Dubai, renowned as a haven for the rich and famous, is famed for its luxurious designer shops, towering skyscrapers, and stunning beaches. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular among younger tourists seeking a taste of opulence.
However, at seven hours’ flight time, this mid-haul destination can be quite a journey to reach and holidays there can be costly. Interestingly, a resort closer to home has been likened to this Middle Eastern metropolis.
Yalikavak, situated on Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsula along the Aegean Sea, is just a stone’s throw from the Greek Islands. The town boasts a breathtaking coastline with crystal clear waters and endless blue skies.
While it offers beautiful coastal views, it’s Yalikavak’s award-winning marina that could potentially rival Dubai. It is Turkey’s first high-capacity superyacht marina and was voted the World’s Best Superyacht Marina in 2022.
Given that it attracts VIPs and affluent guests from around the world, the Marina has facilities to match, including designer shops and gourmet waterside restaurants.
There’s a shopping mall housing over 100 brands, while designers such as Chanel, Bvlgari, and Dior all have boutiques at the marina, with the latter offering incredible views across the water from the end of the pier, reports the Manchester Evening News.
TikTok users are buzzing about the striking resemblance between Yalikavak, Turkey, and Dubai’s luxurious allure. In a viral video, user @drinks.
on. mel raved about the town as a must-visit spot in Bodrum, exclaiming: “This place is literally a piece of Dubai in itself, there’s going to be high end shopping, there’s a bunch of nice restaurants, a bunch of really, really fancy yachts.”
She further enthused: “This is technically where you’ll be enjoying a very luxurious nice evening with one tenth of the price of what you’d be paying in Dubai itself, it was honestly one of the most surprising and nicest places I travelled to Turkey.”
Another TikTok sensation, @misslisaajayne, showcased the glamorous Yalikavak Marina, comparing its exclusivity to Dubai’s opulence. Her post read: “This feels like it could be Dubai… Yalikavak Marina has such a vibe. Five star restaurants, designer shopping…there are scanners and metal detectors on entry.”
While the designer boutiques might stretch your wallet, holidaying in Bodrum is a steal compared to Dubai. Dining out with a three-course meal for two averages at about £30 in Bodrum, a stark contrast to Dubai’s heftier price tag, and even a pint in Bodrum will only set you back around £2.60.
Just a stone’s throw from Bodrum city, a mere 30-minute drive takes you to Yalikavak, where pristine beaches and plush resorts await. With temperatures soaring into the late 20s even in October, it’s the perfect spot for an autumnal sun-soaked getaway.
Skyscanner reveals that flights from Manchester Airport to Bodrum in October start at a mere £92 one way, with return fares similarly priced. This is significantly cheaper than flights to Dubai for the same period, which are priced around £281 one-way, although additional costs may apply for seat allocation and baggage allowance.