Ritz-Carlton and all-inclusive aren't words you usually see together, but that's exactly what's coming to Türkiye's Turquoise Coast. Marriott International has signed a deal with Turkish developer Özak GYO to open The Ritz-Carlton, Kemer, All-Inclusive — the brand's first luxury all-inclusive property anywhere in its Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Doors are expected to open in 2028.
The resort will sit in Kemer, a coastal town in the Antalya region that's long been popular with package holidaymakers but is now positioning itself for the high-end market. The site stretches along more than 1.2 kilometres of shoreline, backed by forest. Plans call for 141 rooms and suites, plus a collection of villas ranging from one to five bedrooms, aimed at families and groups who want extra space and privacy.
As you'd expect from an all-inclusive at this level, food and drink get top billing: multiple restaurants and bars are planned, with indoor and outdoor venues designed for entertainment and events. The facilities list reads like a full resort checklist — several indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a modern fitness centre, a kids club, and a sports centre with tennis and padel courts.
Marriott's EMEA president Neal Jones framed the project as a response to how luxury travel is changing: more guests want the polish and personal service of a top-tier brand, but with the ease of everything being covered up front. Özak's chairman Ahmet Akbalık went further, saying the goal is to pull in international travellers who might never have considered Kemer before, and to lift Türkiye's standing in luxury tourism overall. Hospitality advisory firm Servotel, which has four decades in the business, brokered the partnership.
Why does this matter if you're planning a Turkish holiday? Antalya already dominates the all-inclusive scene, but it's mostly four- and five-star local brands. A genuine Ritz-Carlton all-inclusive would put the region in direct competition with ultra-luxury resort spots like the Maldives or the Caribbean — often at a friendlier price point and a shorter flight for Europeans. It also signals where the market is heading: the all-inclusive model is shedding its buffet-and-wristband image and picking up designer credentials.
There's a catch, of course: 2028 is a way off, and resort projects can shift timelines. But if you like the sound of villa living, padel courts and a spa on the Turkish coast with the bill settled before you arrive, Kemer is one to keep on your radar. Expect more announcements from Özak too — the company has said further tourism projects are in the pipeline.
