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Upon my arrival in Turkey, I spent 5 days at The Bodrum EDITION, a luxurious resort on the Mediterranean coast.
The property had been extremely really helpful to me by my dearest Miles & Factors associates. Within the spirit of “earn and burn”, I used to be very eager to test it out at good worth. In reality, it was the impetus and centrepiece for my month-long Eurasia journey.
Ricky, all the time a person of excellent style, additionally had The Bodrum EDITION on his radar, and booked a few nights overlapping my keep to affix me.
The Bodrum EDITION – Reserving
I booked my keep at The Bodrum EDITION in the dying days of Marriott Bonvoy’s award chart. This lodge was on their hit record of this 12 months’s most vital devaluations, going up in value by 30,000 factors per night time.
Looking for a candy spot of low season costs with shoulder season climate, I managed to snag a block of 5 nights in Might every priced at 50,000 factors – off-peak charges on the previous Class 7 tier.
In complete, I paid 200,000 factors for 5 nights utilizing Marriott Bonvoy’s “Keep 5, Pay 4” profit for award bookings.
For a seasonal property that may retail for $1,000 (CAD) per night time at instances of the 12 months when demand is low, that’s phenomenal worth at 2.5 cents per Bonvoy level. Extra importantly, utilizing factors empowered me to get pleasure from an aspirational expertise that I wasn’t ready to pay money for.
Much like Josh, I had determined to lock in a keep at The Bodrum EDITION utilizing Bonvoy factors simply earlier than the worth was about to extend as of March 2022.
I redeemed 50,000 factors per night time for a two-night keep, making a number of separate bookings all through the calendar in case my plans would evolve.
Later, when I discovered a beneficial transatlantic enterprise class fare on Delta and Virgin Atlantic, I made a decision to maintain my reserving in Might 2022 and be a part of Josh for a mini-team retreat out right here in Turkey’s southwestern coast.
The Bodrum EDITION – Location
The Bodrum EDITION is on a peninsula on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast jutting into the Aegean Sea.
The lodge is on the north facet of the peninsula, going through north within the centre of a sheltered bay inside a bay. It’s a 5–10-minute taxi (or 30–40-minute stroll) to the close by city of Yalikavak, or 30–45 minutes to the bigger metropolis of Bodrum throughout the peninsula.
The area options typical Aegean topography, with rolling hills, intricate coastlines, and charming houses exuding tan and olive tones to match the panorama.
Town of Bodrum, a brief ferry journey from the Greek island of Kos, was traditionally often known as Halicarnassus. There are a lot of Greek ruins within the space, together with the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of many seven wonders of the traditional world.
Layered on prime of the traditional Greek historical past and acquainted Mediterranean vistas, you’ll discover folks residing coastal life with a Turkish flavour, encompassing delicacies, manner, and tradition.
To get to the lodge, I hailed a taxi on the airport. The journey is 45 minutes, or longer with site visitors, and price round 400 lira.
The Bodrum EDITION – Test-in
The very first thing you’ll discover once you arrive at The Bodrum EDITION is the beautiful degree of service. This was a theme that persevered in each aspect of my keep and completely set the property aside.
Arriving late within the night, I used to be greeted by no fewer than 5 employees: one to assist unload my bag from the taxi, the girl working on the entrance desk, the assistant entrance workplace supervisor, a runner to convey odds and ends to my suite, and the “way of life host” serving a visitor relations function.
By the point check-in was full, I used to be on a first-name foundation with lots of them, and the extra senior employees offered me with their enterprise playing cards and direct strains in case I wanted something to enhance my keep.
As a Titanium Elite welcome present, I used to be supplied a selection of two ice lotions, one coffee-based, the opposite raki-based (Turkish grappa). I went with the espresso flavour, embracing the wealthy Turkish espresso custom.
I used to be fairly charmed by the picket key playing cards I used to be given.
I had requested a collection improve through chat days, and once more hours, earlier than my arrival. I used to be thrilled to examine the Marriott Bonvoy app noon on my check-in day to see that I had been assigned a Non-public Pool Suite. I used to be a bit delayed getting in, so I used to be positive to maintain the lodge knowledgeable of my timing so I wouldn’t lose my room.
After a protracted journey day, my first impressions of the smooth product have been so good, I barely observed the onerous product. Circling again by day, the foyer area was spectacular in its personal proper.
The driveway sits simply off the principle street because it winds alongside the coastal cliff.
Inside, there’s a swish curtained doorway resulting in the foyer.
