The allure of the Mediterranean lifestyle is undeniable, captivating people around the world with its promise of holistic well-being and a vibrant, fulfilling existence. Rooted in the cultural practices of the countries bordering the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, this way of life weaves together the essence of nutritious pleasures, active living, social engagement, and an appreciation for cultural heritage.
Nutritious Yet Flavorful Food and Active Living
The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health benefits, emphasizes the consumption of fresh, whole foods bursting with flavor. From fresh seafood to mouth watering fruits to nutritious vegetables to premier olive oil and dips, this nutrient-rich diet has been linked to a reduced stress levels and increased longevity. Yet, the Mediterranean lifestyle is about more than just the ingredients on a plate; it is a celebration of the pleasures of food itself. Mindful eating is a cornerstone of this way of life, encouraging slow eating, engaging the senses, and savoring each bite. Meals are not hurried affairs but rather opportunities for connection and joy. Whether it's a leisurely stroll along the coast, a bike ride through picturesque villages, or a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters, the Mediterranean lifestyle encourages active living. This emphasis on active living not only promotes physical fitness but also nurtures mental well-being, reduces stress, and fosters a deep connection with the natural world.
Social Engagement
Shared meals, vibrant cafe culture, the beach scene, and bustling nightlife, are all integral to daily life in the Mediterranean. Cafes serve as meeting points for friends, colleagues, and even strangers who strike up conversations and form connections over a shared love for good conversation and a laid-back ambiance. When the sun sets, the Mediterranean truly comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. Whether it's the electric atmosphere of Ibiza's world-renowned clubs, live music from international DJs with stunning views of the Aegean Sea in Bodrum, or the charming tavernas lining the streets of Mykonos, the Mediterranean nightlife scene offers something for everyone. Along the coast, beach parties, seaside dining, and water sports create a sense of camaraderie among locals and tourists alike. Simply put, the Mediterranean's coastal lifestyle encourages social interaction and a laid-back, carefree atmosphere.
Appreciation of Cultural Heritage
The Mediterranean is home to many ancient and storied cultures. The people of the region continue to celebrate and preserve these cultural traditions to this day. From mythical ruins to modern art, architecture, painting, music, literature, and traditional festivities are actively promoted. Festivals and local events play a significant role in bringing people together, showcasing the region's cultural heritage and penchant for artistic expression. From music festivals that feature local and international artists to religious processions that honor age-old traditions, these events create a shared sense of identity, belonging, and collective pride.
Lucca This Summer
As Lucca By the Sea and Lucca Beach get ready to open their doors to locals and tourists anxious to return to Paradise Bay, we check in on what to expect from the popular venues this summer season. The unique melange of luxury, leisure, and location make Lucca By the Sea and Lucca Beach a favorite for international jetsetters this summer.
Lucca By the Sea: A Gastronomic Magnum Opus of Mediterranean Flavors and Seaside Splendor
Situated within the opulent confines of the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, Lucca By the Sea presents an inspired menu and dining experience. Drawing from the brand's rich history and the legacy of Lucca Istanbul, this gastronomic sanctuary effortlessly fuses Mediterranean influences with modern design and a serene seaside escape. Utilizing fresh and locally sourced ingredients that are in season, the Lucca By the Sea culinary team, led by Chef Hüseyin Kılıç, are excited about this season’s menu featuring wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, and the freshly caught seafood. To that point, Lucca By the Sea features an interpretation of a traditional Turkish fish market. However, Lucca By the Sea is also famous for its fusion dishes and guest chefs. Drawing on his 25 years of travel and industry experience, Cem Mirap, the founder of Lucca, always ensures there is some fusion and international influence on the menu from Peruvian to Japanese to Mexican to Spanish. As patrons revel in the breathtaking coastal vistas from the oversized deck, they can sip from Lucca By the Sea's award-winning cocktails. Accessible by buggies provided from the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, Lucca By the Sea opens as the beach closes and has a dress code fitting its sophisticated interior.
Created by the visionary YOO Architecture, this extraordinary restaurant spans an impressive 570 square meters. The integration between the bar and main dining section gives rise to distinct yet interconnected ambiences that flow together naturally. The interplay of retro and contemporary lighting fixtures evokes a whimsical sense of nostalgia, while a skillfully designed pergola system adorned with graceful veils and a semipermeable shading structure invites guests to embrace the harmonious connection between the restaurant, the sky, and the sea. The tasteful use of light-hues, natural stones, and wooden furnishings creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere throughout the establishment.
