We have been back just over a week, firstly apologies for the length of this review I seemed to have got carried away and kept adding to it., I may have got some of the restaurants in the wrong order but it now seems so long ago my memory may be playing tricks on me.
Overview
There were 7 people in our group, two families, ours was myself, wife and two daughters 15+12, the other was couple plus son 8. Our holiday this year took place between 01 and 18 August 2008
The Journey Out
Alarm went off at 06:00 and we left for Manchester Airport at 07:00 for a 11:15 flight, journey was good, motorway was clear due to school holidays and we arrived at Terminal 2 in 50 minutes.
Located the Onur Air check in desks on the ground floor and joined the queues (About 6 desks open). In our queue there were only about 20 people in front of us but due to continual baggage belt breakdowns it took an hour to check in, however the general mood was good and it didn't seem that long as we were chatting with other people in the queue. Off outside for a couple of cigarettes and then it was cold Turkey for the next few hours but it’s worth it to get to Hot Turkey.
Through the new security control which was very quick and efficient, a lot better than the old control area. Into duty free and purchased 5 litres of spirits as requested by our friends, time for a quick coffee and then down to the gate where boarding had just started.
Boarding was by seat row number but it wasn’t moving very quickly which was due to people blocking the gateway when their rows hadn’t been called, come on people stand back and let the others through, boarding will be a lot faster.
I was very impressed with the aircraft, a modern clean Airbus 321 in a 3+3 seat configuration, we were in seats 23 A,B,C,D legroom better than Thomas Cook and Flyjet who I have flown with to
Dalaman in the past. Safety briefing was via overhead TV monitor, firstly in Turkish and then in English.
We left 20 minutes late but we were on the way to heaven, we purchased drinks not as cheap as in
Icmeler but the same prices as I was charged by BMI two weeks earlier on a flight to Chicago, A can of Efes was £3, we didn't purchase food as we had took sandwiches, I took advantage of Duty Free sales and purchases 400 silk cut for £23 (On the return they were £24 due to exchange rate fluctuations but still cheaper than Dalaman). Onur air has no onboard entertainment so the kids had their portable DVD player and a couple of films to watch, this kept them entertained, I listened to my Ipod and my wife just read, the flight seemed to go by very quickly.
Overall the flight was very good 9/10, a couple of staff didn't smile a lot but that doesn't bother me, we were at the gate by 17:30 only 15 minutes late. Disembarking was quick, no queues at the Visa desk and minimal queues at passport control, located the baggage reclaim belt where luggage had started coming out, once collected we were going through the airport doors at 17:59.
We located the private
transfer quickly and we were off, it was our first time arriving in daylight so it was nice to watch the scenery go past, we finally came over the hill where you first see
Marmaris below and we knew we were nearly there, we finally arrived at our apartments at 19:30 with the staff who we count as friends all coming to the minibus to welcome us, we were finally home.
Friday Evening
Our bags and electric fan which we leave every year in the basement were in our room and within 30 minutes we were unpacked and we were off to the apartments bar (I’ve not mentioned the apartments name as they are no longer on the
ICR website),
At the apartments a large Efes was 4TL, Local Spirits 6TL, Imports 8TL, Cocktails 10TL. A few beers later and it was time to eat and off to Ozzy’s round the corner for our first meal, the supermarket next door to Ozzy’s changed us £100 at 2.25TL to the £., later in the week they seemed to have stopped changing money I would imagine this was due to the £ plummeting on the currency markets.
We always eat two or three times at Ozzy’s and we were welcomed like long lost friends, I ordered Liver with onion gravy served with veg, rice and jacket potato which is to die for, my wife and daughters had chicken fajitas which they consider to be the best in Icmeler, a couple of drinks each and the bill came to about 100TL with tip. Ozzy overheard my wife asking me to get some milk on the way home for a cup of tea in the morning and before we knew it a litre on milk was on our table and we were invited back the following day for a free breakfast.
Saturday
We just lazed around the apartment pool being careful in the sun, we took advantage of our free breakfast at lunch time and then back to the pool, no problems with sun beds as we prefer the less popular small pool which goes 50% into the shade in the afternoon.
Most nights we normally had drinks on the balcony with our friends at 18:30 while the children had the last 30 minutes in the pool before it closed for the day, Our wife’s had their duty free spirits so we just needed to purchase mixers from the supermarket, for the men we took it turns to get 4 large bottles of Efes, from the small supermarkets they were 10TL, where in Tansas they were 7.90TL.
