, providing a wide range of options to satisfy your cravings without leaving the comfort of your room. The housekeeping staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring that the rooms remain clean and tidy throughout your stay. However, I believe Turkey could reconsider its approach to plastic waste. There is a significant amount of plastic and bags consumed across the country, which is concerning. This observation is not a reflection on Marti Resort specifically, but rather on Turkey as a whole.
The bathroom in my room featured a waterfall shower that was adjustable, along with a wash-hand basin and a toilet equipped with a bidet, which I absolutely love. Every toilet around the world should have one, as it is not only hygienic but could also save millions of trees every year.
Reception
The reception staff is welcoming and professional, making check-in and check-out a seamless experience. They are knowledgeable about the resort and the surrounding area, readily offering recommendations for local attractions and activities. Their friendly demeanor creates a positive first impression, setting the tone for a delightful stay. Additionally, the resort has a beautiful black cat who serves in customer relations—she/he is simply adorable!
Gym
The gym at Marti Resort is reasonably well-equipped with fitness machines to cater to various workouts. While the space is small, it is clean and well-maintained, providing an environment to keep up with your fitness regime while on vacation.
Yoga
For those seeking tranquility and wellness, the resort offers yoga sessions in a serene setting under a bamboo hut, with stunning views that words cannot adequately describe. You may shed a tear or two from the sheer beauty. The yoga instructor, Verena, is skilled and encouraging, making the classes suitable for all levels. Practicing yoga amidst the beautiful natural surroundings enhances the overall experience, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Verena taught me so much more about yoga. Her calmness is infectious, and she has a very caring nature, adapting the sessions to accommodate my lower back pain. You’ll also meet the black-and-white cat, who engages in playful banter with a black bird, providing a delightful distraction.
Spa
The spa at Marti Resort is a haven of relaxation, offering a wide range of treatments and therapies. From hammams to soothing massages and rejuvenating facials, the spa provides a luxurious escape where guests can unwind. The ambiance is tranquil, and the skilled therapists ensure a rejuvenating experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and revitalized. I enjoyed a hammam at the beginning of my stay, followed by six massages from the wonderful Yuli. She is experienced and talented in her field; I loved every massage. Although there was no talking during the massages, Yuli would check in to see if I was okay and focused on the areas I requested. All treatments lasted an hour, while the hammam was around two hours.
Food
The dining options at Marti Resort are diverse and cater to various tastes. The main restaurant features a buffet with a wide selection of international and local dishes, ensuring there is something for everyone. The resort is accommodating to those with dietary restrictions; however, vegetarian options are limited but creative, highlighting fresh, local ingredients. The attentive staff is always on hand to assist with any specific dietary needs. I would like to note that vegetarian dishes should be kept completely separate to avoid cross-contamination. Someone who is a non-vegetarian may not understand that using the same spoon for a meat option and then for a vegetarian one compromises the integrity of the dish, especially for those with religious beliefs. As a vegetarian, double dipping is off-putting for me. Additionally, all dishes should be clearly labeled at all times, and staff should be trained to understand the difference between vegan and vegetarian. I must say, I didn’t go hungry—I actually ate more than I normally do. The resort offers breakfast, late breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and a dessert bar between 2 PM and 4 PM.
The fresh fruits and vegetables at Marti Resort are absolutely delicious, so much so that I couldn't resist bringing home some onions, garlic, and red and green chili peppers I purchased from a charming, family-run grocery store nearby.
One concern I have is the food waste I observed. Guests on all-inclusive packages often pile food on their plates and leave a significant portion uneaten. At a restaurant, one wouldn’t order what they’re not going to eat. Marti has an abundance of food available; guests should be encouraged to eat as much as they desire, but food waste should be minimized. I believe Marti should consider introducing a surcharge for food waste.
Gardens
Marti Resort boasts the best gardens compared to all other hotels. Each area is cared for with love, and the views are unforgettable. My mental camera roll is full of vibrant colors and textures. The grass is well-kept, allowing you to walk freely and connect with the earth. You can even hug the trees—just be careful not to disturb the ants and bees!
Animals
The resort is home to a variety of animals, including ants, bees, birds, cats, and dogs, all of whom live a lovely life—they are well cared for and fed. The Turkish people have a deep respect for animals, and I love that.
In conclusion, my stay at Marti Resort Içmeler was a delightful experience, filled with beauty, relaxation, and moments of joy, my slice of heaven!!"
