All roads lead to Bodrum. Where to relax in Turkey’s most beautiful resort?

So the summer vacation period came and with it the traditional question – where to spend your vacation recharged with solar energy and unforgettable impressions that will last at least until the end of the year? If you haven’t decided yet, we offer our suggestions.

After reviewing different sights and considering the most interesting offers, we decided to stop in good old Turkey. Decide for yourself how many pluses are in this decision.

First, the lack of visas and direct flights.

Secondly, guaranteed sun, sea air and the shores of the four (!) Seas: Mediterranean, Black Sea, Aegean and Marmara.

Thirdly, a huge selection of hotels for every taste and budget.

And finally, a great opportunity not only to enjoy a beach holiday and local hospitality, but also to visit amazing places. Historically, Türkiye can only compete with Greece.

Decided: Türkiye. This time our choice fell on the Aegean coast and its main resort – Bodrum. Leading premium tour operator LOTİ has helped us with this, offering holidays only at the best hotels in Turkey (and four other countries) and private flight on the Lujo BlackJet business ship.

By the way, Lujo BlackJet services deserve special attention: along with express check-in at branded counters and free access to the Art Lounge business lounge, the highest level of comfort and unobtrusive service await you on a stylish plane. A nice bonus for the welcome in the form of a glass of sparkling wine, the chef’s gourmet menu, a comfortable chair with a massage function and a horizontal position, a tablet with Wi-Fi access and a cosmetic bag from Bvlgari. a set of cream and a bottle of eau de toilette – what else do you need to make the time spent in the sky unforgettable? And such a flight on a unique plane will cost less than competitors.

Five hour flight – and you are at Milas-Bodrum airport. As you come from the airport, you realize that you are not in the typical Turkey you are used to while relaxing on the Antalya coast. All around are coniferous forests interspersed with olive groves – you must admit, this is an unexpected picture. And when you come to the city and its surroundings, you finally get lost in the senses. And it’s no wonder: Bodrum greets you with quaint white houses with blue shutters and a marina filled with a wide variety of yachts, traditional for a port city.

A bit of history: There was once the ancient city of Halicarnassus in the Bodrum area, reminiscent of the still-preserved amphitheater and the Myndos gate (which Alexander the Great entered in triumph). And also the magnificent fortress of the XV century – the fortress of St. Peter, built on the site of one of the seven wonders of the world – the mausoleum of the Carian ruler Mausoleum. Unfortunately, the mausoleum itself was not preserved, but parts of it became the foundation of the must-see castle! Inside you will not only enjoy the impressive buildings, ancient courtyards and peacocks walking in them, but you will also be able to visit the world’s largest museum of underwater archeology. And the view of the marina and sailing yachts from the observation deck will not leave indifferent even the most demanding traveler.

Meanwhile, modern Greece is easily accessible: the island of Kos can be seen in any weather, so happy Schengen visa holders can be there 45 minutes after the departure of the regular ferry to the island.

Family – Mivara Luxury Resort & Spa

Today, Bodrum is considered one of the best resorts in Turkey – the area offers all kinds of rest and relaxation for large companies and families with children, as well as people who value privacy and quiet entertainment. We decided to see for ourselves and went to check out some of the best hotels in the area. Mivara Luxury Resort & Spa, which won the Tripadvisor Best Of The Best 2021 award, is at the top of our list.

Mivara Luxury is conveniently located in the north of Bodrum peninsula, in Gundogan district, famous for its abundance of pine, pomegranate and orange trees. Upon arrival, you are immediately immersed in the relaxed, homely atmosphere and a sense of calm and relaxation. The Mediterranean style in which the hotel is decorated also has this. The service here is impeccable: courteous staff are ready to respond to any request. The hotel offers both standard rooms with an area of ​​40 square meters. In addition to rooms with a jacuzzi, private terrace, dressing room, living room and two bathrooms, varying from 80 m² to 125 m2. m There are also several villas with private pools and gardens on the site.

