Hotel L'Ambiance Resort

Smack bang between Bodrum and Gumbet, L'Ambiance Resort is found a stone's throw from the historical site of Myndos Gate, literally! Just over 20 miles from Milas-Bodrum international airport, it's not even a mile from the town centre and in a quieter spot further back from the shores of Bodrum and Gumbet.

While the resort is not right on the beach nor in the town centres at either Bodrum or Gumbet, both of these places are within walking distance. Otherwise, there is a regular bus service that winds its way through the neighbourhood streets of Gumbet and Bodrum; it's a cheap and efficient alternative to the expensive taxis.

Perhaps one of the first things you notice about L'Ambiance Resort is the abundance of beautiful bougainvillea.The gardens are overflowing with Mediterranean plants but the fact that they aren't neatly landscaped adds to their untamed and authentic charm. In fact, far from feeling like a large resort, L'Ambiance is quiet and tranquil, some distance from the brash nightlife of Gumbet; yet close enough for those who wish to enjoy it. The rooms are housed in small units; these are nestled amongst the lovely gardens brimming with free-growing flowers. Each unit block can be told apart by their different coloured wooden shutters ranging from cornflower blue, forest green to lilac sorbet, meaning you won't get lost as you meander up the winding stone paths to your room.

The large pool with adjoining children's pool is overlooked by the tourist site Myndos Gate. Unfortunately there might not be enough sun loungers to go around and pool/beach towels need to be rented for a small fee. In the summer, massages can be enjoyed (at an extra charge) outdoors in the poolside gazebos. Darts and table tennis are on offer however there are no real facilities for children.

You wouldn't know it by looking at the hotel but there are 162 rooms (of which 142 are standard, the rest are family and duplex suites) spread over its lush grounds. The tucked away location of some buildings really gives you the impression you are ensconced deep in a garden hideaway. Overall, the rooms at L'Ambiance Resort are clean but look a tad tired and are beginning to show their age. The standard rooms are neither shoebox size nor enormous, but they are neat, bright and airy. The beds are large but the mattresses hard and the bathroom on the other hand is a squeeze. Unfortunately the shower cubicle was small and the shower head had a life of its own so the water pressure had to be kept to a minimum. Meanwhile, the duplex suites look as if they have been designed by somebody with a penchant for country style interior decoration! Spacious enough for a larger family, the suites are awash with faded florals, mint green and cream tones; these rooms all have timber floors and two bathrooms, even one with a Jacuzzi (standard and family rooms feature shower-only bathrooms).

L'Ambiance Resort operates on an all inclusive concept only and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner (all buffet services) plus snack time, afternoon tea and a late night soup service. The main restaurant is in a separate building by the pool, with high ceilings and a central buffet, while its seating is found outside and poolside. Some tables are on a small sheltered terrace, but all tables (sturdy and stone-topped in a traditional Turkish design) have views to the ruins of Myndos Gate only metres away. Meanwhile, the 'winter restaurant,' just next door, is cosy and comfortable thanks to its traditional tile features, exposed brick, dark wooden ceilings and fireplace. The à la carte restaurant, set apart from the main facilities of the hotel, is open on Fridays only and serves authentic Turkish cuisine. While it is included for guests, reservations are necessary the day before.

The dinner buffet consists of the same staples as found in most other hotels; a couple of hot dishes, a variety of salads and a few desserts including some local specialties. While there is a grill outside with additional choice, for the most part the food at the main restaurant is international and does not really reflect Turkish cuisine. However, this can all be forgotten when you're dining in such a relaxed atmosphere with the Myndos Gate lit up beyond the pool. The pool bar seems to be the place to meet other guests as afternoon tea is served here between 5:00pm and 6:00pm. 24 hour room service is available at an extra charge while guests who need to leave early morning (to the airport or on a day trip, for example) are provided with a packed breakfast that consists of cold cuts, cheese, fruit and bread.

L'Ambiance Resort is about a 15 minute walk to Gumbet beach which is far from being the most attractive in Bodrum. It is a pebbly beach with rows of sun loungers and parasols side by side frequented by hordes of other holidaymakers that eat and drink in the bars and restaurants on the beach's doorstep. However, guests of the hotel have free access and once a day transfers to the Xuma Exclusive Beach Club which is located in Yalikavak about 10 miles away. Hotel guests may use the beach umbrellas, sun loungers, hammocks and pillows free of charge. Free activities include tennis, volleyball and basketball while windsurf, water-ski, jet ski and canoe activities are available upon payment of an extra fee.