The Best Hotels in Bodrum, Turkey

This boutique hotel is perfect if you’ve come to Bodrum for sun, sea and sand. It features its very own 100-metre-long (328ft) private beach, just for guests. Work up a sweat with some fun outdoor beach sports, and then cool off with a dip in the sea or the hotel infinity pool. When you’re finished you can enjoy some al fresco dining at the beach bar, and take in the striking views of the Aegean Sea.

At a certain point in our lives, we have to accept that we’ll probably never be rich, famous celebrities. But the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum is so luxurious, that guests can pretend to be rich, famous celebrities, and that’s almost as good. Each room in this five-star resort comes with its own balcony or outdoor space, with many featuring their own private plunge pools. If you’re feeling particularly decadent, the hotel even provides helicopter tours around the coastline.

There’s no point going on holiday if you can’t post pictures on social media and make everyone jealous. The bars at Caresse are particularly photogenic, making them ideal for any budding influencers. One particular highlight is the Glass Lounge, which features outdoor sunken terraces designed to encourage socialising while still providing privacy. It’s a great place to watch the sun set over the Aegean Sea. Once the sun is down, head over to the hotel’s Buddha Bar for cocktails.

Exploring ancient castles, sunbathing by the beach and partying hard at nightclubs can be tiresome work. Fortunately, Kempinski Hotel offers plenty of relaxing spa services that will have you reenergised and ready for another day of sightseeing. Guests can enjoy a range of treatments, including the hotel’s special Golden Massage, which uses sweet almond oil, palm oil and 24 carat gold particles to fight the ageing process. There’s also a whirlpool, sauna and Turkish “Hammam” bath.

Want to chill by the pool without the lingering fear of some kid practising his bombing technique and splashing water all over you? The Marmara Bodrum has you covered. This adults-only haven features a tranquil outdoor pool, complete with a bar that serves a range of smoothies and cocktails. There’s also the cosy Lounge Bar, and Tuti Restaurant, a Mediterranean bistro that has stunning views of the Bodrum city skyline.

If you’re travelling with the family, Salmakis Resort & Spa will make sure everyone is catered for. Parents can soak up the sun and dance the night away at the poolside bar, while the little ones can enjoy the kids club, and their own kids-only pool. Salmakis also features a private beach, Blue Flag Bay, which boasts spectacular views of Bodrum Castle. If you’re feeling hungry, head to the Poseidon restaurant for fresh seafood, then stop by the hotel patisserie, and grab some cookies for dessert.

This luxury resort is just 500m (1640ft) away from Bodrum centre, making it an ideal base if you want to go out and explore the town’s cosmopolitan bars and traditional stores. However, the Diamond of Bodrum is so luxurious, you’d be forgiven for not stepping foot outside the hotel grounds. Guests can enjoy a private beach, and indoor and outdoor pools. It’s also just a half-hour cab ride from Milas-Bodrum Airport, making it a convenient option if you want to remove the stress of travelling.

If you’ve been enjoying Bodrum’s restaurants a little too much, you can work it all off at Ramada Resort. The hotel’s leisure facilities are absolutely stacked – challenge your fellow guests to a tennis or squash showdown, show off your diving technique at one of the two pools, or just put in some hours in the fitness room. If you fancy getting out and exploring, the hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle service to the beach.

Bodrum is famous for its history and culture, but if you stay at Labranda you might miss it all. The hotel has so many amenities, you might need to book an extra week to sample them all. Enjoy comedy or dance shows, recreate your favourite Top Gun scene with some beach volleyball, or chill by one of the hotel’s many pools. You can even take a few archery lessons, and try to become the next Artemis (that’s the Greek goddess of hunting, history fans).

Booking a private villa at the Kaya Palazzo means the sea is just a few steps away. You’ll also get your own private pool and personal terrace and garden. The standard rooms aren’t too shabby either, with great views of the beach or the garden. Guests can choose from a variety of room options, but one of the best is the ‘swim up superior room’, which gives you direct access to the hotel pool.