You first heard of Bodrum, one of the world’s most exotic towns, in archeology class. It mesmerized you for its plethora of ancient history, its medieval ruins and as a gateway to what you envisioned being the most stunning beaches in the world. It boggled your mind to know that nearby were not one, but two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Without seeing photos, you could imagine everything. You could hear the murmuring in the markets, smell the fused scent or roses and hookah, imagine the cobbled streets massaging your feet through your shoes as you navigated the centuries old stones. Equally, you could taste the saltiness of the sea air and feel the breeze on your face.
It I ever get married, you said to yourself, it will be to a person who wants to go to Bodrum with me. Luckily, you fell in love with her — and she’d heard of Bodrum, too. “It’s on the Turkish Riviera,” she said, her eyes lighting up. She tells you that this area of southwest Turkey has more than 600 miles of shoreline along the Aegean and Mediterranean waters. She was even keen on trekking around dusty archaeological sites and photographing moldering ruins with you. Bliss! At that moment, you loved her even more. So, when it came time to plan your honeymoon, you searched and searched for a proposal that seemed even more romantic than the idea of Bodrum itself. At last, you found the solution. “Zephyria Yachting,” you cried out, laughing at your luck. She came running over, wondering why you were so thrilled. “Why didn’t I think of it before?” You said. “Who needs a hotel! We’ll explore by boat. Zephyria — it’s a private yachting company.” You tell her all of this as you open a bottle of crisp, white wine and make a large pour into two blue-tinted glasses. Gently you toast, clinking them musically. She grabs the brochure from your hand. “Complete privacy? Our own staff? Total control where the boat goes?” She asked, rhetorically. “We’d be the captains!” You cheer, hugging her, knowing you’ve found the right trip to celebrate your union.
After some deliberation you choose what seems like the most ideal honeymoon vessel: a three-cabin gulet, a handmade, wooden yacht. “How romantic,” she croons. Called, M/S Serenity, your gulet has a crew of three. “Intimate,” she says, giving you a high five for your good decision. Since you’ve never been to the Turkish Riviera before, you choose the classic Blue Cruise, a journey rife with the promise of bays, fascinating anchorages, private swimming coves, and heart-stopping vistas. You discuss what it will be like, without really knowing — though you both have dreams to share. She wants dining on the deck beneath the stars and as many water sports as possible. She’s also planning to bring an extra suitcase to haul her handicraft shopping finds. You love the idea of picnics on shore, swimming in the nude, and eating your private chef’s weight in Turkish fare.
More on this honeymoon:
Zephyria Yachting trips feel like a bargain. They include breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks (all prepared by a chef from local produce). Non-alcoholic drinks and many activities are also part of the package.
Turkey, and Bodrum specifically, continue to grow in popularity with U.S. travelers. Fly directly to Istanbul on stylish Turkish Airlines, which offers an affordable and superb business class. Its lounge in Istanbul is considered one of the world’s most glamorous, comfortable and satisfying. Most visitors spend a few days exploring buzzy, mysterious Istanbul, then take the two-hour flight to Bodrum to begin their cruising experience on the coast.
