Bodrum Is the Crown Jewel of Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Ruins Luxury Hotel Makes It Easy to See Why.

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When I was trapped inside an Easy Jet flight for three hours on the runway, waiting to take off to get to Bodrum, Türkiye because the young pilot was “too nervous” to take off, I first asked myself if I would ever leave the plane, I then wondered if I would ever digest the “tomato toastie” that had been forced onto my lap, and I mostly asked the universe (loudly) if this was a sign that I shouldn’t go to Bodrum (I care about signs!).

My very present seat partner turned to me, offering both a KitKat and words of encouragement: “Trust me. Once you get there, you’re going to understand why most of us on this plane keep going back for more.” I took both the KitKat and her wisdom.

Eventually, the plane took off, and I found myself at Ruins Bodrum—one of the region's most luxurious hotels right on the water, in the town of Yalıkavak. For two nights, I experienced some of the best food I’ve had in a decade (no exaggeration), crystal clear water made for the big screen, and access to the number one best bar in Europe.

I’m going to tell you everything, but first know that since my 48-hour trip, I’ve officially created a new personality that consists of only evil eye jewelry, a tan obsession, and a fixation on dolmas and dips.

The St. Tropez of Türkiye

For over a year, I’ve heard people talking about the Turkish Riviera—also labeled “The Turquoise Coast”—as the ultimate coastal destination spanning 600 miles of coastline. While the whole of the southwestern coastal region stretches across both the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, Bodrum itself is anchored on the Aegean side (which is shared between Greece and Turkey).

As one of Türkiye's most famous seaside destinations, Bodrum manages to blend the old and new for a truly unique experience. It combines ancient history (like being home to the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), beautiful beaches, sailing culture, nightlife that rivals that of Mykonos and Miami, luxury resorts, and notable cuisine that has put it on the map as the St. Tropez of Türkiye (I’m going super auth with the spelling of Türkiye).

Bodrum has also become the ultimate escape for Europeans chasing consistent, reliable weather (sun) in the shoulder seasons between May and June and September and October—just four hours from London.

Repairing at Ruins

When I first arrived at Ruins Bodrum, late in the evening, I had no idea where I was or what I was looking at…which made waking up the next morning all the more surprising in the best way possible.

The entire sun-lit property essentially sits on a hill leading down to the sea, but to say it sits on a hill feels unjust because it basically is the hill. All 110 rooms (which can vary between $250 to $700 per night, depending on the season) are nestled into the coastline, taking guests on a cascading descent through all of the different amenities Ruins has to offer as they make their way towards the water. It honestly feels like something straight out of a movie.

This is no accident. Owner Nurce Erben has carefully curated and constructed Ruins for a brand new era—one of refinement and hospitality on a holistic level. Having just reopened this past May, Ruins is amplifying contemporary luxury, innovative gastronomy, and sensory-driven accommodation, all within a serene oasis (did I mention it was adults only?). Erben said, “We envisioned Ruins as more than a hotel; it is a luxury social club where history, design and the natural rhythm of the Aegean come together to create an immersive experience.”

Things Worth Mentioning

There’s a lot happening at Ruins, which is amazing because it means you don’t have to leave, and—as a writer—challenging because there is no way to possibly encapsulate it all. So, in the pursuit of consolidation and brevity, here are the most stand-out “goings-on” that set Ruins apart from the rest.

Gastronomy

There is no other comedown like the one that involves going from eating some of the best, freshest, most creative cuisine in your life, to being back in your own kitchen, where there are no surprises and zero desire to photograph your pan-seared salmon for the memories.

The culinary program at Ruins Bodrum is a competitive one, stemming from a true ability to capture the spirit and flavor of the region through the eyes of expert-level talent.

The main event, Miraj, is first and foremost, a visual treat, serving as a focal point of the property. Led by Michelin-starred chef Atilla Heilbronn, Miraj’s menu is all about seasonality, sourcing, authenticity, and history. Everything is locally sourced, involving producers and fishermen from the region, and let me tell you, the difference in taste was extremely noticeable.  

While Miraj was the go-to for breakfast and dinner, Ruins Seaside offers a more casual, but still incredibly fresh, tasty, and tasteful experience along the Aegean. 

