Beach babies who have already discovered the best of what Malta, Malaga, and Croatia have to offer may want to think about Turkey’s south-west coast. With its prime location on the Aegean Sea, the city on the Bodrum Peninsula is a sun-seekers dream, and we know all the best boutique hotels in Bodrum to take your holiday to the next level.

Check out our guide to the best boutique hotels in Turkey too.

The best boutique hotels in Bodrum, Turkey

1. Caresse

Caresse
Caresse

Sitting majestically on a hillside overlooking a private cove, Caresse was designed by leading Turkish architect Onur Özgül to blend in with the low-rise villages that are dotted across the surrounding countryside. However, this is where the traditional ends – endless wooden decking, abstract artwork and mid-20th century furnishings – this is a haven of contemporary design.

The hotel’s floating deck is the perfect place to relax, but you’re not short of other choices with the private beach and infinity pool with bespoke furniture a stone’s throw away. Out of its 67 carefully designed rooms, each with its own balcony, the King Villa is the jewel in the crown with panoramic views and a private whirlpool.

Learn more about Caresse

2. Amanruya

Amanruya
Amanruya

Amanruya is on the south east Aegean coast of Turkey and its unique design was inspired by the simplicity of the architecture in the pre-Ottoman selcuk era. The floor to ceiling windows, natural wood and endless views make you feel at one with nature, and everything is entirely sourced from local materials.

Featuring only 34 private pavilions each with their own pool means privacy is guaranteed. Wine tasting, horseback riding and snorkelling are all on the itinerary of private excursions offered at Amanruya, after which some light socialising at the private beach club should be on the cards.

Discover more about Amanruya

3. METT Hotel & Beach Resort

Located in a private cove with access to one of Bodrum’s most pristine beaches, METT Hotel & Beach Resort is home to just over 100 rooms and suites. Guests can expect elegant interiors with a minimal, natural aesthetic and views of the gardens or the sea.

A Turkish Hammam is on site along with MOI spa for relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. For foodies, a range of restaurants offer something for everybody, serving up Turkish, Italian, and fine Mediterannean cuisine.

Learn more about METT Hotel & Beach Resort

4. Lujo Hotel

Lujo Hotel
Lujo Hotel

The perfect blend of luxury and comfort, Lujo Hotel treats hospitality as art. The hotel’s belief is that everything evoking joy must involve art, hence its theme of ‘Art & Joy’. Its simple but trendy rooms are architecturally unique, and are all at least 45sq-m, many of which have private pools and sweeping views across the Aegean.

There are three beaches to choose from: ‘Joy’, which is perfect for families, ‘Escape’ for some peace and tranquility, and finally ‘Indigo’ beach, where you can join a party and dance into the evening. The food here is the cherry on the cake, as Lujo’s seven gourmet restaurants provide an array of Turkish, Greek and Asian flavours cooked up by chef Mustafa Gurbuz and his team. For an evening cocktail, head to the wittily named Pablo Esco Bar.

Find out more about Lujo Hotel

5. Susona Bodrum

Susona Bodrum
Susona Bodrum

Innovated by architect Gokhan Avcioglu, the design of Susona was inspired by a droplet hitting water – a ‘high energy’ central area surrounded by circular rings rippling outwards. Despite this futuristic concept, the natural elements of Bodrum have been retained, with no building higher than two floors, entirely white colour schemes and timber screens, as well as a series of buildings cascading down to the water’s edge.

Lush green gardens, private pools, a VIP lounge and soft sandy beach will entice you not to leave this elegant resort, but if you’re searching for a true taste of local life opt for the vineyard tour or Turkish sandal making experience.

Discover more about Susona Bodrum

6. Bodrum Loft

Inspired by the authentic outdoor lifestyle of the Turkish people, Bodrum Loft has been designed by Tabanlioglu Architects to represent a modern Turkish village with a focus on sustainability. There are 36 open plan wooden villas to choose from, all with a range of natural materials such as sandalwood, olive, laurel and citrus.

The interiors aim to bring the outside in, so you will feel at one with nature, whether you’re enjoying fresh food in the shaded restaurant, taking a break on the private beach deck or relaxing with an open-air massage. To get a taste of some culture, take part in a tour of some local eateries and historical sites provided by the hotel.

Read more about Bodrum Loft

7. Six Senses Kaplankaya

Six Senses Kaplankaya
Six Senses Kaplankaya

Six Senses is renowned for its ultra-luxury hotels, and it’s third Turkish offering, Kaplankaya is no different. Carved into a giant rock formation and liberally decorated from floor to ceiling with lush greenery, the designers of the hotel, Clodagh Design, pay tribute to the spectacular natural beauty and heritage of the local area in both its architecture and interiors.

