Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay

With a cliffside location overlooking Barbaros Bay and access to a beautiful private beach, the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay attracts tourists seeking a secluded, sunny beachside getaway. It's somewhat remote location is part of the appeal, and the infinity pool and beach are among the region's best -- but the location is not especially convenient for sightseeing. The Kempinski also stands out for doing an especially good job catering to both couples and families, thanks to dedicated adult-only areas at both the pool area and beach. 

White, modern architecture is stacked along the cliffside in a cubist composition. Purple bougainvillea climbs the walls, and lovely green grounds spill down into the sea. The hotel's large infinity pool is the centerpiece of the property, flanked by wooden sundecks with spectacular views of the bay. The stunning seaside vista is a highlight here, and most of the hotel's dining spaces, as well as the guest rooms, take advantage of the setting -- plus most on-site restaurants and bars offer lovely outdoor seating. Inside, the lobby is a sleek and handsome affair, with lots of wooden wall and ceiling panelling paired with gleaming marble and wooden floors -- though the abundance of wood can also have a bit of a dated feel. A glass-walled, multi-story entrance fills the space with life and there's seating here and there -- but it's the outdoor spaces that are the highlight here, and most guests spend their time under the sun.

The Kempinski is one of the top luxury hotels in the region, and one of the few that's not an all-inclusive. The Grand Yazici Bodrum and The Marmara Bodrum are other excellent luxury hotels with European plans, but unlike the Kempinski, they're not right on the beach (instead, they have shuttle service to private beach areas).

Scenically set on a hillside overlooking Gökova Bay, the hotel occupies a fairly isolated location with nothing within walking distance besides its private beach. There are a handful of other hotels and dining options within a five-minute drive of the property, including a grocery store and a pharmacy. The hotel is situated to the southeast of Bodrum City, which is about a 25- to 30-minute drive away. Some guests complain about the distance to the city's attractions, so it might not be an ideal spot for those wishing to sightsee -- but travelers aiming for a beachy getaway in an especially gorgeous setting will find this a great option. The Milas Bodrum Airport is about a 45-minute drive from here. 

These spacious rooms feature fresh, contemporary decor that's minimal and elegant. White walls and lots of natural light make for bright, airy spaces, which are complemented by wooden floors and tasteful, colorful bed throws accenting crisp, white bedding -- though some guests complain that beds are not comfortable. Sleek wooden furnishings include work desks, and all rooms open onto private furnished balconies or terraces -- with either partial or panoramic sea views (upper-category rooms have the best vistas). Suites offer more space and either living areas or separate living rooms. Top-floor Presidential Suites are the most luxurious option, with large terraces that offer full panoramic sea views, large living rooms and dining areas, and luxe bathrooms with whirlpool tubs.

Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, telephones, minibars, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi, while suites add iPod docks and capsule coffee machines (but there are no coffee/tea facilities in Standard Rooms). Bathrooms are fairly standard and not as stylish as the rooms, with beige tiling, shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads, and separate water closets. Large vanities offer plenty of counter space, plus there are magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, bathrobes, and toiletries. One-Bedroom Suites have two bathrooms, one of which has a whirlpool tub.

The hotel's large infinity-edge pool -- one of the region's biggest -- is one of its highlights, scenically set to afford gorgeous sea views. Cushioned loungers shaded by purple umbrellas line the adjacent wooden sundeck. In addition to the main infinity pool, there are a kiddie pool and whirlpool. There's a sundeck for adults only, and the vibe is generally peaceful and quiet -- without the loud, cheesy activities found at some area resorts.  Guests can also head to the hotel's private beach, which is thoughtfully divided into an adult-only silent area (for those 16 and over) and a family beach. The beautiful stretch of shore is lined with loungers and palapas, including sunbeds and hammocks on a lovely grassy area as well as on a wooden sundeck. The calm water is especially clear, with a cordoned off area for swimming. Note that the beach is open only in the summer. Both poolside and beachside food and drink service are offered. 

There's a luxurious spa on-site that offers an extensive menu of treatments as well as a hammam, sauna, and steam rooms. The spa is also home to a beautiful heated indoor pool and hot tub, which is open to those 12 and over. Guests get free access to the facilities. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the sea, and there are loungers lining the surrounding deck. There's also a modern fitness room equipped with a variety of cardio and strength training machines as well as free weights, plus towels, bathrobes, and slippers are available. Free yoga classes are available, including sessions for kids.

Guests seeking to immerse themselves in the beautiful surrounding scenery can enjoy an array of outdoor activities, such as hiking the stunning Carian Trail, biking to nearby villages, or sailing. Other available water sports include windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and parasailing, plus there's a diving school. For those arriving by boat, the hotel has a private marina. In the high season (June to September), the hotel offers live jazz and live DJ performances. 

The property offers several meeting and event spaces, as well as wedding services. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and guests can use the on-site business center. Families are catered to with a kids' club that has a beachside playground area and offers all sorts of activities, but it's open seasonally.

The hotel offers a variety of dining options, from Turkish fare at Olives Restaurant to Asian dishes at Saigon Restaurant to Italian cooking served at La Luce -- though some guests remark that food and drink are pricey. Saigon and La Luce are the hotel's a la carte eateries (they're open seasonally), while both buffet-style meals and an a la carte menu can be had at Olives, where a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the sea offers an alfresco dining option. A buffet-style breakfast is available at Olive's, or can be delivered to guest rooms and includes organic regional products and freshly baked goods. There's also a poolside restaurant and bar that's open for lunch, while the lovely Sundeck Lounge and Terrace, furnished with cabanas and comfy daybeds, serves drinks with a gorgeous view of the sea. There are three additional bars and lounges serving cocktails and various other drinks -- including tea and coffee accompanied by pastries at the lovely Gazebo Lounge & Terrace.