With fragments of unnamed small islands, hidden coves to explore and lagoons to swim in, the Turkish Riviera has become one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous hangouts. Bodrum was put on the map 100 years ago by an aristocratic Turkish writer from Istanbul, who was exiled to a hut on the beach for three years. Three decades later, with the local sponge divers as his guides, he discovered the underwater treasures. As the Fisherman of Halicarnassus, he wrote about Homer’s land of eternal blue with its submerged cities, its imprints of Greeks and Romans, of saints and apostles, of Antony and Cleopatra. His idea of the Blue Voyage brought all Istanbul society to Bodrum, to spend summers sailing gulets along the fragrant coast.
Fast forward to now and Bodrum has emerged as the most glamorous spot in Turkey. Celebrity spotting is commonplace, the enlarged Yalikavak Marina is deep and glitzy enough to accommodate superyachts and sleek hotel openings dot the peninsula. Among these is the brand spanking new METT Hotel & Beach Resort, Bodrum. Ushering in a new era in the travel sphere, METT Bodrum is the first foray into hospitality for the masterminds behind Drift Beach Dubai - Dubai based Sunset Hospitality Group. Located in one of Bodrum's most pristine stretch of beach, Haremtan Cove, METT is within easy reach of Halicarnassus, known as one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world and the buzzing Bodrum city centre.
Characterized by an emphasis on social living, the beachfront lifestyle hotel, inspired by the simple bliss of Mediterranean living, puts dining and entertainment at the heart of the experience. The property’s hip and sophisticated vibe is evident the moment you enter the lobby. A sense of arrival is particularly poignant at the resort which effortlessly blends into it’s surroundings. Wafting scents of Bodrum oranges envelop you as you saunter into the minimalist lobby, where plush white sofas and a refreshingly cool cocktail beckon. Your gaze will be automatically directed to the floor to ceiling window which showcases the resort at its finest. Spilling over the hillside it calls home, olive trees punctuate the rooms and pools, leading all the way down to the lapis lazuli Aegean Sea. Captivating as it might be, shift your gaze into the lobby, to be greeted by the works of local artist Laura Margarita – who has been given a dedicated gallery space within the hotel.
The minimalist 72 rooms and suites and 33 luxury villas are characterized by shades of blue and earthy color touches with hand-picked accessories and great attention to detail to create a cozy atmosphere. Following in its entertainment first ethos, the standout feature of the resort is its dining offering. From modern twists on Turkish classics at OTTO, to traditional pool bar fare is complemented by local favourites at Gulet and pan-Asian bites at MOOD lounge, diners are spoilt for choice. The jewel in the crown, however, is Folie -meaning madness in French - which shakes up the traditional Turkish beach club scene. A place where elegance and fun collide alongside fresh culinary experiences, vibrant music mixes and live entertainment. 45 daybeds sit atop an elevated seaside platform, fronted by Maldives-style hammocks hovering above the crystal-clear sea. The adjoining open-air Mediterranean restaurant frequented by occupants of the mega-yachts docked nearby is the ideal setting for devouring the Provençal cuisine on offer.
There are ample spots for relaxing, from the private beach and the deck with cabanas and ladders into the sea (book ahead to reserve), to the resorts pool. While massages and spas have become an expected fixture at luxury hotels, MOI Spa differs with it’s traditional Turkish Bath offering. Pre-treatment destress in the salt room, renowned for its ability to promote better breathing, healthier skin, good sleep and overall wellness. Later, lying on a heated marble block as a masseur engulfs you in a froth of bubbles and gently massages you using traditional techniques, we can guarantee you will feel no less than Cleopatra.
Prepare to be enchanted, entertained and elevated.
Villa suites start at 1625 AED
Check here for Turkey visa requirements
COVID tests for your return are available on site – make sure to have cash of €50 p/p
Please check for changes in COVID travel restrictions before booking.
Photos: METT Hotel & Beach Resort
Comments