Set on verdant slopes overlooking Paradise Bay is the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, an absolutely sprawling, 60-hectare luxury resort. Its stunning accommodation comprises newer Bougainvillea and Royal suites (our recommendation), and three updated villas if you’re feeling flash or visiting with friends family, all of which complements the hotel’s existing inventory of 132 rooms. Check-in is performed on a panoramic, Insta-worthy deck, a spot that also proved ideal for orienting ourselves with the location of the property’s two beaches down below – both easily accessed by golf cart (there are also gorgeous alfresco pools closer by).
The contemporary interior design of the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is by Italian designer Antonio Citterio, who combines golden hardwoods with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of air and light. The rooms here are palatial, starting at 72 sqm for the Garden View Kings, and all complete with private terraces, sunbeds, and butler service.
One of our highlights is the sublime spa and wellness wing of the resort, which covers 2,700 square metres and three floors, demonstrating the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum’s commitment to helping you get away from it all. Not only are there outdoor cabanas for treatments (we treated ourselves to ‘transcendent facials’) but hammams, an indoor lap pool and a gym with a Pilates studio.
We were particularly impressed with the resort’s portfolio of restaurants, which spanned sumptuous breakfast buffets (despite being on holiday, this is absolutely worth getting up for) at Sofra, Turkish pide (pizza) at the Blue Beach Club and seafood at Bodrum Balıkçısı. Service was polished at all times, as you’d expect from the chain.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Sophisticate | BJV | GMT +3 |
| While you’re Out There |
| For a taste of the Orient in Turkey (it’s close enough), make sure to take the time to try to sumptuous Asian-inspired cocktails in the hotel’s sublime Mandarin Bar. |
Photography courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Bodrum
At OutThere, we believe in boundless travel. But we understand that some destinations can pose challenges to travellers that complicate visiting them. We advise all visitors to inform themselves about local legislation and customs, and to work with a trusted travel provider in order to ensure a safe and pleasant holiday.
