From boutiques with local brands, to waterfront restaurants you’ll never want to leave, here are jewelry designer Begüm Kiroğlu’s favorite Bodrum spots
Photo: Courtesy Begüm Kiroğlu
Surrounded by cerulean waters and lush foliage, Bodrum is a jewel in Turkey’s landscape, beckoning all to discover its beauty, especially during the summer. Ideal for lazy getaways when one wants to cut off the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with themselves, Bodrum is a location worth adding to your bucket list.
Along with its natural beauty, Bodrum is slowly but surely making its way to becoming a hotspot for fashion and food. But where to start exploring this picturesque place? Vogue Arabia got in touch with Turkish jewelry designer Begüm Kiroğlu to discover her favorite spots in this edition of our new summer guide series, which sees noteworthy women across the globe sharing their favorite haunts for the season. Speaking about her homeland, the designer shares, “Turkey in general, and Istanbul specifically, is one of the best places to be born and inspired. You have 100 years of the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and in every corner, you encounter beauty. In every street, you see something unexpected. There is centuries-old craftsmanship, so I’ve been blessed to be Turkish and born in Istanbul.”
Photo: Courtesy Begüm Kiroğlu
For Kiroğlu, Bodrum in specific has always been special. “We’ve had a summer house in Bodrum since my childhood with my grandparents. Over the last 30 years, Bodrum has changed a lot. I cherish my childhood memories of swimming, long lunches, and [enjoying] nature. I love how it was before, and also appreciate the changes. You still have the old, easygoing, genuine parts, but now it’s also one of the most beautiful summer destinations with many amazing people to meet! You can live a James Bond life between restaurants and clubs with a little speedboat, or find a quiet corner under a tree to relax with your family.”
Bodrum, as it turns out, isn’t just a happy holiday spot the designer — it’s also the newest home for her world-renowned creations. Tucked away in the recently opened Maxx Royal hotel, the latest Begüm Khan store brims with color and coverable accessories. “Our brand has a very strong identity, particularly regarding interiors and spaces. When you attend one of our events or visit one of our boutiques, you immediately understand the brand. I love creating fantasy-like spaces,” she explains. “What I love most about the Bodrum store is that it’s very summery and fresh, yet elegant and sophisticated — a challenging formula to achieve. I love our golden lobster [which greets guests as they enter], made by a Turkish artist, and how the white seating area, coral chandelier, and lobster all work together. We also have beautiful, true pagoda-like jewelry display cases in the window, designed by my uncle, Serdar Gülgün. I love the fantasy effect these elements create.”
Photo: Courtesy Begüm Kiroğlu
Below, Kiroğlu opens up her summer guide, from shopping spaces that will instantly elevate your holiday wardrobe, to the restaurants and cafes that promise to have you coming back for more. — jot these names down for your next vacation.
Where to eat
- Caviar Kaspia: “I find the new Caviar Kaspia Bodrum very romantic and magical. A dinner tête-à-tête at Caspia is a dream.”
- Orkide: “I love this tiny fish restaurant in Türkbükü. I always go there with family and kids for great fish by the water.”
- Ritmo: “The new Ritmo in Yalıkavak, opened by my friends from Istanbul who also own the amazing restaurant Arkestra, is the best place for foodies and a dinner under the trees.”
- Lucca: “Lucca by the Sea is always great for an easy dinner or a fun night out, and it’s one of the locals’ favorites.”
- Maçakızı: “I love Maçakızı for both lunch and dinner because it’s Maçkızı (laughs)!”
Where to stay
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- Maçakızı: “I love Maçakızı because it’s like staying at a family place with friends and relatives, and I’ve been going there for many years.”
- Maxx Royal: “I adore the new Maxx Royal hotel, where we also opened a boutique. It’s where comfort and luxury meet the Bodrum sensation.”
- Six Senses Kaplankaya: “This is one of my favorites for soul-resting and recharging. It’s a place with a beautiful nature.”
Where to shop
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- Maxx Royal: “The hotel’s boutique area, with our boutique Vakko Mare and Bluemint Maria, is great for local and national designers.”
- Marina Beymen: “If I’m looking for luxury items, Marina Beymen is a great choice.”
- ‘74 Escape: “This boutique inside Maçakızı is great to find all the international local designers in one address.”
- Scorpios Bodrum: “The Scorpios boutique is very nice, featuring great designers, including some Turkish and international ones, and it perfectly complements the Scorpios ambiance. Yalıkavak Marina has everything, from mega brands to restaurants, ice cream shops, and local brands.”
Where to unwind
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- Kavanoz: “For a breezy speakeasy bar.”
- Naru: “For experimental great food under the trees”
- Zai: “For the days you want to chill with the company of art & books.”
- Limon: “For pink sunsets, long chats and tasty food.”
