Nestled along the mesmerizing shores of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, the Turkish Riviera, affectionately known as the Turquoise Coast, beckons with its stunning beauty and captivating history. This picturesque stretch of southwest Turkey’s coastline is ideal for those seeking an enchanting blend of warm turquoise waters, rugged mountains, sun-kissed beaches, and a treasure trove of natural and archaeological wonders.
Steeped in a tapestry of culture and heritage, the Turkish Riviera unfurls tales that weave together epic history of mythical proportion. Mark Antony, the illustrious Roman general, is said to have chosen The Turkish Riviera as a gift for his beloved Cleopatra. The region is also home to two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, in Bodrum, and the Temple of Artemis, in Ephesus. Bodrum, the coastal gem once known as Halicarnassus, lies in the heart of the Turkish Riviera and is a forebear of the Mediterranean charm. While the “Father of History,” Herodotus, was born in this fabled city and it is rumored that Aphrodite also resided there, Bodrum traces its origins back to the time of prehistory and, arguably, the most famous Greek hero, Heracles. According to the myth, Heracles built the city including the Mausoleum of Mausolus as the crown jewel, as a lasting memorial to his fallen comrade, King Mausolus of Caria.
Beyond its mythological allure, Bodrum and the Turkish Riviera embody the essence of the coveted Mediterranean lifestyle. Here, the gentle sea breeze caresses the skin as locals indulge in renowned cuisine, savoring the freshest fruits, vegetables, olive oils, dips, and flatbreads that grace the healthy yet flavorful Mediterranean diet. The unhurried pace of life encourages moments of genuine connection, whether through shared meals, invigorating walks along the coastline, swimming in the pristine waters at the nexus Aegean and Mediterranean seas, or dancing the night away in clubs.
Bodrum Castle – Shutterstock
As the summer season approaches and the Turkish Riviera comes alive with sun-seeking visitors, there are two destinations in Bodrum that are eagerly preparing to open their doors. Lucca By the Sea and Lucca Beach, both ideally located in Paradise Bay, are poised to offer an unforgettable summer experience blending culinary excellence, captivating design, and the Mediterranean charm. As the ideal destination for discerning international travelers in the Mediterranean, Lucca by the Sea and Lucca Beach draw inspiration from the esteemed brand identity and the culinary legacy of Lucca Istanbul.
Located on the sea, within the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, Lucca By the Sea is a culinary masterpiece that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Lucca By the Sea’s famous mixologists create award-winning cocktails to refresh guests as they enjoy the seaside views from the large deck. The premier chefs, including Hüseyin Kiliç, use seasonal and local ingredients to make colorful dishes featuring seafood delicacies, artisanal wood-fired burrata pizzas, fresh pasta, and more. Lucca By the Sea is renowned for its delectable fusion cuisine and esteemed guest chefs. Cem Mirap, the founder of Lucca, leverages his extensive travel and industry experience spanning 25 years to ensure the menu always incorporates a delightful blend of international flavors. These influences can range from Peruvian to Japanese to Mexican to Spanish and more. As a modern play on a traditional Turkish fish market, Lucca By the Sea extends an invitation to savor the flavors of the Mediterranean in an immersive and authentic setting. To maintain the chic ambiance characterized by light-colored accents, natural surface stones, and meticulously crafted wooden furniture, Lucca By the Sea asks its patrons to follow its dress code as the restaurant opens as the beach closes. Within the restaurant, a skillfully incorporated pergola system leverages a semipermeable shading structure and graceful veils that invite guests to embrace the harmonious connection between the restaurant, the sky, and the sea.Those interested can reach the 570 square foot location with the buggies provided by the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum.
Located just a short stroll from Lucca By the Sea, Lucca Beach is hailed as the ultimate designer beach by Architectural Digest. Lucca Beach invites guests to unwind, relax, and soak up the sun-drenched ambiance in this beach version of the brand’s flagship location, Lucca Istanbul. Open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Lucca Beach is extremely popular as the region of Bodrum has fewer beaches than the typical Mediterranean island. The mingling of woven fabrics in a range of burnt orange tones, wooden furniture in complementary natural shades, and a carefully curated selection of contemporary Turkish art featuring works form Esra Gulmen and more, infuses a sophisticated yet relaxed modern atmosphere to the space. It is a sanctuary where style converges with serenity, offering a picturesque backdrop for guests to create lasting memories. In past seasons, Lucca Beach has featured internationally famous musicians such as Moodyman, CC:DISCO, and other premier artists. The Lucca Beach scene is the most vibrant and lively beach party scene in all of Bodrum and the Aegean coast featuring exclusive and sought after parties spun by festival headliners. This season, the Lucca Beach team is bringing global DJs like Dixon, Desiree, Pawsa, Palms Trax, Adam Port, and many more this season! Furthermore, Lucca Beach has hosted events for luxury design brands like Valentino and Miu Miu. Stay tuned for the exciting lineup of music events featuring global artists, promising unforgettable evenings of celebration and pure bliss.
With the summer season fast approaching, Lucca By the Sea and Lucca Beach are unveiling an array of offerings and collaborations that elevate the experience to new heights. At Lucca By the Sea, guests can indulge in exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, crafted with creativity and artistry by the talented culinary team. Lucca Beach, on the other hand, presents a lineup of music events featuring global artists, promising unforgettable evenings of celebration and pure bliss. Get ready to discover the debut of the highly-coveted Turkish streetwear brand, Les Benjamins, at Lucca Beach, bringing together the worlds of fashion and leisure. Additionally, the renowned jewelry brand Begum Khan and ‘Lucca Goodies,’ will be the main attractions at the Stores at Lucca Beach. The Stores at Lucca Beach, situated on the beachfront, showcases a wide variety of products from local artisans, Turkey’s independent brands, and international designers all of which illustrate the Lucca spirit.
The talented chefs at Lucca Istanbul, the brand’s staple in the country’s cultural capital, have been hard at work, crafting a fresh and inventive new summer menu. Lucca Istanbul is known for going beyond the expected, transcending the boundaries of traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The menu boasts playful touches that surprise and delight, with each dish meticulously curated to showcase the artistry and creativity of the esteemed culinary team. Brace yourself for a medley of flavors and textures that will leave patrons craving for more.
Cem Mirap is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, restaurateur, and prominent figure in the upscale culinary industry. Over the course of nearly two decades, he has expanded his restaurant group, venturing into international pop-ups in sought-after destinations such as Mykonos and Capri. In addition to the Lucca brand, Mirap has founded renowned Cantinery and the Fuudy enterprises. Fuudy is Turkey’s leading luxury restaurant delivery app, which connects over 800 restaurants with a large customer base of discerning individuals. Mirap’s achievements have been recognized with awards, including the Timeout Best Brasserie Award, Timeout Best Bar Award, and inclusion in the World’s Top 50 Discovery Series.
As the summer season dawns upon Bodrum, Lucca By the Sea and Lucca Beach stand ready to welcome guests to a world of culinary excellence, captivating design, and Mediterranean bliss. With their unique offerings, these establishments embody the Mediterranean spirit of Lucca and the soul of Bodrum. Whether embarking on a culinary journey at Lucca By the Sea or partying on Lucca Beach, one thing is certain – the summer delights of the Lucca brand in Bodrum are set to create lasting memories and enchantment for all who visit. We look forward to watching the Lucca brand continue to be a steward for the Mediterranean charm.
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Written by Jordan Finkle
