4 days in 2 seas: Beautiful Bodrum
Scorpios, castles, and jumping in the Mediterranean by way of the Aegean
In my mind, Bodrum was this elusive place on my radar as an alternate destination for the yacht-set, after St. Tropez or Capri, with party and bohemian vibes like Mykonos.
In fact, it was in Bodrum where billionaire oligarch Roman Abramovic docked his superyacht Solaris, when he was sanctioned by the EU and UK after Russia invaded Ukraine.
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I admit I was fairly ignorant about the “Turkish Riviera,” which lies on the southwestern coast of Turkey.
But after visiting, I was rejuvenated and nourished from swimming in the crystal blue waters where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, and I saw and experienced enough to know I’ll be back.
How I got there
Getting to Bodrum took a quick hour and a half flight from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) Airport in Istanbul to Milas-Bodrum (BJV) Airport.
Airfares are inexpensive (~$120 to $150 roundtrip) and are offered daily among major Turkish carriers like Turkish, AJet, and Pegasus Airlines.
Where I stayed
I booked at the Susona, an LXR property which is also an offshoot Hilton luxury brand.
For this, I also utilized some of my coveted Chase Ultimate Rewards points that I’d carefully been stockpiling away just for a special vacation like this.
I got a terrace-level room; in fact I think these are some of the best rooms because you have your own private backyard, sunbed, and chairs.
I certainly preferred this ground level room versus having to climb stairs for a balcony room for the duration of my stay.
Aside from full breakfasts, the best amenities were the gym and private jetties where you can jump straight into the sea, with endless views of the Mediterranean.
Though the Susona does have a beach club, the jetties are where all I spent my time in the water, because I can’t take the loud, incessant thumping bass which was at the beach club.
How I got around
Upon arrival at Bodrum airport there are many car rental companies like Enterprise and smaller, regional companies too.
I got around with the help of a rental car; a zippy manual speed Fiat sedan. I knew that if Bodrum was anything like Mykonos then I’d want the freedom to go to and fro as I please.
When staying at resort hotels, I generally have no interest in a White Lotus type experience where I’m sequestered at the resort and chatting up srangers.
No, I like to get out of the resort, explore, and do things, like eat at local hidden gems and also experience other beach clubs and resorts.
Where I did touristy things
Bodrum Castle (aka the Castle of St. Peters) in the city center is definitely worth it.
Layers of history are stamped on the castle in the form of crests and inscriptions dating back to Greek Hellenic days, and a quaint self-guided walking tour takes you to towers with different artifacts on display.
The northern side of the peninsula also takes you to Türkbükü, an area with shops, seafood restaurants, and some of the best ice cream in town.
Where I went off the beaten path
I was super excited to see the gorgeous new Scorpios resort in Bodrum, and actually timed my arrival to coincide with opening weekend festivities.
If you have any familiarity with what Scorpios is about, then you typically associate it with beach parties and clubs.
But there is a Bohemian hippie chic aesthetic to it—in fact there is a ritual temple onsite that offers programming like sound baths and meditative music and dance experiences.
An onsite beach club and restaurant offers Turkish fare and you can also rent sun loungers at €60 per day.
There’s only 1 word to describe this place: magical.
See you soon Bodrum!
Have you been to Bodrum? What are your summer plans? Reply and comment as I’d love to know what you’re up to.
P.S. I’m enjoying writing again
On a side note, you may have noticed in previous newsletters I’ve mentioned splitting time between Miami and my hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina.
I figured if I was spending time in my hometown, then I really wanted to rediscover the city I grew up in, which has changed so much over the past decade as a result of booming banking and insurance businesses and many transplants from all over the US.
Since adapting to post-agency life, another thing I’ve really enjoyed is putting my journalist hat back on and writing again, not just this newsletter but for other media publications as well.
Just after travel comes my love for food, and finding delicious hot spots or hidden gems wherever I am.
So it only makes sense that I’d discover my favorites in Charlotte (and upcoming in Miami, and) write about them for Eater, the food outpost for Vox Media.
Check out my Eater pieces:
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Until next time,
Shindy
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Breathtaking and fascinating!!!! I loved this! 🩷