Thor by Alkoclar Exclusive Bodrum

Tucked between the seafront and undeveloped hillsides, Thor Luxury Hotel & SPA Bodrum has an air of exclusivity that most beachfront properties on the peninsula lack. Though entirely modern, the hotel's white buildings studded with balconies were designed to mimic the spirit of Bodrum's original architecture. The bulk of them are arranged around the expansive outdoor pool, which itself is designed around a central lightwell that looks down on the hotel's restaurants below (think of a hole in the middle of the pool allowing you to look over the edge and down onto a kind of mall in the ground below). Along with the beach and numerous sunny terraces, the outdoor spaces are popular with the young couples that make up most of the guests here, while an adult-only policy means that it's quiet and peaceful. The interiors opt for more opulent decor that seems at odds with the classic simplicity of the outdoor spaces, with copious amounts of marble paired with gold accents and bright velvet fabrics that can be a bit much. Unfortunately, those style misses keep this hotel from living up to the luxury status it claims in its name. 

The hotel is situated on a narrow stretch of beach on Torba Bay, on the outskirts of the small seaside village of Torba. Undeveloped countryside and tree-covered hills shelter it from everything else, but the main highway that cuts across the peninsula (and leads to the airport) is just a short drive down a small winding road. There's nothing within walking distance other than a few neighboring resorts, and it's about a 20-minute drive away to the bustle of Bodrum City, where the region's best shopping, dining, and entertainment can be found along tourist-friendly streets that are lined with bars. 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 St Peter’s Castle. Expect a 30-minute drive to Milas–Bodrum Airport. 

The hotel has 183 rooms, featuring modern decor that verges on gaudy, and sometimes steps far over the line. Light gray marble-tiled floors and a mix of contemporary wood furnishings with frilly accents like lampshades with tassels come together in sitting areas with high-backed fuchsia armchairs. The headboards, throw pillows, and some decorative wall panels are covered in Victorian-era illustrations. Rooms are clean and pleasant, but decor might not suit all tastes and some might find it a bit too much. 

All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric tea kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms have furnished balconies with pool views, while others have patios that open to the pool; some have sea views. The marble tiled bathrooms have large rainfall showers with benches and additional handheld showerheads. All but the entry-level Superior Rooms have whirlpool tubs -- most of which are situated not in bathrooms, but beside the beds. The six Junior Suites add living rooms with couches, as well as private saunas. There are also four bi-level Residence villas with full modern kitchens, saunas, and private plunge pools.

The hotel makes the most of its relatively narrow beachfront with a wide tiered sundeck that adds to the sunbathing space with sharp wicker loungers. There's a short section of sand, but the most noteworthy feature is a long wooden pier that stretches out over the water and is packed with cushy white loungers, umbrellas, and cabanas. Water sports and diving are available for a fee.

The hotel's focal point is its huge outdoor pool, which is surrounded by several different sundecks that are lined with comfortable loungers and big round daybeds. There's also a beautiful indoor pool in a mood-lit space with exposed stone walls and mosaic-patterned tile. The full-service spa has a large Turkish bath and sauna, as well as several posh treatment rooms with a specialty in Thai and Balinese massages, along with hot stone therapies. The adjacent fitness center includes wall-mounted TVs, multiple cardio and weight machines plus free weights. Activities like water aerobics are offered, along with yoga and Pilates classes.

All-inclusive rates cover meals and drinks (though fees may apply for some dishes and premium alcoholic beverages). There are three restaurants, starting with the expected international buffet that has outdoor seating, along with an Italian restaurant and an alfresco spot with seafood-centric Aegean cuisine. Food gets generally positive marks from previous guests for quality and variety. For beverages, there's a small beach bar and a 24-hour lobby bar, along with a nightclub continuing the hotel's Norse naming theme, called Loki Disko.