And of course, it has all the standard features of a luxury hotel: a cozy relaxation area, a beauty salon, various shops and a wonderful spa with a nursery.

Now about the most important. Mivara Luxury Resort & Spa has a well-equipped beach: there is a pier with suitable water landings and a small sandy beach. The sea is crystal clear, the view of the opposite shore is a delight, especially in the evening.

The hotel operates on a “breakfast” system, but you don’t have to go to the city to have a delicious meal with a sea view. A wide variety of dishes are served at the on-site Ammani Restaurant.

Trendy – Bodrum Edition

After visiting Mivara, we went to The Bodrum Edition, a joint project of Jan Schrager, the world-famous hotel chain and the creator of the legendary Studio 54 nightclub. the world is here.

The boutique hotel is located in the western part of the peninsula, 3 kilometers from the Yalıkavak marina and consists of a main building and a villa complex. Like many hotels in Bodrum, Edition is located in a “cascade” that slowly descends from a hill to a picturesque cove with a white sandy beach.

Perhaps for this reason, and also because the area is “cascading”, the Edition is more suitable for couples traveling without small children. The hotel concept is based on the idea of ​​integrating with nature, so the resort is immersed in fragrant greenery and every centimeter of the area has been thought out to the smallest detail. And although the hotel itself is small, it is designed in such a way that it does not leave a feeling of privacy. So you can find a secluded place to relax whenever you want.

In the area there are excellent restaurants with gourmet cuisine, bars, shops, a gym and a SPA center with an area of ​​​​more than 2400 square meters. m.

Aesthetics – Allium Bodrum Resort & Spa

The next hotel is Allium Bodrum Resort & Spa. It is within walking distance of Yalıkavak Marina, one of the largest marinas in Yalikavak, and 20 km from Bodrum centre.

If, along with exquisite rooms and impeccable service, your hotel essentials list includes incredible views of the setting sun beyond the horizon, this is the place for you.

The boutique hotel has just 36 rooms, housed in nine three-story villas that are picturesquely scattered on the hillside. Each room has panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands. The hotel has everything you need to enjoy your holiday: a seasonal heated outdoor pool with sea views, a spa with hammam and two indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, bars and a Mediterranean restaurant with a Michelin-worthy menu. And of course, a well-equipped private platform beach.

This hotel will not leave indifferent anyone who appreciates a measured, secluded holiday and quiet luxury at its best.

Must visit – Lujo

Short information: Lujo is located 20 km from Bodrum center and only 15 km from the airport. Unlike many hotels in the region, it operates according to the “all inclusive a la cart” system, but it is also possible to eat “for breakfast”. The hotel has nine restaurants, ten bars, three beaches, a spa, six heated pools and a water park with water slides.

As entertainment, they offer a fitness room, water sports, aerobics, yoga, pilates, daily shows and entertainment programs. And this is not the complete list of hotel services that lie behind the widest opportunities for an unforgettable vacation. Children will not be bored either: A 2400 square meter kids club operates for them. m with game center and lego room, science laboratory, art studio, theater and outdoor playgrounds. And the water park has six exciting slides at your disposal.

Now imagine a resort that combines original minimalist architecture and stylish design, picturesquely descending from a high hill into the transparent Aegean Sea with white sand beaches. We fell in love at first sight! Because after visiting the hotel, it is very difficult, or rather impossible, not to want to come back here again.

Choose from a room with stunning sea views or a luxury villa with pool, enjoy fine dining in the many restaurants and bars, swim in the pools and the Aegean, or rent a gazebo (tent) to enjoy the sun and the sea while maintaining your privacy. Here you can also fly by seaplane and see all the beauties of the region from a bird’s eye view.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s own white sand beach (originally the sand was brought from the Maldives) is available in three concepts: the main Joy Beach, accessible to all, Escape Beach, which offers complete silence and relaxation, and Indigo Beach Club (for older guests). 16 years old).

And most importantly, you can come to Lujo in any composition: with a partner, with friends and with children: at the hotel everyone will find a suitable option.