What we love: selected suites have panoramic views of the Aegean Sea 

Even at entry level the accommodation at Barbaros Bay is luxurious. All are designed in the style of a traditional Bodrum summer house, with at least some view of the Aegean; a furnished balcony; free WiFi; a Nespresso machine and hot drink-making facilities; television; and air con. A cot and roll-out bed is available for families, and there are some interconnecting rooms.  

The suites have privileged positions across the resort to maximise their views, as well as additional luxuries such as a separate bath and walk-in shower, pillow menu and Salvatore Ferragamo bathroom amenities. 

What we love: Pan Asian dishes and fusion cocktails at Saigon Restaurant  

Dining options certainly whet the appetite and there are restaurants offering something different on their menu, and in their environment, depending on the time of year.  

Casual dinners at Villa Rossa; Italian fare at Mammadrau; all-day dining at Gazebo Lounge Bar; meze, cocktails and local specialties at Barbarossa; and Asian favourites at Saigon.  

Guests can also tuck into comforting snacks and lunches by the pool. And champagne sundowners at sunset are a must.  

What we love: the Blue-flagged private beach is arguably the best in the region 

Guest reviews rave about The Spa at Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay. This state of the art facility overlooking the sea offers some 5,500sqm of chilled out space, including a whirlpool and indoor pool, a Turkish bath (hammam), sauna and steam rooms. Indulgent treatments feature the traditional Bali massage and the Sherazad hammam. 

The centrepiece of the resort is the huge infinity pool which blends into the view of the Aegean horizon. Then there’s the Blue-flagged private beach which is lapped by the Gulf of Gökova and split into two areas: a Family Beach and (adults-only) Silent Beach. The hotel’s concierge can arrange watersports.