Bodrum is often referred to as the Saint-Tropez of Turkey, and indeed, a little like that particular part of le Midi, it thrives on late nights and super yachts. It’s also an increasingly important stop on the luxury cruise trail. The Amangati (Aman’s newest luxury yacht, setting sail in summer 2027) will travel from Athens to Rhodes and harbour overnight in Bodrum for its penultimate stop, while many of the RitzCarlton’s mega-yacht, Ilma’s routes take in the town.
Unlike many other towns on the Turkish Riviera – like the sleepy idyll that is Kaş or the bustling, family-friendly Antalya, Bodrum has some of the most vibrant nightlife Turkey has to offer, meaning it really comes into its own during the small hours. But that’s reflected in the price tag – Bodrum is increasingly bougie: some holidaymakers are rumoured to drop four figures a night on food and drink alone, and millionaires dock their superyachts in Yalıkavak Marina at a cost of several thousand euro per day. One expat whispers to me that villas within Bvlgari’s new residential resort – which will span 60 private acres overlooking the Aegean by the time it completes in summer 2027 — are going for upwards of €20million a pop.
Best for a home away from home: Bodrum Loft
Bodrum Loft feels almost like its own hillside village. The mahogany oasis sits among olive, pine and citrus trees, with individual villas scattered on the slope down towards the sea. The staff are especially attentive and delightful – believe me, they’lП have a buggy ready to ferry you up the gentle incline before you even have to ask – and this place delivers laid-back luxury with ease, from the never-ending Turkish breakfasts to the sociable feline friends (and occasional hedgehogs) that are basically part of the furniture. It attracts a pleasingly assorted crowd: families return for the child-friendly approach (many of the villas have separate quarters for nannies), while A-listers and high-net-worthers come back for the privacy.
And who could deny the view? Every room is oriented towards the Aegean, with generous terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the bay, while the private beach and wooden decking are perfect for anyone who, like me, wants to fly and flop. Restaurant wise, Loft Elia serves Aegean cooking using regional produce, while Paper Moon, the Milanese-born institution with outposts in Istanbul and elsewhere, draws a more dressed-up crowd for Italian classics. Ters Köşe focuses on seasonal fish and local flavours.
