Mandarin Oriental Bodrum
Bodrum
OVERVIEW
Paradise Bay is an appropriate name for the setting for Mandarin Oriental Bodrum. The sweep of white sand fringed by deep blue waters and turquoise shores are a naturally beautiful backdrop for the sophisticated rooms and suites that make up the sleek hotel. In true Mandarin Oriental style, restrained elegance is key and you can tell that meticulous planning and a great deal of thought has gone into the design.
There are olive trees all around, great gnarly trunks bent double under the weight of their bounty, and the local green-grey stone was chosen to match the hue of the olive stone – now that’s dedication to design. Cubist-inspired buildings aren’t all that traditional though, so expect plenty of style with your substance. The hotel is built in tiers up the hillside, curving around a duo of beaches which beautiful views across the bay.
Glossy Bodrum is just a short drive away, where you’ll find a yacht harbour bobbing with the gin palaces of oligarchs, celebrities and heads of state, so if you fancy a night out there are plenty of hedonistic delights to find there.
The resort is more of a family than a hotel, and everyone from the general manager to the housekeepers think so; GM Nejat Sarp was tempted back to his homeland from managing Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, while the housekeeping staff is mainly comprised of local housewives, who firmly believe the adage that ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’. You’ll soon see: the hotel is spotless.
SUMMARY
Rooms: 109
Location: Bodrum, Turkey
Nearest Airport: Milas-Bodrum Airport
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board
6 Reasons to visit Mandarin Oriental Bodrum
- It’s the best high-end hotel in this part of Turkey and wears the accolade well
- The views of the Aegean Sea across Paradise Bay are hard to beat
- There’s a three-storey spa with an indoor pool and its own private garden
- It’s very welcoming towards families, with two kids’ clubs
- Two sandy beaches mean either never feels crowded and there are four outdoor pools, too
- There are very few steps and plenty of lifts, so it’s very accessible for those with disabilities
JuJu Beach is run by Babylon, one of Istanbul’s best-known music and entertainment brands. Enjoy dancing and drinks until the small hours with a cocktail and then wake yourself up with a swim out to the sea platforms the next day.
Where to stay
86 rooms and 23 apartments offer plenty of choice for your stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum. The rooms are sleek, sharp and sophisticated with dark woods and terraces. Spectacular views over the sea and the surrounding countryside make the suites extra special, with enhanced amenities and private pools. A choice of luxurious villas and apartments means plenty of space when travelling in a group or a large family.
JuJu Beach is run by Babylon, one of Istanbul’s best-known music and entertainment brands. Enjoy dancing and drinks until the small hours with a cocktail and then wake yourself up with a swim out to the sea platforms the next day.
What to do
The Bodrum peninsula is the place to do as little or as much as you want. Delve back in time with a visit to the 600-year-old Crusader Castle or the Tomb of Mausolus, one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. Shoppers should head into Bodrum where designer shops abound. If it’s relaxation you are looking for then head to the spa or take a stroll on one of the resort’s two private beaches.
JuJu Beach is run by Babylon, one of Istanbul’s best-known music and entertainment brands. Enjoy dancing and drinks until the small hours with a cocktail and then wake yourself up with a swim out to the sea platforms the next day.
What and Where to Eat
Despite its secluded location you’ll not run out of new dining venues to try: the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum has nine different eating and drinking spots on site. From traditional Turkish seafood to Japanese and Peruvian fusion dishes, there is plenty to tempt your taste buds. Make sure you visit the Mandarin Cake Shop at least once on your visit for some delicious baklava.
JuJu Beach is run by Babylon, one of Istanbul’s best-known music and entertainment brands. Enjoy dancing and drinks until the small hours with a cocktail and then wake yourself up with a swim out to the sea platforms the next day.
When to travel
Month | Temp(C) |
Sun(hrs) |
Rain(mm) |
---|---|---|---|
Jan |
12 | 5 | 73 |
Feb |
12 | 6 | 70 |
Mar |
13 | 6 | 64 |
Apr |
17 | 7 | 30 |
May |
21 | 9 | 12 |
Jun |
25 | 10 | 15 |
Jul |
29 | 10 | 12 |
Aug |
28 | 10 | 12 |
Sep |
26 | 8 | 12 |
Oct |
21 | 7 | 27 |
Nov |
16 | 6 | 79 |
Dec |
13 | 4 | 108 |