Med-Inn
near Bodrum, Aegean Coast, Turkey
Reviewed by
Emily Preece
Turkey's beach scene can be showy, extravagant and a bit over the top, but not here. Just 40 minutes from Bodrum, and 10 from its airport, this serene boutique hotel with a private beach is laid back and family-friendly, with views of the Bay of Gulluk to stir the soul. The atmosphere is relaxed enough that guests happily chat to one another.
In a quiet spot so untouristy that taxi drivers often find it hard to locate, the Med-Inn has become a well-kept secret to those in the know. They don't tell their friends about the pool, the attentive service, the lush Mediterranean gardens and the beautifully coloured suites: it's all too good to share. There's plenty of space for families, friends and lovers who like to lounge, and many visitors find its easy-going attitude so addictive that they return year on year. We loved its VIP members' club feel, taking a gulet around the islands of the bay, going on daytrips to the ruins of Ancient Greece, and eating fresh fish as the sun set into a perfect aquamarine sea.
In a quiet spot so untouristy that taxi drivers often find it hard to locate, the Med-Inn has become a well-kept secret to those in the know. They don't tell their friends about the pool, the attentive service, the lush Mediterranean gardens and the beautifully coloured suites: it's all too good to share. There's plenty of space for families, friends and lovers who like to lounge, and many visitors find its easy-going attitude so addictive that they return year on year. We loved its VIP members' club feel, taking a gulet around the islands of the bay, going on daytrips to the ruins of Ancient Greece, and eating fresh fish as the sun set into a perfect aquamarine sea.
Highs
- Great for families, especially older children and teenagers - there's plenty of space in the suites, a relaxed ambiance, and a pool
- Right on the beach - make yourself at home on the chic jetty, where staff will happily serve food and drink
- Delicious fresh seafood in the restaurant and an extensive cocktail menu
- Quiet and laid-back, with a warm welcome
- Good value for money, considering all the spacious, stylish suites have sea views and private balconies
Lows
- It's quite a long way from other places of interest (Bodrum is 40 minutes' drive): you might want to hire a car
- The menu in the shoulder/low season is limited, and it's 4km winding drive to Gulluk's restaurants
- The exterior of the 6-storey building isn't that attractive, and Gulluk has some ugly developments, but that's soon forgotten when you clock the view
- We found breakfast a little underwhelming compared to the amazing dinners
Best time to go
This part of Turkey has a good year-round climate, and the season in Gulluk (and Bodrum) starts the last week of April. The hotel is open from the end of April to October. Within these months, July and August are the hottest and most popular, but Bodrum can be very hectic in these months.
Our top tips
Hire a gulet and explore the islands of the Bodrum peninsula. Rabbit Island, Orak Island and Black Island are known for their scuba diving, or you could just relax on their quiet beaches away from the crowds.