The holiday season kicks off strong at the new Maxx Royal Bodrum with the opening of The MAINE, the buzzy third outpost from restaurateur Joey Ghazal. Located just a short distance from Milas-Bodrum Airport, this new culinary dream destination is attracting jet setters with its stunning views and exquisite dining. Perched on a hilltop with unobstructed, 360-degree views of the Aegean Coast, The MAINE Bodrum, overlooking the entire Maxx Royal Resort, is a destination in its own right.
The long-awaited locale and its menu pay homage to founder Joey Ghazal’s memories of his trips to New England from Dubai, where he grew up. Having already impressed discerning clientele with projects in the UK and Spain, the Lebanese-Canadian restauranteur’s latest venture in Turkey is sure to impress. The interiors draw inspiration from The MAINE Ibiza, with its dark brutalist monastic simplicity and candle-lit ambience, offering a memorable night out for visitors. The restaurant can accommodate 100 guests indoors with an additional 50 seats on the terrace, along with exceptional cliffside private dining for 20 people.
The view from The MAINE provided all the inspiration needed for the restaurant, which feels like an observation deck with windows on all sides. A muted color scheme, amber lighting, and the subtle crescendo of music create an alluring evening environment. The MAINE is already a hot topic as part of the launch of the much talked-about Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort. The 11.4-hectare beachside property opened its doors on May 17th. Designed by Turkish architect Mahmut Anlar, with sister companies GEO_ID and GEOMIM handling interiors and architecture, the resort is built sustainably into the hillside, complying with LEED Gold Standard guidelines for construction. This dedication to sustainability exists in harmony with elevated decor, inviting guests to enjoy the enchanting panorama of the sea.
The design concept emphasizes blending with the natural environment, says Banu Akan, executive brand director of Maxx Royal Resorts. The MAINE isn’t the only tempting gastronomic offering. SPAGO by Wolfgang Puck provides American, Asian, and Italian-influenced dishes, while Parisian institution Caviar Kaspia offers French flavors with a Russian twist. Experimental beats and art find a home in the renowned creative beach concept Scorpios, first conceived in Mykonos. Begüm Khan’s store at Maxx Royal Bodrum is nestled in a lush, green environment, reflecting both the brand’s and the Turkish designer’s distinctive style. The boutique offers a range of artistic jewelry pieces, each created to be both elegant and expressive.
For overnight guests, suites and other spectacular spaces feature private balconies and terraces surrounded by indigenous plants and flowers. The most spectacular among them, the Presidential Villa, spans over 1,063 square meters, boasting five bedrooms, a heated seawater pool, a steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, and fitness center. Families and friend groups can expect to feel entirely at ease. The icing on the cake? A complimentary trip on the Maxx Royal yacht is available for villa guests staying more than seven days.
The resort’s interior color palette is complemented by pops of vibrant greens, tangerine, and turquoise, echoing its coastal setting. Natural materials like wood, stone, and marble, combined with locally-crafted, hand-glazed tiles, create an authentic feel. Contemporary artworks curated by Zeynep Utku, founder of Arts Connected, adorn the space, while two vertical arc sculptures by the renowned Bernar Venet appear at the entrance. Adding to the wow factor is a digital piece displayed in the lobby conceived by the Turkey-born, Los Angeles-based new media creative Refik Anadol, who worked with data collected from the ocean. Galleries from Turkey and the UAE have also collaborated to devise a dynamic exhibition program, kicking off with the artist-in-residence Chloe Wise.
Last but not least, the sprawling 4,500-square-meter Maxx Wellbeing center boasts an extensive selection of holistic and science-based treatments from prestigious international spa brands such as Biologique Recherche, Phytomer, and Swiss Perfection. Authentic Turkish bath treatments utilize locally sourced products including roses and rosewater. It’s no surprise that Akan admits that Maxx Royal Bodrum is the most special and distinctive of the brand’s establishments, delivering an unmatched fusion of serene luxury and natural splendor on the breathtaking Bodrum peninsula.
