Macakizi is the Place to Be
There’s always been the famous French Riviera and intriguing Italian Riviera calling tourists to their side. But now the Turkish Riviera is having its fifteen minutes of fame. The Turquoise Coast, as it’s called, is along the coastline in southwest Turkey. The crown jewel is Bodrum. But not just any place in Bodrum will do.
A little slice of private paradise exists on the northern edge of the Bodrum peninsula overlooking the Aegean Sea just outside the tiny town of Türkbükü. Here is a hidden, hip boutique hotel called Macakizi along with their private Villa Makakizi just a boat sprint away above “Heaven’s Bay.” Founded some 50 years ago by a Turkish mother and taken over by her son Sahir, Macakizi is still going strong. What started as a bohemian artist colony has transformed into a who’s who jet-set gathering spot. Ask any Turk what is “the best” hotel in Bodrum and the answer is always resoundingly, Macakizi of course!
The laid-back vibe, the chill music, the idyllic setting, the contemporary open-air design, the amazing amenities, gourmet Mediterranean cuisine, refreshing cocktails, the attentive, but not intrusive staff along with the cool owner and his General Manager, plus, the fabulous and famous guests, are the ingredients that make this a magical place.
Of course, there is a huge hammam, as well as an outdoor spa treatment area plus an incredible sunbathing deck, the private Macakizi yacht, cool shops, gym, and pool. The newest addition is the glassed-in, multi-tiered indoor movie room overlooking the pool. It’s perfect for watching F1 races, soccer matches or perhaps a romantic movie with the right companion in tow.
Makakizi hotel sits on a lush hill surrounded by olive trees and vibrant bougainvillea. Guests arrive to an outdoor greeting area without any big stuffy front desk. Here a VIP staff member provides their personal WhatsApp number to be at beckon call. An ace of spades-shaped keychain is handed over for entre to guests’ holiday ‘home’. Rooms and suites are housed in white vertical cottages surrounded by colorful, fragrant vegetation with balconies overlooking the water yonder.
A stone stairway leads down to the turquoise sea with everything along the way playing peek-a-book with the Aegean. The pathway leads past outdoor lounge areas, the open-kitchen, and the open-air dining room where buffet breakfasts and lunches are served. Dinner is served alfresco-style closer to the sea in a soothing atmosphere with creative dishes. The lower level is where the scenesters hold court. Here the beautiful people hang out at the big outdoor bar while a DJ plays super cool tunes setting the tone. Go a few more steps down and voila, there is the signature wooden canopied deck where Goddesses and their counterparts catch the Turkish sun.
Not a guest, not a problem. Macakizi offers day passes for their beach club. The scene starts at lunchtime, continues til sunset and then the bar rocks into the wee hours. Once inside Macakizi, guests never need to step out.
But just in case a shopping spree is on a traveler’s wish list, taxis or Macakizi private drivers can take guests to the Bodrum old town or better yet, the magnificent new Yalikavak Marina. Here, visitors can shop til they drop with choices of top designer shops like Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and more as well as dine at branded hotspots such as Zuma, Novikov, Bagatelle or Russian Sakhalin.
And then there is the amazing Villa Macakizi. Bill Gates even hosted his last birthday party here. Whether for a special celebration or a private secluded escape, Villa Macakizi caters to guests’ every desire. The mood is set to soothing music while the gastronomy is orchestrated by an award-winning chef. The private wine cellar is stocked with nothing but the best in international and Turkish wines. For recreation and relaxation, there’s the private beach, pool, gym, and spa. Each personal room has a flower or herb name, not a number. At Villa Macakizi guests truly feel like one-of-a-kind.
Macakizi is transitioning from a summer seasonal resort to a full-blown year-round destination to be enjoyed by the best of them. So winter, spring, summer or fall, Macakizi will be calling.
For those in Miami for Art Basel Week, Macakizi is doing a tent and beach pop-up that brings their Mediterranean beach vibes and featured Turkish artists to the sands of South Beach from December 1 to 4, 2022. The pop-up is called “Med Miami Macakizi” and will be at 15th Street and Ocean Drive.