Honestly, if you are looking for a hotel where you can step off your balcony and immediately sink your toes into the sand, Julian Forest Suites Turkey is going to disappoint you. It’s tucked away. Deep away. We are talking about a mountainside perch in the Golenye district of Icmeler, roughly 2.5 kilometers from the actual shoreline.
For some people, that’s a dealbreaker. For others? It’s exactly why they book it.
The air is different up there. It’s cooler than the humid heat trap of central Marmaris, and the sound of cicadas in the pine trees usually drowns out the thump-thump of the bar street music. But let's be real: you’re trading beachfront convenience for a vibe that feels more like a forest retreat than a standard Mediterranean sun-and-sand package.
The Reality of the Location
Most brochures describe the location as "peaceful." That’s travel-agent-speak for "you're going to need a shuttle or a taxi." While the hotel is technically in Icmeler, it sits at the very back of the resort.
Walking to the beach in 35-degree heat? Probably not happening unless you’re a glutton for punishment.
The good news is the local dolmus (the Turkish minibuses) run frequently. You can hop on one and be at the Icmeler beachfront in about 10 minutes. If you want the chaos of Marmaris proper, you’re looking at a 20-minute drive. You’ve basically got a buffer zone between you and the madness.
✨ Don't miss: Finding the Continental Divide: Where North America Splits in Two
The Suites: More Than Just a Bed
One thing the Julian Forest Suites Turkey consistently gets right is the space. Unlike the cramped "standard rooms" you find in many 4-star Turkish hotels, these are actual suites.
- Layout: You usually get a separate bedroom and a living area.
- Capacity: Most can sleep up to four adults comfortably, often using sofa beds in the lounge.
- The Balcony Factor: Almost every room has a balcony. If you’re lucky, you’re facing the forest; if not, you’re looking at the pool. Both have their charms, but the forest view is where the "Forest" in the name actually makes sense.
Kinda important to note: the "Economy" suites are often on the lower floors or have slightly restricted views. If you're someone who spends a lot of time on your balcony with a coffee, it's worth the extra few quid to upgrade to a standard Junior Suite.
Is the Food Actually Good?
The all-inclusive debate is eternal. At Julian Forest, the main restaurant—The Forest—does the heavy lifting.
Breakfast is your standard Turkish spread: olives, cucumbers, plenty of feta, and eggs made to order. Lunch and dinner lean heavily into a mix of international favorites (expect pasta and chips for the kids) and traditional Turkish stews.
One thing that surprises people is the quality of the bread and the grilled meats. Turkish cuisine is at its best when it’s simple, and the chefs here tend to do a decent job with the charcoal grill. However, it's a buffet. By day five, you might feel a bit of "buffet fatigue."
There’s an à la carte option, too. It’s a nice break from the "grab-and-go" energy of the main hall, and it usually serves more refined versions of local lamb and seafood dishes.
What About the Kids?
This place is a magnet for families. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic honeymoon where no children are screaming, you might want to look elsewhere during school holidays.
✨ Don't miss: What Time Is It In Essex? The Truth About UK Time Zones
The pool area is the heart of the resort. You’ve got:
- Two main outdoor pools.
- A dedicated kids' pool.
- Those all-important waterslides.
The entertainment team—names like Alex and Jasmine have popped up in guest logs recently—tends to be high-energy. They do the standard pool games, water polo, and the mini-disco in the evening. It’s classic European holiday stuff. If that’s your jam, you’ll love it. If you prefer silence, bring noise-canceling headphones.
The Spa: A Genuine Highlight
Surprisingly, for a mid-range family resort, the spa is actually quite good. You have the traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam), which you should absolutely do on your first day.
Pro Tip: Get the scrub and foam massage early in your trip. It gets rid of dead skin and actually helps your tan last longer. Just don't go into the sun immediately after.
They also offer Thai massages and various body treatments. It’s one of the few parts of the hotel that feels genuinely adult-focused and calm.
Navigating the Practicalities
Let’s talk money and logistics.
- WiFi: It’s available, but it can be spotty in the rooms. It usually works best in the lobby.
- Check-in/Out: Standard 2:00 PM in and 12:00 PM out. They do have a luggage room if your flight is late.
- The Hill: The hotel is built into a slope. This means stairs. Lots of them. If you have mobility issues or a very heavy double pram, this might be a struggle. Some blocks have lifts, but there’s still a fair amount of walking involved to get to the restaurant and pools.
Comparing the "Julian" Brands
Don't confuse Julian Forest Suites with the Julian Club Hotel in the center of Marmaris. They are run by the same group but offer totally different experiences. The Club is louder, more central, and closer to the shops. The Forest is the "chilled-out cousin." If you book the wrong one, you’ll be disappointed.
🔗 Read more: Finding Your Way: What a Latin America Map Amazon River View Actually Tells Us
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of travelers expect "Forest" to mean they are in the middle of nowhere. You aren't. There are still other hotels nearby, and you can still hear the distant sounds of the town. It’s "forest-adjacent."
Another misconception is that the "All-Inclusive" covers everything. Locally produced spirits, beer, and wine are included. If you want a specific brand of Scotch or a fancy imported gin, you’re going to be reaching for your wallet.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
- Request a high floor: The views of the mountains are significantly better, and you get more privacy away from the pool noise.
- Bring a refillable bottle: The water dispensers are plentiful, and it's better than burning through a dozen small plastic bottles a day.
- Explore Icmeler Old Village: Don't just stay in the hotel. The "old" part of Icmeler is a short walk away and has some of the most authentic (and affordable) Turkish tea houses and restaurants in the region.
- Book your airport transfer in advance: Dalaman Airport is about 90 to 100 minutes away. Taxis at the gate are expensive; a pre-booked private transfer is usually cheaper and much more comfortable after a long flight.
- Pack Water Shoes: If you do head down to Icmeler or Marmaris beach, the entry can be a bit shingly. Your feet will thank you.
If you want a base that feels a bit more secluded than the high-rise blocks of Marmaris, but you still want the safety net of an all-inclusive buffet and a kids' club, this is a solid middle-ground choice. It’s not "luxury" in the gold-plated sense, but it’s a very functional, clean, and scenic spot for a family break.
Next Step: Check the current seasonal opening dates, as this resort typically closes for the winter months (usually from late October through mid-April). You should also compare the price of a flight-plus-hotel package versus booking the suite directly, as local Turkish operators often offer better rates for direct bookings during the "shoulder" months of May and September.