The Bodrum Edition, set on the stunning shores of the Turkish Riviera, is a paradise of luxury and relaxation. During our 5-night stay in August, I experienced the best of what this iconic resort has to offer, from its serene beach club to world-class dining at its onsite restaurants. Even better? I booked the entire stay using Marriott Bonvoy points and took full advantage of Marriott’s “Stay for 5, Pay for 4” deal and Nightly Upgrade Awards to enjoy a room that would normally cost nearly $6,000 per night. Here’s how you can do the same!
Bodrum: The Gem of the Turkish Riviera
Bodrum, often called the “St. Tropez of Turkey,” is an alluring destination known for its turquoise waters, whitewashed houses, and upscale beach clubs. Situated along the Aegean coast, Bodrum offers visitors a mix of ancient history and modern luxury. From exploring ancient ruins to sailing the stunning coastline or simply unwinding at chic waterfront restaurants, Bodrum delivers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
The Bodrum Edition: Hotel, Pool, Beach Club and Local Area
Nestled in a secluded bay, the Bodrum Edition blends modern design with the traditional charm of Turkey’s Aegean coast. The whitewashed, minimalist architecture is punctuated by lush greenery and expansive views of the crystal-clear Aegean Sea.
Pool & Beach Club: The infinity pool is the heart of relaxation, surrounded by plush daybeds, and offers sweeping views of the bay. But the real gem is the private beach club. The calm waters and soft white sand create the perfect setting for lounging, and the attentive beachside service ensures you’re never without a refreshing cocktail or a snack.
Local Area: The resort is just a short drive from Bodrum’s lively Yalikavak marina and historic sites like the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The surrounding area offers a mix of vibrant nightlife, high-end shopping, and cultural excursions, giving you plenty to explore when you’re not indulging in the resort’s amenities.
Onsite Dining: Kitchen and Brava
The Bodrum Edition features incredible restaurants, but two standouts make the dining experience truly unforgettable: Kitchen and Brava.
Kitchen is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, proudly boasting a Michelin star for its exquisite fusion of local Turkish flavors with a modern culinary approach. For breakfast, guests are treated to an exceptional all-inclusive spread that includes everything from freshly baked pastries and artisanal breads to locally sourced cheeses, fruits, and traditional Turkish delicacies like gözleme and simit. The à la carte menu features made-to-order omelets, fresh juices, and other gourmet dishes, ensuring that each morning starts on a high note.
Brava is the Edition’s signature al fresco restaurant, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Stefano Ciotti. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the Aegean, Brava delivers a masterful interpretation of Italian cuisine, blending rich Mediterranean flavors with a contemporary twist. The menu is a celebration of Italy’s finest, offering dishes like handmade pasta, perfectly grilled seafood, and wood-fired pizzas, all crafted with the freshest local ingredients. Dining under the stars at Brava, with the gentle breeze from the sea, makes for a truly memorable culinary experience.
How to Use Marriott Bonvoy Points and Unlock Marriott’s ‘Stay for 5, Pay for 4’ Deal
If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, booking your dream vacation at The Bodrum Edition with points is easier than you think, thanks to Marriott’s ‘Stay for 5, Pay for 4’ benefit. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to maximize your points:
- Accumulate Marriott Bonvoy Points: Make sure you have enough points. Rooms at The Bodrum Edition typically require 85,000–120,000 points per night, depending on the season.
- Search for a 5-Night Stay: When booking on Marriott’s website or app, select 5 consecutive nights. Marriott automatically applies the ‘Stay for 5, Pay for 4’ deal, meaning you only use points for 4 nights while getting the 5th night free.
- Choose Your Room: When searching for rooms available with points, there typically aren’t many options or, the nicer the room, the higher the redemption. I typically choose the lowest redemption rate available. This is where having Night Upgrade Awards (which I’ll cover below) come in handy. Even prior to the Upgrade, the standard room we booked was nearly $2000 USD per night.
- Complete the Booking: After selecting the room, complete your reservation with points. You’ll see the discount applied at checkout.
With this deal, I saved 110,000 points for my stay, which added up to significant savings!
Requesting Upgrades with Marriott’s Nightly Upgrade Awards
One of the best perks of being a Marriott Bonvoy elite member is the ability to use Nightly Upgrade Awards, and The Bodrum Edition is the perfect place to use them. Here’s how to increase your chances of scoring that $6,000-per-night suite:
- Earn Nightly Upgrade Awards: These are available to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite and Titanium Elite members. You typically receive these after achieving 50 or 75 elite nights.
- Apply Upgrades in Advance: After booking your stay with points, use your Nightly Upgrade Awards in the Marriott app or contact customer service to request an upgrade. It’s best to apply these well in advance to increase your chances.
- Be Choiceful About Your Room. Don’t just select every room available for an upgrade as Marriott may just give you one tier up by doing so. Would you rather be moved from a Standard Room Garden View or City View to a Standard Room Sea View? Or a massive Sea View Suite? Of course it’s the latter. Ensure you’re checking paid availability during your dates for only the nicest and largest rooms and make your upgrade requests accordingly. I selected only the top tier rooms available when making my upgrade request.
- Confirm Your Upgrade: You’ll be notified if the upgrade is confirmed before arrival. If an upgrade isn’t available, your Nightly Upgrade Awards will be re-deposited. I applied five Nightly Upgrade Awards, which bumped me up to a Loft Sea View Suite with a kitchen, two full baths, separate bedroom and large terrace for our stay!
Final Thoughts
Staying at The Bodrum Edition on Marriott Bonvoy points was an unforgettable experience, from the luxurious accommodations to the world-class dining and beachside relaxation. With a little planning and some elite status perks, you, too, can experience this slice of paradise without breaking the bank.
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