Amanruya Resort, Bodrum, Türkiye

At the end of the Backroads trip, we were transported by van from Dalyan to a resort outside Bodrum, Türkiye. Winding along a narrow road around the base of the hills, we finally arrived at the secluded Aman resort of Amanruya. I am familiar with this part of Türkiye but have never been to this resort.

It is luxurious.1

Each room is in a separate villa with a full-length swimming pool, four poster beds, a bath with a soaking tub, and breezy linen curtains. The first night, I had room service outside next to the pool. The water gently cycles and sounds like a waterfall rather than pool equipment, creating a relaxing environment.

Everywhere you look, there is another spectacular view. The resort is so large that you are provided with a map to find the restaurants, the beach, and the dock. I still got lost several times until I wandered enough to find my way around.

The resort includes a library, the highest point of all the buildings, with four glass walls overlooking the bay. There are peaceful places to relax everywhere, such as the reflecting pool at the entrance.

These are the views I am used to in Türkiye and the ones I expect now with every trip. Yes, I’m spoiled with mountains that genuinely come to the sea.

Below is my view at breakfast. While there is no unlimited buffet, as is standard in luxury hotels in Türkiye, the al-a-carte breakfast menu has everything needed. I ordered several things not on the menu2, and the staff brought them with no fuss and no explanations of how something could not be done, which is also standard in the country.

If I had unlimited funds, I might stay here a month or two, especially when writing novels on a deadline. The staff is accommodating, catering to your every need. The placement of the pavilions is optimal, and the privacy is unmatched.

Can you imagine spending summer nights in the king bed by the pool?

There were a few cons, however. The plumbing, while luxurious, needs serious maintenance. There was not enough hot water to take a bath, and my shower overflowed. The light switches were hilarious and complained about by most of our group as rotating them turned off one group of lights yet turned on another. Getting your room dark at night to sleep was a chore without the turn-down service.3

Additionally, the food was not what I had expected. The dinner menu, for example, is a modern take on traditional Turkish dishes that falls flat. The food in Türkiye is fresh and plentiful. There is no need to jazz it up to such a ridiculous level.

Yet these things are minor and can be quickly resolved. There are so many Aman resorts that I will most likely close my eyes and let my finger randomly land on the next one.

In Asia. Near Bangkok.