Seaside hotspot Bodrum is one peninsula drawing a smart crowd of visitors to its five star hotels ... [+]
Buzzing in a little seaplane over Turkey's Turquoise Coast, you can spot thickly forested hills, craggy cliffs and the vivid cobalt water of the Aegean Sea.
As the French Riviera fills up and crowds descend on the Amalfi Coast, Turkey's shores are luring a new set of luxury travelers from the country and abroad.
Seaside hotspot Bodrum is one peninsula drawing a smart crowd of visitors to its five-star hotels and gourmet restaurants.
Here's how to enjoy a deluxe weekend around the coastline.
What to do in Bodrum: Breakfast on a yacht and seaplane tours
Kickstart your glamorous weekend aboard a luxury yacht and sail around the coastline. You’ll pass wild, uninhabited islands and moor in coves where you can plunge into the jewel-colored water.
Smartly dressed staff will prepare a breakfast feast of pastries, local honey, avocado hummus, fresh cheese and spicy Turkish sausage. A glass of rosé is always encouraged as an accompaniment.
You can fly over Bodrum's medieval castle in a seaplane.
Another spectacular way to see the peninsula is from a seaplane. As you putter over the cliffs, you’ll spot Bodrum center with its medieval castle, the ancient theater, and the iconic line of seven windmills.
You’ll also skim past the Greek island of Kos, which is just 30 minutes away by boat so a good option for a day trip.
Where to eat and drink in Bodrum: Restaurants and clubs in the marina
In Bodrum’s old town, find the high life along the yacht-filled marina. Wander around the harbor at sunset to see sailing boats and private yachts.
For dinner, head to Gemibaşı, a taverna loved by locals with a view over the sparkling lights of the marina. Cheek-by-jowl with other diners, you’ll enjoy generous plates of yogurt meze dips, scallops, octopus and goat's cheese for starters. Mains include fresh grilled lobster, mussels in a garlicky sauce and fried catch of the day.
After dinner, make your way to the Marina Yacht Club, the glitziest place to end your evening. As you listen to live music, sample their exquisitely decorated cocktails.
Where to stay in Bodrum: an eco-resort with nine restaurants
To make the most of the coast, stay at eco-certified Lujo just around the headland from the town center. The sustainable luxury resort is built vertically down the cliff side, meaning it has both rooms with panoramic views and beach-side bars and restaurants.
The Terrace rooms have decked wooden balconies with a deep hot tub and soft sun lounger bed overlooking the forested coastline. The Laguna rooms have private access to a long infinity pool shared only by a handful of guests.
There's easy access to the crystalline sea on the Joy and Escape beaches with summery straw umbrellas or white draped wooden cabanas with ladders leading down into the water.
The sustainable luxury resort Lujo is built vertically down the cliff side, meaning it has both ... [+]
There are beach bars for colorful cocktails and Gaia restaurant on the sand with freshly caught seafood like monkfish fritters or oven-baked seabass with Cretan herbs.
There are nine restaurants in total, including Asma serving Anatolian cuisine like Adana-style kebabs and slow-cooked beef ribs and El Gaucho for sumptuous aged steaks.
In the spa, you can try a Turkish hammam where your skin will be scrubbed until it’s silky smooth.
How to book a trip to Bodrum
To feel truly VIP, you can opt for a package holiday to ensure a worry-free break. Travel companies offer flights, an airport transfer to your Bodrum all-inclusive hotel (some of which can be challenging to reach by public transport) and a program of excursions and activities.
EasyJet holidays is a good option for eco-conscious travelers as they vet the resorts they offer (like Lujo) for sustainable features. All-inclusive for seven nights starts at £2046 ($2530) per person including 23kg of luggage per person
