Amanruya

Mention the Aegean Sea and the mind quite naturally leaps to Crete and Rhodes, the Greeks living along its shores, to quote Plato, like “frogs around a pond.” But it’s worth remembering that a long section of the Aegean’s coastline belongs to Turkey. It’s here — on a gorgeous peninsula that’s been inhabited since the seventh century BC, home to an important port and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — that Aman has added another impeccable resort to their collection.

Amanruya means “Turkish dream,” and the resort is dreamy indeed, built into a hill high above the sea, with architecture inspired by Mediterranean and Ottoman design. There are no standard guest rooms, only freestanding Pool Suites and Pool Pavilions, arranged along quiet footpaths, imitating the layout of a clifftop village. Each was constructed using traditional building techniques and materials: floors made of white marble, hand-carved stone detailing, furniture made of native acajau wood. But needless to say, this isn’t your Turkish grandmother’s house. Contemporary amenities are plentiful, from underfloor heating to espresso machines and spectacularly sleek bathrooms with rain showers and oversized tubs. There’s a distinctly romantic air here, thanks to the traditional charcoal fireplace, four-poster beds, hand-woven rugs, and daybeds for two set up alongside each suite's and pavilion’s private marble swimming pool.

It’s tempting to stay inside your room all day and night, only venturing out to choose new reading material from the three-story Library Tower. But Amanruya has more to explore: there’s the infinity pool and the wine cellar, the art gallery and the massage treatment rooms, the beach club, and a series of dining pavilions specializing in Turkish cuisine with panoramic views.

And then there’s the Bodrum Peninsula itself, which just happens to be one of the most fascinating cultural regions, and will make a classicist out of anyone. Ancient ruined cities, temples, and baths are only a short ride away, ideally followed by an evening exploring the lively meyhanes (taverns) in the old but happening city of Bodrum.

How to get there: Amanruya is located 26 miles from Milas-Bodrum International Airport (BJV), about a 30-minute drive. The resort offers complimentary transfers from the airport for the stays for 3 nights or more during the months of April, May, June, September and October. In July and August, the round trip private transfer costs 120€++.