Once a small fishing village, Bodrum has flourished into a hotspot for discerning travelers and celebrities attracted by its yacht-studded coastline, beach clubs, and bar scene. Bodrum is the place to see and be seen — Maxx Royal, Mykonos’ Scorpios, and Hyde join heavyweights Bulgari, Four Seasons, Six Senses, and The Bodrum EDITION, but the legendary and magical Macakizi Hotel quietly steals the show as the area’s most glamorous bolthole.
Lila, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, the Agnellis, and Delevingnes are all regulars at the hotel. Bill Gates recently celebrated his birthday lunch at Maçakizi’s sprawling private ten-room villa, where chef and party-planner extraordinaire Carlo Bernardini creates his magic. The current edition of Macakizi channels the laid-back, breezy vibe of the bohemian rustic yet subtly chic beachside retreat created way back in the late 70s by the enigmatic Ayla Emiroğlu that immediately attracted the attention of artists, celebs and the glitterati. Emiroğlu became a celebrity in her own right and her beach club became the stuff of legends, is now in the hands of Emiroğlu’s entrepreneur son, Sahir Erozan.
Arriving at Maçakizi Bodrum
Macakizi is a labyrinth of lushly planted and winding pathways traversing down a steep hill that gently steers you through a series of multi-level pleasure decks that starts with your entry under an arch of greenery. The first clearing in the jungle-like planting is the reception. Tables are casually strewn with art books, and sculpture, artworks line the walls — the casual setting and a friendly welcome sets the tone for the cool, anything goes, laid back vibe of Maçakizi.
Continuing along the pathway with flashed of the glistening aquamarine Aegean, you uncover the curvaceous swimming pool set with a fabulous red sculpture evoking the feel, charm and simplicity of another gem, La Colombe d’Or in Saint-Paul de Vence that enjoys an equally privileged location, joie de vivre, and amazing art works with simple elevated local cuisine and an enchanting flower-filled courtyard, that’s not pretentious, not trying too hard. It’s just one of the special hotels you may be lucky enough to encounter, and already you just know Maçakizi is one of them.
Adjacent to the pool the dining pavilion has light streaming through the roof lights and the floor to ceiling doors invitingly open to the terrace beyond, casting a play of dappled light over the earthy tones of the interior with its curated ‘worn’, lived-in look. Polished wooden tables and floors adorned with tonal Aztec-patterned rugs work to create the style downplay owner Erozan insists upon. An exciting melange of art pieces are spread around the vast room and bar. The abundance of greenery is an essential part of Erozan’s design aesthetic. ‘Flowers are the main decoration in my hotel,’ he declares. Erozan engages a master gardener with a team of 15 gardeners to perfect his arboreal vision, which appears stylishly natural and somewhat wild – much like Maçakizi.
Hidden within the garden discreet sculptures and seating areas, and vibrantly tiled fountains reveal themselves, set with stylish seating by RODO, and scattered with Yastik cushions by Rifat Ozback, along with contemporary sculptures by local artists.
The next stop en route is the Maçakizi Spa, with its spectacular glass box Hamman overlooking the the sea below.
The route ultimately leads to the much coveted ‘beach club’ built out over the ocean with the sound of the sea lapping as the yachts in the harbour sail in and out. The deck enclosed the ocean, allowing refreshing dips into the clear blue sea. Efficient staff discreetly see to your desire often before you know it’s even a desire, where at weekends Erozan is easily spotted in his uniform blue-lens sunglasses, shorts, a T-shirt, and a cigar in hand, enjoying time with his guests. He’s the life and soul of the legendary Maçakizi parties at the waterfront bar; his passion for entertaining gives Maçakizi its enduring party spirit. Erozan, like his mother, is one of the reasons people return again and again.
Accommodation at Maçakizi
The rooms in whitewashed villas snuggle within the undergrowth hidden amongst a profusion of pink bougainvillea blossom. Their terraces, many of which have tantalizing glimpses of the shimmering Aegean exude privacy and exclusivity. Maçakizi as a whole exudes privacy and exclusivity, like a private club where the staff knows everyone by name, and discretion is guaranteed.
However, should you require a greater level of privacy, you can follow in the footsteps of of Bill Gates and splash out on a stay at Villa Maçakizi, a short speed boat ride away in the aptly named Paradise Bay. The ten-room whitewashed mansion has multiple terraces, three kitchens, a spa, and a swimming pool manned by 15 staff, including your private chef, for around half a million dollars.
It’s not all party time, however — mornings at Macakizi are incredibly tranquil. The silvery hues of sunrise dancing upon the calm waters invite contemplation and renewal, and the day starts with a leisurely breakfast, which is an absolute feast, yoga by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean, or relax your soul with a luxurious body treatment in the spa’s alfresco deck, and there’s always the inside/outside gym, for a personal training session.
As the day unfolds, the ambience shifts seamlessly from peaceful repose to lively indulgence. Afternoons are filled with the infectious beats of music and the clinking of glasses as guests sprawl leisurely on the waterside deck, savouring cocktails and the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. Yet, it is in the evenings that Maçakizi truly comes alive. The vibrant fusion of indoor and outdoor terraces hums with the laughter and chatter of a diverse, all-ages crowd. Here, strangers become friends over delectable seafood platters washed down with liberating libations.
Maçakizi restaurant
The next stop is the Maçakizi restaurant, super chef’s kitchen gleaming to the rear, and bar deck, where tables with crisp white cloths are set under the silvery leaves of century-old olive trees, and fabulous views. Here, Michelin starred chef Aret Sahakyan ensures Emiroglu’s culinary reputation remains. Erozan continues his mother’s signature languorous lunchtime buffet, with bright salads, soft roasted eggplant in a thick tomato sauce, creamy yoghurt with local greens and marinated beetroot freshened with mint leaves in wide terracotta glazed bowls on a long wooden table.
The gourmet restaurant serves a dinner menu with updates and reworks on classic Turkish flavours, ingredients, and dishes. Appetizers include grilled octopus with hummus, tomato, feta, blue crab with avocado and aioli vinaigrette, and lobster pasta. Each course is a work of art lovingly created by Aret Sahakyan’s genius hands, presented in a silver cloche, lifted ceremoniously at the table to reveal the chef’s creations.
Looking Forward
This year, all eyes will be on Ayla, the hotel’s newly launched fine dining spot with just 30 covers has a decidedly exclusive atmosphere. The seasonal menu features organic produce grown especially for Ayla on local farms. And the artisan retailer 74Escape from Istanbul has taken over the hotel boutique, and it’s dreamy! Pack light and check out the shop’s creations by homegrown artists and ceramicists.
The spirit of Maçakizi transcends fleeting trends and fads in a celebration of timeless glamour and unassuming allure.
An internationally recognised interior architect and landscape designer, she has worked on numerous projects around the world. An eye for detail and love of all things art, architecture, travel and design have led to a nomadic lifestyle resulting in a greater focus on travel and lifestyle feature writing. She is a contributor for a range of international print publications. Living between Hong Kong, Cape Town, and London, traveling anywhere.
