Hotel Review Amanruya Bodrum – Peace and Dreams

Aman hotels & resorts are the epitome of luxury – and our hotel review of Amanruya Bodrum will show why.

Hotel Review Amanruya Bodrum – Where “Peace” and “Dreams” come together

The Aegean region of Turkey is best described as a crossroads between classical history and natural beauty. With a glistening coastline bordered by scalloped bays and pine forests, it is not hard to see why the region is famous for both Greek mythology and Roman history. Where better to experience this region than perched atop the tranquil hillside retreat of Amanruya. Named after the Sanskrit word for peace ‘Aman’ and Turkish word for dream ‘Ruya’, the hotel belongs to the exclusive Aman hotels brand.

Location of Amanruya Bodrum

Far from the plethora of all-inclusive resorts and buzzing bar strips of Bodrum town, Amanruya is a quick 45 minute drive from Bodrum airport. Upon arrival we were greeted by the very polite and pleasant staff. As if by magic they knew our name and exactly which room was ours before we had even handed over our passports! Having expressed a desire to head directly to our room, the buggy, along with a welcome drink and the check-in form was waiting for us as soon as we stepped out of our taxi.

Hotel Review Amanruya Bodrum – the Rooms

Inspired by the region’s traditional architecture, the resort is designed as an Ottoman village with a Mediterranean twist. Built on various levels and dotted with olive groves, sundrenched courtyards and terraces aplenty, the final visual is nothing short of stunning. Amanruya’s understated luxury extends to all 36 rooms (known as pavilions) which make up the resort. All the pavilions, whilst situated close together offer complete privacy. During our stay the resort was full, but we would have been none the wiser until we asked. Each pavilion has its own private garden and pool, all are similar with only slight differences in the outdoor layout and views.

The rooms are luxurious and large, with an uber comfortable four-poster king-size bed, a living area with a sofa & desk and a dining area for two. A stand out feature in the rooms is a traditional Turkish mangal charcoal fireplace. WiFi, TV, DVD player, sound system, a Nespresso machine and a minibar are all available.

The bathroom offers a total sense of calm. With a separate dressing area, double vanities and a separate rain shower/toilet. Do not miss an opportunity to take a soak in the luxe large bathtub with views across the private garden!

Hotel Review Amanruya Bodrum – Facilities

The Olympic infinity pool, lined with green marble from Turkey’s southern region of Antalya, is an attraction in itself. However the real star of the property is the private Beach Club. A dusty 15 minute walk or a speedy 5 minute buggy ride will bring you to the bayside Beach Club. Albeit small and with only a pebble beach, the informal yet luxurious and highly instagrammable vibe at the Beach Club can be felt from all the sun loungers laid out on a series of terraces with a views of the glistening sea. With free water sports on offer and a lunch bar, one can easily spend the whole day sunning and swimming here. Another attraction at the resort which is not to be missed in a hotel review Amanruya Bodrum is the three-story Library Tower. The lounge on the top floor offers expansive views across the sea and the pine forests. A selection of books and DVD’s are also on offer.

For the more adventurous amongst us, the hotel Amanruya Bodrum can arrange visits to the nearby historical temples and boat trips.

There is a small but well equipped gym onsite along with a tennis court. Tennis classes, equipment and partners can all be easily arranged. Private yoga classes in the studio or overlooking the sea can also be arranged. For those seeking total zen there is also a world-class Spa.

Amanruya Bodrum – Food

The food on offer is delicious and varied. From the usual room service fare to traditional Turkish offerings, everything was simply delicious. Meals can be eaten anywhere from your private pavilion to the Dining Pavilion or the vaulted wine cellar.

Breakfast in Amanruya Bodrum is served in the Dining Pavillion, which overlooks the main swimming pool until 11 am. The Turkish scrambled eggs are not to be missed! Over the course of our stay we feasted on fresh seafood delicacies such as grilled cuttle fish and coriander prawns (not to be missed!) as well as mouthwatering traditional Turkish kebabs. Many restaurants in the surrounding resorts would charge much higher prices than Amanruya for the same quality of food.

Although the resort is tailored more towards adults who are in search of a high-end, ‘disconnect from reality’ type of experience, children are allowed. If you inform the resort in advance they can arrange activities (kayaking, fishing etc) and babysitting services.

Hotel Review Amnruya Bodrum – Conclusion

We had a fantastic stay at the Amanruya Bodrum resort and would definitely go back to further experience:

• The resort’s design. I can’t stress enough how utterly phenomenal the architecture and design of the resort is. The grey marble, larger than life ceilings, sun drenched courtyards and endless olive fields all culminate in the perfect fusion of Ottoman and Mediterranean style. The vast landscape can be enjoyed from cleverly placed seating all across the resort as well as your private pavilion.
• The food is incredible. The freshness juxtaposed with the deliciousness of the food and the vast beverage options on offer, truly make the experience of eating at the resort a gastronomical marvel.
• The service. Discreet yet utterly luxurious. We showed up to an entirely empty Dining Pavilion for breakfast and within seconds, the staff had appeared to take our orders and ensure we were comfortable. Pure magic!

The only “negative” we experienced was the water temperature of the private and main pools: Having visited the resort at the tail-end of summer (early September) we were not prepared for how cold the pools were! As inviting as the water looked, sadly we did a lot more looking than swimming.

All in all if you are looking for a weekend of relaxation, tranquillity and pampering Amanruya Bodrum is not one to be missed!