As a mother to a six-year-old and a two-year-old, I have a fondness for all-inclusive hotels. They offer diverse food options, and I do not cringe every time one of my children spills their drink into the sand. However, such hotels are often large and pricey. Upon checking into Club Med in Bodrum, I was quickly won over.
First Impressions
Although the resort is quite spacious, with 242 rooms spread across a scenic hillside, it retains a boutique and exclusive atmosphere. The return rate is high; many guests we encountered were on their second or third visits. One elderly Belgian gentleman, vacationing with his wife, was on his seventh trip. He declared it perfect, and I must agree. Here is why.
The Rooms
Club Med Bodrum offers three room types: superior, family deluxe, and suites. Our family of four stayed in a deluxe unit spread over two floors. It featured two single beds downstairs and a king bed upstairs, along with a spacious living area that doubled as a lounge. There were two bathrooms and a large balcony with lounging chairs overlooking the archery courts. The decor was simple—white walls and minimal accessories—functional for a beach-focused family. Beds were comfortable, a cot was provided, and everything was impeccably clean with high thread count linens. It served as an ideal base for the week.
The Food
While we dined out often, the meals at the hotel were excellent. The main buffet restaurant, La Terrasse, sits atop the site with stunning terraces overlooking the sea, draped in purple flowers. The view is breathtaking, nearly matching the quality of the eggs. Breakfast offers made-to-order omelettes, a bakery, cereals, salads, a juice bar, and a fruit station with ample bananas. Coffee from the bar is superb. Throughout the day, the beach bar serves tasty snacks like olives and flatbread, and fresh watermelon is delivered to children on the sand. La Terrasse reopens for lunch and dinner with a banquet of options, from grilled prawns to pizza, including snails as a nod to French heritage. Each night features a theme, such as Mexican or Chinese, along with Turkish delights. Once a week, a white party takes over the pool area, with guests wearing light-up crowns. My six-year-old adored it. Down the hillside, the a la carte Halikarnas restaurant offers an intimate, upscale setting with incredible seafood and meat options.
The Activities
Though Club Med is not exclusively a family hotel, it warmly welcomes children. Staff remember names and drink orders, making young guests feel special. The pool area is large and luxurious, with ample sun loungers, many shaded by trees, and a baby pool. There is a small playground, archery, and beach fitness classes. A complimentary twice-daily boat trip from the hotel pier tours the beautiful coastline, allowing children to join with life jackets.
The Beach
The jewel of Club Med is its pristine private beach, nestled in a long bay with calm, safe waters. Accessible by stairs, lift, or buggy, the beach offers Bali beds over the waves on rocky cliffs and a wooden pier. We chose the main stretch, with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas, no jostling needed. The beach is cleaned daily, and the water is crystal clear. Little fish greeted us as we built sandcastles. It is paradisiacal—the perfect place to while away the day.
The Surrounding Area
If you can leave the resort, there is much to explore. Bodrum Castle, built by the Knights of St John, houses an important collection of ancient shipwrecks and relics, with friendly peacocks that delighted my girls. Bodrum Antique Theatre, a remarkably preserved 4th-century BC Greco-Roman amphitheatre carved into Mount Göktepe, overlooks the city and Aegean Sea. Later, we walked to 18th-century windmills between Bodrum and Gümbet for sweeping views, then dined at Liman Koftescisi, a renowned Turkish restaurant by the marina. The meatballs with aubergine were divine. Wine lovers will enjoy Karnas Vineyards, a family-owned estate in Karaova, known for being the first to plant Zinfandel in Turkey, with a Michelin-featured terrace restaurant serving farm-to-fork meals. Nearby, Mehmet Vuran's Garova estate offers a menagerie of animals, delighting children and adults alike.
Getting There
Without flights: Seven nights all-inclusive at Club Med Bodrum from £2,490 for a family of four, based on departure 06.06.26. Book at www.clubmed.co.uk/r/bodrum/y or call 03453 676767. With London flights: From £4,014 for a family of four, same date.
