Royal Asarlik Beach

The Royal Asarlik Beach sits on a four-acre hillside plot that slopes gently down to a stretch of coastline that bends around Gumbet Bay, with sunbathing lawns spilling onto two private beaches. The buildings exemplify a modern take on the classic architecture of the region -- simple white structures with airy balconies -- with flat rooftop terraces that make for great places to dine with a view of the sea. Beautiful garden courtyards support towering trees with ornamental vines like bougainvillea adding large swaths of creeping color through the sunny common spaces. A circular light well fills the center of the lobby, with a dramatic metal sculpture hanging from the atrium ceiling that appears to shower down alongside a spiral of mezzanines. 

The hotel sits on a hill overlooking an elbow of sandy shoreline in the resort town of Gumbet, which has gained a reputation for its water sports and vibrant nightlife. Several bars are within walking distance, but the hilly landscape can be a serious obstacle (steep climbs are required to get anywhere outside the grounds). More dining and nightlife can be found in nearby Bodrum city, about a 15-minute drive to the east. Bodrum city is also home to several major attractions, including the site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the medieval Bodrum Castle. Expect a 45-minute drive to Milas–Bodrum Airport. 

The Royal Asarlik Beach's 351 rooms have two different styles. Standard Rooms, in the five-story main building, have a more traditional decor, characterized by a warm color palette and wood furnishings. These rooms have wood floors and sitting areas with plush chairs and orange accents. Furnished balconies have sea or garden views. Relax Rooms are housed in smaller two-story buildings surrounded by gardens, and have a brighter blue-and-white decor. These have sitting areas with small couches, and furnished balconies or patios with sea or garden views. Relax Family Rooms have separate living rooms and open to ground-floor patios. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and kettles, but there's a fee for the safes and no in-room Wi-Fi or coffeemakers. Bathrooms are tiled and small -- all have square vessel sinks, hairdryers, and toiletries. Standard Rooms come with shower/tub combos, which others have walk-in showers. 

The hotel's spot on a bend in the shoreline gives it two private beaches (one of which is a Blue Flag beach), with large thatched umbrellas along with smaller blue-painted reed umbrellas providing ample shade for the cushioned sun loungers. Motorized and non-motorized water sports are available on-site. There are two outdoor pool areas, the larger of which has a kiddy pool and a hot tub, dressed up with faux rocks and a water feature. The smaller, quieter pool also has a kiddy pool, and both have sundecks with loungers and shade umbrellas. Guests can find a small indoor pool adjacent to the spa, which has a sauna, hot tub, and a Turkish bath. The fitness center has cardio machines and weight training equipment in a bright room with a picture window facing the indoor pool. For kids, there's an outdoor playground on artificial turf, and the hotel also has games like billiards and ping-pong, along with a small mini-golf putting green. 

All-inclusive rates cover meals and some alcoholic beverages (along with most activities and entry to the spa facilities). The sixth-floor Panorama buffet restaurant has a huge rooftop terrace with great views over the bay, and there are four seasonal a la carte restaurants that check off the usual Turkish, Italian, and seafood, culinary options, along with a Chinese restaurant with an outdoor terrace sheltered by sail canopies. There's also a lot of daytime and nighttime entertainment spread out between the hotel's seven beach bars, pool bars, and cocktail lounges. There's a late-night disco with limited hours, while the Panorama bar stays open 24/7.