We usually shower and get ready to go out between 20:00 and 20:30, On the Saturday we went into town and into Firuze jewellers, my wife needed a bracelet repairing and her engagement and wedding rings made larger, I needed my engagement ring reshaping and a piece of black onyx replacing, all the details discussed and we arranged to collect Monday night. Following the jewellers it was down to Deniz Kapisi, we did eat there but it is more a music bar, the food is OK but nothing special however we were there for the Karaoke competition, the overall talent was very good and the female winner had a great voice, she didn’t put a note out of place and well deserved the trophy, my friend came second but there were another two Saturdays left to have a go at winning.
Sunday
Again a lazy day around he pool, we popped to Tansas to obtain supplies, beer, pop, crisps, biscuits, Salami, cucumber etc, the different breads in Tansas are fantastic, far better than the typical loaf in the mini supermarkets and make the trip worthwhile, just had a sandwich for lunch on the balcony (our apartments have no problem with you bringing in items from the outside but you must consume your purchases in your apartment or on the balcony, you are not allowed to take you own drinks to the pool area etc.) I finally met Level200 from the forum on the Sunday, he was staying at the same apartments for two weeks with his wife and daughter, a lovely family, in fact my youngest and level200’s daughter became the best of holiday friends, they have exchanged MSN addresses and I am sure they will continue where they left off over the web.
Sunday night was down to the Three (4) bells for Sunday dinner, both the beef and lamb dinners were excellent but even I couldn’t finish all my meal as the Yorkshire puddings are massive.
Monday
We decided to go for a wander, but to where? we had a small conference and decided we would get the water taxi to Turunc and have lunch, the water taxi was 15 Lira return each, they let the 8 and 12 year old go free, boats appear to run from Icmeler ever hour and back from Turunc every half past the hour, the last boat back was scheduled at 16:30. We arrived in Turunc about 12:30, had a walk along the beach and the went in to the back streets where we all had donner kebabs and drinks, Turunc is definitely slightly more expensive than Icmeler. Following lunch we went to the beach for a couple of hours, sun beds are 3TL each and you pay the council man who gives you a ticket. The sand was so hot we ended wearing our sandals down to the waters edge for a swim, here the beach is very stoney and if like me you don’t stand on your feet all day they could be quite painful but it was worth it for our first swim in the sea. Airing on the side of caution we decided to get the penultimate water taxi back to Icmeler at 15:30, it was a nice afternoon
excursion and I would recommend anyone to do the same, This was my 6th visit to Icmeler but first to Turunc. Back on dry land time to visit Café Ann for ice chocolate drinks, we always pop into café Ann when in the area and it has become one of our favourite haunts, cakes are fantastic, I put on weight just by looking at them.
On the way back to the apartments we took photo’s by the infamous green car and popped into the ICR office. We then popped into Firuze to collect our repaired items, my wife’s bracelet repair, plus two rings made large came the grant total on ZERO TL as we are regular customers, my ring wasn’t ready as the onyx had to be ordered, could I collect Friday or Saturday, no problem.
Mondays Evening meal was at Captain Bull’s actually felt a bit rushed here because as soon as we finished our starter our main course was out, I like a 15 minute break between the two, I think this was due to a large party (15-20) arriving for their reserved table and they wanted to get our meal out of the way so can understand on this occasion and in the end the food was good.
Tuesday
Another lazy day around the pool, we ate at the apartments in the evening and then it was a walk down to the Harmony bar for the Stella show, we dragged another two families down with us (including Level200) so 14 in total, got there just after 20:30 and were lucky to get the last big table. Michael has added some new material to his act this year and a few changes of costume and we enjoyed as always, prices are a bit dearer for drinks here but in the end you are getting a free show so worth it (6TL for a large Efes, 29 TL for a bottle of wine). Some of us actually got a little drunk this night (mentioning no names) and it was quite funny watching them stagger back to the apartments, I felt sorry for the family who had to get up at 7am the following morning for there trip to Dalayan and then home.
Wednesday
Yet another lazy day around the pool, hangovers recovered we tried the Crazy Boys restaurant, unfortunately the beer was warm, it took a while to get the bill right (Started at 109TL – Ended at 80TL They need a calculator) which lost them their tip, food was good but with the other issues don’t think I will go back.
