Why the Gigi Rigolatto pop-up in Bodrum is a must-visit
Nazli Sonmez Vallee, Chief Brand Officer at Rikas Hospitality Group, shares how Gigi Rigolatto brings Italian glamour to the Aegean Sea.
Describe the guest journey at Gigi Bodrum – what sets this summer pop-up apart from other luxury beachside concepts?
Nestled inside the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, Gigi welcomes you with a breathtaking view of the beach and the endless Aegean, a setting so dreamy it feels like you’ve slipped away into another world. Here, time doesn’t tick – it flows. You arrive for a sun-kissed lunch, and suddenly it’s sunset, a Bellini in hand, live music in the air, and dinner just beginning. Gigi is more than a destination, it’s a state of mind, where every moment stretches, every detail is delicious, and the vibe is always Alla Grande. Before you leave? A stroll through the Gigi Boutique, of course. A little something to take the feeling home.
How do you blend the DNA of Gigi – Italian flair and Parisian elegance – with the soul of Bodrum?
Bodrum has a magic of its own – it’s soulful, sun-drenched, effortlessly elegant. At Gigi, we embraced that spirit by creating a place that feels both glamourous and grounded. We brought Gigi’s Italian flair and Parisian art de vivre, but let Bodrum lead the rhythm – long, leisurely lunches, golden light over the sea, a soundtrack of cicadas and clinking glasses. The materials, the mood, the energy – everything is designed to reflect the raw beauty and warmth of the Aegean, while staying true to Gigi’s signature lifestyle. It’s a cultural conversation between theRiviera and the Turkish coast – and it just works.
Can you walk us through the culinary concept – what regions of Italy are most represented in the menu?
Our menu is deeply inspired by Southern Italy, particularly the sundrenched flavours of the Amalfi Coast. You will find an abundance of fresh tomatoes, olives, buffalo mozzarella, and freshly caught seafood, alongside beloved classics like spaghetti alle vongole, eggplant parmigiana, and grilled whole fish. It’s all about simple, rustic cooking – generous in flavor, rooted in tradition, and centered aroundfresh, high-quality ingredients. We want every dish to feel warm, vibrant, and authentically Southern Italian – the kind of food you’d enjoy at a family table by the sea.
What was the creative brief for Bodrum, and how was it tailored to the landscape?
The brief for Bodrum was to bring the spirit of Gigi’s Mediterranean glamour into harmony with the natural beauty of the Turkish Riviera. We imagined a space that feels sun-washed, textured, and intimate – drawing from the raw elegance of Italian design while embracing the Aegean’s warmth and openness. The architecture plays with contrasts: earthy materials and refined finishes, bold forms and soft lighting, always framing the sea and landscape like living artworks. The goal was to create a place that feels both rooted and elevated – where the atmosphere invites long lunches, slow sunsets, and shared moments, allin true Gigi style.
Gigi has already made its mark in Paris, Saint-Tropez, and Dubai. What made Bodrum the next perfect destination?
Bodrum has that rare balance of natural beauty, cultural depth, and effortless sophistication – it feels both vibrant and serene. Much like Gigi, it draws a cosmopolitan crowd that appreciates great food, beautiful design, and unforgettable moments. Perched on the Aegean, Bodrum is where long days melt into golden evenings, and that spirit of leisure and celebration aligns perfectly with Gigi’s Alla Grande lifestyle. It was the natural next step – not just a location, but a feeling that mirrors everything Gigi stands for. Gigi isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a cultural experience. How do you curate the music, crowd, and mood? At Gigi, we create what we call “Le sens de la fête.” Entering Gigi Rigolatto is like vibrating to the rhythm of a constantly reinvented Dolce Vita. The music is key: our playlist comes to life through talented live musicians, blending jazz, iconic songs from the ’50s and ’60s, and timeless hits from both Italian and international artists.
It’s not just the background, it’s the atmosphere. Singers and musicians interact with the room, getting people to sing, sway, and celebrate together. The crowd is just as curated as the soundtrack – a mix of elegant locals, jet-set regulars, and curious travellers, all drawn by that signature Gigi energy. It’s about setting a tone that’s refined yet spontaneous, where the mood shifts with the sun and every moment feels like it could only happen at Gigi.
How does the space at Mandarin Oriental enhance the Gigi experience – from views to vibe?
The setting at Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum is pure magic – it’s like Gigi was meant to live here. From the moment you arrive, you’re met with panoramic views of the Aegean, golden light, and a breeze that carries the scent of summer. The architecture and natural surroundings elevate every detail of the Gigi experience – from long, leisurely lunches with sea views, to sunset aperitivos at the Bellini Bar, and dinners under the stars. It’s intimate yet grand, grounded in the beauty of Bodrum but infused with Gigi’s unmistakable flair. At Gigi Bodrum, you don’t just dine, you escape.
This is The High Summer Issue – where’s your favourite place to escape the heat?
If not at Gigi in Bodrum, then always our family house in Datça.
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