There are few places in the world which offer classical history and natural beauty in equal measure. The Aegean region of Turkey is one such place. This fabled coastline is where Homer’s heroes were born, where the ancient Greeks consulted their oracles and the Romans built magnificent temples to honour their gods. Everywhere are reminders of this glorious past, vying for attention with spectacular natural scenery including ancient pine forests and scalloped bays. One such bay on the Bodrum Peninsula is home to Amanruya, a tranquil all-season resort. Named after the Sanskrit word for peace, ‘aman’, and the Turkish word for dream, Amanruya is set on a peaceful hillside, offering breathtaking views of the sea and a winding pathway leading to a sheltered pebble beach.

An access road weaves its way through the trees before revealing one’s first glimpse of Amanruya and its graceful setting. Inspired by the region’s traditional architecture and building methods, the resort ascends through a series of levels, offering a variety of courtyards and terraces. This creates the intimate ambience of a village while still providing a sense of space and luxury. The resort combines Mediterranean and Ottoman architectural design elements, all the while complementing and respecting the property’s pristine natural surrounds.

An intricate interplay of light and shadow dapples narrow pathways and courtyards – some open, others tucked away for quiet moments. Building materials include local stone for structural walls, dark acajau wood for furniture, windows and door fittings, white Turkish marble for floors and hand-carved stone for interior wall details. Together, they form a timeless natural palette with clean lines and acontemporary feel.

Amanruya offers 36 spacious and elegant Pool Terrace Cottages, each with a private garden and pool. Designed to welcome and soothe, the cottages are gracious homes away from home and a cool air of sophisticated calm prevails.

Dining

Turkey is blessed with a variety of microclimates that provides an amazing array of produce. This, combined with the freshest of local seafood, allows the kitchen at Amanruya to deliver an ever-changing seasonal menu. There are four Dining Pavilions serving traditional Turkish foods, continental fare and Asian-inspired dishes including stir-fries, salads and curries. Each venue enjoys a different setting and sea views. Home-baked bread and informal Meze platters make for superb in-suite dining or picnic options. The resort also offers a Terrace and Wine Lounge and a casual dining venue at the Beach Club.

The Beach Club

Approximately 500 metres west of the main buildings is the informal Beach Club. Protected by a headland and curled around a number of well-established trees, it consists of a series of terraces on which sun loungers overlook the small pebble beach, a jetty and an offshore swimming pontoon. Water sports equipment including pedalos and small sailing boats is available. Simple but tasty snacks and drinks are served.

Other Facilities

Amanruya offers a 50-metre swimming pool, a tennis court and a three-storey Library with a selection of books and DVDs. There is also a Boutique, an Art Gallery and two Spa Suites.

Amanruya provides a number of excursion options to the wealth of classical sites in the region, including the ancient ruined cities of Didyma, Miletus, Priene and Ephesus. The region also offers natural distractions including winding trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking or horse riding, and beautiful beaches and forest glades ideal for picnics. Boating and other water sports take precedence throughout the summer months, and a golf club offers avid golfers their fix.

Discover a true sense of place at Amanruya, where traditional architecture and contemporary stylings fuse with nature and classical history. The resort’s 36 cottages (each with its own marble pool) and secluded courtyards ascend over several terraced levels, much as in a hillside village. Locally sourced stone, acajau wood and Turkish marble make for serene living spaces; the four dining pavilions all offer sea views. You’ll find a pebbled beach and watersports at the Beach Club, while the holiday town of Bodrum and such storied sites as Ephesus and Didyma are within easy reach.

Each Pool Terrace Cottage has its own garden, an outdoor shower and a dining pergola — perfect for lazing with a meze platter and home-baked bread. Distance from Bodrum Airport (BJV): 30 minutes