TRADITIONAL ideas of all-inclusive resorts conjure up images of crowded pools, children running wild and mediocre masses of food, but Club Marvy contradicts all the stereotypes with its independently owned, female-run culturally rich resort that boasts exquisite dining, music and art.Â
The Marvy lobby bar
I arrived at Club Marvy late at night, having flown into Izmir and embarked on a 40-minute drive out towards the beautiful Aegean coast. I was parched, peckish and dreading the tiresome check in process, but to my surprise it was swift and uncomplicated. Whilst handing in my passport, a bartender in the reception area shook up a moreish pomegranate mocktail for me and I sat there regaining strength with each sip whilst admiring the bar which was centered a few steps away from the lobby. As I took my last sip, I was handed back my documents along with my resort wristband and made my way to bed.Â
A suite at Club Marvy
The rooms at Club Marvy are simple and chic, much like the resort’s overall design. Mornings are a totally different scene to the night as the resort’s bright and airy design ensures you get the most of the sun with it’s seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The walk from my room to breakfast is filled with the sight of climbing green tropical plants and pomegranate trees. Fruit plays a big role across the resort as it healthy eating is encouraged and made easy with a variety of produce coming from the owner’s mother’s nearby organic farm. The farm produces fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oils, pomegranate, fig molasses, and organic wines all of which are woven into the resort’s menus and drinks. Pomegranates often sit artistically amongst the table settings at Marvy and they also make an appearance in many house cocktails and salads. When fresh produce is so readily available, it’s great to know the resort know how to truly enjoy it in all forms.Â
The breakfast buffet
The breakfast buffet is a true highlight if you’re one for variety as their extensive spread of continental elements sits next to Turkish speciality foods. Fresh out of the oven is a selection of fresh Turkish borek which sits next to french pastries – the choice is yours. As I wandered around the buffet area mesmerised by the sheer choice I stopped to watch a pastry chef carefully fold together paper-thin sheets of filo pastry around layers of spinach and feta. Breakfast time is usually a rushed meal for me, but the pace at Marvy is so relaxed that it encourages guests like myself to slow down and get caught up in the moment watching a chef making pastry from scratch.Â
Luvi bar and boutique shops
After lunch I took a stroll through the resort’s on site shops to find homemade organic produce from the Marvy farm, along with boutiques selling stylish swimwear and essentials. Although the idea is to provide everything at the resort, Club Marvy make it virtually impossible to leave as everything you can desire is on site. The atmosphere is filled with creativity, and many of the guests staying at Club Marvy appear to have a sense of freedom and effortless style. It could be the newly opened gallery, Atelier Marvy, that attracts these sorts of visitors however, when I took a look around the newest exhibition in full flow it was obvious how Club Marvy doubles up as a hub for lovers of art.
As I wandered around the gallery and admired artwork from talented Turkish artists, it inspired me to get creative. The resort offers a selection of workshops, so in the spirit of feeling inspired I sat down and joined the headpiece making workshop which consisted of gluing naturally foraged flowers, branches and leaves together to create a beautiful headpiece. A mixture of children and adults participated in the activity, but there was never a time where it felt chaotic or age restrictive.Â
The spa’s massage area
Although there are families with children alongside singles enjoying their time at the resort, there is never a clash as there are four swimming pools to choose from along with adult-only areas and a well equipped water park which boasts impressive slides of all sizes. With everything spread over 40 acres of land, relaxation can be easily found at the Turkish spa or if like myself you prefer a simple swim in the sea, then either of the two private beaches are ideal as they are supported by an adult-only Bobo Beach Club.Â
Expect beachy seafood dinners, Turkish mezzes or even an Italian-Turkish fusion at Buono restaurant which is fronted by Michelin starred Chef Cristina Bowerman. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or informal sharing plates, the selection of food is easy going and suits the mood of the resort. After enjoying some mezze and watching the sunset, I headed to the resort’s entertainment area where a band played a mixture of traditional Turkish folk and modern covers. Often with resort entertainment, I don’t have high expectations, however, the band performing that night were talented session players which meant jazz jams and improvisation had the audience in a frenzy. By the time it came to the last few songs, many of us were out of our seats clapping and dancing and it was fuelled by the fun nature of the music.Â
Boho Bar on the beach
Rumours were that were was more live music on the beach at Boho Bar, so many migrated to the second location whilst others returned to their rooms. I joined the party for more music and ordered another signature pomegranate cocktail. I looked around in awe as people danced barefoot in the sand, and It looked like a small music festival where everyone somehow knew each other. Of course they were all strangers, but what we all had in common was the moment.
Club Marvy redefines resort culture with its laid back approach to relaxation, food and art whilst celebrating Turkish culture in a modern aesthetic.
by Katrina Mirpuri
Stays at Club Marvy start from £146 per night based on two sharing on all-inclusive basis. Visit Club Marvy for more information and to book