Entering through a sparkling lobby with panoramic views is only the first step on your journey here: Turkish rugs, gold-leafed wood tables and flat-weave carpets all combine to immerse you in the rich history of the area, without skimping on luxury amenities. In-room iPads and Marshall speakers, as well as one of the world’s most advanced wellness spas will ensure a taste of the high life.

Find out more about Six Senses Kaplankaya

8. Macakizi

Another conception from Tabanlioglu Architects, Macakizi is named lovingly after the nickname of the original founder of this hotel, although the property is now owned by her daughter. The hotel is inspired by the 80s beach guesthouses which originally stood in Bodrum, and the walls are swathed in bright bougainvillea, seamlessly transitioning you from outside to inside.

The focus here is on pure relaxation, with the pier and floating deck providing the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon, while the breakfast area and pool blend in with the local fauna and crystal blue sea. The coffee table books, muted shades and soft fabrics, as well as modern but minimalistic artwork work perfectly to create understated luxury. The fine dining, gym and spa are also a given at such an opulent location.

Learn more about Macakizi

9. Allium Bodrum Resort

Allium Bodrum Resort
Allium Bodrum Resort

Named after a local flower symbolising good fortune and prosperity, Allium is less than a mile from Yalikavak town, and its spectacular location on the Aegean coastline is what makes it so breathtaking. The 36 guest rooms all have private terraces with uninterrupted ocean views, while the waterfront cabanas are the perfect place to put down your towel for the day – with a break for a restorative treatment at Allium’s private spa.

Each villa’s earth-toned palettes and natural materials with splashes of colour leaves you ready to relax and unwind, while Allium’s restaurant, which uses only the freshest local ingredients, will ensure you leave with a full heart and stomach, and will want to return time and time again.

Read more about Allium Bodrum Resort

10. Kuum Hotel

Kuum Hotel
Kuum Hotel

Consisting of 64 rooms, 40 luxury residences and a Turkish spa and hammam, Kuum Hotel is the fusion of New York and Istanbul based designers, Global Architecture Development (GAD), who take inspiration from the surrounding seascape and historical legacy of south-western Turkey.

Co-existing with the hillside topography – think domed ceilings and grass covered roofs, Kuum is almost inseparable from the surrounding nature. Three outstanding restaurants will spoil you for choice: pick Kuum for world cuisine, People for live music, and Teppanyaki for a classic Asian entertainment experience. The traditional white curtained, waterfront cabanas are the perfect place to put your feet up with a glass of wine in the evening.

Find out more about Kuum Hotel

11. Birdcage 33 Hotel

Head for the wild olive-covered hills and check-in at Birdcage 33 Hotel. Blending an eclectic collection of art pieces with stylish interior design, it’s a slice of paradise brimming with creativity and understated luxe.

Home to just 11 rooms and suites, each featuring its own bespoke design story,  any space you choose here will get you in relax mode quick. The saltwater pool will be the spot you want to be in for cooling off at this adult’s only retreat.

Learn more about Birdcage 33 Hotel

12. The Bodrum Edition

Perched on Yalikavak Bay overlooking the Turkish Riviera, The Bodrum Edition is a state of the art, luxury boutique hotel designed by hotelier Ian Schrager. A utopia on the Aegean Sea, this 102-bedroom property draws inspiration from local Turkish influences and natural resources to create organic and relaxing interiors.

The hotel features an infinity pool with views over the sparkling sapphire marina, a spa with Turkish hammam, sauna, steam room, salt treatment room and plunge pool. Aside from being immersed in relaxation, you’ll also find two signature restaurants headed up by the hotel’s famous Peruvian chef, Diego Munoz. For people watching, head to the hotel’s 350-ft white sand beach to watch the yachts come in, while enjoying a cocktail in one of the beachfront cabanas.

Find out more about The Bodrum Edition

13. Casa de Nova Bodrum

Casa de Nova Bodrum view of pool and hotel exterior
Casa de Nova Bodrum

Just a 10-minute-walk from the beach, Casa de Nova Bodrum is an intimate, adults-only stay. Featuring crisp white exterior walls, the property is located around a central swimming pool, offering a choice of seats and loungers to catch the sun.

Home to 15 rooms, guests can opt for a range of different types, including the Terrace Jacuzzi Suite which comes complete with outdoor hot tub. Breakfast is included at the property and a selection of Turkish dishes can be enjoyed at the restaurant.

Learn more about Casa de Nova Bodrum

But wait, there’s more…