Press trip with Go Türkiye
Growing up, my family and I never did resort holidays. My parents (who are probably reading this, so fyi it's said with love!) are hippy dippy types whose ideal holiday involves hiking or camping or possibly both. As a low energy gal who likes her home comforts, I begrudgingly obliged (/ as a pre-teen and only child I had no choice, let's be real). However in recent years thanks to my partner and friends I have been introduced to the joys of the beach holiday. Of doing nothing, or close to, other than burning yourself brown and reading bonk busters, pina colada in hand. My first such trip, I was bored after a day. Is this really...it? But over time I learned to lean into doing nothing, to embrace idleness, and most importantly, to pack enough books.
All of this leads, in a rather convoluted way, to my recent trip to the resort destination of Bodrum. I was invited to stay at luxury all inclusive Lujo Hotel with Go Türkiye, where doing as little as possible (with epic Aegean coastline views) was top of the agenda. Though I'll admit, my natural penchant for keeping busy got the better of me occasionally (7am shoot starts, I'm looking at you), there was still plenty of poolside lounging, interspersed with regular feedings at one of the resort's nine (9!) on-site restaurants.
When our tans were sufficiently topped up we spent our evenings exploring, from wine tasting in the rolling hills of Karnas Vineyard, to sunsets overlooking the Old Town. I thought I'd put together a little memento of my trip in the form of a photo diary - largely because I took so many darn photos of every 10/10 spectacular sunset the Aegean Coast offered up, I felt like they needed a home somewhere!
Exploring the many pools of Lujo Hotel. The place is so big there are escalators and buggies to get around - and yes, we did get lost more than once!
Lujo Hotel has beachside cabanas available for villa guests. We weren't, but we still wangled our way in to get some snaps!
We didn't quite make our way around all 9 restaurants at Lujo, but gosh darn we tried our best. Opa (above) does Asian meets Mediterranean fusion, and Gaia (top) offered up gorgeous seafood bites with a beachside view. Make sure to try the traditional Turkish breakfast at Asma!
We stumbled upon these impressive blooms along the marina in Bodrum town one golden hour - and proceeded to stage a full on photoshoot, of course. What a find, ey?
Bodrum Old Town is a treasure-trove of bougainvillaea and aesthetic restaurants and cafes. A real Instagrammers paradise!
At first I was like, some old windmills, what's the big deal? But then we headed up to the Bodrum windmills at sunset, and um, that's the big deal. Look at that incredible view! Expect to jostle with fellow tourists for that perfect sunset snap, but it's worth it. And I promise, even more beautiful in person.
If there's on activity that's going to pique my interest on an itinerary, it's wine tasting. We arrived at Karnas Vineyards as sweeping sunset hues took over the sky, bathing it in a golden pink glow, and stayed till the sun was long gone, tucking into local wines and a hearty spread.
There are few activities more lazily luxurious as a boat day. We took a day trip around the Aegean sea on a gulet, swimming in quiet coves and feasting on Turkish buffet lunch on board. Ultimate chill levels achieved.
Safe to say, I am truly a slow holiday convert now. Lazy beach days are just superior, but if you're looking for more activity Bodrum has plenty going on to keep the busiest of explorers occupied. Let me know if you've been to Bodrum, and what you'd recommend!
