Macakizi Hotel

Rooms

Guest rooms are simple and contemporary: all light-reflecting white walls, bedding and curtains, and whitewashed and wood furniture, plus splashes of colours drawn from nature around them. The razzamatazz is saved for the beach and outdoor areas.

Most are in 2-storey cottages, so choose between an Upper or Lower Deck room (we'd go for the former for maximum privacy). You also choose between an Aegean Sea View or a Garden View, and given how lovely the gardens are, the latter is no great penalty. Our only criticisms would be that the cheaper rooms are pretty small and simple so it’s worth upgrading if you can.

If you have cash to splash, look at the gorgeous Suites, most of which boast elevated sea views. All have a dressing room, and all except the cheaper Garden View Suite have a lounge area too. It’s worth noting that the pricier the room the closer it is to the sea: you pay for convenience.

None the less, all rooms have a private balcony or terrace, rain showers, remote control curtains and LED TVs. Abstract modern art from renowned Turkish artist Suat Akdemir and Aqua Di Parma toiletries add a dash of luxury. Overall the effect is a kind of modern beach house feel, Turkish-style.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• In-room treatments available
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Served on a candelit wooden deck as the sun sets behind the pine-clad hills above Turkbuku, the evening meal setting could not be better and dinner is a real highlight. The restaurant, which has been awarded one of the first Michelin stars in Bodrum, serves traditional Turkish dishes by day and Mediterranean fusion by night.

I loved my crispy grilled sea bream with pine nuts and parsley pesto, and my wife raved about her tender lamb served with a delicate risotto and pureed patlijan (aubergine). All the flavours were rich and distinct, though the portions are perhaps a tad diet-sized.

With the afternoon comes a plentiful lunch buffet - great if you’re spending the day lounging by the pool. A gong sounds to signal lunchtime and options include salads, fresh fruit, frittata, kofta and kebabs.

The superb buffet breakfast has everything from super-light pastries and fresh fruit salads to omelettes, copious cheese and cured meats, not forgetting the Turkish habit of offering sliced tomato and cucumber (which we grew rather fond of).

There's a bar and waiter service down by the pontoon so you can order cocktails, beer and soft drinks without getting up from your sun lounger – the party gets into full swing down here during summer.

If you don’t feel like taking dinner at the hotel, there are lots of restaurants in the area, either within walking distance or a short drive - staff are happy to recommend.

Features include:

• Bar
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Lounge on plump ottoman cushions by the sea, listen to the chill-out music, and soak up the glamorous vibe
  
• Book an aromatherapy massage or facial in the tented treatment room with the sound of the sea in your ears
  
• Take a boat trip in a traditional gulet or motor yacht, or to arrange sailing lessons, waterskiing and jet ski hire. Gulets don't get very far along the coast, but you do stop to swim and snorkel in some vividly turquoise waters
  
• If you have to sightsee, jump in a jeep and negotiate the hot, windy roads of the Bodrum peninsula in search of ancient ruins, Crusades-era castles, and fishing villages
  
• Charter a boat for a day or two and visit the Greek islands. Or take a ferry - Bodrum harbour has boats going to Kos and Rhodes, both of which you can visit for a day in the summer
  
• Book into the gym for a private trainer session, yoga classes or pilates in the sun
  
• drive to Milas (50km), which is the region's carpet capital: you can watch deft hands weaving or haggle for their bright, geometric prayer rugs

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Boat trips
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Shopping / markets
• Snorkelling
• Swimming
• Well being
• Yoga

Kids

Macakizi's adult vibe isn't ideal for children and the landscape is somewhat hazardous for younger tots, but they don't mind children staying here. We think it's best for ages 6+.

Best for:

Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Families will appreciate the Sea View Villa Suites and Duplex Villas, all of which have 2 ensuite bedrooms, a living room and dressing room. You can add extra beds, but we'd only recommend doing this with the suites - the rooms are a bit on the small side.

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Macakizi is on the Bodrum peninsula, in the town of Turkbuku.

By Air:
Fly in to Bodrum airport (40km). Alternatively, there's Izmir airport (230km) or Dalaman international (under 3 hours' drive away). A seaplane connection is available from Istanbul to Bodrum, landing at Macakizi beach.

During summer, the hotel operates a seaplane connection from central Istanbul to the resort, landing at Macakizi beach (enquire for details).

From the Airport
It's a short drive from Milas-Bodrum to Turkbuku: hire a car, take a taxi or use the hotel's transfer service.

By Bus:
In summer, there are plenty of buses into Bodrum from around Turkey in the summer months. The main bus station or otogar is in the centre of the town, and from here you can take a taxi.

By Boat
Bodrum is a hub for ferries to and from the Greek Islands, including Kos and Rhodes, making Macakizi a possible stop on an island-hopping holiday.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Turkey and getting around