Night Life

Being from LA, the words “night life” as it relates to a hotel is somewhat of a “trigger” for me (pictures The Standard in 2017 and immediately shudders). However, Ruins has somehow managed to create a bar that is both world-renowned and a f*cking good time without compromising the luxury and refinement of the hotel.

This season marks the return of Sips Bodrum, which is an exclusive partnership and seasonal residency with the internationally celebrated cocktail pioneers Sips Drinkery House of Barcelona. Bartenders Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez have poured out a cocktail program so good that Sips has earned its place within the World’s 50 Best Bars (number one in Europe and number three in the world). 

The rooftop setting adds a whole other dimension to the experience, and—when there’s a DJ present—all bets are off (but the vibe is on, if you know what I mean).

Modern-Day Wellness

Lying on the beach all day and eating food that is out of this world can be very stressful and hard on the body. The only way to cope? A beautiful spa in the Turkish Riviera…naturally.

RU Spa really seals the deal of luxury for the holistic Ruins experience. In between tanning sessions at the private beach, one can get different treatments like high-end facials, deep tissue massage, and lymphatic drainage as well as access to a traditional sauna and hammam. 

This summer, Ruins is also taking its wellness outdoors with ACRÉ Padel, which is Yalıkavak’s premier sports club, popping up at Ruins so guests can have exclusive access to the court. I still don’t really know the difference between padel and pickleball, but I hear it’s fun and hard!

Two Days on the Turquoise Coast

Even though 48 hours isn’t enough time anywhere (especially a place you want to spend more time in), my two days in Bodrum allowed me to get the most out of Ruins while also being able to get a (literal) taste of the city itself.

Day 1: Sips & Sea

Morning 

Went to Miraj for an iconic Turkish spread. I want to call it a buffet, but that feels wrong. In front of me was every Mediterranean delicacy imaginable—Turkish black coffee, fresh heirloom tomatoes, every kind of olive in existence, dips and spreads, a diverse selection of bread rolls, and local cheeses. Then, headed to outdoor yoga on a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea.

Afternoon

After some minor (major) sunbathing at the exclusive beach club and an insanely delicious lunch at Ruins Seaside, I ended up on a boat anchored in the Aegean within eyeshot of the hotel. As I jumped into the completely clear turquoise water, I said, “I’m so happy I’m so happy I’m so happy” as I spun in circles in rapid succession.  

Evening

I was lucky enough to visit Ruins the week they were hosting a culinary event with Gault&Millau, one of the world's most prestigious and influential international gastronomy guides. The robust multi-course menu was crafted by the Miraj team with the help of some of the top chefs in Europe in a setting that was nicer than any wedding I will ever have (*crosses fingers I ever have a wedding at all!*).

After Hours

I made my way to Sips’ rooftop for a DJ-driven cocktail hour that had me Shazam’ing (both successfully and unsuccessfully) straight through the night, with a full view of Bodrum.

Day 2: Seeing My Way Out (on the Town)

Morning

Did my breakfast dance amongst the morning’s luxurious spread, followed by a deep tissue massage at RU Spa. I actually don’t remember much because I think I left my body, but I do remember decompressing in the sauna afterwards (until I realized I had to get back to my tanning practice).

Afternoon

Headed offsite to Scorpios for lunch, which was a super exclusive experience combining all that is vibe, nutso-level food, amazing music, and a high-end beach club. I found myself, once again, in the blue sea, swimming towards the abyss, asking myself why any of us have to work!

Evening

In the spirit of exploring Bodrum, I set off on an adventure through the mountains, just 30 minutes from the sea to a very romantic, outdoor dinner at Senato. The food was inventive, locally sourced, and some of the best meat I’ve maybe ever had? Nothing was what I would have imagined Turkish food to be, but it was absolutely unbelievable.

I’ll Be Back in Bodrum

So on the topic of signs, upon landing back home, I took a walk to decompress from all of my tanning and luxury and promptly came upon a chipped glass evil eye from Anatalya, which—not sure if you know (I didn’t)—is also a part of the the Turkish Riviera. I took that as a clear message from the universe that even though I only spent two days in Bodrum, my trip was purposeful—maybe even karma from a past life. 

Ruins Bodrum is the perfect landing spot for anyone looking for a rich experience in a place that you’re going to hear more and more about as the days (minutes!) pass. I’ll be back, Bodrum! Just you wait and see!!

In My Bodrum Bag

Here are my expeditious essentials for my time in Türkiye.