The Med's Newest Hot Spot

Is Bodrum The New St. Tropez?

Bodrum doesn’t need to be Saint-Tropez. It’s already everything you didn’t know you were missing. Understated, soulful, and impossibly chic. Capturing hearts as time goes on.

Quiet Luxury

Luxury travellers are known for keeping ahead of the pace. With that, new yacht charter destinations are coming to the forefront and this year, it's Bodrum. A cosmopolitan city with a bohemian vibe. Rich with culture and a thriving high-end gastronomy scene that interweaves a melting pot of flavours from Turkish and Aegaen, to Japanese and Peruvian. Bodrum also claims home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The New Jet-Set Darling

Once a quiet fishing town, Bodrum has since transformed into a Mediterranean hotspot with some likening the lively town to the iconic Saint-Tropez. Colloquially known as the “St. Tropez of Turkey,” it now attracts affluent travelers, celebrities, and yacht owners with its luxurious resorts, buzzing beach clubs, and Aegean charm. But it isn’t just about glamour, Bodrum’s soul remains rooted in history, from ancient Halicarnassus to its Byzantine ruins.

A RICH PAST

Once known as the ancient city of Halicarnassus, this historical epicentre was the jewel of Caria and the birthplace of Herodotus, commonly known as the "father of history". Halicarnassus was famed for the Mausoleum of Hali Bodrum, a grand tomb named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which attracted visitors far and wide for hundreds of years. What was once a sleepy coastal town has now transformed, through the ebb and flow of history, into a buzzing destination that is fast becoming one of the most coveted yachting spots in the Mediterranean. Where Byzantine ruins and modern beach clubs pair together in a beautiful twist of culture and fun.

Cultural Soul

Unlike its French counterpart, Bodrum retains a distinct Turkish identity. You’ll find Bodrum Castle, centuries-old amphitheaters, and authentic markets coexisting with sleek beach lounges and boutique bars. It’s a destination where you can sip a cocktail at sunset, then walk through ruins older than Rome. Tradition and trendiness live side by side.

The Yachting Evolution

While the shift was gradual, a few key moments cement Bodrum’s rise in popularity, with the development of Yalıkavak Marina being one of them. Now recognised as one of Europe’s most advanced marinas, it helped position Bodrum as a superyacht haven. Around the same time, an influx of notable luxury brands and resorts arrived in the region, attracting a new wave of international travellers. And as the Mediterranean grew more crowded and the glitter of places like St. Tropez began to feel overexposed, Bodrum emerged as the insider’s choice. With a trove of high-end services, fine dining, and elite boutiques, it rivals the ports of Monaco and St. Tropez—but with more space and serenity. Its allure? Space. Stillness. A certain timelessness. Bodrum is now a beacon for the modern luxury traveller seeking a refreshing alternative to the classic French Riviera.

Paradigm Shift

When the world slowed in 2020, tastes changed. Travel became more intentional and Bodrum’s quiet luxury began to resonate louder than ever. What was once a whisper among those in-the-know became a new standard for yachting elites seeking not just a destination, but a sense of place. The pandemic pushed high-net-worth travellers toward destinations that offered more space, privacy, and cultural depth. St. Tropez began to feel overcrowded and overexposed, while Bodrum offered something fresher and more intimate. Celebrities, creatives, and yacht owners began quietly choosing Bodrum for its secluded bays, low-key glamour, and unspoiled natural beauty, signaling a broader change in what luxury travel really means.

Luxury Reimagined

Bodrum doesn’t just offer luxury - it reshapes it. Today’s traveller wants more than glitz. They want soul. From dinner at Maçakızı with Aegean flavors to anchoring in coves once sailed by Alexander the Great, Bodrum gives you experiences that feel grounded and meaningful. It’s luxury that’s lived-in, not flaunted. Bodrum’s rise in popularity is a reflection of the shift occurring in luxury travel, whereby less really is more and opulence for opulence’s sake is now passé. It's more about immersive experiences, long-table dinners spent with loved ones overlooking the Aegean, or delving in historical splendour by exploring ruins of a bygone era. This new wave of travellers, drawn to contemporary design, authenticity, and vibrant social energy, find in Bodrum a destination that speaks their language. Bodrum isn't the new Saint-Tropez; rather, it’s a vibrant, exciting alternative that’s writing its own compelling story.