Lotus – 26 m Gulet with 5 Cabins, Twin Engines and Famous Turkish Feasts
Refitted in 2021, Lotus is a 26-metre gulet with twin 450 HP engines, a bright, spacious saloon and five air-conditioned en-suite cabins for up to eleven guests, looked after by a crew of four.
Lotus is known for two things: breathtaking turquoise anchorages – as her aerial photos show – and generous Turkish feasts served on deck. She is a lively, comfortable choice for a 5 cabin gulet charter in Bodrum for families and groups of friends.
🛏️ Accommodation
- ✓5 cabins for up to 11 guests
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓En-suite bathrooms
- ✓Refitted in 2021
- ✓Linen and towels included
- ✓Separate crew quarters
🌅 On Board
- ✓Twin 450 HP engines
- ✓Large sun deck
- ✓Long aft dining table
- ✓Bright, spacious saloon
- ✓Fully equipped galley
- ✓Crew of 4
🌊 Water Toys
- ✓Tender
- ✓Snorkelling equipment
- ✓Paddleboard
- ✓Canoe on request
- ✓Fishing gear
- ✓Sun mattresses
Cabins and Accommodation on Gulet Lotus
Lotus’s five cabins were refreshed in 2021 with comfortable beds, air conditioning and private bathrooms – practical, restful rooms for a large family or group on a gulet holiday in Turkey.
Life on Board: Turquoise Bays and Turkish Feasts
Meals on Lotus are a celebration: tables laden with mezes, fresh fish, grilled meats, salads and fruit, served on deck with a view of the bay. Her cook is a highlight for many returning guests.
With twin engines, Lotus reaches the most beautiful turquoise coves quickly, leaving plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding.
Turkish Cuisine and Dining on Lotus
Turkish cuisine is one of the highlights of a gulet charter in Turkey. On board Lotus, the chef prepares fresh, home-style dishes with ingredients bought daily in local markets in Bodrum, Marmaris, Göcek and Fethiye. Each day starts with a traditional Turkish breakfast – fresh simit and bread, village cheeses, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers, honey and clotted cream (kaymak), menemen and eggs cooked to order, served with Turkish tea.
Lunch at anchor brings colourful Aegean mezes – haydari, ezme, stuffed vine leaves, smoky aubergine and olive-oil vegetables – followed by grilled sea bass or sea bream, octopus or chicken şiş. Dinners under the stars feature slow-cooked lamb, kebabs and the catch of the day, finished with baklava, seasonal fruit and Turkish coffee. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher-friendly and children’s menus are all available on request, and the bar can be stocked with your favourite wines, rakı, champagne and cocktails.
Famous Restaurants Along the Coast – Ashore by Tender
A private yacht lets you combine meals on board with dinners at some of the most famous restaurants on the Turkish Riviera. The captain anchors close to shore and the crew takes you there by tender, waits or returns at the agreed time and brings you back for a late swim or a nightcap on deck. Around Bodrum, favourites include Yalıkavak Marina (home to Nusr-Et, Zuma and Sakhalin), the fishing village of Gümüşlük with seafront fish restaurants such as Mimoza, and chic Türkbükü with Macakızı. Near Marmaris and Datça, guests love the fish restaurants of Selimiye such as Sardunya, Manzara in Söğüt and the restaurants of D-Maris Bay, while around Göcek and Fethiye you can dine at Özcan in Göcek, D’Breeze at D-Resort or Adaia, a bay restaurant reached only by sea.
Many quiet bays in Gökova, Hisarönü and the Göcek islands also have small family-run restaurants with their own jetties, serving fresh fish, gözleme and village dishes. Aren Yachting can reserve your tables in advance – essential in July and August – and plan your route so that every evening ends at the right spot. Restaurant availability depends on the season and reservations.
Cruising Area: Bodrum Peninsula & Gulf of Gökova
Lotus’s home port is Bodrum; departures from Göcek, Marmaris or Fethiye can be arranged on request. Her favourite week explores the coves of the Bodrum peninsula and the Gökova Gulf. A sample week follows our Bodrum peninsula & Gulf of Gökova coves itinerary:
- Day 1 – Bodrum: Embark in the afternoon and settle in with a welcome drink on deck.
- Day 2 – Pabuç Burnu & Yalıçiftlik: Swim off quiet beaches south of the Bodrum peninsula.
