Turkish Delights

BODRUM

THERE’S MUCH MORE TO TURKEY THAN ISTANBUL, AND ONE OF THE TOP SPOTS IS A SHORT HOP TO THE SOUTHEAST: BODRUM. THE HISTORIC PORT CITY IS A BUZZY YACHTING MECCA. IT HAS AN ATMOSPHERE AKIN TO THE FRENCH RIVIERA BLENDED WITH EASYGOING BEACH CULTURE, PLUS THE UNIQUELY TURKISH FLAVOUR OF BAZAARS AND HAMMAMS. WITH THE OPENING OF THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL BODRUM IN JULY, THERE’S A NEW LUXE RETREAT TO RELISH BETWEEN FORAYS TO THE MYRIAD LOCAL ATTRACTIONS.

EAT

SAMPLE THE LOCAL FARE AMID PALM TREES, SOFT CANDLE LIGHT AND JAZZ MUSIC AT KOCADON RESTAURANT, WHICH OCCUPIES THE BEAUTIFUL COBBLESTONED COURTYARD OF A GROUP OF 19TH-CENTURY STONE HOUSES. THE RESTAURANT IS NAMED AFTER THE FAMILY THAT BUILT THE HOUSES. KOCADON.COM

STAY

DO

SET ON A HILLSIDE AT PARADISE BAY OVERLOOKING THE AEGEAN, THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL BODRUM HAS 102 GUEST ROOMS AND SIX ECLECTIC RESTAURANTS AND BARS. A HIGHLIGHT OF THE 20HA PROPERTY IS THE 2,700SQFT SPA, WHICH FEATURES 10 TREATMENT ROOMS, SOME OF WHICH ARE OUTDOORS. MANDARINORIENTAL.COM/BODRUM GIVEN ITS STUNNING COAST, THE AREA IS SAILING HEAVEN. BOUTIQUE CHARTER FIRM ZEPHYRIA YACHTING OFFERS TAILOR-MADE ITINERARIES TO EXPERIENCE THE SCENIC AND HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS FROM THE COMFORT OF LUXURIOUS GULETS, TRADITIONAL TWO- OR THREE-MASTED TURKISH SAILING VESSELS. ZEPHYRIAYACHTING.COM.TR

EXPLORE

WHILE THERE IS PLENTY OF SHOPPING AND BAR-HOPPING TO DO, BODRUM IS ALSO HOME TO MANY HISTORIC BUILDINGS. EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY WINDMILLS DOT THE TOWN AND THE 15TH-CENTURY CASTLE OF ST PETER, A MUSEUM OF UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY, IS A FASCINATING LANDMARK. BODRUM-MUSEUM.COM