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14 October 2020Into the Blue
The Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum offers discrete luxury overlooking the sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea
O n Turkey’s Gökova Bay, near Bodrum, lies the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay which contains 24 suites and 149 well-appointed rooms, each with its own private balcony and views across the Aegean.
Architectural influences include Mediterranean traditions, Ottoman luxury and contemporary design, while the pièce de resistance has to be the Presidential Suite, with its impressive size and seemingly endless sea views.
Bodrum itself is a place steeped in history and traditions. Known as Halicarnassus of Caria in former times it was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the huge final resting place of governor Mausolus.
Only ruins of the vast tomb remain today, but Bodrum is still a pleasant place to visit – with its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and traditional bazaar.
For those who like a little historic sightseeing, the hotel is within easy reach of the town’s 14th-century castle, originally built by the Knights of Rhodes, with a commanding view of the old harbour. Also within easy reach is the theatre of Ephesus, which dates back to the third century BC. Capable of seating 25,000 it remains an evocative place, with remarkable acoustics.
After a day spent seeing such highlights of the ancient world, guests might be tempted by an evening spent on the hotel’s private boat docked at its marina, which can be chartered for a romantic, candle-lit cruise.
After a day spent seeing the highlights of the ancient world, guests may be tempted by an evening spent on the hotel’s private boat
The hotel also prides itself on its restaurants. Guests can choose from the Barbarossa Beach, whose wood-burning oven prepares freshly grilled catch-of-the-day, including lobster, shrimp and squid or the Olives Restaurant – focused on Aegean Cuisine that can be enjoyed on an outdoor terrace to the sound of live music. For something a little more oriental there is Saigon Club, where Thai, Vietnamese, Balinese and Japanese dishes can be sampled. La Luce, meanwhile, serves contemporary Italian food and also features a stylish wine lounge overlooking the magnificent scenery of Barbaros Bay.
Bar Blue is the hotel’s chic vodka and champagne lounge and, for a less formal but equally impressive venue, there is the Pool Restaurant & Bar, which serves fresh fruit cocktails alongside a menu of salads, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas and desserts.
The hotel is also home to a luxurious Six Senses Spa, whose facilities include an indoor pool, whirlpool, hammam, sauna and steam rooms.
The all-encompassing spa experience really has to be tried, with guests being able to take part in yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, meditation, Nordic walking, watsu (a kind of aquatic massage therapy) and fitness training. The Six Senses team is also on hand to advise guests on tailored detox programmes.
Email Reservationskempinski.com/bodrum