For those who’re dreaming of subtle seaside golf equipment providing lavish oceanfront holidays below the European solar — locations which can be frequented by celebrities, with marinas the place billionaires moor superyachts — Turkey may not be the primary place that involves thoughts.
Nevertheless, whereas the well-heeled in Europe historically flock to the French Riviera’s St. Tropez; the Spanish island of Ibiza, with its world-famous nightlife; and even the dreamy Cycladic Greek islands of Santorini or Mykonos every summer time, the Turkish Riviera has been working onerous to place itself as a sought-after vacation spot for the wealthy and well-known.
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Imagined by storied hotelier Ian Schrager in 2010, the Version model epitomizes the bold aspirations of the Turkish Riviera with its minimalist stylish luxurious, Instagrammable backdrops and see-and-be-seen clientele. So, it was a courageous but seemingly logical alternative for the primary Version lodge location in Southern Europe.
For these questioning if Bodrum is a perfect vacation spot for an opulent European summer time break, here is what it is like staying on the Bodrum Version, a part of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
Getting there
The Bodrum Version is within the seaside city of Yalikavak, simply over 30 miles from Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV). This airport receives year-round flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) on Turkish Airways and seasonal summer time flights from main European capitals like London, Paris and Amsterdam.
A taxi or ride-hailing service from Milas-Bodrum Airport will take round 45 minutes, relying on the time of day, and price $25 to $35. On account of its comparatively distant location, no public transport exists between the airport and the property.
Unfold throughout 72,000 sq. ft, there is not a lot to notice across the property past gated resorts and trip leases, so you must plan to eat most of your meals there except you’re taking a taxi to Yalikavak, about quarter-hour away.
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Reserving particulars
The Bodrum Version is open seasonally from early April to mid-late October every year and provides 110 visitor rooms and suites, from the 452-square-foot Deluxe King to the two,335-square-foot Yalikavak Suite.
Charges at this property begin at $441 for a base room in April and rise sharply to $1,821 for a similar room within the peak summer time month of August, making this one of many priciest base rooms within the Turkish Riviera on some dates. The 1,044-square-foot Sea View Loft Suite I stayed in begins at $1,256 within the low-season months of April and October and climbs as much as $4,827 per night time in August.
You can even e book the Bodrum Version from simply 77,500 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time.
Whereas charges rise to 116,500 factors throughout peak dates in August, you must simply be capable of acquire larger than TPG’s October 2024 valuation of Bonvoy factors of 0.85 cents every, and you’ll nonetheless earn a free night time at this spectacular property with only one bank card welcome bonus.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit score Card provides 125,000 Bonus Factors after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. The cardboard additionally earns:
- 6 factors per greenback spent at taking part Marriott Bonvoy accommodations
- 3 factors per greenback spent on the primary $6,000 spent in mixed purchases every year on fuel stations, grocery shops and eating
- 2 factors per greenback spent on all different eligible purchases
Moreover, this product provides complimentary Silver Elite standing within the Bonvoy program so long as your card is open and in good standing. You possibly can improve to Gold standing if you spend $35,000 or extra on the cardboard every calendar yr.
Associated: One of the best Marriott bank cards in 2024
Standout options
- Jaw-dropping ocean views of the Aegean Sea’s dreamy crystal-clear waters
- Mild, ethereal, soothing suites with twice-daily housekeeping
- An extravagant conventional Turkish breakfast of greater than a dozen totally different plates to begin your day
- Golf buggies are readily available to whisk company anyplace inside the property
- Distinctive consideration to element proven by workers from arrival to departure
Drawbacks
- Regardless of its spectacular views, the property is squeezed right into a slender house ignored by neighboring resorts on either side
- Over the summer time months, room charges can quadruple
- There are dozens of stairs between the foyer and the seaside, which is usually a problem within the warmth of the day
The vibe
Though the Version model (and plenty of workers working on the property) exude youthful model and easy class, the clientele is a various mixture of well-heeled younger households, older British and American {couples} loyal to the Marriott household, bucket-list honeymooners and wellness seekers.