Lucca Beach: A Design Oasis by the Shoreline
Just a short walk away from Lucca By the Sea is the breathtaking Lucca Beach, the beach version of Lucca Istanbul. Discover an array of culinary delights influenced by the enchanting Turquoise Coast, featuring the finest locally sourced seafood. The Lucca Beach menu is a celebration of the brand’s greatest passions, showcasing the freshest offerings from the Mediterranean including tantalizing fish taquitos, mouthwatering burgers, delectable wood-fired masonry oven baked pizzas, and nourishing bowls and salads. Accompanied by the expertise of Lucca's renowned mixologists, patrons indulge in timeless cocktails such as the Lucca Classic, refreshing Satsuma (Bodrum Mandarine) coolers, and invigorating Turkish Fig Margaritas with gorgeous seaside views.
Beyond the gastronomical draw, Lucca Beach attracts tourists from around the world who are seeking a unique opportunity to sunbathe and relax on the pristine Turkish Riviera beach and swim in the gorgeous waters of the Aegean. The region of Bodrum actually does not have as many beaches as its neighboring islands do, making Lucca Beach highly coveted real estate. Open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Lucca Beach has the unrivaled beach party scene in Bodrum, and all of the Aegean region, for those in the know. Lucca Beach regularly hosts events with live music and popular international DJs, having hosted Moodyman, CC:DISCO, and other stars in past seasons. This season, Lucca Beach is planning a show stopping lineup of festival headlining musicians featuring Dixon, Desiree, Pawsa, Palms Trax, Adam Port, and many more this season! Lucca Beach also features a unique artistic ambiance blending Turkish Art, like that of Esra Gulmen, with the beachside aesthetic, ultimately exuding an air of understated elegance. Rifat Ozbek, internationally renowned designer, and his collaborative partner Erdal Karaman, further elevate the interior full of intertwining of woven fabrics in a myriad of burnt orange tones with natural-hued wood furnishings that is both refined and relaxed. Lucca Beach has been revered as the ultimate destination for discerning beachgoers by Architectural Digest.
The Stores at Lucca Beach: Where Local Meets Luxury
Situated on the beachfront, the Stores at Lucca Beach showcases a diverse range of products from local artisans, independent Turkish brands, and international designers, allowing guests to explore curated collections and immerse themselves in a world of local and luxury style. The main stores are Begum Khan and ‘Lucca Goodies,’ which feature items that embody the Lucca spirit. This season, the Lucca team is also looking forward to the debut of the popular Turkish streetwear brand, Les Benjamins, at the Stores at Lucca Beach.
Culinary Innovations at Lucca Istanbul
Those looking to visit the brand’s mainstay in Istanbul, will be delighted to find the new summer menu. Having already made a name for itself its due to its commitment to culinary creativity, Lucca Istanbul’s Mediterranean menu will surely feature some of the city’s most sought after summer dishes.
Cem Mirap: Culinary and Restaurateur Extraordinaire
Cem Mirap has been honored with many awards recognizing his exceptional contributions to the culinary world including Timeout Best Brasserie Award, Timeout Best Bar Award, and inclusion in the World's Top 50 Discovery Series. After earning an MBA focused on advertising in New York, Mirap jumped into the high paced culinary and event scene in NYC. At the young age of 29, Mirap would venture out on his own to found Lucca and start his empire. Over the course of nearly 20 years, Mirap would expand this culinary empire across the world, opening international pop-ups in exclusive destinations like Mykonos and Capri. Now the restaurant group is known as a premier culinary brand. Notably, Mirap is also a co-founder and board member of Fuudy, Turkey's leading luxury restaurant delivery app. Fuudy connects over 800 restaurants with a vast consumer base of foodies. With a combined workforce of over 500 employees across his hospitality establishments and Fuudy app, Mirap has fostered a dynamic and innovative platform within the industry.
Embodying the DNA of Bodrum and the Mediterranean charm, Lucca By the Sea and Lucca Beach are ready to further ingratiate themselves in the community and show tourists the time of their lives this summer season.
To get more information and plan your visit, check out the brand’s website and Instagram.
Article by Jordan Finkle