Thursday
Up bright and early (About 9am) had breakfast and wandered down to the pier where we jumped on a water taxi to Marmaris, we decided to go to the water park but from experience last year we know it’s quieter in the afternoons. Once in Marmaris it was off to the castle on the Harbour as we have never been, Adults 2TL kids are free, it’s a very nice castle and well worth a visit, the little narrow streets surrounding are lovely and the views from the castle itself are brilliant, don’t forget your camera as there are some excellent photo opportunities. Following the castle we strolled along the prom towards the Atlantis water park, it was very hot and as it was gone midday so we stopped at a café for lunch, fantastic chicken kebabs and two bottles of water each to re-hydrate then it was into the water park, 3 Adults, 1 Child with discount voucher was 80TL, it was just 13:30 and the slides were being turned back on following lunch, we located a couple of sun beds and then it was the time for the fun to begin, the queues were quiet long, up to 15 minutes waiting for a ringo etc, but after another hour people who been there most of the day started to leave and by 3.30 there were no queues at all and the kids had a whale of a time. I personally don’t like water slides but I love the wave pool which was on at 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00 while we were there. Drinks were slightly over the top, an Efes, Water and Sprite was 11TL. Going back to the apartment we jumped into a taxi just around the corner, 28TL back to the old village in Icmeler, our friends took a dolmus and were dropped off at Tansas, they arrives about 30 minutes after us.
Thursday evening was the Turkish night at the apartments, the night was excellent, the food started with a meze and then followed with a barbeque, salad and pasta, desert was water and normal melon. The entertainment was break dancing, Turkish folk dancing and a beautiful belly dancer, there was also dancing to records and a good night was had by all, I think I finally retired at 4am.
Friday
As you may have guessed was another lazy day at the pool,
In the evening we were back to Ozzy’s as I just had to have some more Liver with Onion gravy, again excellent also Ozzy gave me an excellent exchange rate, town was 2.15TL to £ Ozzy gave 2.2.
Saturday
Again around the pool during the day, Am I getting predictable here?, we took a walk into the town centre late afternoon to collect some items so took advantage and went to Café Ann again, we all had something to eat (Chicken Kebab 2.5TL) and drinks and finished off again with their iced chocolates (You may start to think we like these), it was then back to the apartments for a last dip in the pool via Firuze where I collected my ring, cost 20TL a real bargain. As we had eaten earlier we didn’t want another meal so it was down to Deniz Kapisi for the Karaoke Competition, my mate changed his song to “Leave Your Hat On” and actually won the trophy, we left quite late which was a slight mistake as we had an early start the next day as it was Jeep Safari time.
Sunday
Up bright earlier, weapons loaded and checked, extra ammunition organised in the shape of 2 five litre water containers, water bombs removed from the fridge where they had been chilling nicely over night, contents of ruck sack placed in a black bin bag to keep them dry, old cloths worn as we know we are going to get dirty and it was time to go.
There were only three jeeps in our safari ours with 7 people, another with 6 including two lovely ladies and their two daughters, these four people actually made our day as they were really into the spirit of the adventure, the third jeep had another 6 people and they were 50/50 into the spirit of things.
Once we had all met up it was off into the mountains, as the jeep climbs the steep road navigating the hairpins the views of Icmeler are stunning, the temperature also drops with the motion of the wind and the higher altitude, the jeeps continually change places so you can fire at each other as you overtake. We came to the first stop which was a place where they make honey, we all had a taste while we purchased drinks, prices were good, and we purchased some orange honey for the father-in-law as we do every year.
Back into the jeeps and it was off to the waterfall, driving through the countryside the views are stunning, we also saw some hawks flying above us, didn’t know whether they were eagles as too high. The waterfall was quite busy being a Sunday, quite a few locals were there on their weekend off. We had a swim in the mountain water, it was a cold but very refreshing, in total we were there about 45 minutes and it was back in the jeep, weapons reloaded ready for battle.
Most safari’s stop at the carpet factory which is a very interesting as you are shown how carpets are made by hand, on this trip we drove past them which was fine by us as we had been there on four previous occasions, but if you do stop it is recommended.
Lunch time was fast approaching and we arrived at our restaurant by the beach, the choice was either, chicken, meatballs, omelette or fish, this was included in the price of the trip, as normal drinks were extra As we left the restaurant a very nice young lady decided to cool us all down from a hose pipe as we drove by, and to think we had only just got dry.
Next stop was the beach where we had an hour, the sun beds and parasols were free, there was a bar to buy drinks but we didn’t bother but went for a swim instead.
