DISCOVER THE VIBRANT COLORS OF
Bodrum
The Pearl of the Aegean region.
Exclusive Resort
Due to the mild climate with low air humidity, developed infrastructure and high level of services, Bodrum is the most exclusive destination of Turkey where local culture and luxury meets. Spektr Boutique Hotel Yalıkavak is located in the northwestern part of the Bodrum Peninsula in Yalıkavak, which is considered the most prestigious and fastest-growing area with expensive yachts, high-end restaurants and clubs, regularly hosting international and local celebrities. With the perfect combination of scenic landscapes, healthy climate and exciting nightlife, Yalıkavak is the perfect hotspot for an exclusive holiday experience. The rooms of our hotel and restaurant offer a stunning panoramic view of the Yalıkavak bay and the world famous Yalıkavak Marina, which is just a 20-minute stroll away from the hotel.
Climate
Bodrum's climate, compared to other regions of Turkey, is moderate and pleasant due to the influence of the Aegean Sea, which is cooler than the Mediterranean Sea and keeping humidity levels lower. September and October are considered the "velvet season", which is a great opportunity for holidays thanks to the perfect combination of the water and air temperature. Bodrum has over 330 sunny days a year. The summer season is defined as moderate in June and hot in July and August with temperatures rising up to an average of 32°C and the sea reaching solid 25°C. The coldest months are January and February with an average day temperature of about 13°C. This period is also considered the rainy season with somewhat frequent storms and strong winds from the north, however, lasting no longer than a day or two.
Culture & History
Bodrum originates from ancient Halicarnassus, the capital of the ancient state of Caria. Once upon a time, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus towered majestically here — one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The famous medieval fortress in Bodrum City, Castle of St. Peter, was built from the stones of this mausoleum. Bodrum is not only an elite resort but also a place for art and creativity with more than twenty modern art galleries and numerous traditional crafts workshops. Bodrum offers a wide selection of paintings, ceramics, colored glass, handmade carpets, lamps made from natural materials and a variety of local decorations to be explored. It regularly hosts gastronomic festivals, music competitions, an international jazz festival and a ballet festival.
Attractions & Sights
The main attraction of Bodrum is the 16-th century Castle of St. Peter, dividing the central bay of Bodrum into two parts. Modern buildings, hotels and nightclubs are mainly located in the western part. The east is more traditional with its old town, old-fashioned Turkish buildings, restaurants and bars. Here you will find the famous bar street, souvenir and textile shops. The Castle of St. Peter houses the Museum of Underwater Archeology. Only here you can see the gold seal of Nefertiti, the remains of the oldest shipwreck found in the world, a collection of amphorae and authentic antiques. Bodrum is home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world — the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, also known as the tomb of Mausolus. The ancient amphitheater and Myndos Gate are worth a visit as well. Besides that, in the city and nearest vicinity there are sights of world importance, many of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Local Cuisine
In Bodrum you will find numerous restaurants serving local, regional and international cuisines. Their main feature is fresh local produce, since Bodrum and its vicinity has always been a very important agricultural region, specializing in organic farming. Each restaurant has its own signature “mezze” (traditional Turkish starter) made of vegetables, fish or meat. The two traditional Turkish style cuisines are “raki & fish” for fresh seafood dishes and “meat grill” for charcoal grilled meats. Besides restaurants, you can also experience local cafes that will serve you homemade pastries and the famous future-telling Turkish coffee. Make sure not to miss out on Yalıkavak's popular and colorful farmer's market every Tuesday and Thursday, where locals gather to shop for fresh seasonal products.
Beaches & Leisure
The Bodrum peninsula is called the pearl of the Aegean coast. The clarity and purity of the sea water with open sea areas in picturesque bays have been repeatedly awarded the international Blue Flag. Bodrum has a large selection of private beaches as well as popular beach clubs, offering excellent service. Tourists can enjoy rides on motor and sailing yachts, offering a variety of cruise programs. For lovers of outdoor activities, there is a wide selection of healthy sports activities. such as diving, windsurfing, golf, just to name a few.
Shopping
Shopping is a pleasant addition to a vacation on the peninsula. Noteworthy are boutique shops of the world's best brands in marinas, weekly markets and city shopping centers. As souvenirs, pay attention to pumpkin lamps and handmade carpets, paintings, ceramics and natural sponges. Among the local products, local olive oil, baklava or Turkish delight with the natural aroma of local citrus fruits, are excellent purchases.
Nightlife
Besides a wide selection of restaurants and bars, you also have an interesting range of nightlife locations varying from posh to themed but all with amazing programs until the morning. An undoubted advantage of Bodrum nightlife is its diversity from exclusive night clubs, live music venues to small local discos and bars. You definitely have the opportunity to find your personal entertainment interests and the right level of activity for your individual musical taste and suitable price level.
Maritime Bodrum
Bodrum is known as the maritime tourism center in the Aegean and Mediterranean area due to its incredible water freshness and favorable weather conditions. Three world-famous marinas are located on the south coast (Milta Marina), west coast (D-Marin) and north coast (Yalıkavak Marina) of the peninsula. You will frequently see giant cruise ships, staying in Bodrum for a couple of days, as well as exclusive private mega yachts with world famous celebrities aboard. Bodrum is especially famous for its traditional wooden boats called Gulets that are built only in this region by family-owned shipyards. The Gulets are very popular amongst charter companies and are usually used for the famous blue cruises. Taking a trip or cruise on a gullet, you will also be accompanied by a captain and a chef so you don’t have to worry about setting sails, mooring or preparing dinners.
Excursions
Bodrum offers a wide variety of sightseeing tours. You can explore its historical, ecological or gastronomic side by easily booking a private or group tour. You can follow the ancient Caria trail around Lake Bafa National Nature Reserve, or visit the authentic carpet-weaving village of Mumjular. Food tours include visits to vineyards and local wineries, homemade cheese and olive oil producers. Within one day, you have the opportunity to visit two wonders of the ancient world at once — the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. Pamukkale is one of the most visited tourist sites in Turkey. There are several Greek islands in the immediate vicinity, including Kos, Kalymnos, Patmos and Rhodes.
Spektr Boutique Hotel Yalıkavak, a peaceful and private retreat in the hills of Yalıkavak with one of the best panoramic views of the idyllic bay, offering luxurious comfort with modern design and high-class infrastructure embedded in Bodrum's unique Mediterranean nature.