Bodrum, Turkey – Seaside Resort

Bodrum is a seaside resort in the southwest corner of Turkey that attracts the jet-set during the summer months. It is also the home of one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.

Bodrum is a destination worth considering for a few days (or even a week) for a break from sightseeing. The very best times to visit are late spring or early fall; the weather will be perfect, many of the crowds will be gone, and you’ll avoid the searing heat of the summer months. There are a number of 5 star luxury hotels in Bodrum.

Where to stay?

The Marmara Bodrum is a 96 room resort with a panoramic view overlooking the town of Bodrum. This is a contemporary boutique hotel, and the imaginative flair of its designers can be seen the moment you walk into the lobby and see the interior decoration of the public spaces. The guest rooms have a minimalist elegance that appeals to me. Consider at least a four night stay to enjoy a special Virtuoso exclusive promotion.

The Queen Ada Hotel is an intimate beach hotel with just 22 guest rooms. A bit more casual and less expensive than the other properties described in this article, this is a lovely property with a four star feel. The guest rooms are clean and comfortable, and guests are steps away from the beach. Rates are especially affordable in mid-season (April 18-June 12 and September 15-October 31, 2008), and these are in fact the best times to visit Bodrum (see what I wrote above about visiting in Spring or Fall).

Casa Dell’Arte is located right next door to Queen Ada on the same beach. This is an over-the-top beach hotel with the feel of a lavish private home. The walls of the property are decorated with the owner’s art collection, and the rooms are an incredible expression of decorative imagination. By all means, you should book one of the two rooms with a direct view of the beach. There are just 12 rooms (each named for a sign of the Zodiac), and the entire property can be booked for the ultimate family vacation. If you want to stay in the trendiest property in Bodrum, and cost is not an object, Casa Dell’Arte is where you want to be.

The Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay is a larger property with 173 rooms and suites. This property has the most imaginative management I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Our site inspection was set up as a “progressive supper” with each course in a different restaurant or area of the hotel. Our appetizer was served in the Vietnamese restaurant Saigon Club, our soup course by the pool (where, thankfully, efficient gas heaters kept us warm in the cold, winter evening), the pasta course in the kitchen (where we pulled on aprons and helped prepare our own meal!), the main course in a Presidential Suite, and dessert at the bar. Management has exciting ideas about children’s programs and a refreshing originality about how to do more than just run a luxury hotel. With a beautiful beach and gorgeous infinity pool, this resort would be a great spot for a family vacation on the beach in Bodrum.  Article by: David J. Ourisman

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