Yes, we know… Kate Moss, Bodrum… how original. But aside from that, we’ve heard that out of season, it is quite a gem. So we asked our good friend Jsen Wintle, menswear designer and creative director (@jsenwintle), and frequent visitor for the inside track on where to eat and sleep on the turquoise coast. You may not want to go in August (we hear the crowd’s not great!), but it could be perfect for a late Sept/early October trip.
STAY
1. The newly opened Mandarin Oriental, if only for its two private beaches, plethora of restaurants and beach side bars. The rooms are grand and spacious – ranging from rooms and suites to apartments.
2. For an all out luxury blow out, it has to be the Amanruya. ‘Rooms’ are pool terrace cottages, and all 36 of them come with their own private garden and pool. Bliss out!
3. If it’s sweeping views over the Aegean Sea that you’re after, check into the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay, a big hotel with an equally big spa. Points for its hammocks and beds hidden in the lush gardens.
4. Macakizi Hotel ticks all the boxes. Only accessible via seaplane from Istanbul, it boasts amazing gardens, great food and individually designed rooms. And if we’re going to name drop, this is where Kate Moss stayed pre “basic bit*h” gate. Book into room 711 – it’s the best.
EAT
1. For your pick of fine dining options, head to the new marina Palmarina for Nobu or Cipriani.
2. You ARE in Bodrum, so try the classic Sait Seafood Restaurant, located on a seafront deck where the menu is as spectacular as the views. Come here for fresh seafood.
3. For local vibes, head into town to Berk Balik for excellent local fare accompanied with raki, naturally.
4. Memedof is a must. Local. Outdoors. Long tables. Excellent mezze and fish.
5. Not so much for its food but for great live music, try Barbeast, a cool little indoor/outdoor bar with tons of personality.
