Icmeler Online Holiday Forum & Reviews - Turkey

Ok, as the forum is so quiet just now, I thought I'd ask you all what is the ONE thing which makes Icmeler special for you? I know it's difficult - but choose one!

For me, I think it has to be the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people. We always said we'd never go back to the same place for holidays, but that was before we discovered Icmeler. It's hard to explain, but somehow, it just felt like "home". We've been going more or less twice a year ever since - and that was several years ago.

We've made some good friends there - but even people we've maybe only met once remember you and seem genuinely pleased to see you again. The Turkish people are just so welcoming and really do go out of their way to make you feel at home.

So go on, what is that "magic" ingredient Icmeler has for you?

Hi,
Sorry to be boring but I have to absolutely agree with you Blondie, it is the genuine warmth and friendly nature of the people. We were exactly the same as you and never returned to one place more than a couple of times. this will be our 15th return and wouldnt go anywhere else, its magical
Regards
Sue

Same here the people are friendly,I feel safe and totally relaxed when we are there.

We only popped along for the day on a taxi boat when staying in Marmaris when Blondie told me on Jambos Kickback (a Hearts forum) that Icmeler was much better. Just got off the boat and the 1st bar we thought about a beer in was the Romeo and Juliet where Hasan was wearing a Hearts shirt, I knew I was home

bikerjambo wrote:We only popped along for the day on a taxi boat when staying in Marmaris when Blondie told me on Jambos Kickback (a Hearts forum) that Icmeler was much better. Just got off the boat and the 1st bar we thought about a beer in was the Romeo and Juliet where Hasan was wearing a Hearts shirt, I knew I was home

Good man!

The trust they have in you is something you would never get anywhere else in the world. I wanted a leather jacket a couple of years ago, and on our way to dinner one night I was purely window shopping but found the jacket I wanted. I didn't have the money on me, but he insisted I took the jacket with me and pay tomorrow. I said I could be going home tonight for all he knew and his reply was that if I needed to steal from him then that was fine. Just amazes me each time I think of this.

Reesy1959 I completely agree. My sister lost a diamond from her ring and we went into the jeweller we use (Star Gold & Silver) to enquire about the cost of replacing it which she intended to do next year. Dino stated he would not charge for the work and only charge for the diamond. When we deliberated about it he said pay me next year when you come back as you will want to have the use of the ring! We had the ring repaired and paid for it but we were astounded that such an offer was made and meant. Where else would you get such an offer??? This is only one example of such kindness and as others say we have been asked to bring money in the following day on more than one occasion and not always in shops where we are known. That's one of the things that makes Icmeler special and there's too many to mention.

We were told by a shopkeeper this year that someone had seriously ripped her off by not returning with the money for a large purchase and when she heard they were back in the resort she was going to seek them out but the owner said to let it go. Thankfully not everyone is like that

Agree with you all, we had never been back to anywhere until we went to Icmeler but from the second we arrived did not want to go anywhere else. Just such a calm relaxed feeling to it,made so by the people there I think, they are great.

you said it all the people they go out their way to help you .they are so nice and welcome you with open arms cant wait to come back next year i am bringing my freind for the first time

I think most people are going to agree with what has been said already and I am no exception. When I arrive in Icmeler, well even at Dalaman I feel like I am home. Once I'm in resort I totally feel at ease and am happy to wander around by myself even at night and you don't get that even at home sometimes. I do not feel intimidated at all and even when I have travelled alone, I know I have friends I can trust who will make sure I get back to my apartment ok or will even come to get me if I call them. This is the best thing about going somewhere every year, you build such a relationship with people that you can rely on them for whatever reason. To the point where they offer to lend you your weeks holiday money and don't expect it back right away (I had a problem with my bank this year). Can't wait to get back next year, gotta start saving though!

We first went To Turkey about 15 years ago and found the people so friendly we also stayed in Marmaris and had a trip to Icmeler,and said we would stay there one day,we then went to Gumbet was not fussed on Gumbet,then we went to Icmeler and stayed at the Avlu 4 we have since had a villa in Altinkum in 2007 with the whole family which was lovely we did try and get a villa in Icmeler but no luck,we then stayed at Captain Silvers in 2008 which were all booked through ICR I paid the deposit got the letter to pay the balance but forgot all about it most companies would have just cancelled your holiday,but after a couple of days in Icmeler we went to book some trips in the office and they casually told me I had not paid the balance of the holiday I could not believe I had forgotten to pay it but thanks to ICR I was able to pay it there and then,last year we stayed at the Melita which was in a brilliant position,we ate at Richards place a couple of times and one night I ordered a meal which I did not like the food was good I just ordered the wrong thing they were so apologetic I tried to explain there was nothing wrong with the food I just did not like what I had ordered they were saying I did not have to pay for it but I told them no it was my fault,later I ordered a sweet and they got there way they did not charge me for it,it is the way you are treated by the staff they are so attentive this year we were going to book a villa again but no villa's in Icmeler so we have booked the Ekinci Palace for 10 of us this is the place to go if you want a special holiday.
Geovil

Hi All
Mine is simply :

" That Sunrise over the bay"

Mine is from the moment I arrive to the moment I leave.

I've got to agree with everything above. There's no doubt about it, Icmeler has a special kind of magic that keeps us and others coming back for more.
Even though we have had our own place for five years or more now each time we arrive back "home" its like arriving for the very first time.

Could not agree more.

The feeling that you are not just another tourist, but a friend.

My lovely wedding last year x

I agree it has to be the friendliness of its people. We like many others didn't want to keep going back to the same place but Icmeler captured our hearts and now I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. From coming over that hill and seeing Marmaris then Icmeler I know I am home. The time we spend there is not enough to catch up with the friends we have made over the years and the new ones we seem to add to year after year but we enjoy every moment and are very sorry to leave when the time comes. There is something for everyone and all ages I just wish I had found it before I did but hopefully I have many more years to look foreword to. I would like to thank all my Turkish friends and forum members who have helped me find this piece of heaven, I wish you all a very Happy New Year xx

A difficult job trying to pick just ONE thing I love about the place.

The weather is a big factor but you can get that anywhere in the Med in summer so I can't really use that!!!

Again, friendliness of the locals is another big factor but Akyarlar in Turkey and Rethymnon & Hersonissos in Crete were very friendly too so again I can't use that.

Last year was our first trip to Icmeler and the whole experience made it the best holiday to date - Fantastic weather, fantastic lager (Efe's) and the hotel was perfect (and safe enough to feel I could let my 15 year old daughter go off with her new friends - obviously still within the hotel). We made friends with all the staff there - they are lovely people and now have most of them on facebook lol. The exchange rate makes it much more appealing too.

So basically, I cannot pick one thing so I guess I'll just have to say - Everything...

This year will be our second holiday to Icmeler but next year we will be going without as there are a few things that need sorting out around the house and garden (new kitchen, new patio, and I'll probably need a new car then as well)

Not sure why its my favourite part of the day in icmeler but love taking the little one for a walk in the old town just as the mosque call to prayer is going off in the early evening.after a nice hot day on the beach/pool and just as its cooling down.wondering as I walk what my meal is to be and checking the menus.
Roll on summer