When most people hear “an all-inclusive holiday in Turkey” they picture bottomless cocktails, overstuffed buffets, and Brits abroad making the most of the free bar by 11am. And honestly, I’ve been there. But this time, I did it differently.

At the end of June, I stayed at Marmaris Bay Resort through a TUI package holiday. The resort is an adults-only all-inclusive tucked away in a quiet cove on Turkey’s stunning southwest coast. I booked it on a whim, not expecting much beyond some sunshine and sea swims. But it ended up being one of the best resort stays I’ve ever had and not for the reasons you’d think.

Instead of over-indulging, I used the time to recharge, reset, and realign – mentally, physically, and emotionally. Here’s how my all-inclusive became a wellness retreat in disguise.

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A Resort That Made It Easy to Breathe

From the moment we arrived, I knew this wasn’t your typical package holiday spot. Marmaris Bay Resort is adults-only, which meant no kids screaming or splashing in the pool. I know I used to be one of them but right now I don’t envy parents who go on holiday with their children. The entire vibe was calm, spacious, and blissfully quiet. Even though the resort is huge, it never once felt busy – there were always sunbeds free, no waiting at the bar, and plenty of room to just be.

And the setting? Unmatched. The resort is nestled between pine-covered hills and a turquoise bay, looking out onto Marmaris Port, with wooden piers stretching out into the sea and 10/10 sunsets every single night. You couldn’t ask for a better backdrop to switch off.

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My Wellness Routine (Without Trying Too Hard)

I didn’t go in with a rigid plan to “be good.” I just knew I wanted to come home feeling better than when I arrived – not bloated and burnt out.

So each morning, I either hit the resort gym or joined a yoga class. There’s something really grounding about stretching with a sea view and not checking your phone first thing. Afterwards, I’d head to breakfast and build myself a colourful fruit bowl.

Lunch and dinner? Salads every day. Partly out of having no other choice as a vegan at an all-inclusive, however, the salad options were excellent. I loved making plates with fresh greens, grains, and grilled additions. The food overall was good—solid 4/5. Some days were better than others, but it was fresh, varied, and satisfying.

As for the booze? I had maybe four alcoholic drinks the entire week – just enough to try a couple of cocktails and enjoy a beer with dinner. No hangovers, no regrets.

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The Spa: Like Being Reborn in Bubbles

On the final day, I treated myself to a full-body after-sun treatment at the spa, and whilst I didn’t fully understand what was going on a lot of the time, it was genuinely one of the most surreal experiences I’ve had. It started with a traditional massage and ended in a huge stone wet room where I lay on a hot slab while they covered me head-to-toe in bubbles. Like a cloud of warm foam. It was half skin treatment, half therapy session.

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Still All-Inclusive, Just… Better

This trip reminded me that all-inclusives don’t have to be about excess. You can enjoy the ease of having everything taken care of without falling into the trap of overindulgence. Marmaris Bay gave me space to slow down, reconnect with my body, move intuitively, and eat with intention, all while still enjoying pool swims, sunset drinks, and the occasional alcoholic beverage.

So if you’re craving a break but don’t want to come back feeling worse than you left, consider flipping the script. Take the all-inclusive, and make it your own version of a wellness retreat. Trust me it hits different.

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🌿 Reset Tips for Your Own All-Inclusive Holiday

• Move your body in the mornings – it sets the tone for the whole day
• Find the healthiest options first – then add treats if you want them
• Limit the booze – you don’t need it to enjoy the setting
• Use the spa – it’s there for a reason
• Create space to be quiet – even five minutes of stillness on a pier makes a difference

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Would I Go Back?

In a heartbeat. Marmaris Bay Resort showed me that an all-inclusive holiday in Turkey can be more than just a week of excess – it can be a reset button in disguise. And honestly, I think that’s the version I’ll be choosing from now on.

Enjoy your Travels

Em x

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