Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, and the Bodrum Peninsula. A stylish alternative to Greece.
The ancient Lycians were on to something when they based their empire on the stunning Teke Peninsula, the chunk of Mediterranean paradise between Antalya and Fethiye. This is Turkey at its most staggeringly beautiful: sandy sweeps of shore hug a coastline lapped by jade waters and backed by forest-blanketed slopes. The Turquoise Coast is prime sun-and-sea territory, but step off the beach and you’ll find ancient cities such as Xanthos, Tlos and Arykanda perched precariously atop hills, and ornate tombs carved into cliffs at Pınara and Myra. Hike between ruins on a section of the 500km-long Lycian Way and you’ll be richly rewarded with scenery worth the sweat.
The main airport serving the region is BJV Milas–Bodrum Airport. Well served by international carriers during the Summer season.
Flying Private: There are several FBO options available. Many good opportunities for 1-way repositioning flights.
► Wikipedia information on BJV Milas–Bodrum Airport
The best source to check which airlines are servicing the airport.
Please Note Most resorts are Seasonal. Opening April and closing the end of October.
Bodrum
Size: 36 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary Classic & Secluded
Year Opened: 2011
Designer/Architect: Turgut Cansever, Emine Ögün, and Mehmet Ögün
Seasonal Operations: Closed during the Winter Season
The turquoise Aegean laps Amanruya’s private pebble beach, while ancient pine forests scent the air. Resting amid olive groves and cypress trees on the Bodrum Peninsula’s serene north coast, the village-like resort is a secluded retreat offering an abundance of space and privacy. Set on the quietest of bays, Amanruya’s guest pavilions are free-standing, with unusually large private pools. Meandering footpaths lead to the property’s heart where restaurants, a spa and three-storey library overlook a marble infinity pool. Beyond the property lie ancient Greek and Roman ruins in spectacular natural surroundings, including Unesco-protected Ephesus, Priene, Miletus and Didyma. These cultural relics vie for attention with sun-kissed beaches and villages forgotten by time.
I AM A AMAN PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Bodrum
Size: 73 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary Classic & Lively
Year Opened: 1977
Most Recent Renovation/Update: 2018
Seasonal Operations: Property is closed during the winter season
Contemporary Classic & Lively
Tucked away in the sparkling, yacht-lined bay of Turkbuku is Macakizi, the Mediterranean’s quintessential see-and-be-seen resort. With private balconies that spill out onto colorful bougainvillea and offer unreal views of the Aegean, celebrity-worthy spa treatments in the resort’s secluded gardens, and Michelin-starred guest chefs who proudly present exclusive menus for their even-more-exclusive guests, it’s easy to see why this stylish 74-room hideaway continually lures international jetsetters from around the world.
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Hisarönü Mah, just south of Bodrum
Size: 196 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 2021
Seasonal Operations: Property is closed during the winter season
Located high on a hillside where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet, D Maris Bay is a peaceful enclave of beauty, serenity, and luxury with 196 spacious rooms and suites, a Presidential Suite, and an exclusive Villa. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the protected environment with spectacular views, crystal clear waters, and five stunning natural private beaches. The resort has something for everyone, from water sports, yachting, and tennis to personalized treatments at the Mytha Spa.
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Bodrum
Size: 124 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary Classic & Quiet
Year Opened: 2014
Designer/Architect: Antonio Citterio
Seasonal Operations: Property is closed during the winter season
A large property, almost a small town within itself. Extensive residential long term stays offered here as well.
On the Turkish Riviera — is there a more delicious phrase than Turkish Riviera? — you’ll find the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum. The sprawling 60-acre hillside resort enjoys privacy along a stretch of the Aegean coast that is tellingly called Cennet Koyu (“Paradise Bay”), surrounded by gorgeous beaches and lush olive groves. Save the occasional passing luxury yacht, guests unwind entirely undisturbed. (And some may rest even easier knowing that civilization, in the form of the peninsula’s namesake city of Bodrum, is a mere 20-minute drive away.)
I AM A MANDARIN ORIENTAL PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• USD 100 Food & Beverage or Spa Credit
• Daily full breakfast for two persons
• Complimentary High Speed Internet Access during stay
• Personalized welcome amenity
• One category room upgrade, subject to availability at time of check-in
• Dedicated Ambassador team support at each property
and more
Bodrum
Size: 33 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 2021
Designer/Architect: Tabanlıoğlu Architects
Seasonal Operations: Property is closed during the winter season
Though the Loft name correctly implies a certain urban aspect in the accommodations, they’re more like modernist-inspired villas, with a bit of traditional styling to keep them grounded and a wealth of eco-friendly measures to safeguard the landscape and the site. The result is a type of luxury that’s less ostentatious and we dare say more substantial than what you’ll find in some of the Bodrum peninsula’s larger and more opulent resorts — even as it comes with all the trappings, including a spa and fitness center, and even a private beach. Paper Moon, the Italian restaurant, is set by the water’s edge, while Kimu Sushi serves the brand’s signature Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, Loft Elia’s carefully curated menu offers unique gastronomy, and Patisserie Loft by Vakko L’Atelier is a partnership with the Turkish patissiers Vakko.
PART OF MY LEADING HOTELS PARTNER PORTFOLIO
Chef: Osman Sezener
The Bodrum EDITION
Outdoor dining Farm-to-table
Locally inspired Kitchen explores the flavors of the Turkish coast for a true taste of community. Renowned Turkish chef Osman Sezener immerses diners in the vibrancy of the regional cuisine with the freshest fish and meat along with herbs, salad greens and vegetables sourced from the hotel’s own gardens and local farms. KITCHEN has been awarded a Michelin Star in the Guide’s first year in Bodrum, 2024.
GO TO ► Kitchen By Osman Sezener Michelin review
► VIRTUOSO: Bodrum Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► THE VIRTUOSO LIFE: How to Spend a day in Bodrum
Cruising into Bodrum’s impressive marina, with its super-yachts and tantalizing beach clubs among hills and ruins, you’d be forgiven for assuming the Aegean port is Turkey’s answer to Ibiza or perhaps Mykonos. But look closer and you discover a town with a distinctive bohemian vibe, inventive menus, and a timeless character woven into every wall and winding path – a sense of history and place refined over 3,500 years.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Bodrum Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Bodrum Turkey Türkiye.
► SimOptions – Orange Holiday Europe
Orange Holiday Europe eSim is one of the best options for European travellers with coverage in 30 EU countries.
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page updated: August 2025
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Türkiye Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
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