Amanruya, Bodrum

It is not difficult to fall in love with the Aman Resorts, as evidenced in how the returning customers like to call themselves: the ‘Aman Junkies.’ It’s a testament to the genuine following the Aman Resorts brand inspire. Having been spellbound first by Amansara and now by Amanruya, we count ourselves among the ‘Junkies’ too.

As we exited the airport terminal in Bodrum, a young man passed us, hurrying inside. We immediately recognized the trademark Aman style in his unmarked, impeccable uniform.

The Aman experience

With a very alarmed look on his face, he disappeared inside before we managed to wave him. “He thinks he is late”, we smiled to ourselves.

He wasn’t late, but that one expression captured something that sets Aman Resorts apart: the deep personal commitment of its staff to making the Aman experience just perfect.

Hillside

Munching on almonds, we drove, reaching an access road after some 20 minutes. As the road weaved its way through a hillside forest, we eagerly awaited the first glimpses of Amanruya, in its elegant setting.

The resort descends via series of terraces down to the sea, with well-spaced villas organically scattered throughout the property. They are linked by meandering pathways and paved roads, often steep and just wide enough for an electric buggy to pass.

Unassuming Architecture

The architecture reinterprets the Aegean-Anatolian design vernacular and Ottoman heritage.

This is evident in the resort’s layout, which resembles a hamlet of local farmhouses, as well as in the tall windows and porticos, reflecting the grand houses on the Bosphorus (the Yali).

Fragments of antique stone blocks used as quoins add a flavor of the local Bodrum heritage.

Design luxury and… the Ninjas (clearly)

The natural and the timeless in its simple design palette, the beautiful clean lines of the Amanruya’s contemporary style, the trademark serene pavilions, the infinity pools, and zen courtyards and the intimate ambiance—all this provides a sense of space and luxury.

But it’s only one part of the Aman experience. The other part is the inconspicuous service, including what we call “the ninja housekeeping”—because you just never ever see them.

They know exactly when the guests are out and don’t waste a minute to make sure the villa is immaculate, with no detail overlooked.

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Our Turkish favorites

But we usually gave them plenty of time anyway, lounging with drinks on the huge mats in the bar by the sea or lazily extending the (fantastic) breakfasts almost until midday, by the main pool.

Amanruya doesn’t really have a one-building restaurant as such—it’s just a collection of terraces, halls, and rooms arranged around the infinity pool.

By the way, our Turkish breakfast faves at Amanruya were: Menemen, which is a soft scrambled egg with tomato, sweet pepper, and onion; Çılbır, or soft poached eggs with warmed yogurt, smoky paprika, chili oil, garlic, and olive crostini; and Gözleme, a savory hand-rolled pastry, Turkish ricotta cheese or potato.

At leisure

Time spent at Amanruya seems to encapsulate the old maxim about the simple things in life.

We savored every moment: from a candlelight dinner or a buggy ride with a chatty concierge employee to a refreshing swim in the sea or hours spent browsing the impressive collection of books and albums in the library.

And when at the library, what can top the discovery of a jar of homemade fruity drink, prepared for the library guests? Such is the magic of Amanruya: epitomized in the smallest detail.

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in our opinion

Impossibly peaceful and private, secluded and relaxed, and the fantastic Aman hospitality at its best. Amanruya is the most exclusive resort in the Bodrum area. We are awarding Amanruya the Editor's Pick.

What we love

• Peace and quiet: all you hear is the bird songs and chirps of crickets.
• Well spread out villas with big pools, secluded beach club, and plenty of spaces to relax and dine.
• The immaculate design of villas, quality of finishes, and furnishings. The villas have a huge by-the-pool cabana, deck chairs, outdoor rain shower, and a large garden with ground-covering aromatic winter savory plants in place of a grass lawn.
• Feels like you have the resort to yourself: only at breakfast time or at the Beach Club we ever saw other guests.
• Great à la carte breakfasts, with fruit, muesli, pancakes, fresh mixed juices, and our Turkish favorites.
• Beach Club, hidden amongst old pine trees, with every couple of deck chairs set on their own private platforms.
• Complimentary afternoon tea served in the lounge or villa.
• Complimentary limousine pick up from the airport. The journey takes only 30 minutes, with water, almonds, and apricots served on the way.
• The legendary Aman service, including the “Ninja housekeeping".
• The food: prepared on request, using fresh local ingredients.
• The Library—a freestanding 3-floor tower, with a beautiful sitting room on the top floor.

What you should know

• The only difference between two villa categories is that some have sea views and some don’t e.g. the ones positioned lower.
• Sea views are limited overall, as the resort is located in the forest, 150 m from the sea (this is due to local building regulations).
• This is not the place for heavy socializing. Guests tend to keep to themselves and hang out in the villas.
• The villas close to the highway are less peaceful as the noise from passing cars is discernible.
• There is no ambiance music in the main areas, though the sounds of nature only were perfectly fine for us.
• It is a remote place, with no local shops, bars or restaurants nearby—however, Bodrum is only about 15 minutes by car.
• The Beach Club is quite far by walk, but you can always call a buggy.
• The hotel grounds, covering a swath of terrain on the hills has plenty of steep pathways and steps.