Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum

A 30-minute drive northwest from Bodrum (15 minutes east of Türkbüku), overlooking Paradise Bay, sits the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, the Turkish Riviera’s most polished, family-friendly resort. With sweeping vistas of the coast and the Aegean’s crystal-clear turquoise waters from almost every part of the property, the resort has a chic yet relaxed vibe that celebrates its setting. The architecture is minimalist, with teak floors and soft muted tones, but local design elements and materials are wonderfully incorporated into the 132 rooms—including 12 villas, 36 apartments and 25 suites, all of which have private pools and gardens. Most of the rooms come with sea views and are extremely spacious, even at the entry level, with an open-concept floor plan that flows into large sundecks. The Blue Beach Club & Bar as well as the dining scene bring a dash of energy—this is where stylish Turks come to unwind—and guests can often spot visitors traveling along the coast by private boat stopping in for a meal here.

• The expansive facilities, including two private beaches, 10 restaurants, a large gym and 30,000-square-foot spa and a kids’ club
• The freestanding Chanel boutique (there are only three freestanding stores in the world)
• The private cabanas for lounging, reading and gazing at the views

Overlooking Paradise Bay, a 15-minute drive east of Türkbüku, sits the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, the region's most luxurious and sophisticated family-friendly resort. With sweeping vistas of the coast and the Aegean's crystal-clear turquoise waters from almost every part of the hotel, the Mandarin has a chic yet relaxed vibe that celebrates its setting. While the overall feel and décor of the hotel and its environs is classic Mandarin—minimalist architecture, teak floors and soft muted tones—the property manages to incorporate many local materials such as stacks of stone and quarried rock. The landscape features indigenous trees and plants and napping on one of the outdoor beds set amongst the olive groves is a favorite afternoon activity.

The hotel has 132 rooms including 36 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and 25 suites which all have private pools and gardens. Almost all of the guest rooms have sea views and all are extremely spacious (entry-level accommodations start at over 740 square feet). Framed by walls of glass, the rooms have open architecture with wide-plank hardwood floors that flow onto large sun-decks, terraces and balconies. Interiors mix a modern—but not overly trendy—décor with local handmade Turkish rugs, woven leather headboards and well-planned valet closets complete with Nespresso coffee makers. Bathrooms are outfitted with large rain showers, separate oversized bathtubs and Aqua di Parma toiletries.

There are two private beaches, a beach club and an infinity pool on property and guests have no shortage of dining choices. There is a large, well-equipped gym featuring state-of-the-art equipment and a 30,000-square-foot spa with a private couples suite. For families with little ones, there is a kids' club and children's party room complete with miniature tables and chairs.

Of the Mandarin Oriental's 10 restaurants, favorites include the Japanese Kurochan, Turkish Bodrum Balikcisi and Italian Assaggio, as well as several beach restaurants. Cocktail lounge M2 hosts celebrity DJs throughout the season and is where stylish Turks on vacation come to unwind. Visitors traveling along the coast by private launch regularly dock at the resort and come in for a meal.

Couples who appreciate heightened luxury and families with well-behaved kids looking for a sleek vacation spot with some allowances made for children.

— Gina Paoloni