Once a humble fishing village, the city began flourishing in the 1960s when it became a hub for Istanbul’s literary and artistic elite. And over the last decades, Bodrum has transformed into a vacation spot for the rich and famous. Nowadays, it’s known as “little Istanbul” due to the abundance of city dwellers with second homes in this charming locale.
But if you are looking for true glamour, you have to venture out to the hidden corners of the peninsula, with secluded cove beaches, designer bars, detox retreats—and the best luxury resorts. See our selection of these, below, listed in no particular order. We come back to this list regularly to keep the entries up-to-date as new hotels launch and old ones get refreshed. Bookmark it!
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“It is not difficult to fall in love with the Aman Resorts, as evidenced in how the returning customers like to call themselves: the ‘Aman Junkies.’ It’s a testament to the genuine following the brand inspires.”
— from our review of Amanruya
Amanruya is one of the most exclusive hotels in Bodrum and its vicinity. It features only 36 eminently spacious villas, each with a private garden and swimming pool. Amanruya faces a peaceful bay and is flanked by pine forests. It’s impossibly peaceful and private, secluded and relaxed — in short, it offers all the Aman aficionados are looking for from the Aman experience. The small number of guests at any given time makes you feel like you have the resort to yourself (we saw other guests only at breakfast time or at the Beach Club). The hotel amenities include a fitness center, tennis court, private beach, and spa. The resort’s two restaurants serve mouth-watering Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.
Read the review from our stay: Amanruya.
Alternatively, book Amanruya via
Tablet Hotels | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Aman Resorts
The majestic Mandarin Oriental is nestled on the shimmering coastline of the serene Paradise Bay. As a veritable oasis of refined luxury, the resort boasts an impressive staff-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1, ensuring every need is met with attention and care. The Mandarin Oriental is spread across 150 acres on a verdant wooded hillside, descending gracefully to meet not one but two private beaches. The stylish rooms, suites, and villas exude a sense of effortless sophistication with their sleek teak and marble interiors.
Alternatively, book Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos (including the leading shot at the top of the article) © Mandarin Oriental
“Scorpios has always created inspirational experiences through rituals that unite human connection with art, music and nature”— Thomas Heyne, co-founder of Scorpios.
Scorpios Bodrum, nestled on a sprawling 75,000m² peninsula, features two restaurants, a clubhouse, and the signature beach club. The property introduces two brand-firsts: a Ritual Space for ancient healing methods and cultural practices, along with 12 private suites, each boasting its own outdoor pool and lounge area, marking Scorpios’ debut in accommodation offerings. The design, blending traditional craftsmanship and local influences, is a collaboration between architecture studio Geomim, interiors by Lambs and Lions, and the creative input of Annabell Kutucu and Studio McBride. The Bodrum outpost hosts cultural programming, a revolving artist residency in collaboration with the Scorpios Music label, and culinary experiences inspired by Eastern Mediterranean and local Turkish influences.
Alternatively, book Scorpios Bodrum via Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith
Official Website. Photos © Scorpios
Our 2024 guide to the top hotels on the island
Bodrum EDITION nestles on a steep hillside that descends to a private beach filled with sand made out of pulverized marble. Peppered by olive trees and lawns, the property grounds center around an infinity pool and a sea jetty with private cabanas. The hotel has 108 guest rooms, suites, and villas; depending on the category they can have private pools, balconies, and gardens. The spacious interiors are designed to balance comfort and style, using polished stone floors, marble baths, and light decor. The wellness facilities include a serene spa with Hammam and a fitness center; the hotel’s two sensational bars and restaurants serve Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Alternatively, book The Bodrum EDITION via
Expedia | Marriott Bonvoy or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © EDITION Hotels
The opening of the Six Senses Kaplankaya brought the brand’s unique blend of luxury and design to the Mediterranean. The resort occupies a secluded spot on a picturesque peninsula and is surrounded by hills covered by wild cypress trees and olive tree groves. The Kaplankaya features 141 guestrooms and suites, including 66 Ridge Villas and 154 adjacent private residences; all are designed with the signature Six Senses effortless elegance inspired by the resort’s location. The resort offers a full spectrum of luxurious facilities, including multiple swimming pools, a private beach, several on-site dining options, and a wellness center, with the heavenly Six Senses Spa at its core.
