Macakizi Hotel

Join the bronzed and beautiful lounging by the Aegean at this superstar beach-club hotel and spa

Hidden within the enclosed bay of Turkbuku, a jetset hangout near Bodrum, Macakizi is a series of cottages spilling down the hillside amidst a rampant rainbow of pink bougainvillea, red hibiscus, pale blue plumbago and pampas grass, to its glorious focal point: a timber boardwalk with cushioned lounging areas fronting the millpond seas. Offshore, a wooden yacht bobs quietly under unshakable blue skies.

This is where the bronzed and beautiful of Istanbul spend their summers, along with a few in-the-know foreign visitors looking for a stylish seaside mini-resort in what some have called Turkey's St Tropez. Explore the tiny paths to stumble upon sail-shaded sitouts tucked among lentisc bushes and olive trees, perfect for soliltary sunbathing. Occasionally an olive-skinned Adonis (most staff are male) will swish by to offer lemon cordial or cocktails. There's a pretty twin-circle pool too, bordered by wicker sofas.

As for the bedrooms, they are white, airy and pretty in a simple, contemporary way. Most are in two-storey cottages (choose an upstairs room if possible); the larger suites have glorious views over the bay from their balcony. The in-house restaurant and bar serves some of the best food we tasted in Turkey, and there's a seasonal spa.

Highs

• The grounds are gorgeous: hot pink bougainvillea frames every sea view
• Immaculately presented Med cuisine served on a lamplit deck overlooking the sea (it comes at a price, though)
• We loved the extra wide, extra comfy beds with super-soft linen and blankets
• Easy to reach via Bodrum
• The cheaper rooms are surprisingly affordable, given the clientele it appeals to

Lows

• BlackBerries and mobile phones are frequently used on the pontoon sundecks
• The clubby atmoshpere won't appeal to all
• Service receives very mixed feedback and there is a service and VAT charge on all food and drink
• The cottages look slightly suburban, but they are generously scattered and beautifully camouflaged under foliage
• There's some ugly development in the hills overlooking Turkbuku bay