- Day 3 – Çökertme: Anchor in a sheltered bay known for its village restaurants and calm evening water.
- Day 4 – Seven Islands: Hop between small green islets with secluded swim spots.
- Day 5 – English Harbour & Löngöz: Deep, forested inlets ideal for kayaking and snorkelling.
- Day 6 – Sedir Island: Walk on the famous golden sand of Cleopatra Island in the morning before the crowds.
- Day 7 – Orak Island: Swim in some of the clearest turquoise water in the Aegean.
- Day 8 – Bodrum: Breakfast on board and farewell to the crew.
Why Charter Lotus with Aren Yachting?
Twin engines, a 2021 refit, a crew of four and outstanding food make Lotus a great choice for groups of up to eleven. Aren Yachting is TÜRSAB-licensed and based in Bodrum; we plan your route and handle every detail. 2026 and 2027 enquiries open.
💶 Weekly Charter Rates
| May & October | €14,000 per week |
| June & September | €17,500 per week |
| July & August | €21,000 per week |
Weekly rates include the gulet with crew, fuel for standard cruising, water, bed linen and towels, harbour and berth taxes and the Turkish transit log. Food and drinks, transfers and Greek-island taxes are extra. 2027 rates on request.
⚙️ Technical Specifications
| Yacht type | Wooden gulet |
| Built / Refit | 1996 / 2021 |
| Length / Beam | 26 m / 6 m |
| Engines | 2 × 450 HP |
| Cruising speed | 10 knots |
| Cabins | 5 en-suite cabins, A/C |
| Guests / Crew | up to 11 / 4 |
| Home port | Bodrum |
| Charter start | Saturdays |
How Much Does a 5-Cabin Gulet Charter Cost per Person?
Shared between 11 guests, a week on Lotus starts from roughly €1,270 per person for the boat and crew in low season – a price that compares very well with a boutique hotel, while giving you a whole private yacht and crew to yourselves. Food, drinks and port extras are added on top, and we will always send you a clear, all-inclusive estimate before you book.
Getting to Bodrum: Flights and Transfers
The closest airport for Lotus is Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV), about 35 minutes by road from the marina. In summer there are direct flights of around four hours from London Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham and other UK airports, and travellers from the USA and Canada usually connect via Istanbul or a major European hub. Aren Yachting can arrange private transfers from the airport straight to the yacht, as well as hotel nights before or after your cruise.
Best Time to Charter Lotus
The sailing season runs from May to October. May, June, September and October offer warm sea temperatures, quieter bays and the best prices, while July and August bring the hottest weather and the liveliest atmosphere ashore. Sea temperatures reach 24–27 °C in high summer, perfect for swimming straight from the yacht.
Who Is Lotus Ideal For?
- ✓Families with children who love swimming and water toys
- ✓Small corporate groups and incentive trips
- ✓Couples sharing a boat with other couples
- ✓First-time visitors to Turkey who want to see the coast from the sea
- ✓Guests who enjoy fresh Turkish food and quiet anchorages
Tips for Booking Your Gulet Holiday
The best gulets for July and August usually sell out by early spring – an early enquiry gives you the widest choice. Tell us your group size, preferred dates and the kind of holiday you enjoy, and we will suggest the right route, check live availability on Lotus and send you alternatives with similar layouts and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can Lotus take?
Up to 11 guests in 5 air-conditioned en-suite cabins.
What is the weekly price?
From €14,000 in May and October to €21,000 in July and August, plus food and drinks.
When was she refitted?
Lotus was refitted in 2021.
Where does she start?
From her home port of Bodrum, usually on Saturdays.
Can I book for 2027?
Yes – 2027 enquiries are welcome.
Is Lotus suitable for children?
Yes – gulets are very popular with families. Life jackets are on board, the crew is used to young guests, and most swim stops are in calm, sheltered bays.
Can we combine a cruise on Lotus with the Greek islands?
Many itineraries can include nearby Greek islands such as Kos, Kalymnos, Symi or Rhodes. Extra port fees and Greek charter taxes apply, and we arrange all formalities for you.
Which airport should we fly to?
The closest airport is Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV), about 35 minutes from the marina. We can organise private transfers both ways.
Enjoy turquoise bays and Turkish feasts aboard Lotus, a 5-cabin gulet in Bodrum – contact Aren Yachting.
Own or manage Lotus? Send us updated photos, rates or corrections.
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