Condé Nast Traveler calls the Turkish city Bodrum “the most glamorous hangout in the Mediterranean.” With summer just ahead, it’s perfect timing for a visit. The oversize suites and villas of the top resorts are the subject of this week’s feature story, so please read on!
1. Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum
2. Amanruya
3. Caresse
4. The Bodrum Edition
5. Susona Bodrum
6. Marmara Bodrum
7. Six Senses Kaplankaya
8. Bodrum Loft
9. Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay
1. Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum
Forbes Travel Guide inspectors say, “There’s no reason to leave Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum. Stretched across nearly 150 acres, the seaside Turkish haven offers 11 food and drink concepts, four pools, two private beaches, a full spa and a fitness center. Even better, the property is embedded on a hill surrounded by olive and pine trees along Paradise Bay and features stunning views of the Aegean Sea almost everywhere you look. Aside from the 84 rooms and suites, the hotel also offers 12 villas and 34 small apartments; some come complete with private pools, perfect for families and groups traveling together. Plus, most of the contemporary accommodations have vistas of either the garden or sea as well as a terrace to meditate on the stunning surroundings.”
The Telegraph adds, “The hotel’s 20 or so olive-colored geometric blocks (designed to blend in with the area’s indigenous olive trees) are arranged in tiers down a wooded hillside, covering nearly 150 acres, towards two curved white sandy beaches. Interiors by Italian architect and furniture designer Antonio Citterio, who also orchestrated the Mandarin Oriental Milan, are sleek and luxurious, with vast tracts of expensive teak and muted marble, interspersed with modern artwork.”
Oriental Villa
Enjoying a prime position in the resort, this 7,998 sq. ft., seven-bedroom villa boasts a private kitchen and entertaining space. Outside, the terrace features a private pool, shower and a range of seating areas.
More suites at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum.
2. Amanruya
The Times says, “Each guest house comes with its own private pool at this tiny luxury resort set among olive groves and cypress trees. Built of stone and fitted out with sleek contemporary interiors, including four-poster beds and free-standing baths, you’ll feel as if you’re staying in your own villa on the Aegean. There is also a larger, communal infinity pool and a stretch of private beach. The excellent restaurant, serving Mediterranean cuisine, is also open to the public, or meals can be served to your guesthouse. Private yoga sessions can be arranged.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “Guest pavilions are sprinkled across the grounds, constructed with sun-bleached stone from the local area, paired with a terracotta roof to complement the Mediterranean scenery. Each pavilion is alike in design and layout, with a choice of garden or sea views. The outdoor space includes a private pool, a double day bed (perfect for a glass of wine at sunset) and lounge chairs. The gardens allow for privacy and a symphony of sounds; wind rustles through the trees, water ripples through the pool, and birds chirp.”
Pool Pavilion Deluxe Sea View
Set on a sheltered hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea, each free-standing 800-sq. ft. Pool Pavilion Deluxe Sea View offers a peaceful private garden and a private swimming pool with over 3,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space.
More suites at Amanruya.
3. Caresse
Conde Nast Traveler says, “With 76 sleek, modern rooms and suites—not forgetting the grandiose King Villa suite—this relative newcomer to the area comes with everything you would expect of a lavish retreat, including sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and a private beach dotted with sunbeds. Lunch is spent at the beachfront restaurant La Plage dining on crispy fried calamari, and long afternoons melt into cocktail hour at the Glass Restaurant and Lounge Bar.”
The Times reports, “This well-designed hotel is perched on the outskirts of the lively resort of Gumbet. Both rooms and suites are available and finishing touches include free-standing baths and fresh flowers, along with a white sand private beach with a huge, curved jetty at one end. There is a fitness center and spa with an extensive treatment list, as well as an indoor pool. You’ll have no trouble scoping our private corners to relax with a cocktail from the hotel’s bar and there are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby too.”
Premier Residence
The 4,035 sq. ft. Premier Residences features three bedrooms across two levels with a dining table that seats up to 10 and lots of outdoor living space, including a private pool.
More suites at Caresse.
