Make way, Ibiza, sit, Mykonos – the celebrities are heading to the Turkish Riviera this yr. For several seasons, Bodrum in southwest Turkey has been gearing as much as rival Europe’s party hotspots. Now there are big-name restaurants, iconic clubs and heavyweight hotels helping to make it the most well liked seaside destination for 2024. Add to that the crystal-clear turquoise waters and sensational coastal scenery. Here’s where to eat, party and sleep in Bodrum.
Where to eat in Bodrum
Bodrum’s culinary offerings include many jet-set favorites. A branch of the famous Zuma chain opens within the marina in Yalıkavak between June and mid-September. As the sun turns the Aegean Sea orange and peach, guests enjoy salmon roe and freshwater eel sashimi, fresh crab and avocado maki rolls, or king prawns with yuzu pepper, all served with international wines or sake.
Turkish cuisine with international influences will be found at Kitchen at Bodrum Edition Hotel in Yalıkavak. Led by chef Osman Sezener, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star this yr. Guests can sit up for ultra-fresh ingredients and uncomplicated dishes resembling charcoal-grilled octopus with salsa verde or fried sea bass with oyster sauce.
Where to party in Bodrum
It’s no small feat to rival Ibiza as a nightlife destination, but Bodrum has some excellent party venues. Halikarnas was a cult club within the ’70s when Bodrum was experiencing its first wave of international celebrity fame, and it’s just as full of life today. Club Catamaran is on a ship that heads out to sea at 11pm and returns to port at 4am (though a shuttle service means you may hop on and off as you please), and is popular for its acclaimed DJ performances and cabaret performances. Beachfront Mandalin as an alternative offers live gigs with local bands that may make you like Turkish music.
Where to remain in Bodrum
The Bodrum coastline is brimming with five-star hotels and luxury resorts. Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is celebrating its tenth anniversary this yr and is pulling out all of the stops. The legendary Grammy-winning Kylie Minogue has already performed on the anniversary celebrations. The hotel can be working with the renowned Villa del Arte gallery, so guests can expect to see works by esteemed artists resembling Lluis Cera, Corvengi and Herbert Mehler throughout the season. This is along with the prevailing masterpiece of Mandarin Oriental’s location with its stunning views of Paradise Bay.
Hotel rooms and villas, shaded by ancient olive groves and pine trees, feature terraces, infinity pools and barbecue areas. Showers and bathtubs face a completely glazed sliding door, so you may feel a mild breeze as you bathe. Throughout the 60-acre terraced hill that slopes all the way down to the ocean are panoramic bars, open-air restaurants resembling the Italian-inspired Lucca by the Sea and the fashionable Chinese Hakkasan, and upscale boutiques resembling Chanel and Turkish luxury brand Vakko.
Along the waterfront you can find a sandy beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. There are also private picket huts over the Aegean Sea so you may dive right in. There is a 2,700m2 award-winning spa offering holistic signature treatments and a variety of wellness programs.