Is This Turkey’s Best Wellness Retreat?

As we approach the end of the year and embark on the next chapter, there can be no better time to focus on personal wellbeing and mental health. With this goal in mind, Nicole Smallwood takes a trip to Bodrum to try the Maçakızı Reconnects wellness experience.

Review: Maçakızı Reconnects, Turkey

STAY

Having never been to Bodrum before, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But Maçakızı has been on my radar for some time – and I was pleasantly surprised to find it did not disappoint. Set overlooking the turquoise waters of the Aegean, Maçakızı surpassed every hope and expectation I set off with.

Maçakızı possesses that wow factor that I have only ever experienced in a handful of places throughout the world. Simple yet elegant, with an air of 70s glamour, I knew this chic hotel and I were going to get along.

Speaking of the 70s – Mick Jagger and Rudolf Nureyevand (with entourages in tow) were regular visitors throughout the decade, to the then-guesthouse run by Aylan Emiroglu. They fondly nicknamed Emiroglu the Queen of Spades, and the motif is now used as the hotel’s logo.

A natural haven, Emiroglu’s aim was to create an inspiring location for creatives. And 30 years on her son, Sahir Erozan, armed with a new vision based (but with the same original values) has transformed the once modest B&B into the beautiful boutique hotel it is today. Elegant with its own unique identity, it’s easy to see why Maçakızı is now one of the most popular hotspots for people in-the-know on the Bodrum Peninsula.

The hotel comprises 53 rooms and 21 suites, all with a neutral whitewashed façade, with simple internal décor allowing the external natural environment to take centre stage. The beautiful sea view is complemented by the intoxicating smell and vibrant colours of the bougainvillaea at every turn.

Little hidden nooks and crannies allow you to get lost in this captivating environment,  but the jewel in the hotel’s crown has to be the stylish sundeck which looks out onto the bay. Modern chic collides perfectly with rustic glamour, producing the ultimate sun downer spot.

The hotel also has a well-equipped gym, spa, hammam and a boat to take you on excursions – or simply drop you off for a day of sightseeing.

DO

It was such a treat to experience first-hand the inaugural Maçakızı Reconnects weekend. The experience is headed up by Emily Cresp and Shamanic teacher Madita Boer, who guided us on a journey of reconnection with ourselves and nature.

We began each day with sunrise meditation. Here, time stood still and we reflected on the beauty of this morning light. Regular relaxation times to reflect and rest were intermingled with afternoon yoga, Pilates, massage and tarot card reading. Nothing felt rushed, leaving you to drift away into your own oasis of calm.

In the evenings we were taken on a breath and sound vibration journey. The experience, which combined a sound bath with a breath workshop, encouraged my mind to stand still and the chatter of everyday stress to subside. It was quite remarkable and I can still feel the effects of it today.

We were taught that bringing closure to an experience is as important as the experience itself and this weekend ended with a magical shamanic ritual.

For someone who has only ever been on retreats where the main focus is fitness, this experience really opened my eyes to the many and varied benefits beyond the gym.

EAT

Maçakızı is also home to one of the first restaurants in Turkey to be awarded a Michelin Star – so, understandably, the food itself was a taste sensation. The restaurant is helmed by Chef Aret Sahakyan, who is an old friend of the owner (the two went to university together), and uses fresh, seasonal ingredients from local producers and the Maçakızı Culinary Gardens. Every dining experiences led us on a new gastronomic journey through the flavours of Turkey, both modern and traditional.

BOOK IT

Rooms at Maçakızı start from €990 per night (including breakfast and two-way airport transfer). Dates and prices for the next Maçakızı Reconnects retreat coming early 2025. macakizi.com

Nicole on holiday when this review was conducted.

Images courtesy of Maçakızı