Following the beach we drove through more countryside until we came to the river where the blue fish can be found, I’ve seen them three times before so would normally let others go to the front but as we were only a small group there was still plenty of room for us all to see them, it took a few minutes for them to be tempted out from under the bushes with bread by the drivers, but eventually everyone had a good look at this beautiful local phenomena.
Back to the jeep and it was a drive through the river and off to the next stop for drinks, local pide was being cooked in a charcoal oven which you could purchase and we had a chance to dry off from the water battles.
Following this stop it was off to do some off road and then the drive back to Icmeler, We arrived back at about 4.30pm, it would have been 30 minutes later if we had stopped at the carpet factory. It was a great day out and we will be doing it again next year as we do every year.
Back at the apartments it was a quick shower at the poolside shower to rinse off the dust then a dip in the pool.
Sunday night was back to the Three (4) bells for another massive Sunday Roast.
Monday
Yet another lazy day around the pool, In the evening we went to the Wayside for our evening meal as I have seen it recommended on this site, it was also highly recommended by another guest at our apartments, We didn’t get there until about 9.30 and it was busy, , we did have to wait for a table at the bar but that only took about 10 minutes so it may be worth booking if you want to go earlier. The service was excellent, the food was really good and overall I think it was the best meal we had in Icmeler, it is a few more Lira than elsewhere but I don’t think you would be disappointed
Tuesday
22 people from our apartments were going quad biking, they were picked up at 10:30 and so our friends could go we agreed to look after their son (8) as they had never been and were unsure if it was suitable, we had a great day, went out for lunch and were back just in time for our friends to arrive back from their adventure at 15:30, they had a fantastic time and next year we are all going.
In the evening we had an meal at the apartments and decided to go and see the Stella show again, this time we had a better view of the stage and again a great night was had, the DJ even recognised us from 2003 when he was working at apartments as the head barman, it’s the first time we had seen him since then and it was great to catch up with each other.
Wednesday
Another day around the pool, I finished my third book of the holiday, had a few swims and maybe a couple of Efes too many for the afternoon, but hey I’m on holiday.
The evening was back at Ozzy’s but for the life of me I can’t remember what we had.
Thursday
Off on a boat trip, we should have gone on one on Tuesday but for other reasons we were unable to go so ended up on the lazy day boat trip.
We were picked up in the morning a 9.20am and were the first to arrive at the boat, we selected our sun beds and waited for the others to arrive, we had a great day stopping at various bays, the water was beautiful and clear, the fish were stunning and I spend quite a lot of time snorkelling. Lunch was included which was Chicken, Meatballs, Pasta and Salad followed by water melon. We purchased drinks through the day and the bill came to about 75TL
We arrived back in the harbour just gone 5 pm and were given a lift back to the apartments.
Due to all the sea air we were all tired in the evening so we decided that we didn’t want to go for a full evening meal, instead we chose Harry Rams fish and cheap shop, which was an excellent choice, Steak Pie, Chips and Gravy was fantastic and was what the doctor ordered. The owner “Typoon” is actually a man we met in 2002 when he had the restaurant where Ozzy;s is now, he has been ill for three years but now he has recovered he is back. He decided that there were too many restaurants in Icmeler now so with the help from a friend in Yorkshire set up a fish and chip shop. All the equipment was manufactured in Sheffield and shipped over and his wife and staff were trained by his friend who has his own chain. I would definitely recommend him but we did say his curry needs to be sorted out, it’s not chip shop style and on the rather hot side.
I definitely will eat there again.
Back at the apartments they were having a game of Bingo, the kids enjoy playing so we laid out 30 Lira in total for 4 of us to have three games and my daughter won 90, she paid back the stake and spilt the winnings with her big sister which was nice of her.
Friday
Yet another day by the pool, in the afternoon we went shopping for my daughters to get presents for their friends, all were purchased by the canal and I believe we got a good deal saving overall about 30% on the first asking price, back to Café Ann for the last time for out final Ice Chocolates which seemed to disappear very quickly.
Decided to go to Harry’s steak house in it’s new location, those who had the chicken or meat dishes said they were good, I ordered the pasta and sent it back, it was terrible, just covered in grease and tasteless, they offered me something else but as I didn't want to eat on my own as everyone else was munching through their meal I refused and just asked for the meal to be deducted from the bill which was no problem.
