Bodrum is the place to go to experience the Turkish Riviera at its best. This stunning region is a must-see for yachts, as it boasts panoramic sea views, ultra-luxe resorts, excellent restaurants, and some of the most picturesque bays in Türkiye. If you’re planning your Turkish superyacht cruising itinerary, consider adding these resorts and locations to your schedule.

Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental

LOCATIONS TO ADD TO YOUR SUPERYACHT CRUISING ITINERARY IN TURKEY (BODRUM)

Windmills, idyllic whitewashed houses, ancient ruins, and phenomenal seascapes can all be enjoyed on a visit to Bodrum, which makes the region an excellent location to add to any Turkish superyacht cruising itinerary. This captivating destination lies on the shores of the Aegean and is famed for its crystal clear waters, spectacular resorts, acclaimed restaurants, and beautiful coves and anchorages. Here’s a look at some of the best resorts, spas, beaches, and bays to visit along the coast. If you would like us to make a tailored Turkish cruising itinerary, please CONTACT US.

Photo Credit: Kempinski Bodrum

Kempinski Hotel, Barbaros Bay, Bodrum

Add a trip to Karpinski Hotel Barbaros Bay to your Bodrum superyacht cruising itinerary if you’re after a bit of quality time ashore. Beautifully positioned overlooking the turquoise waters of the Aegean, this Kempinski-owned resort is the epitome of style and elegance, with 149 rooms and 24 suites catering to those who expect the very best.

Photo Credit: Kempinski Bodrum

A visit to Kempinski Bodrum should impress. Guests can laze on comfortable wicker beds on the resort’s private beach or sit on the seafront terrace and enjoy the tasty cocktails, lunches, and snacks from the beach bar. There are three excellent restaurants: Aegean, Vietnamese, and Italian, and for those in the mood for pampering, a treatment at the resort’s Turkish Bath and modern Asian-inspired spa is a great option.

Photo Credit: Caresse Resort Bodrum

Caresse Resort & Spa, Bodrum

Caresse Resort and Spa near Bitez is part of the Luxury Collection by Marriott International. Located just 12 miles east of Bodrum Marina and 8 miles from the island of Kara Ada, it’s a stylish haunt where guests have included Russian oligarchs, A-list celebrities, and the Saudi royal family. It offers fancy facilities at a remarkably fair price.

Photo Credit: Caresse Resort Bodrum

Aside from Caresse’s 67 luxurious rooms, nine suites and good restaurants, the hotel’s exquisite Balinese-style spa is a highlight. Unwind in one of 6 therapy rooms and indulge in a wide range of traditional or contemporary treatments. The spa boasts indoor and outdoor pools and a traditional Turkish hamam.

Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum

The Telegraph said, “Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is a true luxury cocoon on Türkiye’s glittering Aegean coastline, with virtually the same number of staff as guests. It offers sublime views, hip bars, an excellent choice of restaurants, and a fabulous spa”. Forbes believed “there’s simply no reason to leave Mandarin Oriental” and rated the resort 5-Star, so, as you would expect, it’s a resort catering to the uber-wealthy that lies in a class of its own.

Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

You can find Mandarin Oriental in the aptly named Paradise Bay, an idyllic setting near the village of Golturkbuku, 13 miles from Bodrum town. This tiered resort is split into villas and low-rise blocks over 150 acres of prime beachfront with two white sandy beaches. The interiors and rooms are lavish teak and marble, designed by Antonio Citterio. The artwork is modern and eye-catching, with the resort homing a contemporary art gallery run by Murat Pilevneli, a name at the forefront of the Turkish art scene. (See our post on Contemporary Art in Türkiye). The two-floor spa is one of Türkiye’s finest and offers a wide range of treatments. The restaurants also hit the spot, with an acclaimed steakhouse, a beautiful sushi terrace, a high-end Cantonese restaurant, and cocktails and snacks served at the beach club, Lucca By The Sea.

Aquarius Bay and Bodrum’s Kara Ada

Those familiar with the Bodrum coastline may be familiar with Kara Ada (Black Island), as it is one of the most popular stops for daily boats and visiting yachts. The island is famed for its mud baths and sulphur waters, which are said to have healing powers. Some would have you believe the hot water, which flows from a cave into the sea, will soothe aches and pains and even help you look ten years younger. This does not convince us, but to bathe in the waters that are an average of 30 C is an enjoyable experience if you time a visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. A more popular spot to add to your superyacht cruising itinerary is Aquarius Bay on the other side of the island, which offers an attractive pebble beach, crystal-clear waters, and the chance to swim and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Kise Buku Bay (Alakisla Buku)

The cove of Kise Buku in Bodrum is a popular place to anchor, with the mountains to the north of the bay offering shelter, oleander trees cladding the slopes, and beaches making for an Instagram-worthy backdrop. The word kilise means church in Turkish, apt as the area is famed for its Byzantine monastery. If history is of interest, head on land to see the ruins of churches, the monastery in Alakisla, and the remains of watchtowers and bathhouses dating back to between 200 B.C. and 600 A.D.

Cennet Bay, Turkbuku, Bodum

Most who cruise the Turkish Aegean add a swim stop or lazy lunch at Cennet Bay to their superyacht cruising itineraries. Located just 3km from Turkbuku and 20 km from Bodrum, the cove is free of buildings, allowing time to enjoy the water’s clear blues and relax to the sound of cicadas and birdsong.

Photo Credit: Mandarin Oriental

LET US ASSIST WITH YOUR SUPERYACHT CRUISING ITINERARY IN TURKEY

Türkiye is a fascinating country with many locations worth visiting, so it can be hard to pinpoint where to head. Using a local agent that understands the language and the coastline means you benefit from all the latest info on where to go, events that may coincide with your visit, and anchorages that often escape the mainstream listings. Why spend researching a cruising plan based on information that may not be accurate? Let our experienced team do the hard work for you and discover the very best of the Turkish coast with a 360° SUPERYACHT CRUISING ITINERARY. For more information, please CONTACT US.

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For more information on Bodrum, take a look a the following articles:

The Best Restaurants In Izmir & Bodrum

The Best Luxury Spas In Bodrum

A Few Interesting Things To Do In Bodrum