A Mandarin Oriental Resort is opening in Paradise Bay in Bodrum and it is projected to be one of the most luxurious in the world…

So why not start it off with a good party? One being an exclusive brunch in the bay, where rows and rows of Mediterranean cuisine are set on the dock right on the Aegean sea. Platters of stuffed grape leaves, salmon, chickpeas, local fruit- apricots and peaches so fresh they were practically bursting.

A personalized omelet station, ice cream cones you can top with pistachios or pine nuts, tables upon tables of ethnic desserts, every kind of baklava…the food was not only abundant, but it reflected the surrounding culture with fresh flavors and rich textures.

All of this, directly on the water of Paradise Bay, filled with water so crisp and clear you feel as if you’re swimming in diamonds. The shore is the perfect gradient of three colors: clear water over smooth grey pebbles, then bright green water that turns into deep, azure blue. You float on your back and see mountains and islands in the distance. You never see just endless water, your view is always more diverse and interesting when you’re in the sea versus the ocean.

Besides the food and the view, you were are also surrounded by guests from all over the world (apparently the Prince of Saudi Arabia was somewhere nearby), so you never knew what language someone would begin with when they approached you. As everyone was brunching we watched a show put on just for us, featuring water acrobat teams that have traveled all across the world, from Paris to Dubai.

Water skiing, jumping, and dancing, they awed us with their extreme talents. Music pulsed along the shore as guests lay out on beds under white canopies, sipping champagne and eating grapes while applauding a human pyramid that zips by on water skis. It was the ultimate Sunday afternoon- place us on one of the world’s finest beaches, with crystal clear water, sunshine and breeze, surround us with people and endless access to excellent food, and while you’re at it, give us a show too!

I can see why they call this Paradise. And I was happy with just the view!