Whereas the odd visitor stops off on the viewing deck (which doubles as a spectacular dawn yoga setting and sundown wedding ceremony ceremony location) for a fast pic, regardless of its jaw-dropping backdrop, influencers don’t appear to have found this slice of paradise and all company are discreet and respectfully cordial to at least one one other.
The visitor expertise begins within the vibrant foyer, which options polished flooring, a double-height ceiling, signature Version large indoor vegetation and white sofas.
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There is no standing in line ready to test in right here. Hand your passports to the smiling ready workers whereas cooling off on the pristine white couch from the warmth of the Turkish solar by having fun with a house-made scoop of ice cream whereas check-in formalities are accomplished for you.
Or, when you fancy beginning off your trip with one thing just a little stronger, a small however absolutely stocked foyer cocktail bar is out there for a cheeky tipple.
From there, workers will whisk you to a fleet of close by golf buggies to move you and your baggage all the way down to your room or anyplace on the property you’d want to go.
The room
Created by French designer Christophe Pillet, the foyer’s impartial tones, minimal design and white linens proceed via the visitor rooms and suites, having the impact of lulling one right into a zen-like state.
The Sea View Terrace suite has a full butler’s pantry, not that company are more likely to be whipping up a connoisseur meal of their suite with so many culinary locations to discover on-site.
Nonetheless, a wine fridge is a useful addition to sit back a crisp rose in preparation for sundown.
Two marble loos can be found, each stocked with opulent Le Labo toiletries, Version-branded boxed water and loads of fluffy towels.
A full eating desk sits to the left as you enter the suite’s lounge. Must you want to entertain, maybe with household or newly made associates, it may simply seat 10 folks.
Ground-to-ceiling home windows seize the blue skies above and even bluer water beneath, with privateness curtains and full blackout drapes to make sure a deep, peaceable night time’s slumber. Regardless of amplified music on the seaside stage, you will not hear a peep as you flip in for the night time.
Talking of sleep, the suite bed room has a king-size mattress with a reminiscence foam mattress.
A full-sized desk and a snug armchair sit throughout from the mattress ought to you might want to make amends for any last-minute emails. (Although on this lovely location, we suggest the automated out-of-office reply.)
The ensuite rest room has a free-standing soaking tub with remote-controlled privateness shades. For those who choose to bathe moderately than bathe, an outsized walk-in bathe with handheld and rainfall showerheads is out there, with double vainness sinks.
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Take-home presents of an Version-branded seaside bag and flip-flops are cute and standard with company. Don’t fret if they don’t seem to be your measurement — workers will fortunately and swiftly exchange them with any measurement you request.
The suite balcony is a beautiful house to sink into squishy armchairs amid the big potted vegetation, watch the solar go down along with your beverage of alternative and ponder whether or not you might want to return to actuality. Although you’ll unlikely require them within the heat and sunny local weather, throw rugs are a considerate contact to drape over your knees.
Food and drinks
The Bodrum Version boasts 4 totally different meals and beverage operations. Whereas early October is right temperature-wise to go to the vacation spot, with nice 82-degree most temperatures, fewer crowds and decrease room charges, Asian-fusion restaurant Inari and Italian eatery Brava by Stefano Ciotti are already closed for the season.
With all room charges together with breakfast, take pleasure in sleeping in earlier than you make your approach all the way down to the Kitchen restaurant, the place breakfast is served till midday every day and there’s no bland lodge buffet in sight.
Friends are inspired to go all-out with the “conventional expertise,” a powerful celebration of Turkish excellence with 17 totally different plates and bowls starting from freshly floor peanut unfold to varied native cheeses to a medley of Mediterranean olives and a collection of house-baked bread and pastries.
In case you have any abdomen house left after this feast, the included breakfast additionally provides your alternative of a la carte entree objects. Attempt the menemen (a scrambled-egg dish with tomatoes, peppers and onions).
After breakfast, the beachside Morena restaurant and bar provides quite a lot of out of doors seating, whether or not you wish to chat with the bartender or lounge about and nibble on a collection of sunshine bites.
Conventional freshly rolled Turkish pide ($19) is all the time a good suggestion, paired with a “Bodrum” salad of ezine cheese, kalamata olives and simit crisps ($28).
This Mediterranean fusion displays Bodrum’s proximity to Greece (the gorgeous Greek Island of Kos is seen from the property).