The smooth design continues with vivid however minimalist Mediterranean tones and foliage featured all through – a vibe which might set the tone for different components of the property. The area is stuffed with mild all through the day, with expansive shaded skylights.
The entrance desk is tucked away to the fitting facet.
To the left, there’s a bar which appeared to get little or no use – you’d be hard-pressed to seek out an excuse to spend time within the foyer when the remainder of the ability is so compelling.
In between, there’s a snug sitting space with furnishings just like what I might discover in my suite. I used to be invited to attend right here each time I ordered a taxi to city or the airport.
The Bodrum EDITION – Resort Format
Like many inns and trip rental complexes alongside the coast, The Bodrum EDITION is constructed right into a steep hill descending into the ocean.
Exiting the foyer, you’ll end up perched atop a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. There’s a bit extra outside seating, and decorative clay pots scattered all through the yard.
Down in direction of the seaside, there are a variety of buildings on completely different terraces, housing the visitor rooms. Primary rooms are concentrated in direction of the highest of the cliff, with suites additional down nearer to the resort’s facilities. As finest I may inform, each room has a shocking ocean view.
By way of the centre of the property, there’s a hall with a staircase between every degree. You may as well name a buggy at any time, and the employees can shuttle you up or down the driveways flanking the sprawling campus.
There’s additionally a separate day-use entrance for visitors who aren’t staying on the lodge.
From right here, there’s an elevator down by the core of the services, with direct entry to the spa, eating places, pool, and seaside. Many of those related services just like the restaurant kitchens and spa are buried within the cliff, maximizing the views for the visitor expertise.
The property warrants a complete orientation once you arrive. The whimsical maze of indoor and outside corridors weaving by the vertical panorama left me questioning if I’d left any services undiscovered.
The Bodrum EDITION – Non-public Pool Suite
Emine, the life-style host, led me down the central hall to my suite. To finish the check-in course of, she gave me a full tour of my suite.
I used to be in Suite 801, however you wouldn’t realize it had a room quantity. While you’re staying in a collection at The Bodrum EDITION, you simply sort of work out “the place” to go.
The Non-public Pool Suites are on the bottom degree of their respective buildings. Extra, much less spectacular suites (such because the Loft Suite that Ricky obtained) are above, accessed from separate entrances on the again facet up the hill.
The Non-public Pool Suite, nonetheless, has its personal non-public entrance from the sea-facing entrance facet, by a backyard gate unlocked by my key card.
Coming into the suite, it was instantly obvious that the area was outfitted like a full-fledged luxurious condominium.
To the left of the doorway, in the back of the suite, there’s a eating desk, with diverse snug seating together with benches and chairs for a crowd.
I obtained a COVID-19 sanitary equipment in a slick picket field, together with my welcome notice and a resort map.
To the left of the eating space, there’s a full kitchen with an induction range, a wine cooler, and a big fridge adorned with a COVID-19 sanitary sealing sticker.
Within the kitchen, there’s a espresso and tea station, and a mini-bar for buy.
To the fitting of the eating space, you’ll discover the powder room. It’s a full lavatory with a bathe, and a design that will exceed that of the ensuite at many inns.
Again to the principle entrance, to the fitting, on the entrance of the suite, is the lounge. There’s an expansive L-shaped couch with views of the TV and the terrace, plus a number of chairs to spherical out the seating.
The high-ceilinged area incorporates a minimalist aesthetic with marble, cream, and light-weight wooden tones, with out skimping on facilities or refined design notes. All through the eating and residing rooms, there are numerous accoutrements, together with an empty decorative fruit bowl, a dominoes set, some espresso desk books, and old-school Mediterranean way of life images.
Persevering with previous the lounge, the bed room and ensuite lavatory are across the nook. The bed room is on the entrance, with the ensuite on the again.
Within the centre of the room, there’s a king mattress sitting low to the ground. The smooth picket nightstands are constructed into the wall and have studying lights, electrical retailers, and panels for controlling the lighting and curtains.
Throughout from the mattress, there’s one other TV, above a desk with a complete energy financial institution that can prevent from rummaging to your plug adapters.
Within the nook by the terrace, there’s a easy material armchair with an ottoman and a picket facet desk.
The grasp ensuite extends to the again of the constructing, with giant mirrors all through. On the fitting, there’s a protracted counter with two sinks, loaded with facilities, together with plentiful towels and complimentary EDITION-branded water.
To the left, there’s an alcove with two closets. Bathrobes and flip-flops can be utilized throughout your keep and bought to maintain, whereas the EDITION “O” bag is free to take, and fairly helpful as I toted issues to and from the seaside and pool.
