women News: I Visited Maçakizi, the Next It Travel Spot

Earlier this year, Bodrum came onto my radar at a fashion event in Los Angeles where some of the best-dressed and most well-traveled people in L.A. told me that the Turkish beach destination was the place to be right now. I was immediately intrigued. Almost as soon as I left the event, I started hearing about Bodrum everywhere. Someone I knew was planning their wedding there this summer. An editor I look to for the most in-the-know travel recommendations was posting photos there. A press release landed in my inbox that Chanel recently opened up a pop-up boutique in the locale. And one thing I kept hearing: Book a room at Maçakizi.

Fast-forward a few months later and I was boarding a plane for Bodrum with a reservation at Maçakizi carrying a suitcase packed with sarongs, sandals, and swimsuits I was waiting to wear. Jet lagged after a transatlantic flight and unsure of what to expect after stepping off the tarmac, I was picked by a Range Rover Defender at the airport by a driver in a white linen shirt and khakis. After a 45-minute drive through hills thick with trees winding though clusters of white buildings and views of the Aegean coast sparkling below, I pulled up to Maçakizi on a balmy August evening. The property—originally founded in 1977 by Ayla Emiroğlu and now owned by her son, Sahir Erozan—permeates laid-back, bohemian luxury. The grounds were lush with olive trees and bougainvillea. The reception area was adorned with wooden furniture, bright rugs, and dogs and cats nestled into shady corners. The rooms have travertine tile, red and white bed linens, and Acqua di Parma toiletries. The sound of cicadas filled the air.

Though being a late riser, on my initial morning I was the very first person to arrive at breakfast at 9:30 a.m. I quickly learned that the schedule of guests revolved around a late morning breakfast (with a sampling Turkish pastries, fresh coffee, local cheeses, tomatoes bursting with flavor, and fresh chili and olive oil delivered table side), afternoons by the water with chairs reserved on the beach deck, and Pilates classes or massages at the spa, followed by 9:30 p.m. dinners at the hotel’s superb restaurant, and dancing to live DJs late into evening.

Throughout my stay I kept hearing Bodrum referred to an “the new St. Tropez” and “the new Mykonos”. While I haven’t visited either, I immediately understood why the comparisons were being made. The destination similarly has a beautiful beachside locale, designer shopping (with some boutiques including Dior open until 1:00 a.m.), and a vivid nightlife scene that draws a crowd of well-heeled fashion insiders. In short, in-the-know insiders looking to spend a day on cushioned lounge chairs at the beach club overlooking the Turquoise Coast and then dancing to Peggy Gou into the late hours of the morning. As if I needed any further evidence, the outfits were a masterclass in what to wear for a luxe beach holiday—a mix of pieces including zigzagged Missoni sets, Hermès sandals, Pucci sarongs, and Saint Laurent raffia bags.