Alternatively, book Six Senses Kaplankaya via
Expedia | Agoda | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort, designed by Turkish architect Mahmut Anlar, is located on an 11.4-hectare beachfront on Bodrum’s northern coast. The resort blends contemporary architecture with the natural landscape, offering panoramic Aegean Sea views from accommodations with private balconies or terraces. Interiors by Geo ID feature a soothing neutral palette with accents of green, tangerine, and turquoise, using natural materials like wood, stone, and marble. The resort’s centerpiece is a multi-level infinity pool leading to a private beach, complemented by a two-storey wellness center and extensive dining options, including partnerships with renowned chefs and the first international outpost of Mykonos’ Scorpios beach concept.
Alternatively, book Maxx Royal Bodrum via
Maxx Royal Resorts or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Maxx Royal Resorts
From Ottoman grand dames to uber-chic luxe newcomers
The owners of this swanky resort are experts in the beach club scene, having launched other waterfront properties in Marbella, Beirut, and Dubai. The METT is focused on fun and sociability. It’s a chic beach getaway destination tucked away in a cove with views of Bodrum’s old town. The multi-room villas are perfect for groups of friends; especially the lavish 240 square-meter Villa Ak Ana (featuring four bedrooms, an infinity pool, a terrace, and a winter garden). Outdoor sports are available; guests can rent paddleboards, jet skis, and wakeboards or take a water taxi to town. For simple relaxation in privacy, rent one of the private beach cabins with a pool, sunbeds, and sound system. The open-air deck at Folie Beach restaurant is a popular spot for soaking up the sun, too, and the over-water hammocks add an extra touch of luxury.
Alternatively, book METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © METT Hotels & Resorts
“Maçakizi is the hotel that helped make this town a destination for the global glitterati.”
– Ayla Emiroğlu, founder
Maçakizi epitomizes an elegant and stylish blend of a beach club and a hotel, where bohemian chic has a touch of bling. The hotel lies nestled in one of the most under-the-radar spots of the Bodrum peninsula, set among gardens scattered with terraced suites, with wooden decks on the shoreline featuring canopied lounge areas. It’s a favorite spot for celebrities; Mick Jagger and Kate Moss are rumored to have vacationed here. No wonder — if you are seeking solace and privacy in the charming collection of villas dotted along the secluded hillside, Maçakizi has you covered. The allure of this Mediterranean jewel is not solely restricted to its location and seclusion: the restaurant boasts a menu with delectable dishes enticing any taste bud.
Alternatively, book Maçakizi via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Maçakizi
Where to stay in Dubai
Bodrum Loft offers a modern take on the traditional Aegean village. The property comprises a collection of flat-roofed dwellings and meandering alleyways, set on a hillside peppered with ancient olive trees and overlooking a dazzlingly blue bay. Guests have 36 detached villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms, and a one-bedroom superior room option. Among the facilities is a modern library with books about Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and a wellness center with a spa, a sauna, and a generously sized outdoor pool. On the seafront, decks jutting out into the Aegean Sea, providing guests with the perfect daytime retreat. The hotel interiors are simple yet elegant. An all-white color scheme accentuates recessed shelves, natural wood doors, and polished concrete-pebble floors. Carefully selected artwork, elegant furniture, and colossal mirrors elevate the minimalist aesthetic.
Alternatively, book Bodrum Loft via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Bodrum Loft
The hotel’s fleet of boats is at your disposal for exploring the stunning coastline, including the very same luxury yacht featured in the iconic James Bond film, Casino Royale.
Since opening its doors in 2015, Caresse has become a b-word for sophisticated luxury. This luxurious resort on Bodrum’s stunning coastline boasts elegant rooms and suites with modern Turkish-inspired furnishings. There are 67 rooms, 9 opulent suites, and the regal Caresse King Villa. Each room offers modern amenities, state-of-the-art technology, signature Luxury Collection beds, and a private balcony or terrace that provides captivating views of the Aegean Sea. The hotel’s glistening seaside pools and elegant terraces are a true feast for the senses; gastronomic delights await at Caresse’s 4 exceptional restaurants, featuring an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional Aegean cuisine, sushi, and local seafood. The superb spa, a sanctuary of tranquillity nestled within the resort, is a must-visit.
Alternatively, book Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum via Marriott Bonvoy, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Marriott International
The below shortlist makes a worthy companion to the main list.
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 01/09/2024
From Ottoman grand dames to uber-chic luxe newcomers
