Palmarina in Yalikavak (previously known as ‘Port Bodrum Yalikavak’) is set to be the largest marina in Turkey when it is completed in May 2014. It is already pretty impressive with its state of the art design and berths for over 450 yachts (this will increase to over 700 berths when it has been completed). If you are lucky enough to be sailing into the marina on your private yacht you will have full access to all facilities. If, like most of us mere mortals, you will be arriving by foot then access to where the boats are moored is restricted. However, there is still plenty to look at.
The Marina has shopping and dining facilities in the ‘VIP Village’ and ‘Fisherman’s Village’ areas which have been designed to fuse together Mediterranean, Ottoman and modern Turkish design. There are already a number of good places to eat including ‘The Yacht Club Restaurant and Bar’, ‘Cabo Verde Beach Club’, ‘Tartin Cafe Brasserie Tapas’ and ‘Mekan Gourmet.’ In addition to the shops and restaurants there is a large 2500 seat amphitheatre that holds musical events and shows films on a weekly ‘Moonlight Cinema Nights’.
A recent addition to the marina is the ‘Billionaire Club’ owned by Flavio Briatore of Formula 1 fame. This super-extravagant super club is open from Thursday to Sunday from 11pm to 5am. If you like to party with the rich and famous then this is the place to be. The Billionaire Club in Palmarina is also open in the daytime with a stunning beach club and a huge infinity pool overlooking the turquoise Aegean. I’m not too sure how you get an invite though!
Further plans for the marina include a recreational island with salt water swimming pool and high-speed boat trips over to the neighbouring Greek Islands. These developments are really exciting and will make Yalikavak an even more attractive proposition for holidaymakers.
If you are concerned that the development may disrupt your holiday in Yalikavak, don’t be. I have been there for the last 6 years or so and due to the position of the marina right around the far side of the bay you would not notice any development unless you walked right up to it. The buildings are all sympathetic to this beautiful fishing village and the addition of this luxurious, state of the art marina can only be a positive thing for holidaymakers and property owners alike. Yalikavak really is the place to be this summer!
Find out more about our holiday rentals on the Bodrum Peninsula here.
