The Bodrum by Paramount Hotels & Resorts

The Bodrum is built to resemble a palace and achieves that look with its grand architecture, Old World decor, and luxurious furnishings. The grandiose entranceway includes perfectly sculptured gardens, a central fountain, and large glass entrance for a palatial look. The lobby is just as grand with marble flooring, a domed ceiling, chandeliers, pillars, murals on the walls, grand piano, Old Word furniture, and a gold reception desk. Interiors throughout the property follow a similar theme -- elegant, lush, and over-the-top. The grounds are just as exquisite -- they're beautifully designed with cobblestone pathways, large sculptures, more fountains, and numerous palm trees. The private beach in front of the hotel is quite narrow with a limited number of sun loungers, day beds, and parasols set up each morning. The outdoor swimming pool area has a more typical resort atmosphere, looking out onto the Aegean Sea. The spa exudes luxury, with a total of 12 treatments rooms all decked out in traditional, elegant Turkish decor, creating a relaxing atmosphere. This hotel is mostly frequented by high-end tourists, with very few business travelers seen around the hotel.

Located right on the beach in Torba Bay, The Bodrum has its own private beach strip. It's in a quiet and secluded spot, away from all of the action. There aren't any restaurants or bars within walking distance from the hotel. Downtown Bodrum is 16 minutes away by car and where there are some historical sights, markets, and scenester nightlife. Guests can either get around with their own transport or make use of the local cab services. There is no public transport in the area. It's a 22-minute drive to Milas-Bodrum Airport from the hotel.

The 134 guest suites and villas at The Bodrum are lavishly decorated with classic Old World luxurious charm. Decor is elegant and sophisticated, with rich colors throughout, including beiges, maroons, browns, and golds. Chandeliers hang in each room and grand beds, silk-padded walls, dark wood furniture, and richly colored sofas add depth and texture. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, wireless telephones, smart room control-systems via Apple TVs, safes, minibars, Bugatti electric kettles, Nespresso coffee machines, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. 

Villas are between 195 to 900 square meters (2,000 to 9,600 square feet) in size and sleep up to 10 guests. These include a terrace, patio and sundeck, hot tub, sauna/Turkish bath, private indoor and outdoor swimming pool, private cabana on the beach, fully-equipped kitchen, living and dining area, elevator, and fitness facilities. En-suite bathrooms -- up to six in the villas -- feature opulent gold plated accessories and features, with walk-in showers, soaking tubs, bidets, and Bvlgari toiletries. Bathrobes and slippers are provided in a separate dressing room. 

Like the architecture of The Bodrum, the facilities create the ultimate luxurious experience for guests. There's a total of seven dining facilities available, each specializing in its own cuisine. B Lounge serves up a selection of traditional Lebanese cuisine, including mezzeh, mixed meat grills, shawarma, fresh seafood, and desserts. Vito's specializes in Italian classics and Shimeji provides Asian cuisine. For a more general buffet-style meal, there's The Stage, with live cooking demonstrations. An excellent afternoon tea is served at Tableau with a selection of local and international pastries, chocolates, and a snack menu. Restaurant 555 offers light meals, healthy snacks, and selection of cocktails. Additional cocktails and refreshments are served at Malibu Deck, found at the main swimming pool. Breakfast isn't included as standard, but can be booked as part of a package. Half-board packages are also available.

The main outdoor swimming pool includes waterslides, waterfalls, and a shallow kids' pool with surrounding sun loungers and parasols. There's also an indoor swimming pool. Exclusive sun loungers and day beds are laid out each morning on the hotel's private beach strip.

The Pause wellness center includes 12 treatment rooms and a swimming pool. Classic, Eastern, and Turkish treatments are available. There's a fitness center with modern cardio and weight-training equipment available. Kids are kept entertained at the Kids' Studio Club, with indoor and outdoor playground, daily activities, and even mini telescopes for kids to learn about astronomy. There are also a few high-end retail boutiques available on-site. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.