In the direction of the again, there’s a soaker tub, accented by a small succulent plant.
Beside the bathtub, there’s a bathroom with a frosted glass privateness door.
Throughout, there’s a rain bathe, that includes signature EDITION toiletries by Le Labo.
Beside the bathe, there’s one other mysterious area. After twiddling with the touch-screen management panel outdoors, I spotted it was a steam room.
As soon as I acquired it working, I wasted no time placing my non-public steam room to good use. It was positively an surprising spotlight of my suite and the property as an entire, accentuating the detoxifying ambiance of the seaside resort.
Oh, and let’s not overlook the terrace.
You’ll be able to’t presumably miss the pool as you enter the unit, however I arrived at night time, so I acquired the grand reveal by daylight from inside my suite, which I’d say was extra thrilling. The view is a stellar cherry on prime of what’s already a exceptional area.
Each the lounge and bed room have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doorways, which create a free-flowing area from indoors to open air.
In entrance of the lounge, you’ll discover a pair of recliner lounge chairs.
In entrance of the bed room, there’s a patio desk and furnishings extra conducive to group dialog.
The entire seating faces the pool, which to be completely trustworthy, was a little bit of a novelty. It’s large enough to impress, however too small to be purposeful for something greater than a fast dip.
On the time of my go to, the water was nonetheless a bit chilly (though the air temperature and humidity have been good), and I most well-liked spending my aquatic time lounging within the lodge’s fundamental pool or swimming within the Aegean Sea.
Even so, I’d say the Non-public Pool Suite is actually definitely worth the suite-talk, for the additional area and decadence it affords.
The Bodrum EDITION – Loft Suite with Sea View
For my two-night keep at The Bodrum EDITION, I had observed on the Marriott app that I had been proactively upgraded to the Loft Suite with Sea View on the day of my arrival.
Whereas I used to be considerably tempted to attempt suite-talking my technique to a Non-public Pool Suite just like the one Josh had, I finally made my peace with making an attempt out the Loft Suite as effectively to evaluate one other room kind and provides readers a broader sense of what to anticipate from the suites at this resort.
Arriving at The Bodrum EDITION at 3am after a nightmarish journey day with a sequence of cascading delays, I used to be relieved to lastly be welcomed into my Loft Suite.
I used to be assigned Room 1011, located on the bottom flooring of one of many particular person blocks of visitor rooms on the mid-level of the hillside.
Strolling in, the area instantly feels akin to a non-public seaside home with a constant impartial color palette. The suite appears like an opulent hideaway, with smooth and ethereal furnishings, heat woods, and flooring product of native stone.
The ground-to-ceiling home windows are draped with giant gray curtains, and enormous wooden panelling is dotted throughout, including peak and depth to varied components of the room.
Within the centre of the lounge, there’s a cream sectional sofa with an identical armchair and a small picket espresso desk over an opulent carpet.
Behind the sectional, the again wall options broad ornamental shelving with artifacts, video games and studying supplies nestled into every nook.
On the left-hand facet of the room is a big picket eating desk with two live-edge benches and 4 particular person chairs. Ready on the desk for our arrival was a welcome amenity, consisting of a bottle of Turkish rosé and a few breadsticks.
The Loft Suite incorporates a full kitchen, situated instantly to the fitting as you enter the room. There’s a range, fridge, sink, loads of cupboards and counter area for cooking, and a Nespresso.
The bed room is in a separate room, accessible by a door in the back of the residing area.
A wood-panelled again wall makes up the headboard of the plush king mattress, flanked by two floating facet tables.
To the fitting of the mattress is an armchair and an ottoman, and on the foot of the mattress, a sizeable desk sits towards the wall with a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall above.
Moving into the lavatory, your eyes are drawn to a shocking double self-importance product of white and gray marble and a big mirror spanning the again wall.
The area options a big walk-in rain bathe, with flooring and partitions stone-clad. Each the bathe and bathroom are enclosed with frosted glass, whereas to the fitting is a freestanding outsized bathtub.
Positioned close to the kitchen is a secondary full lavatory. Though small, the lavatory options the identical smooth design, and even has its personal bathe, rest room and self-importance with a single sink.
The ocean views from the Loft Suite are fairly spectacular, and you may get pleasure from them from the consolation of both the lounge chairs or the outside eating desk.
I’d argue that the views are literally superior up right here in comparison with the ground-level non-public pool deck over at Josh’s villa. 😉
Certainly, whereas the higher-tier Non-public Pool Suite has an even bigger sq. footage and the attraction of the plunge pool, the Loft Suite is actually no slouch both, combining trendy and splendid interiors with unimaginable views of the Aegean Sea.
