Bodrum Peninsula in southwest Turkey is a vacation hot spot for both native Turks and international travelers — it’s considered the Côte D’Azur of Turkey. And Maçakizi is the place to stay! On the weekends, yachts dock by the waterside where Maçakizi guests lounge. It’s not beachfront, but it’s equally beautiful and you can jump in the water off the beach chair-lined dock. The bar is adjacent, also waterfront, so there’s really no need to ever leave the premises.

Turkish breakfast is one of my favorites, and life would not be the same if I couldn’t have simit, the circular sesame bread. This photo of the last bite of my beloved simit encapsulates all the warm feelings of my stay at Maçakizi.