What we love: many of the suites and apartments have a private swimming or plunge pool  

The choice of 132 accommodation options at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is diverse, making it suited to all guests from single travellers to multi-generational families.  

Each private space is contemporary in its design and has a furnished outdoor area. All have air conditioning (ideal for Turkey’s hot summer months), Bang & Olufsen TVs, facilities to make a hot drink, and a private bathroom. Most have a sea view too, and those that don’t look out over the pretty olive gardens in which the resort is set. 

Additional space for family or friends can be found in apartments with an extra bedroom. Or ramp up the luxury with extra features like a suite that has a large, free-standing bathtub with a view; one with its own outdoor swimming pool on a private terrace; and even a suite that has a sauna and hammam. Palatial villas are available for those travelling en masse.  

What we love: daily breakfast at Sofra is an indulgent start to the day 

Guests applaud the breakfast at Sofra which has a kids’ area, freshly baked breads and eggs cooked to order. Atelier di Carne is a contemporary steakhouse; there is ice cream, pizzas and cocktails on the menu at Blue Beach Bar; Hakkasan boasts high-end Cantonese cuisine in an overwater setting; taste trendy Peruvian/Japanese fusion dishes at casual IOKI on the Beach, or a more luxurious dining experience at its sister restaurant Kurochan by IOKI; there is Turkish Riviera-side seafood at the new Lucca Beach, and cocktails with steak frites at its sister restaurant Lucca by the Sea.  

Make time too for a drink at Mandarin Bar – arguably Bodrum’s best bar. And some haute couture patisserie at Vakko L'atelier.  

What we love: One word for the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum Spa... wow! 

Turkish hammam experiences, signature therapies, a pool with a view and outdoor cabanas; the multi-award-winning spa at this luxury Bodrum hotel is seriously swoony!  

The facilities for families are excellent too, which aside from the beach and pool include a kids club, activities such as art workshops and children’s yoga, a watersports centre and dedicated menus in the restaurants. Kids love to travel around the resort by golf buggy and explore the olive gardens with its playground.  

Away from the hotel there’s plenty to experience. Favourite days out include a sailing trip along the coast and the bucket list air balloon ride over Pamukkale.