Vogue Hotel

Guests are welcomed into the Vogue Hotel with a drink, along with chocolate and Turkish delight, in a vast marble lobby that reaches up four stories to a round atrium ceiling. It's a fitting welcome for what is, at core, one of the more polished all-inclusives in the area -- and one that manages to stay family-friendly at that. Sleek glass elevators glide along a wall between mezzanine floors, and there's a small footbridge spanning a pond at the bottom, with fountains shooting up between piles of stones and small trees. Outside, the grounds are interspersed with pink stone and marble tiles, with a central plaza that has a long fountain stretching down the center of a lane between the freeform pools. Palm trees and cabanas line both sides, giving everything a dash of South Beach flavor. Sunbathing lawns spread beyond and toward the beachfront, with the hilly landscape surrounding the property in the near distance. The resort manages to feel secluded, though everything on-site is lively, and well-heeled families and couples make up most of the Turkish and international clientele.

The hotel stretches along the beach on Torba Bay, on the outskirts of the small seaside village of Torba. Green hills surround much of the property, though its sprawling grounds are bordered by two other hotels. The main highway that cuts across the peninsula is a short drive down a narrow road. There's nothing within walking distance other than a few neighboring resorts, and it's about a 20-minute drive to the bustle of Bodrum City, where the region's best shopping, dining, and entertainment can be found along bar-lined streets. 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, along with the medieval St Peter’s Castle. Expect a 30-minute drive to Milas-Bodrum Airport. 

Most of the hotel's 400 rooms are located in the main building, and have double beds or two twins, along with sitting areas with sofa beds. The vibrant decor blends classic and contemporary elements, and includes dark wood furnishings with purple and mustard yellow or olive accents. Light wood-laminate floors make things look open and bright, while carved wood details on the walls and leather accents in some of the furniture create an ambience that's classic and vibrant at the same time. Standard features include work desks, minibars, air-conditioning, safes, and Nespresso machines. The wall-mounted flat-screen TVs are framed like pieces of artwork, and Wi-Fi is free. All rooms have a balcony or patio with garden or sea views. The bungalow-style Family Suitess are situated outside the main building in the gardens or facing the sea, and have separate double and twin bedrooms. The three-bedroom King Suites add kitchenettes and big terraces with whirlpool tubs.  Large bathrooms have walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs, with contemporary vessel sinks, sexy dark marble floors and walls, and modern fixtures. 

Given the size and status of this upscale resort, the number of amenities on offer won't be surprising, and most are excellent for the many families that flock here. Two piers stretch out into the water from the hotel's white-sand beach, with decks that have breezy cabanas and loungers. One has a VIP area available for a fee. There are plenty of less opulent loungers and thatched umbrellas on the sand, along with a beach volleyball court. Water sports like parasailing are available, along with Jet Skis and catamarans. 

The on-site water park has rides, interactive water features, and a lazy river, along with several massive waterslides. Other pools include two main freeform ones in the center of the property that feature waterfalls, islands with palm trees, and one section with a sand bottom that spills out onto a beachy sunbathing area with loungers and umbrellas. Plenty of other loungers are arranged across the surrounding sundecks. There's also a quiet infinity pool and a kiddy pool, as well as a bright indoor lap pool under an atrium ceiling. 

The full-service spa has several types of treatment rooms, a Turkish bath, sauna and hot tub, and snow and rain rooms. The hotel also has a hair salon. We always appreciate hotels that offer proper gyms to their guests, and the fitness center here is equipped with plenty of modern cardio and weight machines. Tennis courts are also available outside. Other activities include ping-pong and bocce ball. For indoor entertainment, a huge game room has pool tables, arcade games, and a two-lane bowling alley. There's also a small movie theater and an outdoor stage that hosts to regular live performances.

For dining, all-inclusive rates cover meals and beverages at the massive Veranda Restaurant, which has a huge open buffet and a covered outdoor terrace. Food gets positive marks from previous guests -- not an easy feat for many all-inclusives. There's also an alfresco poolside snack bar. Alternatively, the resort has four a la carte restaurants, but these incur a reservation fee and not all items on the menus may be included in rates. A dress code in enforced for all restaurants. The lobby bar is open 24-hours, and there's a cafe, along with a cocktail lounge that has karaoke and regular live music.