Twenty eight years and counting…the length of time I have been coming to Bodrum, Turkey. Ten of those years were living here longer term where I was able to not only live in Bodrum but also the capital Ankara, then a year later the incredible city of Istanbul. I embraced the culture and religion, learnt the language and most of all gained lifelong friends…..In Bodrum I have grown from child to woman, I have learnt a lot, loved and lost, worked and played. So fortunate along the way to have met some very special life long Turkish and international friends.
So it comes as no surprise that every year I have to come and get my fix! Visit my friends, eat in my favourite restaurants, have a glass of Raki, smell the air, listen to the background sound of the local mosque calling for prayer, hustle and bustle of the language and catch up on what’s new. It is impossible to tell all in one blog.
Without a doubt Bodrum is becoming the place to be. The days of coming here on a cheap package holiday, which can still be done and are still greatly welcomed in Bodrum. With the huge development of new property and the approval of international ownership, a villa stay is ever popular. However with the recent openings of five star hotels such as Bodrum EDITION, Manderin Oriental, Caresse Bodrum and now The Four Seasons it is attracting the premium international traveller. The multi million pound development of Yalikavak Marina is also home to the famous restaurant Nusr-et and Nobu.
The premium traveller is whispering about how amazing Bodrum is. That traveller has arrived. That traveller is now able to see more of Bodrum, more of what I always regarded as ‘My Secret Place’. However it is no longer my secret. They can see the parts of the peninsula once only known by the locals, the domestic tourist and people like me. However knowing where to go is essential!
Bodrum has always attracted the domestic tourist who also once made up the majority of holiday home ownership. It’s home to Istanbul and Ankara’s wealthy set from whom I learnt of my ‘My Secret Hub’ that is full of culture, amazing restaurants, beaches, people and homes.
Sometimes I visit for a few days, a week or a month. Each time I may stay with friends, a hotel or a villa. This May 2019 visit was in a villa. I was fortunate enough to own a holiday home in Bodrum for 10 years however sold it some years ago. Maybe one day I will own again however for now I am enjoying exploring different options!
The villa I rented was from the lovely Annie at Peninsula Villas Bodrum http://www.peninsulavillasbodrum.com/search/peninsula-villas-bodrum-properties/pv533/ The site has a fantastic collection of affordable luxury villas in prime spots. I chose VILLA MON REVE. Mainly for its location. It is central to Yalikavak. Yalikavak is 25 minutes from Bodrum town and just a 10 minute walk from Bodrum’s new Palmarina. The villa itself was just perfect. Fantastic views of the marina and the sea. As the sun sets in Yalikavak we couldn’t have been in a better place to sit and have a sundowner and a bbq! http://www.yalikavakmarina.com.tr
Favourite Restaurants
The Melengeç – A Fish Restaurant in Gumusluk. It’s always nice to have a look around the market stalls on the way to the restaurant. Wear flats as its a ‘beachy’/cobbled walk to this beautiful seaside restaurant. Make sure you arrive at least half hour prior to sunset and always call and book. Have your camera ready. Instagram @gumuslukmelengec
Nusr-et – http://www.nusr-et.com.tr/ Meat/Steak restaurant in Yalikavak marina. If you’re lucky the famous owner #saltbe Instagram – @nusr-et can be seen there. Fantastic views and the sunsets here too are incredible. Always book in if you can. You are expected to still wait but the bar is open for cocktails and the wait is still an experience. Great family night.
Bodrum Marina Yacht Club – http://www.marinayachtclub.com Eat downstairs or up. Best table is on the balcony with a view of the stage below. The live Band starts around 10pm. Bistro food. Steak/fish and Turkish. Its based in Bodrum town marina so lots of boutiques, cafés, bars and ice cream/patisseries too. Great night for families and couples with the live music later.
Limon Café – Based in Gümüsluk. 10 minutes drive from our villa stay. http://www.limongumusluk.com Incredible setting/views its quirky, rustic and eclectic. Expect Turkish food/mezze style. The best sunset venue. Booking is a must in high season and make sure you book 45 min before sunset. Breakfast equally amazing.
Kafe Daki – Up in the hills over looking Bodrum town. Need to book. Bistro food and live music.
Miam Turkbükü – Very cool seafront place. Great vibe. Seafood and meat and lots of Turkish Mezze. One of my fav places. DJ and Live music. Sit back and watch the people drop in off their super yachts. Instagram @miambodrum
Dramali and Mudavim – Both are my secret restaurants that I will share. Both great for a couples night. Found on Bodrum’s little side streets. Dramali Bodrum – Instagram @dramalimarina has great international wines, bistro food and Turkish food. It is a local place with acoustic music whilst you eat. Mudavim http://www.bodrummudavim.com is a seaside setting but more ‘Turkish Style’ Mezze food, raki and conversation is on the menu! Rustic typical Turkish. Both are loved by the locals.
Hotels –
My fav premium hotel stay at the moment would be Bodrum EDITION or The Caresse. However if on a budget The Manastir in Bodrum town is affordable yet ticks every box and in a great location of Bodrum town. The Marmara which is adults only is another gold find.
A Gulet boat trip daily or over night is a must! Crystal clear waters can be seen aboard a choice of the most luxury or most basic of Gulet boats. If on a daily rate you get to visit 3 to 4 bays in one day and swim in each. Eat and drink lunch and if lucky enough you will have a captain and crew that entertain and keep you happy all day. Gulet hire can be luxury/ premium to also affordable and comfortable…there is so much choice!
Every location is easily managed by taxi or if you really want to embrace the culture then a “Dolmus” (mini buses means stuffed in Turkish) they run from and to every “nook and cranny” of Bodrum. DM me if you need a premium driver/luxury chauffeur driven car/people carrier instead.
Well I think thats enough for now! It is impossible for me to cover all in one blog.
Mutlu Tatiller!! (have a lovely holiday in Turkish!)
Love Stacey x
