We would have given five stars to Lavanta simply because Maria and Tosun and the entire staff are so wonderful...I mean, seriously wonderful...kind, attentive, considerate, charming, and many other superlative adjectives.
But, it so happens that even outside of the incredible people, Lavanta itself is worthy of five stars. The property is beyond beautiful, and unless you live in a botanical garden, you're not likely to experience more flowers and plants and trees in your surroundings. We ended up spending much more time at the pool (which is enormous) than we had planned, simply because the grounds are so breathtaking. A great deal of attention is paid to the grounds, and to the pool area. And you really won't want to leave.
The breakfast is perfect...a terrific selection of breads and cheeses and perfect homemade jams and made to order eggs. And you should make a point to get back to the property between 5-6pm each evening for tea time. Maria's cakes still linger in my dreams. Really, it's worth spending one less hour in the sea each day to get a slice of one of her homemade sensations.
Our one-bedroom apartment was charming with a wonderful view. We weren't huge fans of the bed, but that's always a subjective thing. We did sleep well though. And I'm glad to hear that the towels have been changed, because if we had one major complaint, that would have been it.
Overall, we loved Lavanta so much and will stay there absolutely if and when we return to the Bodrum Peninsula.

Lavanta is simply delightful and ideally located in a quiet spot with sweeping views yet a short drive down to the Yalikavak waterfront and with reasonable access to GolTurkBuku, the glammest spot on the Aegean. The pricing is an incredible value and the personal touch of Maria's homemade pastries and jams for breakfast, served up by Maria herself, makes you feel like a guest in her home. I would fly all the way back in a heartbeat just to stay here again!

We would thoroughly recommend the Lavanta Hotel - the location is magnificent with beautiful views from the balcony onto the wonderful swimming pool and the sea beyond. The room we stayed in was spacious and comfortable, the service in the hotel impeccable, but probably what makes this hotel particularly special is the warm welcome from the owners, Maria and Tosun, whose friendly attention makes one feel immediately relaxed. Not to mention Maria's amazing cakes at 5 o'clock which are not to be missed!

Lavanta Hotel is a piece of paradise on the Bodrum Peninsula. We both travel a lot and this is one of the loveliest hotels that we have stayed in. We were here for a week in one of the apartment/residences with a fabulous terrace that has a view of the Yalikavak and the Aegean (we checked out the hotel rooms & they are also lovely).The owners and staff are discrete and very helpful. Breakfast (a delicious buffet) is serviced on a garden terrace. We wanted somewhere quiet after a hectic week in Istanbul so were happy to spend some time around the beautiful pool and have lunch in the walled garden. Dinner on the waterfront is a 20 minute walk away (downhill). We didn't want to drive so we took the local bus into Bodrum (pretty but busy). We managed without a car but next time I'd rent one. Although the coast is lovely the beaches can be crowded and noisey so going out on a boat either a private charter (about 150 euro) or as part of a group is much better.