The Top 5 Design Hotels in Bodrum
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Turkey’s southwestern coast, Bodrum was originally known as Halicarnassus. Founded by Dorian Greeks, the region became a focal point in the ancient world. Numerous structures popped up during this period, including the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the nearby Ancient City of Caunos. These attractions have drawn visitors to the area ever since, with the region's clear turquoise waters and burgeoning music scene also bringing in a hip crowd during the summer. As more and more visitors flock to the area, a range of luxury openings have opened up. Here are some of our favourite design-focused hotels to stay in when in Bodrum.
Amanruya
Nestled in a secluded corner of Bodrum’s northern coastline, Amanruya oozes quiet luxury. Aged stone pavilions are nestled between ancient olive groves and cypress trees. The rooms are similarly tasteful, equipped with linen-lined, four-poster mahogany beds. Other details include marble floors, panelled wooden ceilings, and light-drenched bathrooms. A range of experiences are also on offer, including wine-tasting events and Turkish cooking classes held in an open-air setting. The real star of the show, however, is the Dream of the Infinite Space Art Exhibition. Held in collaboration with Istanbul’s Galeri Bosfor, the hotel’s marble art gallery has been filled with sculptures, paintings, and ceramics from local Turkish talents.
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Bobo By The Stay
Opened this summer, Bobo by The Stay has a far more intimate atmosphere than some of the other larger resorts in Bodrum; set within an ancient olive grove, the property has only 24 rooms and guests have exclusive access to Cennet Bay, which occupies a humble position along the riviera.
The property itself has a futuristic facade, made up of charcoal-coloured metal and wide-reaching windows. Inside, the design remains minimalist, with beige walls and sleek metal furnishings decorating cylindrical rooms. Amenities are also in abundance at Bobo, including a sauna overlooking the Aegean Sea and rejuvenating ice baths.
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Six Senses Kaplankaya
For visitors prioritising serenity and seclusion, Six Senses Kaplankaya is the perfect option. The design of the space lends itself to relaxation, with modern interiors featuring wood-panelled walls and clean beige furnishing. Spacious windows offer views of the surrounding kaleidoscopic bay and verdant mountains overhead. The hotel also houses an indoor heated pool, a hydrothermal area, a traditional hammam, and multiple fitness zones. Experts are on hand to craft tailored wellness programmes for the guests, with private sessions ranging from guided meditation sessions to breathing classes.
For those looking for slightly more adventure, the Six Senses Kaplankaya also offers a range of guided tours and activities; visitors can attend kayaking safaris to hidden bays, tours of Bodrum, and day visits to nearby Anatolian mountain villages.
The Bodrum EDITION
Located on the West side of the Peninsula, The Bodrum EDITION is tucked away along a wind-sheltered cove in the Yalıkavak Marina. Stretching across 22,000 square metres of sumptuous grounds, the property is surrounded by native olive trees and manicured gardens. The interiors are relatively minimalist - think eggshell walls, white linens, and cool stone floors. Sweeping windows add a pop of colour, offering vistas of the curling coast and azure Aegean sea.
Each room is equipped with a sizeable glittering hamam-style bathroom, though for the full experience, guests can also visit the hotel’s traditional onsite marble bathhouse. A range of restaurants can also be found at the property, including an al-fresco Beach Bar offering traditional pide made in an outdoor brick oven. For those looking for something more refined, Chef Osman Serener’s KITCHEN was recently awarded a Michelin star. The menu changes seasonally, though visitors can expect lamb doused in a rich cherry sauce and locally caught grouper served on a bed of crisp asparagus.
Mandarin Oriental Bodrum
Perched above Paradise Bay, Mandarin Oriental Bodrum benefits from two private beaches and a full-service water sports centre; guests are able to sail, swim, and windsurf through the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. In keeping with the size of the property, the hotel offers a kids’ club, eleven eateries, and a pioneering healthcare spa.
The rooms themselves are sleek and spacious, with streamlined wooden panelled walls and floors. With almost as many staff as guests, the service is impeccable. Be sure to take advantage of their guided tours to nearby areas, including kiteboarding in Akyaka and boat trips to the Ancient City of Caunos.
