Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum offers the ultimate in luxurious Mediterranean style on the Turkish Riviera.
Having just returned from this incredible luxury hotel, Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is certainly one to add to your wish list! With sweeping panoramic views over the blue Aegean sea, edging Bodrum’s Paradise Bay. The views as you step into paradise are just beautiful, you will certainly capture some amazing holiday memories. It was my first time visiting Turkey and I’m already planning a return trip!
I flew with Turkish airlines via Istanbul on their A321 Neo and I was so impressed. Tip: If you are looking for extra leg room seats but not necessarily needing to fly business class for a short haul flight, talk to me about getting that extra space in economy.
Luxurious location
On this trip I was flying via Istanbul so it was a perfect opportunity to have a 2 night stop over to explore the sights of Istanbul. I combined it with a stay at the Mandarin Oriental situated on the Bosphorus, great location for exploring and lovely waterfront views. Be sure to try their signature cocktail ‘Sublime’ .
On arrival at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum the feeling of luxury hits you. Breath taking views, a welcome cocktail and your own personalised check in awaits. I checked into a one bedroom sea view apartment. These rooms are perfect if you are looking for a bit more space but also the added benefit of a kitchenette, living area and dining room. For larger families they also offer two & three bedroom apartments.
There are so many different room options including private villas with pools which certainly seemed a popular choice. There are 3 main pools, but all of them were relatively quiet as so many people use their own private pools. The resort is quite hilly, but they do offer a buggy service so it’s really easy to get around. The beach is lovely , although it’s quite steep to enter the sea. They also have private cabanas you can reserve for the day. There are so many restaurant options to choose from, my favourite being Hakkasan which is situated over the sea making it a beautiful dining location. Breakfast was a real treat with so much variety including a coffee bar which I was very excited about being a coffee lover! As well as the main buffet area offering healthy or indulgent options you can choose off the A la carte menu too . I can highly recommend the Turkish eggs!
The destination
The location of the hotel is around 40 minutes from the airport and a 15 minute water taxi from the hotel into the new city of Bodrum. The hotel can arrange a traditional gullet tour. This was my highlight, sailing along the crystal blue waters and visiting hidden bays for a snorkel & swim. There are so many water sports you can enjoy directly in front of the beach. They also offer private sea-plane tours taking off from the bay. I was only there a few nights so didn’t get to explore the history of Bodrum but certainly venture out of the hotel and into the old city.
The highlights of my trip
I feel this luxury hotel suits all customer types from families to couples and multi-generational families. Talk to me about the best room option for your stay. They do have a brilliant kids club from 3 years too. If your stay is only for few nights, there is so much on offer and so many wonderful dining options and shopping boutiques you don’t even need to leave the resort. Definitely try out the morning yoga, enjoy the world-renowned flavours at Hakkasan, and be sure to have a day out on the gullet.
Swords Travel Benefits at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum
- $100 USD Food & Beverage or Spa Credit, per room per stay
- One category room upgrade, subject to availability
- Daily full breakfast for two
