How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Bodrum

OK, that might be an oversell given that the ultra-chic and thoroughly modern hotel only recently opened, but if you use this luxury property as a base for exploring more of the area you’ll find yourself enjoying a relaxing escape that is hard to beat. From what’s left of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus – the ancient wonder we referenced earlier – to buzzing fishing villages with more eateries than you could ever wish for, Bodrum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Türkiye for good reason.

The Bodrum EDITION makes the most of the natural landscape that surrounds it with rooms offering unbeatable views onto the turquoise Aegean sea. That’s not just us adding some colourful hyperbole either, the Turkish Riviera is also known as the Turquoise Coast. You can head all the way to Antalya, another well known city on the sea, but Bodrum has so much to offer that if you’re just here for a short time you’ll want to stay put and make the most of the trip out to Southwest Turkiye.

The hotel makes use of neutral local stone colours to help keep the temperature down across its sprawling setting which you get a sense of as you descend towards the rooms and outdoor spaces from the stunning reception.

Make sure you try the gelato offered to guests on arrival as it’s a fantastic taste of what’s to come. Local cuisine and high-end international fare, as is the EDITION way, will satisfy you on your stay but trust us this ice cream is worth a return trip alone!

There are private villas, pools and a four-bedroom residence to keep the more exclusive clientele happy, but all the 108 rooms welcome you in with an effusive fervour that never lets up. There are a number of bars on the way down to the private beach if you need to stop off for a cold drink and a number of restaurants on site serve incredible dishes from award-winning chefs.

Another nod to local culture here is the spa, which offers a traditional hammam experience. If you’ve ever tried one of these before, or are just curious, this is a great introduction to a central part of Turkish life. Slightly less traditional but still in keeping with the wellness initiatives here, this season sees a new partnership with Urban Active and the launch of a full-body spinning class. You have to earn that beach time somehow, I suppose.

Bookings for the hotel are now open. Rates start from €400 per room per night.

Here are a few other things to try in Bodrum, if you can tear yourself away from the easy comfort of this incredible hotel.

Tourism is big business here so expect all the comforts and pitfalls that go with such destinations. Typical of the Southern Mediterranean, the beaches here are outstanding. Bodrum Beach and Gumbet Beach are relatively central with a bit more planning needed for Kadikalesi Beach. The latter is great for small town trinkets and local dishes.

If you want a quick and cheap day out, head to one of the sandy coves dotted along the coast and you can’t go wrong. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, hop on a boat and do a day trip to one of the small islands off the shore for complete seclusion.

Bodrum Amphitheatre is a great stop for anyone looking for a cultural activity whereas a more historically significant site is the ruins of the tomb of Mausolus. The ancient wonder is believed to have been felled by an earthquake in the 15th century, but you can still get a sense of the scale of the mausoleum by looking around what is left.

If you’re after a more ‘party’ atmosphere then Bar Street is full of cheap and cheerful tourist places where you can grab drinks and easy bites to eat. You can also hire a yacht or catamaran for the day and do more of the same, but it’s a shame not to use this opportunity to explore the coast rather than just soak up the sun.