Macakizi Hotel Bodrum

Coveted Macakizi Hotel Bodrum is tucked away amid lush gardens full of bougainvillea and olive trees. In fact, the hotel is so private that it would be difficult to spot when arriving by boat (or seaplane, which is one of the services offered here) were it not for its long seafront deck. With only a small tile sign with a spade marking the entrance ("maca kizi"means "queen of spades" in Turkish), this luxury boutique feels exclusive and secluded. The property is built on the side of a hill that meets the Aegean, and most of its 74 rooms are located at the very top, housed in several low whitewashed buildings with wooden beams. Common areas are closer to the beachfront, with the small, shaded pool and breakfast terrace taking the area in between.

Common spaces, including the open lobby, the restaurant, and the spa, have partially open air designs overlooking the sea and cute boho-chic decor with lots of natural wood and colorful throw pillows. Concrete, stone, and iron accents lend spaces a trendy industrial style. Large wooden structures covered in plants and flowers provide some shade throughout the property, and wooden tables with comfy chairs offer a quiet respite from the beachfront see-and-be-seen atmosphere.

The property has come a long way since it opened as a bed-and-breakfast in 1977. After decades of operation, the son of the original owner decided to exploit the property’s huge potential, turning it into one of the most sought-after hotels in Turkey. Now, VIPs and international jet-setters flock here every summer mostly for its seafront deck, complete with one of the most popular bars in the Bodrum peninsula. Celebrities, well-heeled couples, and day guests here for the great people-watching rub shoulders under sail-shaped awnings, while cocktails flow freely to the rhythm of lounge music at night. The occasional paparazzi boat can be seen bobbing at a distance.

The hotel is located atop a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea in a ritzy area a 10-minute drive from happening Golturkbuku. The area is a little secluded and there's not much within walking distance, but it is a decent base to explore the northern part of the Bodrum peninsula and its fishing villages. High-end shopping in Yalikavak is a 25-minute drive away, while quiet Gundogan village, known for its snorkeling and scenic drives, can be reached in about 15 minutes. The southern part of the peninsula, including Old Town Bodrum, the famous Bodrum Castle and its Underwater Archaeology Museum, beautiful Bagla Bay, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus are all between 30 and 45 minutes away. The nearest major airport is Milas Bodrum, a 45-minute drive from the hotel. Other international airports are Izmir and Dalaman, each a three-hour drive away. 

The hotel has 74 rooms, all featuring king-size beds and furnished balconies or terraces overlooking either the lush gardens or the sea. All units were renovated from 2012 through 2014, and decor is simple yet stylish, with a subdued earth tone palette, lots of natural wood, and a few pops of fuchsia or aquamarine. Standard Rooms are a bit small for the price, but large windows, neutral tones, and mirrored surfaces add some visual space. In-room amenities include large wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, free Wi-Fi, and Bose sound systems, but there are no coffeemakers. Suites have espresso machines. Travertine floors with underfloor heating, remote-controlled blackout curtains, and Aqua di Parma toiletries are luxe features that set the property apart from other luxury hotels in the area. Bathrooms have travertine finishes, sleek glass rain showers, and plenty of counter space. Rooms closer to the seafront area may get noise from the popular beach club. 

The hotel is known among locals and visitors alike for its hopping seafront area, dotted with padded loungers and home to one of the most popular beach clubs in the Bodrum peninsula. (Note that the beach club has waterfront decks, not sand.) The vibe here is mellow during the day, with guests and visitors sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters below the deck. In the evening, VIPs, jet-setters, and people-watchers arrive mostly by sea to dance and chat the night away. Booking a lounger on the deck upon checking in is advisable, as non-guests also have access to them and they tend to go fast, especially during the months of July and August. 

Mediterraneo Restaurant is a destination unto itself, with an outstanding Mediterranean menu made with local and home-grown ingredients. The stylish indoor-outdoor dining room has expansive sea views and is located directly above the beach club. It serves an excellent three-course dinner menu and a huge lunch buffet. All rates include breakfast buffet and either lunch or dinner.

Nuxe Spa offers a wide array of body treatments and salon services, as well as a traditional Turkish hammam and outdoor massage pavilions overlooking the gardens and the sea. The fitness center is small but well-equipped, with several cardio and strength-training machines, as well as personal trainers. Private yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing sessions are also available for a fee. There is a small pool surrounded by trees and bougainvillea, but it is a tad plain and unimpressive for a luxury hotel. The hotel has two boats, including a large one for private three-day trips to the Greek islands (fixed itineraries only), and a smaller one for day trips. Although not particularly geared toward business travelers, the property has a meeting room with audiovisual equipment. Wi-Fi and on-site parking are included in all rates, and valet parking is available for a fee.