Hotel Baia Bodrum

Set on over seven acres of lovely lush grounds overlooking a sandy beach, the Baia Bodrum has a relaxing vibe. The biggest draws here are the gorgeous views, quality food, and small on-site beach (some competing properties don't have any direct access to the sand or water). The hotel caters to both couples and families, but there tend to be more couples. Many of the guests are Turkish, with a smaller number hailing from the U.K. and Germany. Most guests spend their days at the pool or jetty, or divine their time. The pool is sometimes quiet and sometimes has music playing and activities led by the animation team, though guests who don't want to partake report that they are usually left alone. During our visit, we saw about a dozen vacationers participating in water aerobics. Those who want more quiet can retreat to the teensy strip of sand or the sunbathing jetty, which has steps right into the sea. 

The hotel is housed in several low whitewashed buildings with large balconies and exposed stone accents, all surrounded by big manicured lawns with colorful flowers. Stone paths wind through palm trees, cacti, and beautiful bougainvillea, while cute green benches offer seating for guests to take in the wonderful views of the Mediterranean. 

The serene feel of the grounds continues indoors, with a sleek minimalist design throughout and all-white decor with pops of purple. The lobby is sophisticated and airy, and its large windows offer views of the main entrance on one side and lovely sea vistas on the other. The hotel’s restaurants and bars have simpler but similarly stylish decor, with white plastic furniture under large umbrellas on the terrace, and wooden tables with white table runners indoors. A row of wooden cabanas with white curtains for shade and privacy are neatly placed along the hotel’s private sandy beach. All of this gives the property a strong chic Mediterranean feel that makes it all the more tranquil.

The Baia Bodrum is located on a lovely sandy beach in Gundogan, a generally quiet town on the northern coast of the Bodrum Peninsula. Around it there are only other beachfront hotels and private homes, but no restaurants, bars or shops. A 15-minute drive away, however, is Yalikavak, home to a lovely marina, designer boutiques, and many dining and drinking options along the promenade. Golturkbuku, known for its ritzy atmosphere and pretty beaches, can also be reached by car in about 15 minutes. The hotel is a half-hour drive from lively Bodrum City, with great historic sights and plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. The airport is a 45-minute drive away. 

The Baia Bodrum Hotel has 228 rooms, all featuring a chic combination of all-white decor and minimalist design. Black-and-white round ornaments above the bed stand out against the crisp white linens and walls, while black armchairs and strategically placed LED lights are stylish touches. Large sliding windows open onto furnished balconies with striking sea views in all but about five percent of Standard Rooms, which only feature a French balcony -- or railing attached to the window -- overlooking the gardens. Each unit is equipped with flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, electric kettles, minibars stocked with beer, water and sodas (replenished daily), and safes. Air-conditioning is available seasonally, and Wi-Fi is provided free in both rooms and all common spaces. All rooms also feature work desks, and Family Rooms and Suites have separate living areas and larger terraces. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are also available and comply with all ISO regulations. 

Bathrooms vary between room types, but most are upscale and appealing, with gray marble-style tiles on walls and floors, white cabinets, spacious counters, and either showers with rain showerheads, or separate soaking tubs and sleek glass-enclosed showers. A few, though, only got updated and not fully refurbished in the last round of renovations, and have dark granite counters and red accent walls that make them feel a tad dated.

One of the hotel’s top selling points is its private sandy beach, complete with loungers and umbrellas, great cabanas (for a fee), and a wooden jetty jutting out into the sea with additional seating. Kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and pedal boats can be used free of charge, and motorized water sports are available for a fee. During our visit, we saw a few people swimming in the cordoned off area, which is safe from boats. 

The hotel also features several pools, including a large freeform one with panoramic sea views and a separate kiddy area, and two small beachfront water parks with a few slides each. There is an additional indoor pool at the spa, which also offers a hammam, a sauna, a whirlpool, massages, and salon services. Pool games, contests, and evening entertainment are offered during peak season, but the latter isn't a particular high point. It usually consists of music by the pool area, and sometimes cheesy shows in the amphitheater, where there are stepped platforms instead of chairs. There are tennis and basketball courts, as well as ping-pong tables and a bowling alley on-site (the latter for a fee). A kids’ club offers daily indoor and outdoor activities for kids four to 12 years old during the summer months. 

The only restaurant open year-round at the Baia Bodrum is its main buffet, which offers a varied spread for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and has outdoor seating. Food is served all day, and guests can also get snacks around the resort, such as ice cream from the pool bar, casual fare such as burgers from the snack bar (located by the children's water park area), and sandwiches and cookies at the lobby bar. The main restaurant also offers a midnight snack, such as soup. In high season, fresh watermelon or iced cucumber might be offered on the deck by the water. Room service is available 24/7, and, for a fee, guests can dine at any of the two on-site themed restaurants open seasonally. 

The Baia Bodrum also features four meeting rooms -- the largest of which can accommodate up to 350 guests -- free outdoor parking, and free Wi-Fi throughout.