The French and Italian Rivieras have long been popular summer destinations, but there’s another scenic stretch of the Mediterranean worth your immediate attention. Located on Turkey’s southwestern coast, Bodrum is growing in popularity as a vacation spot due to its beaches, waterfront restaurants, and yacht-filled marinas. It‘s also home to Maxx Royal Bodrum, a luxury resort that opened in May 2024, with private villas, restaurants from world-renowned chefs, and an expansive spa.Set on a private peninsula overlooking the Aegean Sea, the property is surrounded by pine trees and has its own beach. It’s the third Turkish destination from Maxx Royal Resorts, following properties in Belek and Kemer, and features 294 rooms across a collection of suites and villas.Designed with input from Turkish architect Mahmut Anlar, the resort incorporates stone, wood, and other natural materials that complement the coastal setting. Its Island Villas, for example, take inspiration from traditional stone houses found throughout Bodrum. Designed with local stone, wood, and large windows that bring in natural light, the villas each come equipped with private gardens, terraces, and infinity pools overlooking the sea.Maxx Royal BodrumGuests can also choose from larger villas better suited to families or groups or suites with direct pool access. The five-bedroom Presidential Hill Villa, in particular, boasts its own heated seawater pool, fitness room, sauna, and private butler’s room.In terms of dining, Maxx Royal Bodrum is home to Spago by Wolfgang Puck, the chef's premier restaurant concept, as well as Caviar Kaspia, which specializes in seafood and, of course, caviar.Maxx Royal BodrumMore recent additions include Leña, a steakhouse from Spanish chef Dani García, and Safraan, which serves up seafood and Mediterranean-inspired small plates.Maxx Royal BodrumThere’s also Seavore, for updated takes on traditional Turkish dishes, and the on-site ice cream parlor, which stocks unique flavors like Turkish pistachio and Bodrum tangerine.For those looking to spend some time away from the beach, the Maxx WellBeing Center spans approximately 61,900 square feet and includes 20 treatment rooms. Its offerings range from traditional Turkish baths and Biologique Recherche skin care treatments to reformer Pilates, yoga, and sound healing.Maxx Royal BodrumAt Maxxi Land, children can participate in activities organized by age group, including arts and crafts, games, and film screenings. And beyond the resort, boat excursions or visits to nearby historical destinations, including the ancient city of Ephesus, are on offer.Getting there is relatively straightforward, too. Maxx Royal Bodrum is about an hour from from Milas-Bodrum Airport, with boat and helicopter transfers also available for the jet-set crowd.