I would eat their again but next time I would order a meat meal. The half chicken plus free soft drink was excellent value.
Saturday
Where did we go today, as usual we actually stayed around the pool, it was the start of the premier league and I was looking forward to watching a couple of game.
We decided to have an early evening meal at the apartments and after the Liverpool game it was back to Deniz Kabisi for the evening, could my friend keep his title, unfortunately not and at the end of the night we had to vacate out table very quickly as we were caught in the middle of two tables as they decided to have a go at each other, this was the first trouble we have ever seen in Icmeler and I hope it is the last. The waiters were excellent diving in between the groups to try and separate them. Our fiends took our children away while I paid the bills by the bar, when we came out we must have gone different ways back to the apartments and when we arrived our friends and children weren’t there which panicked us, before we knew it the chef and a local were on their bike into a search party, they were only actually 200 yards down the street as they had stopped off for an ice cream and we had missed each other by a matter of yards, I have total faith in our friends but that feeling of not knowing where the kids were was terrible. A few drinks around the bar until 3am and it was to bed for our final nights sleep.
Sunday
The final day around the pool, we have our apartment until we leave at 2am so no rush packing but we do some in the morning anyway to get a head start. The day seemed to fly past and before we knew it evening had come, the final packing done we have our final meal at Ozzy’s, due to the long journey ahead of us we wanted something light and Ozzy obliged us wonderfully, will definitely be back next year.
Back at the apartments, I finished my beer in the fridge, settled the bar bill and left the tips and we were ready to go.
The Journey Home
2am approached and our transfers arrived, there were actually 16 people leaving for the same flight back to Dalaman, goodbyes were said, the odd tear wiped away and it was time to leave, progress was good and in less than 90 minutes we were entering Dalaman airport, security queues were minimal as there were no coaches dropping off just small minibuses. We located out check-in desk and waited for about 20 minutes for them to open, this time check in was fast and efficient, our luggage was well under weight and I didn’t see anyone charged in our queue but we did see some people being charged in the Thomas Cook queue.
After leaving the check in desk I discovered we had seats 22D,E,F and 23F no problem I’ll sit behind the others normally I like having an aisle seat and this was a Windows seat, I like to get up and stretch my legs and in an Aisle seat I don’t need to disturb anyone but never mind it’s only a small problem and I will live with it for this trip.
Like the UK Dalaman airport is totally none smoking, I decided to go outside for a couple of cigarettes prior to going airside, to do this you go past security at the entrance to the escalators, go down one floor and out through the doors where you arrived, then take the escalator back up to outside departures. Once I got my nicotine fix and it was back through security then onto passport control. I checked the duty free prices but they were more expensive than Onur air so didn’t bother buying anything.
Airside at Dalaman airport has a severe lack of seating so we ended sitting on the cold floor for over an hour until our gate opened where there are seats available, the gate actually opened an hour before the flight, I think next year we will stay outside at the little café in the car park until 90 minutes before the flight.
We boarded on time, again the aircraft was an Airbus 321 but this time was older, the seats were not as comfortable and the leg room less than the outbound flight so must have a different seat configuration. I squeezed into my window seat and was dreading the flight home, the final passengers boarded everyone sat down, the doors closed and the seats next too me were vacant, I quickly relocated to the aisle seat before anyone else took the advantage and relocated one of my daughters into the window seat, this meant that both daughters had two seats to stretch out on to get some sleep on the 6.30am departure as they had only slept for an hour on the mini bus. It’s the first time ever that we have been this lucky on a charter flight in 30 years of holidaying.
This time the safety demonstration was made in the old fashioned way in person as the TV system was broken, it was difficult understanding the flight attendant but as a frequent flyer I just checked the cards for any differences and made sure I knew how many rows it was to the nearest exit in both directions. Take off was slightly delayed and we landed back in Manchester 5 minutes late, passport control was reasonable efficient but the luggage took a bit longer however again we were out of the airport in about 40 minutes from touchdown.
Spending
I took £2210 with us for spending money, this worked out at a budget of £130 per day, we actually spent £2020 which included a ring for my wife at £80, this worked out at £118 per day, if the exchange rate had still been 2.5 like last year I would have saved another £260 so would have spent £103 a day which was less than the £110 a day we spent last year so overall the prices are the same, it’s the exchange rate that has hit us in the pocket.
Finally
Overall another fantastic holiday, I am now looking forward to 31st July 2009 as I have three weeks booked in our little place called heaven.