4. The Bodrum Edition
Forbes Travel Guide says, “The boutique hotel features a collection of 108 rooms, suites and villas, most with views of the water and features such as a garden, balcony or private pool. Even if you don’t opt for accommodations with a pool, you’ll find plenty of access to the water. Unwind in the 28-meter infinity pool, which overlooks the mountains, sea, and sky, or hit the gold-sand beach, the hotel’s social hub. When you get out of the water, dine and drink at four restaurants and bars; work out in the fitness center, which offers Life Fitness equipment, a Pilates room, and a yoga terrace; or spoil yourself in the spa, where you can have a treatment outside in an open-air cabana.”
The Villa
At 5,780 sq. ft. The Villa spans three stories with four bedrooms, two living rooms, a dining room, a private pool, and stunning Aegean Sea views.
More suites at The Bodrum Edition.
5. Susona Bodrum
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Located on a calm bay on the Bodrum Peninsula, the resort faces the sparkling Aegean Sea. The discrete architectural structure resembling a water drop and the Mediterranean style of the white-washed, tiered buildings are designed to remind guests of the ocean at every turn. While the first impression might be yet another glamorous hangout on the Turquoise Coast, Susona is far more laid-back and unpretentious than many of its neighbors—without sacrificing an ounce of class. The resort aims to please both full-throttle active travelers and those in relaxation mode. Hop with ease between water sports from the pier and workouts in the onsite Tone Gym to indulging in a poolside cocktail or a rejuvenating spa treatment.”
Four Bedroom Villa
The 2,950 sq. ft. Four Bedroom Villa spans two floors with your own private pool.
More suites at Susona Bodrum.
6. Marmara Bodrum
The Times reports, “This adult-only hotel located in Bodrum centre is your gateway for easy access to the town’s bars, clubs and sights. Set up in the hills, it’s a great base for walking or biking around the quaint streets dotted with whitewashed houses — a gorgeously unspoilt area despite being one of the hubs of Turkey’s tourism industry. Back onsite you’ll find a pool, hot tub, spa, and fitness center, along with sculptures and paintings by local artists scattered around the common areas. Rooms are extremely luxurious for the price and there’s a rooftop restaurant with striking views overlooking the sea.”
The Party Animal Suite
The 850 sq. ft. suite comes with an equal size rooftop patio so you can keep the party going all night long.
More suites at Marmara Bodrum.
7. Six Senses Kaplankaya
The Telegraph says, “Kaplankaya is near Bodrum, but on a quiet stretch of coast on the other side of the bay. The resort straddles a wide cove, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Milas-Bodrum International Airport is 50 minutes by car, or quicker (and more fun) by boat transfer. Its low-profile rather angular architectural lines are have something of the air of a giant super-yacht when you approach from the sea, though you don’t notice this once you are in the resort itself.”
Four Bedroom Pool Villa
This 2,685 sq. ft. Four-Bedroom Pool Residence features not only you own private pool but also a fireplace in your living room.
More suites at Six Senses Kaplankaya.
8. Bodrum Loft
The Telegraph writes, “Situated off a narrow road ending at Bodrum Loft tumbles down a terraced hillside dotted with mature olive trees and overlooking a crisp blue bay. It looks and feels like an exclusive, über-stylish take on a traditional, Aegean village of flat-roofed dwellings and winding alleys. The restrained and elegant property is a waterfront hideaway par excellence a small headland on the less developed northern shore, yet just a 20-minute drive north of the chic resort town of Bodrum.”
Four Bedroom Villa
The Four Bedroom Villa feature two bedrooms on each floor with a large living and kitchen area loft-style.
More suites at Bodrum Loft.
9. Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay
Fodor’s Travel Guide says, “Bodrum Loft tumbles down a terraced hillside dotted with mature olive trees and overlooking a crisp blue bay. It looks and feels like an exclusive, über-stylish take on a traditional, Aegean village of flat-roofed dwellings and winding alleys. The restrained and elegant property is a waterfront hideaway par excellence.”
Villa Grande Deluxe
The 2,152 sq. ft. Villa Grande Deluxe spans two floors with three bedrooms.
More suites at Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay.