- Project: Ritz-Carlton Residences
- Architect: SAOTA
- Location: Turkey, Bodrum
- Year: 2021
South African architecture studio SAOTA has redefined the landscape of high-end residential design with The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Bodrum. Developed by Aksoy Holding, this landmark project marks Marriott International’s first stand-alone branded residences in the EMEA region. Nestled on a 126,000 m² private peninsula in Yalıkavak, a picturesque coastal town in Bodrum, Turkey, the development offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, privacy, and nature.
Seafront Villas Inspired by Vernacular Heritage
Comprising 74 private villas in a mix of configurations—from two to five bedrooms—each unit is a bespoke composition of indoor-outdoor living. With design options across ten villa types, residents enjoy floor plans tailored for both communal gatherings and private relaxation, including private heated pools, landscaped gardens, cabana terraces, and pond features.
SAOTA’s architectural approach is a modern interpretation of Bodrum’s vernacular style, using locally sourced stone, earth-tone palettes, and green roofs to root the villas in their environment. The aim was to break the visual dominance often associated with white-cube Mediterranean forms by integrating materials and landscaping that reflect the natural topography and climate conditions of the Aegean coast.
Climate-Conscious, Contextual Design
Designed with sustainability and climate-responsiveness at its core, each villa is positioned and shaped to enhance natural ventilation, thermal performance, and acoustic comfort. The architectural massing emphasizes rectilinear geometries and layered volumes, subtly embedded into the hillside for minimal visual impact.
Depending on orientation, villas offer courtyard-protected pools or ocean-facing terraces, maximizing either privacy or panoramic vistas. The multi-tiered decks gracefully descend with the terrain, creating fluid transitions from interior living areas to expansive outdoor platforms, echoing SAOTA’s signature blend of form, function, and landscape.
Barefoot Luxury in an Exclusive Peninsula Setting
More than a collection of private homes, The Ritz-Carlton Residences embody a lifestyle philosophy. Residents enjoy barefoot luxury—a retreat into serenity, sophistication, and nature. The peninsula includes:
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A private sandy beach
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Sun decks and a natural swimmable pond
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A community pool, kids’ club, and signature restaurant
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A fully equipped fitness center, clubhouse, and spa facilities
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A media/business lounge, and residence concierge services
This complete ecosystem fosters a self-contained residential sanctuary, offering both privacy and community amid panoramic Aegean views.