The Bodrum EDITION – Breakfast
First issues first: as per the principles of the Marriott Bonvoy program, the EDITION model just isn’t obligated to supply free breakfast as an elite profit.
The Bodrum EDITION had lengthy been recognized for providing free breakfast. I’m a bit unclear whether or not this was a characteristic of the room charge, or an unofficial elite profit.
Nevertheless, as of 2022, the lodge is now not providing free breakfast on award bookings, whether or not or not you’ve elite standing. Breakfast remains to be included for all visitors who pay money.
Visiting early within the season, I used to be in a position to politely however persistently sweet-talk the entrance desk into honouring the profit that I anticipated on the time I made the reserving. Going ahead, although, if in case you have a keep booked on factors, I might not count on free breakfast.
That being mentioned, you completely don’t need to skip breakfast simply because it isn’t included in your room charge. It would simply be the perfect breakfast expertise 25 euros should buy.
Breakfast begins together with your arrival up the terraced stairs to the outside restaurant.
There’s a big indoor room, however travelling in off-season, there was ample area open air for everybody.
The patio is about into the slope, a number of ranges up from the ocean. There’s a mixture of sunny and shaded seating appropriate for giant and small teams. The atmosphere is distinctly Mediterranean, with a clear, elegant aesthetic, and picture-perfect vistas of the bay.
The meal begins with a 12-course conventional Turkish mezze unfold. Sure, you learn that proper – it begins with 12 programs.
I sampled a number of appetizers day by day, earlier than closing out my stick with the complete menu as soon as Ricky arrived to help my gluttony.
On my first day, considered one of my servers proactively recommended a number of secure choices: baked items, a cheese plate, recent fruit, and olives. He was additionally very cautious to examine for allergy symptoms, and had the cheese plate ready for me with out walnuts.
As soon as I’d settled in, I continued to discover the complete menu. I gained’t go into element on the entire smorgasbord, however suffice to say each dish was incredible. Among the many highlights, I notably loved kaymak (clotted cream) dipped in honeycomb, and lor cheese (curds) served each candy and savoury.
Then there are the mains. Because the appetizers are the place the breakfast expertise shines, the principle parts are on the small facet. Fortunately you may order as a lot as you need – Ricky and I usually acquired two every.
Over the course of my keep I attempted just about the whole menu. I can’t consider any weak factors, save maybe the Egg Benedicts, which wasn’t dangerous per se, simply boring for a dish that’s usually thought to be a standout. However I’d say that’s extra a testomony to the power of the remainder of the menu.
My favorite was with out query the menemen, a Turkish skillet primarily consisting of scrambled eggs and tomato. At my server’s suggestion on the primary day, I added cheese and sucuk (Turkish sausage), a modification with took an excellent dish to the following degree.
The pistachio pancakes have been one other spotlight, delivered sitting in simply the correct amount of maple syrup.
There’s a wide variety of drinks, together with Turkish and Western espresso types, Turkish and different tea, and recent juices. I attempted a superb combine earlier than settling right into a routine of tasty Turkish traditions.
The menu additionally options 4 wholesome juice blends and 4 non-alcoholic wake-up pictures; branded with the basic Earth, Air, Hearth, and Water names.
I sampled all of them throughout my keep, with a desire for the melon-based Air juice and ginger-forward Earth shot. The kefir-based Air shot was additionally a refreshing shock.
Lastly, most days there’s a station within the nook for recent gözleme (stuffed flatbread). I didn’t even discover it till my final day, at which level I used to be past stuffed, however loved one remaining style of Turkish breakfast.
Service was stellar, with the employees working as a workforce to satisfy our each want. I acquired to know a number of of them over the course of my keep. There was a little bit of variance with their confidence (however not capability) to talk English, and a transparent A-team over the weekend, however the calibre of Turkish hospitality by no means wavered.
Breakfast is served from 8am to 12pm – lazy resort hours. I’d suggest displaying up by 11am, so that you’ll have time to leisurely benefit from the feast and wash it down with some Turkish drinks.
Surely, The Bodrum EDITION serves the perfect lodge breakfast I’ve ever had, to not point out one of many extra distinctive menus I’ve loved. On daily basis I discovered it onerous to haul myself away from my perch overlooking the Mediterranean. I may fortunately eat this breakfast ceaselessly.
The Bodrum EDITION – Eating
The lodge’s “fundamental” restaurant the place breakfast is served is named Kitchen. For dinner, the area switches to a Turkish menu.
