Name: Amanruya
Address: Demir Mevkii, Bodrum/Muğla, 48483, Turkey

Amanruya

Bodrum, Turkey

Amanruya

Bodrum, Turkey

About the hotel

Style

Retreat

Rooms

"Set in a sheltered cove overlooking the Aegean Sea, Amanruya resembles a traditional Ottoman village with Mediterranean flair: expect tranquil cottages, lush grounds and an enchanting three-story library."

Amanruya stands on the Bodrum Peninsula, in a sheltered cove and on a rugged coastline overlooking a private beach with far-reaching views over the true-blue Aegean Sea. The name of the hotel, Amanruya, takes Aman from Sanskrit meaning peace and ruya, dream, in Turkish. And it is just that.

Built by known Turkish architects Emine and Mehmet Ögün, the brief for the creation of Amanruya included that it was to have as little impact on the environment as possible. A traditional Ottoman village with a Mediterranean twist, the cottages, or pavilions as they’re called, are barely visible from the sea, and there is a good sense of space and tranquillity all around. Hand-laid cakil pebble-work defines the lavender-edged pathways and flower-scented gardens, while high mahogany ceilings and beams pay homage to the pre-Ottoman Seljuk architecture.

The main buildings are all separate, and there are more pavilions scattered here and there with a lounge for afternoon tea or early evening drinks overlooking the resort’s infinity-edge pool. There are 36 pavilions – suites, really – of varying sizes with varying views. If you can get one with a full-on sea view, so much the better. Each has a private outdoor area with a pergola, daybed and pool, and within the rooms are four-poster beds, fireplaces and Nespresso machines. Your comfort is paramount: even the bathroom floors are heated, something you never knew you were missing until you experience it, whatever the weather.

When it comes to dining, there’s a wine cellar, a poolside dining pavilion and a BBQ Terrace with lavish Turkish buffets. From tempura to hand-rolled sushi to fresh caviar, Sushi by Amanruya invites guests to enjoy a diverse selection of Japanese cuisine in a chic dining room or out on the terrace. You’ll also find a sophisticated lounge where you can enjoy a classic afternoon tea service or sip evening cocktails.

The pebble beach is about a 15-minute walk away (or a buggy ride, if you’re relaxing) where free watersports are available, and the beach club bar has some delicious fare which always tastes better with a cocktail that’s served with a smile. Sailing excursions including romantic island picnics, and fishing expeditions with local fishermen are available for those who want to see the sparkling Aegean Sea from a different perspective. There’s a nice spa, a glittering outdoor pool and a gym with an outdoor yoga studio.