In short… A low-key resort on the southeast Aegean coast at Amanruya, with beautiful stone villas and a sexy beach club.
The vibe… Located about 20 minutes north of busy Bodrum, the 123-acre village-like Amanruya feels quite rural, surrounded by pine forests on the hills above and olive trees throughout. Originally a vacation village dream of the late Turkish architect Turgut Cansever, it was built in the early ‘90s. Besides his use of all local materials and craftsmen on the project, he was fixated on being environmentally responsible–saving as many trees as possible during the construction (which adds to the sensation that it’s always been there), largely eliminating cars (they’ll send a golf cart for you if you need–but it’s so nice to walk everywhere!). While the beachfront is lovely, many guests lounge around their pavilion/pool all day and only head to the beach for lunch).
The rooms… Guests stay in their own stone villa—each with a private garden and pool—with significant space in between the 35 pavilions. Interiors are a modern take on Turkish grandeur–dark woodwork, four-poster beds, and locally sourced marble floors. The pool areas have beautiful bed loungers with very photogenic breezy curtains, and are enclosed by a stone wall, with wildflower meadows and olive groves just outside.
The food and drink… The Turkish restaurant is incredible—a breakfast spread I still dream about. The Japanese restaurant is outstanding. We also loved the food at the beach club—incredible flatbreads.
Be sure to… Check out their gift shop, which has an incredible edit from local artisans.
Date of stay… May 2022
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