Club Marvy, Izmir, Turkey

Club Marvy, Izmir, Turkey



There
are a few key ingredients every sunny holiday destination
should have. First, a stretch of pristine sand sloping gently into
the crystal waters of the Med (obviously no other sea will do in
the summer months). Second, plenty of options to wine and dine
every night (and day) away, preferably featuring local cuisine and
talented chefs. Third, the kind of weather we can only dream about
in drizzly London
– the kind where summer lasts six months and rainy days are an
irregular occurrence. If you can find all that without having to
stray too far from your ocean-facing hotel room, you’ve probably
found Club Marvy.

Nestled on the edge of the Aegean Sea just outside of Izmir
(our pick for Turkey’s soon-to-be hottest
summer destination
), Club Marvy embodies the sophisticated
simplicity of easygoing Aegean life. Designed by acclaimed Turkish
architect Fahrettin Aykut to blend so perfectly into the
surrounding bay that if you squint a little the buildings are
almost invisible, the newly revamped hotel has embraced a “less is
more” approach to luxury that harks back to its Mediterranean
roots. In fact, with a healthy respect for the surrounding
environment and an appreciation of local products, principles and
craftsmanship, everything at the hotel has been sourced from within
a 200km radius, from the handwoven towels you’ll find in the
bathrooms to the organic house wines you’ll find on the menus at
each of the bars and restaurants. So committed was the hotel to
using only local goods that they even cajoled tradespeople and
ateliers who had long since stopped producing back into their
workshops. This dedication has extended to having several artisans
set up shop at the resort itself, meaning you can take more than
just those pilfered toiletries home with you in your luggage.

From the moment you step into the airy, bohemian lobby to your
last dip in the glittering
infinity pool
, you’ll be well and truly in holiday mode, so
pack your favourite floaty maxi and prepare to go barefoot all week
long.

Rooms

While 338 rooms might sound like a lot, you wouldn’t know there
were quite so many just by staying here. Spread out into
well-hidden blocks, each of the minimalist rooms is decked out in
neutral mochas and taupes, with handmade bedding and towels from
the town of Buldan, famous for textiles and organic olive-oil
toiletries. Book a sea-view room for the chance to sip your morning
coffee while also drinking in the blue horizon, preferably clad in
a hand-woven bathrobe.

What’s for breakfast?

Head to the main restaurant for a buffet spread which will prove
your eyes are bigger than your stomach. Opt for an omelette whipped
up before your eyes, traditional Turkish dishes or just pile your
plate high with fruits, yoghurts, cheeses and a range of freshly
baked breads and pastries.

How about lunch and dinner?

There are options galore, all overseen by chef Semsa Denizsel of
renowned Istanbul restaurant Canteen. Make sure you hit the main
restaurant for lunch or dinner at least once, if only to sample the
dizzying array of baklava on offer. For a less waistband-busting
option, hit up Iskele Meyhane for a traditional Turkish taverna
experience (featuring bucketloads of raki), Degirmen for local and
Aegean specialties, or one of the three other restaurants for
varying cuisines, all of which make use of produce from the organic
farm just up the road.

Is there a bar?

Yes, there are no less than seven, in fact. But the ones you
really need to know about are the Luvi Bar for skilled bartenders
mixing interesting serves, and the Boho Beach Bar, where you can
take your mojito right down to the water’s edge.

Amenities

As well as all the necessities, the hotel features a spa and
Turkish hammam for optimum relaxation mode.

Things you should know

The hotel is family friendly, so stay away in July
and August
if you’re not keen on sharing the pool with youngsters. Lucky that
Izmir summer lasts well and truly into October

Within a short distance you’ll find…

If you do want to leave the beach, hire a car and hit the
historical sights of Izmir’s port town, or get an early start and
head for the tiered pools of Pamukkale.