You’ll be able to entry Kitchen by elevator, with a cool artwork gallery within the hallway.
Slightly below, you’ll discover Brava, open for dinner with a Latin American menu. Brava was not but working for the season after I visited.
Down a number of flights of cliffside stairs, you’ll come to Morena, the beach-level eats and drinks area unfold throughout three terraces, with diverse bar and restaurant seating.
Ricky and I attempted the lahmacun (Turkish pizza) and fish tacos for lunch, each strong selections.
At night time, Morena transforms into Inari, an intensive pop-up Japanese menu. I used to be a giant fan of the toro truffle roll and the black tiger shrimp tempura, each really helpful to me by my server.
Truthful warning: meals and drinks on the resort aren’t low cost. That being mentioned, for the dishes I ordered, the standard was incredible. I did a mixture of on-property advantageous eating and in-town Turkish fare, which I feel was an affordable technique to stability my price range, my culinary expertise, and my distribution of time on and off the property.
In-room eating can be obtainable 24 hours a day.
The Bodrum EDITION – Pool & Seaside
Connected to the beachside bar degree of Morena, there’s a seaside membership. The area encompasses the sandy seaside, plus an adjoining picket deck partially encircling the bar, each stuffed with lounge chairs.
By way of the late afternoon and night, a DJ was taking part in tasteful digital tunes, creating a pleasing vibe that was applicable for the scale and vitality degree of the skinny crowds.
You’ll be able to lease gear for a number of motorized and non-motorized watersports, however these appeared to be a bit stripped-down with vacationer season not but in full swing.
The pool is on the deck simply above the seaside, overlooking the ocean. It’s appropriate for swimming or frolicking, and has a seamless “infinity” transition on its horizon.
The pool and seaside areas are neatly organized with the cream-coloured recliner chairs and umbrellas. Across the pool, there are additionally hammocks.
The poolside deck is serviced by Morena, do you have to want to take pleasure in any meals or drinks.
There are non-public cabanas across the pool, and personal overwater cabanas on the dock. Cabanas all through the property are by paid rental solely, whereas the opposite seating is free to make use of for lodge visitors.
The Bodrum EDITION – Different Services
At sea degree, constructed into the cliff behind the seaside and beneath the pool, you’ll discover the doorway to the fitness center. The ability comprises a superb mixture of free weights, power machines, and cardio machines. There’s a private coach on responsibility always.
The fitness center additionally has a bouldering wall, a really distinctive characteristic.
A pair ranges up, you’ll discover the spa. There are entrances open air (by the breakfast restaurant) and indoors (by the elevator), each a bit hidden till you search them out.
This cavernous facility can be tucked underground. The spa foyer is grand and serene, with mild music and a rest area for earlier than or after your remedy.
The spa provides an intensive menu of remedies, together with acquainted and conventional Turkish choices.
Lastly, the property options a few different odds and ends. On one of many grassy terraces, there’s a ping-pong desk.
Adjoining to Morena, there’s a purchasing space referred to as Caravana, showcasing native crafts and luxurious items.
You may as well guide non-public occasions at The Bodrum EDITION. There are giant banquet and assembly rooms on the excessive terrace on the foyer degree. As I used to be testing, the employees have been remodeling Morena right into a themed get together for what I ascertained was a marriage reception.
Conclusion
The Bodrum EDITION is an exceptional property in an beautiful location, with top-notch services and unbeatable service.
I’m extremely grateful for the chance to guide this candy spot utilizing Marriott Bonvoy factors. Sooner or later, because the Bonvoy program shifts to dynamic pricing, I believe this somewhat-hidden gem shall be ripe for an additional important devaluation.
Particularly with the free breakfast profit being restricted to money bookings, I feel it could be value eyeing a money reserving right here, if the worth is correct. Even when the outsized worth dries up, the aspirational expertise at The Bodrum EDITION is right here to remain.
I might additionally encourage you to control shoulder season, when charges shall be extra cheap, suite availability shall be extra plentiful, and the climate and crowds shall be completely appropriate with out getting out of hand.
I deeply loved indulging in a nook of the Turkish coast that’s maybe less-known and less-developed, however no much less divine, than its European counterparts, with an incognito fame to match. Make no mistake, although – despite Turkey’s relative affordability total, the on-property costs at The Bodrum EDITION are in step with the excessive customary supplied.
Nonetheless, there’s one thing that simply hits completely different in regards to the Mediterranean way of life, cleaning on a routine of lengthy sunny days, non-public steam rooms, and extra sorts of olives and cheese than you knew existed. For the standard and value level of the Turkish expertise, I may get used to this!
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