In pictures: Introducing LUX* Bodrum

LUX* Bodrum is a spellbinding new addition to Turkey’s Aegean Riviera and the first LUX* resort in mainland Europe. From this season, 88 contemporary rooms and residences of this laidback but luxurious retreat will allow guests to discover an intoxicating cocktail of beauty, culture and history that is the Bodrum Peninsula.

A welcoming warmth and a lighter, brighter philosophy are the hallmarks of this easygoing island-life LUX* experience. Here on Turkey’s southwestern shores, the sea is the headline act. Pine-clad hills, rugged coves and sparkling azure Aegean waters – LUX* Bodrum has been designed to ensure that guests are greeted by ocean panoramas at every turn. Clean lines, light and modern, the award-winning architecture of the resort sits in harmony with the setting, each building carefully positioned to the make themost of the natural topography.

At LUX* Bodrum, guests stay within nature, not beside it. LUX* Bodrum offers travellers more than just an idyllic locationin which to unwind. Wellbeing and beauty are promised by the state-of-the-art LUX* Me Spa, there’s an Italian-accented Mediterranean restaurant, a PLAY kids’ club, and DJ-soundtracked late nights by the shore in Beach Rouge, LUX* Bodrum ticks every box for everyone – before they’ve even stepped outside the resort.

Rooms and residences

Contemporary design meets friendly, five-star service in the resort’s 69 luxurious rooms and 19 extensive residences, all sustainably constructed from locally sourced materials.

In the heart of the resort, the rooms are decorated in soothing neutrals, with wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling windows that ensure the ocean vista is always in view. 180-degree Aegean panoramas come as standard. To enjoy it unfiltered, step onto a terrace with private dining area – sunloungers are as perfect for snoozy daytime sunbathing as sunset cocktails. Custom-designed furnishings include bespoke Sleep Tight beds, a signature for LUX* resorts. State-of-the-art tech touches are seamlessly integrated, including HD plasma TVs, free high-speed W-iFi and 24-hour in-room dining at the tap of a button, courtesy of the LUX* Valet app on your room’s iPad.

Families, groups and those seeking serious living space have elegant three- to four-bedroom residences – eight of which have a private pool. Designed to balance practicality and modern style, each includes a spacious living area, kitchenette, light-flooded bathroom with walk-in shower and twin vanities, and a private balcony or

terrace. There are no restricted views at LUX* Bodrum; thanks to a sinuous sweep of floor-to-ceiling glass in the living spaces of every residence, a spectacular sea view floods in at every turn.

Location, location

Dubbed Turkey’s answer to St Tropez, Bodrum Peninsula is a place where beautiful people bask on soft sands, where bright young jetsetters berth their yachts here all summer, and the vibrant nightlife lasts into the early hours. The marina is always lively with luxury shoppers, the barely-populated beaches are beloved by supermodels, and the Aegean Sea is a playground for jet-skiers, waterskiiers, parasailers and windsurfers.

Beyond the bright lights of the bars, shops and restaurants, Bodrum has a quieter, more contemplative side rich in health-enhancing fresh air and natural allure. Pine-forest cliffs inspire camera-wielding rambles; hidden beaches and secret coves beg to be explored by traditional gulet boats; and Lake Tuzla, temporary home to the thousands of migratory birds that flock here like summertime holidaymakers, lures wildlife lovers – flamingoes gathering on the glassy surface is a sight to behold.