At the confluence of the Aegean and wider Mediterranean seas – but also ancient and contemporary times – Bodrum is a coastal city in southwestern Turkey that serves as a first point of entry for an ever-expanding riviera dotted with trendy resorts, many of which have been designed in the almost antiseptic white cube architectural style now found everywhere else in the tropics and subtropics. Establishing a closer link to the ancient and multicultural origins of its surroundings – a region centered around the seaside city, once called Halicarnassus – is the freshly ’enlivened’ Hyde Hotel Bodrum.
The sprawling 212-room luxury getaway perfectly nods to that deeply entrenched history while also answering the needs and desires of an ever-discerning clientele; all this within a pre-existing but entirely reprogrammed and renovated complex first erected in the aforementioned sleek and somewhat soulless architectural style. Situated along the highly prized but less overrun Torba Bay coastline, Hyde Hotel unfolds with a multi-level program of fluid indoor/outdoor amenity spaces that allow guests to retreat but also consciously connect with the context. Every spatial and aesthetic element was taken into close consideration by Istanbul-based interior architect Yeşim Kozanli when striking this delicate balance.
“It was enjoyable to be part of a project where art and design run parallel and communicate with each other,” says Kozanli. For her, the pared back minimalism inherent to the corporate identity of Accor Group – Hyde Hotel Bodrum’s owner and operator – served as the perfect anchor and backdrop for a more implicit site-responsive design scheme: a palette of ‘terra and tide’ inspired earth tones; locally sourced materials and finishes; and a decidedly mid-century modern, organic vocabulary of form both evocative of and contrasting from the immediate landscape. Glass panels installed throughout the complex help establish an even connection between the indoors and outdoors and indicate the hotel’s energy efficiency.
Kozanli describes the complex as a shell within a forest. Guests emerge from their intimate, serene, and Zen – Scandicore – guest rooms located in the cluster of four-story buildings to access the pool and innovatively cut-out courtyard atrium that forms within its midst. They eventually make their way down through a subterranean co-working lounge and out toward an amphitheater-style events area before reaching the lively beach club and private waterfront. The adults-only hotel balances out quieter and private areas with more active and socially oriented venues, and five distinct restaurants and bars. “These environments are meant to facilitate easy meetings,” the architect notes. Along the way, there are also private villas and even swim-up suites directly adjacent to the expansive pool.
“There’s a flow and fluidity of interconnected spaces that starts with the seemingly unencumbered progression from the main reception desk through to the lobby bar and terrace that looks out over the pool,” she adds. “The courtyard in the middle of the pool is a main axis point where guests can leave their living spaces and walk all the way out to the sea.” The overall tired and embedded architectural scheme evokes the grandeur of ancient palaces but there are spaces like the French restaurant La Rebelle that reflect other reference points; in this case, the atmosphere of the Côte D’Azur.
“There’s a festive vibe through the common areas,” Kozanli concludes. “Hyde Bodrum is more than just a luxury hotel; it’s a celebration of design, culture, and the unique spirit of the region. Every aspect of the hotel has been carefully crafted to provide guests with an unforgettable experience that embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity while delivering exceptional comfort and style.”
What: Hyde Hotel Bodrum
Where: Bodrum, Turkey
How much: Guest rooms starting from $219
Design draw: Hyde Hotel Bodrum artfully combines modern minimalism with the historical richness of its coastal surroundings in southwestern Turkey. Featuring 212 rooms, the hotel embraces an organic, mid-century modern aesthetic, using locally sourced materials and earth-toned palettes inspired by the surrounding landscapes. The hotel’s design emphasizes fluidity, blending private and social spaces to create a seamless guest experience that reflects Bodrum’s festive and historical spirit.
Book it: Hyde Hotel Bodrum
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Photography by Ibrahim Özbunar of 645studio.
