Inside the Mandarin Oriental’s new summer lineup: sushi, salami, and serious seaside vibes.
This summer, we checked into Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum. And let’s just say, we didn’t want to leave.
Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum isn’t just a hotel, it’s a whole universe carved into the cliffs of Paradise Bay. Think: 60 hectares of pure Mediterranean bliss. We were there for a full experience, aka, the dream. The Mandarin knows how to host: it’s luxurious without trying too hard, and generous in a way that feels real. By the time we sat down for dinner, we already knew this trip would be one to remember.
A Town Called Paradise
Let’s be real: Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum isn’t a hotel, it’s a town. One with private beaches, designer shops (Chanel, Dior, Audemars Piguet, Cartier…), 14 restaurants, and staff who remember your name and your favorite drink by end of day one. There are buggies on call to take you from the spa to the beach in a heartbeat, and every path winds through wild gardens, olive trees, and postcard views of the Aegean. We had that perfect kind of summer weather. Warm enough to swim all day, breezy enough to stay flawless doing it. The water? Ice-clear and fresh in a way that makes you gasp when you first dive in.
Our mornings started with Alo Yoga in the garden, with the sea glittering in the distance. After that, we glowed our way through face yoga with Augustinus Bader, and by lunch we were back to being pampered poolside. One of our favorite moments? A private Golden Goose workshop where we designed our own sneakers from scratch: Paint, studs, handwritten notes—nothing was off-limits. It was personal, playful, and oh-so-KHAMSA. That’s kind of how everything at the Mandarin feels: whatever you want, they’ve already thought of it, and made it even better!
ROKA: Sea, Sushi & Sun
Then came ROKA, the Japanese robatayaki dream that landed at the resort this summer. Tucked into the hills with a direct view of the Aegean, it’s where we watched the sky turn to lava (the good kind) over dinner. The vibe? Sophisticated but never stiff. A live DJ curated a sunset soundtrack, while the chefs worked the open-air robata grill like a performance art piece.
The food was fresh, clean, and gorgeously plated, think raw yellowtail with yuzu, grilled eggplant that melts on the tongue, and the perfect sake pairings to bring it all together. The tasting menu took us on a bold refined journey, and perfectly timed. With music humming, glasses clinking, and the last light catching on the sea, it was one of those nights that felt like summer.
Gigi’s Got the Juice
And finally, there was Gigi Rigolatto, the Italian beauty that turned our last night into a full-on fantasy. Set right on the beach, with French music humming in the background, Gigi serves seaside glamour with a splash of bohemian spirit. Before dinner, we hopped on a boat for a sunset tour around Paradise Bay—one of those golden-hour moments that makes everything feel still. Then we came back to candlelit tables, clinking glasses, and a Mediterranean set menu that felt like vacation on a plate.
The view? Unmatched. The mood? Easy and elevated. Between bites of Vitello Tonnato, grilled fish, and the crispiest focaccia, it was hard not to fall in love with the whole setup. And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, the Gelato al Pistacchio arrived, drizzled with olive oil and topped with caramelized pistachios. One bite and we knew: this wasn’t just a dinner, it was a moment.
This wasn’t just a hotel stay, it was a full experience, packed with taste and style. Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum manages to feel both endless and intimate. It’s a place where every detail is considered, every meal feels special, and every moment is a photo waiting to happen. Sushi nights, gelato by the sea, sneakers made by you—it’s all here.
If you’re going to escape this summer, this is how you do it. We did. And we’re still not over it.
