London Olympics: ideas for the stylish tourist

The London Wonderground @Southbank Centre

Some photos from our iPhones...

Around town: Torba, Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey: July 2012

Around town: Torba, Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey: July 2012

... Some photos straight from our iPhones...

Hotel Review: Alkoclar Boutique Hotel, Torba, Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey: 13th-16th July 2012

It's Curbappeal:
- Picture perfect location; right on the sea, beautiful lush grounds
- Atmosphere: relaxed - this decor normally brings a pretentious crowd, not here
- Vibe enhanced music (tended to be chilled Western Lounge & Turkish)

Style rating: white-on-white chic

Crowd: predominantly Turkish, with a sprinkling of Europeans. Families & couples.

Cuisine: food all inclusive and quite average. Breakfast: basic (Turkish plate, omelette & cereals). Lunch & dinner: Western bias; salads, fish & meat dishes.

Food rating: meh

Our room: 104. Suite. White on white retro chic. Mirror above bed (hmm!).

The bill: reasonable

Recommended: most definitely. whilst food may disappoint don't fear there's Gonca <300m away (look out for it on our blog soon)

... Some photos straight from our iPhones...

Restaurant Review: Ottoflamm, Golturkbuku, Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey. 19th July 2012.

It's Curbappeal:
- atmosphere & setting; lanterns hung overhead amongst palm trees, sea lapping, wooden decking, twinkling lights of turbuku & cool (western) music
- arrive in style; catch a speed boat taxi straight to Ottoflamm's jetty

Style rating: casual but cool & a bit arty

Crowd: was bit quiet when we were there, but seemed largely Turkish -couples & groups of all ages

Cuisine:Turkish & western

Food rating: basic dishes done well

Bill: not too bad

Recommend: definitely for relaxed beachside restaurant with decent food


... Some photos straight from our iPhones...

A stylish travel option for the London Olympics

Arrive by boat with Water Chariots

News: major hotel group and two large hotel booking engines accused of price fixing - 1 August 2012

Interesting article in today's FT:

Hotel & Beach club review: Macakizi, Turkbuku, Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey. 18th July 2012.

Note: hotel undergoing refurbishment process; completes winter 2012. Also, review based on a show round, lunch and an afternoon at the beachclub

It's Curbappeal:
- relaxed beachside chic
- beautiful hillside estate
- stunning indoor-outdoor public lounges, spa and beachclub

Style rating: whimsical

Crowd: largely Turkish, with a handful of Europeans and Americans. Families, couples and young groups. Generally stylish.

Cuisine: we only had the lunch buffet - wholesome, fresh and very tasty

Food rating: high

Rooms: (remember we didn't stay but we saw a fair few) old rooms beach shabby-chic, refurbished rooms lot more contemporary (light wood rather than white distressed)

The bill: probably on the high side

Recommended: yes. NB. make sure you arrive in style - by yacht or speed boat taxi

... Some photos straight from our iPhones...