What it is

A 196-room retreat on the Datça Peninsula with two pools, private beach bungalows and an over-water Mediterranean restaurant.

What it isn't

Directly on the sand, though the hotel’s own funicular will ferry you to the five Instagram-perfect beaches below (and a gratis water taxi will get you between each one).

What we think

If James Bond, in-the-flesh, longed for a seafront Turkish getaway, he’d choose D Maris Bay above all else. The hotel is Exquisite with a capital E, from the rooms (streamlined and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows and glossy Italian marble and blonde wood finishes) to the holistic Mytha Spa, where you can book a Four Hands (read: two therapists working simultaneously on your kinks) massage. Bond himself would likely upgrade to the 3,300-square-foot D Maris Bay Villa, with its own hammam, 24/7 butler, Gaggenau kitchen (sure, Bond cooks!) and swimming pool set into a manicured garden.

You're here because

The hotel maintains a phone-free Silence Beach, where the only ruckus comes from crashing waves and your to-do list includes one thing: nap in the shade of your private cabana.

The Moment

Among the six on-site dining options, tonight you’ve chosen Manos, and you’re beyond glad you did. Maybe it’s the sand at your feet, or the green checkerboard tablecloth, or the fact that the waiters are attempting to rouse the crowd for a sirtaki dance (complete with smashing dishes), but you’ve never felt so deliciously far from home. “More smoked mussels, please!” Your wish, their command.

Restaurants & Bars

Dining options comprise a breakfast buffet and five â la carte restaurants, including residents’ favourite Zuma and the famous Il Riccio Beach Club & Restaurant from the isle of Capri.

Zuma’s - Award-winning restaurant, lounge and bar concept is based around the ‘izakaya’ style of shared eating and drinking and includes three kitchens; a robata grill and sushi counter.

The white, sandy, blue flagged bay hosts three extraordinary restaurants:

Ruia - Which presents a sophisticated take on our Turkish culinary roots

Nusr-Et - Serves the finest steaks flown in from İstanbul

Bellariva - Is a pizzeria which offers freshly prepared appetizers, hearthy lazagna selection and speciality pizzas and flat breads from our wood owen using only fresh seasonal ingredients from the region

Il Riccio - Brings its Italian specialities, flavorful homemade pasta and the best dishes of a delicious Mediterranean sea food cuisine

Seven bars are sprinkled around the resort with live music and DJ performances.

The Coliseum beach at the tip of the peninsula hosts renowned DJ's, singers and bands.

Zuma’s very own mixologists create cocktails and non-alcoholic cleansers whilst their in-house DJs play eclectic beats for guests to enjoy during their gourmet dining experience. This exceptional pairing of atmosphere and extraordinary dining is just a aste of all that this divine luxury the hotel has to offer.

Location

The craggy southern coast of Datça Peninsula, where volcanic outcroppings, olive groves and pine forests seem to tumble down to the sea. Bodrum is about a two hour drive northwest.