Return to Michelin-starred restaurant Kitchen for 4 programs for $125 per individual at night time. The terrific theatre of a cellular bread cart — which is wheeled to your desk with 4 items of bread to select from and three blends of olive oil, all comprised of olives grown inside the property’s partitions — is complimentary.
All dishes show worthy of their Michelin star, significantly the appetizer of native sea bream tartare with Adana black caviar and the entree of lamb saddle with firik bulghur, cherry and lamb jus.
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Facilities and repair
Begin your day on the fitting word with the absolutely geared up indoor beach-side health heart open 24 hours every day. Trainers are readily available for customized recommendation, or you’ll be able to attempt your hand within the Pilates studio and indoor biking studio.
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For these company who would moderately a educated skilled do the onerous work, the Bodrum Version has an on-site spa with eight therapy rooms, together with a conventional but minimal Turkish hammam providing historical Ottoman physique therapies to take away lifeless pores and skin cells with a “kese” glove adopted by an fragrant essence foam cloud therapeutic massage.
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Midway down the property from the foyer to the seaside, cease by the gorgeous infinity pool. Employees will spring to motion to put down two towels for every visitor to make sure you’ll shortly dry off after a plunge within the cool, clear waters.
Quiet down additional by ordering a cocktail like a spicy margarita with a Tajin rim (attempt it with smoky mezcal moderately than tequila for an additional kick, $17) or the scrumptious Turkish iced espresso topped with dried coconut flakes and cocoa nibs and served in a cute wood cup ($9).
The eye to element of the poolside service right here is spectacular, even to a seasoned traveler. In case your sun shades have as a lot as a thumbprint smudge on them, anticipate the eagle-eyed workers to supply a complimentary poolside sunglass cleansing service whilst you peruse the menu to pick out your subsequent drink.
A couple of flights of stairs all the way down to the seaside, it is a related story. A military of smiling, subtle hospitality professionals is readily available to make sure you do not have to carry a finger to arrange your good seaside setup earlier than you have even had time to disrobe. Friends can select between the seaside or, if sand just isn’t your jam, the spotless wood deck, which can be obtainable for tan topping-up functions.
The startlingly clear waters gently lap in opposition to the smooth white sand at one of many Turkish Riviera’s greatest seashores, preferrred for youths to play within the protected and shallow waters.
Out and about
The Turkish Riviera already has a wealthy tradition steeped in historical historical past — Bodrum was as soon as the location of Halicarnassus, one of many Seven Wonders of the Historic World.
A brief taxi trip away is the Yalikavak Marina (often known as Palmarina), an award-winning luxurious marina. It’s a hub for Under-Deck-Degree superyachts and provides upscale procuring, eating, and leisure. It is also a terrific spot for people-watching and having fun with a classy atmosphere, however put together for steep menu costs on the big selection of meals and drinks.
Yalikavak’s weekly market (held each Thursday) is legendary for contemporary native produce, spices, textiles and handmade crafts. Close to Yalikavak, you’ll be able to discover historical ruins, just like the windmills on the hills surrounding the city or different historic landmarks across the Bodrum Peninsula. Bear in mind a hat, sunscreen and loads of water below the baking sunshine.
Accessibility
The property is unfold throughout a dozen totally different ranges, and plenty of flights of stairs join the top-floor foyer with the bottom-floor seaside, gymnasium and Morena restaurant. Even these with good health could discover the stroll up the varied flights of stairs powerful within the blazing warmth of a southern European summer time.
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Thankfully, a fleet of home golf carts is out there for company to make use of at any time. Useful name buttons are dotted across the pathways, and company can press them to be whisked away inside minutes.
Trying out
The Bodrum Version proves to be the perfect model for the Turkish Riviera’s lofty ambitions to grow to be the subsequent European playground for the wealthy and well-known. As one of many area’s premier lodging shops, the eye to element to make sure each visitor is handled like household is spectacular. Room charges will be steep in summer time so Bonvoy level redemptions is usually a smart funding.
Even when your trip would not embody a superyacht or helicopter, a keep at this spectacular property means that you can reside the summer time excessive life in one of the vital lovely places in Southern Europe.
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