Marriott International's Edition brand is further expanding its global portfolio with the opening of a new hotel in Bodrum, Turkey.

A visionary concept of hotelier Ian Schrager, The Bodrum Edition is a natural Amphitheatre acting as a venue for 21st-century recreation, socialising, and networking with an unparalleled vista overlooking the azure waters of the Turkish Riviera

Once an ancient city known as Halicarnassus of Caria, Bodrum was famous as the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, on the West side of the peninsula, in Yalıkavak Marina, The Bodrum Edition is tucked into a wind-sheltered cove, bringing with it a new wonder to the modern incarnation of the historic region.

Set within 22,000-sq-m (72,200-sq -ft), the property highlights a balance of contrasts, drawing inspiration from local influences and native natural resources yet infusing each space with surprising, ultra-modern twists. Native olive trees that are so significant to the Turkish landscape as well as local stone have been used throughout the resort to create a sustainable and captivating scene. The jewel in The Bodrum Edition’s crown and its most significant characteristic is the magnificent white beach, spread out below the property and leading into the irresistible turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.

The grounds begin at the highest altitude of the property, where the hotel’s open reception area, designed by Christophe Pillet, sits; its contemporary glass atrium framing the stunning view over the bay that receives guests upon arrival. Filled with a variety of comfortable seating groupings and intimate lounging areas, the lobby will embody the Edition’s next-generation spirit, a place where the lines between work and play, socialising and networking, begin to blur. The light, informal lobby bar will welcome guests to enjoy a Turkish tea or home-made lemonade on the abundantly-planted terrace whilst overlooking the striking crystalline blue coastline.

As the horseshoe-shaped grounds slope downward towards the beach and jetty with its private cabanas, the pathways and leisure areas are interspersed by the hotel’s 102 guest rooms, bungalows with private pools and sublime four-bedroom private villa with pool. Between these are the lounge bars, and cocktail areas, as well as the hotel’s two signature restaurants by the pioneering Peruvian chef Diego Munoz, formerly of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, El Bulli and Mugaritz. For the socially inclined, Discetto, the nightclub at The Bodrum Edition, will play host to local late night revelry with live music, DJs, celebrated Edition cocktail mixology and superior bar and lounge areas.

For private events and business travellers, the hotel also has over 1,200-sq-m of both indoor and outdoor meeting and event space including meeting studios, a ballroom for events, parties, and weddings. Finally, at the base of the resort lays an infinity pool which ends at the sea overlooking the magnificent curve of the peninsula.

Destined to be Bodrum’s premium gathering place for sophisticated guests, the hotel’s 100-m long beach area will play host to one of the main social hubs of the resort, with its casual-cool beach bar and club welcoming resident guests to lounge in the private cabanas as well as yacht-transported visitors from the nearby Greek islands, just a 50-minute sail away. A menu that lends itself to relaxed, al fresco dining will be on offer too with dishes celebrating the biodiversity of the local environment such as ceviche and a variety of “Pide” (flatbread) served from a traditional outdoor brick oven.

Throughout the property, specialty restaurants celebrate culinary innovation and creative design. The largest of these, Kitchen at The Bodrum Edition will deliver a Mediterranean lifestyle experience with seating up to 202 throughout the whole day. Served mezze style, the menu will be designed around health and wellness with all-day Turkish Brunch menu, urging guests to relax throughout the day and enjoy the native ritual of Kahvalti (Turkish breakfast). Meanwhile, Brava will serve up family-style dishes of Latin American cuisine inspired by Mediterranean and Asian flavours, with a menu split into crudos, sea, field, vegetable and grains, all making use of the freshest local produce that Turkey has to offer.

The Bodrum Edition also houses a unique, state-of-the-art spa facility complete with Turkish Hammam, salt treatment room, sauna, steam room and plunge pool. Fourteen tranquil treatment rooms will offer world-class treatments. The Hammam, while studiously traditional, gives a renewed style of luxury to the ancient Turkish bathing ritual with its sophisticated design vernacular.

The hotel's rooms, suites and magnificent private villa are both generous and elegant in their design, their warm wood finishes and airy fabrics exuding a relaxed, beach-house feel.

The spacious, light-filled rooms contrast stone floors against a clean, light colour palette, with each and every space enjoying ensuite marble bathrooms and terraces with an unparalleled view over the Aegean Sea. 

A private villa encompasses the Edition sophistication with its own private pool area and sauna, perfect for families and larger groups, whilst two further suites enjoy the use of private plunge pools and terraces.

Reservations are now open, bookable from June, with rates starting from €350 ($408.6) per night, including breakfast. - TradeArabia News Service