Turkey, located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, is a land rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Turkey, known for its colourful bazaars, ancient ruins, and breathtaking coasts, provides visitors with an intriguing blend of sensory experiences. Among this rich tapestry of attractions, Turkey's greatest hotels stand out as havens of luxury and hospitality, each providing a unique glimpse into the country's historic history and dynamic present.
From the lavish splendour of ancient Ottoman palaces to the modern elegance of beach resorts, these hotels highlight Turkey's diverse landscapes and rich legacy, delivering an extraordinary journey filled with fun and discovery.
Amanruya
Amanruya is located in a corner of the Turquoise Coast, snuggled amid the trees of an ancient pine forest. The winding road that leads onto the huge property and its own private pebble beach creates a sense of remoteness, but you are only a 30-minute drive from Milas-Bodrum airport and the numerous other hotels along the north coast. Similarly, the city of Bodrum is just a 30-minute drive away. Note that in late spring and early summer, many little pests appear around twilight; use the spray provided in your room.
The name Amanruya is a combination of the terms meaning 'peace' in Sanskrit and 'dream' in Turkish. This could not be a better way to describe how it feels to remain here. Its rooms, restaurants, and lounges are spread around the pine-scented grounds that lead down to the Aegean Sea, with the outdoors playing an important role in the architecture.
Consider al fresco dinners, open-sided pavilions for reading, and winding paths through stone arches, olive groves, cypress trees, and massive terracotta pots. The colours reflect the arid terrain, with clay pinks, sandy browns, and muted whites.
Service is outstanding. Everyone is friendly, and staff frequently anticipates your needs before you do, whether it's a fresh chilled bottle of water at the pool or the apparition of a cocktail menu as the sun sets.
The concierge can help you plan everything from day activities (such as a fantastic hands-on pottery course in a nearby town with a charming couple) to a secret candlelit table for a particularly romantic night. Prices for these events are comparable to high-end accommodation prices.
Every day, a casual afternoon tea is offered in one of the poolside pavilions; stop by to sample the complementary Turkish pastries and coffee. There's also a three-story library, fitness studio, yoga studio, tennis court, and spa treatment rooms; the hot-stone massage is great for chilly days outside of peak season.
The real features, however, are the massive infinity pool with panoramic views from its elevated vantage point and the private pebble beach. The former is often quiet (no doubt because many people come here for privacy and prefer to swim in their own pools), whereas the latter (a 20-minute walk along a dry dirt path or a buggy ride) is busier but never feels crowded due to the sun loungers and daybeds scattered along the edge of the wooded coastline and across two wooden jetties.
One jetty has stand-up paddleboards ready to try, and both have step ladders to help you gently lower yourself into the sea without having to scramble over the stones.
Each quiet and beautiful room is located in its own isolated pavilion and seems more like a suite due to its size and amenities. Some have stunning sea views, while others are more secluded - but all include tranquil outside areas and a heated pool. Do take a midnight dip. There's also a pergola with a double day bed for shade, wooden chaise longues for sunbathing, and a refreshing outdoor shower.
Inside, a four-poster bed with thin white curtains serves as the focal point of the room, creating a peaceful sleep atmosphere in the high-ceilinged open-plan space. A living room is furnished with a sofa, table and chairs, and a charcoal fireplace. The bathrooms are enormous, with the same white marble flooring, freestanding bathtubs large enough for two, and separate outside showers. Standard amenities include television, bathrobes, slippers, a safe, adaptors, and more. Own-brand shampoo and conditioner in white containers are a cut above.
At lunchtime, the Poolside Dining Pavilion and the Beach Club serve lighter meals with many of selections that are ideal for lazy days by the water. Consider Caesar salad (adjusted with grilled asparagus), a variety of delectable traditional pides (flatbreads covered with melted cheese and toppings), and charcoal-cooked kebabs.
In the evening, reserve a table at Sushi by Amanruya or the Anatolian Dining Pavilion one hour before sunset and watch the sky fade from dusky pink to deepest blue, accompanied by the twinkling of stars.
The former is the hotel's newest restaurant and serves the greatest rolls, tempura, maki, sashimi, and more. Don't miss the exquisitely delicate hamachi sashimi, which is served with cucumber ribbons, edible blossoms, and spicy ginger. Pair with a bottle of Turkish Sauvignon Blanc—there are several great alternatives.
The latter has Mediterranean and Turkish-inspired shared plates, such as silky baba ganoush with pomegranate seeds and a courgette and pink grapefruit salad, as well as rich beetroot hummus topped with chickpeas. Save room for the decadent and insanely delicious pistachio baklava dessert.
Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum
Located on the Bodrum Peninsula, near the picturesque, upscale resort of Goltürkbükü. The hotel faces Cennet (Paradise) Bay in the Aegean Sea, where sleek yachts and gulets bob gently in the pure blue waters. Chic Bodrum, with its yacht harbour, Knights of St John Castle, and Halicarnassus Mausoleum remnants, lies 13 miles south. Milas-Bodrum Airport is a 40-minute journey north.
The hotel's 20 or so olive-colored geometric blocks (intended to fit in with the area's native olive trees) are situated in layers along a wooded slope that spans approximately 150 acres, leading to two curved white sandy beaches. Interiors by Italian architect and furniture designer Antonio Citterio, who previously designed the Mandarin Oriental Milan, are elegant and sumptuous, with large expanses of costly wood and subdued marble intermingled with contemporary artwork.
The hotel has almost the same number of polite, efficient employees as guests and is a true luxury cocoon. Its massive three-story spa is one of the greatest on the Turkish Med, with treatment rooms the size of small apartments and a dizzying assortment of amenities.
There is also a watersports centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, private curtained beach cabanas, a pilates and yoga class, five designer boutiques, and a Turkish designer department store outlet called Brandroom. If you require a helicopter landing pad, there is one available, as well as a fleet of buggies to transport guests throughout the grounds.
The hotel offers 132 rooms and suites, including 62 in the main building. The majority of them have a sea view (or a partial sea view), while the remainder have a garden view.
The decor is clean and simple, and even the lowest category rooms are vast, with high ceilings, walk-in wardrobes, Bang & Olufsen televisions and tall sliding teak panels dividing the bedroom from the bathroom, which features a freestanding porcelain oval-shaped tub. The Presidential Suite costs £35,500 a night and includes seven bedrooms, a maid's room, a lawned garden, a gym, and a sauna.
There are eight restaurants: choose Assaggio (on an expansive decked platform overlooking the sea) for classic Italian dishes such as beef carpaccio with truffle oil and seared tuna and aubergine; Bodrum Balikçisi for fish and seafood; Kurochan by Ioki for a menu created by ex-Nobu superchef Scott Hallsworth; Sofra for traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine; Blue Beach Club & Bar and Pool Bar & Restaurant for cocktails and daytime snacks; the Mandarin Bar, hung
Sofra offers extensive buffet breakfasts, including waffles and pancakes, a bread 'island' with freshly baked breads and lahmacun (Turkish pizza), organic health drinks, and a wide variety of cooked entrees.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
The hotel is situated near some of the city's most famous sights. The iconic, domed mass of the Hagia Sophia stands so close to the hotel that you feel as if you could reach out and touch it. The extensive grounds of Topkapi Palace lie behind this remarkable religious structure, which began as a church before being converted into a mosque. In the opposite way, you will see the Blue Mosque's slender minarets.
Head to the hotel's roof deck for a 360-degree view of the surrounding neighbourhood. To the north and east, look across the Bosphorus Strait to Asia's hills; to the south, enjoy views across the Sea of Marmara to the magnificent Princes' Islands.
For a different dining experience, surrounding streets Akbıyık Caddesi and Divan Yolu provide a variety of options. The latter also has the convenient Sultanahmet T1 tram stop, which is a five-minute walk from the hotel.
This structure, created in a Turkish neoclassical style in 1919, features pointed arched windows, dramatic overhanging eaves and beautiful tile panels. The courtyard is the hotel's centre point; it was formerly an inmate exercise yard, but it is now a beautifully planted garden focused on a polygonal pavilion that serves as the breakfast room and main restaurant.
The gardens are spacious and fragrant with jasmine and bougainvillaea, which also give a pop of colour. The herb garden offers the restaurant with fresh food as well as wonderful scents for its guests.
Service throughout the hotel is exactly what you would expect from a luxury hotel with worldwide standards: fast, efficient, and polite without being overbearing. It helps since there are approximately 200 employees serving clients staying in only 65 rooms.
A health club provides Balinese massage services, but if you want to utilise a hammam or a pool, you must take advantage of the complimentary transportation (about 20 minutes) to the Four Seasons Bosphorus across the Golden Horn from Sultanahmet, where additional fees apply.
Service throughout the hotel is exactly what you would expect from a luxury hotel with worldwide standards: fast, efficient, and polite without being overbearing. It helps since there are approximately 200 employees serving clients staying in only 65 rooms.
The guest rooms range in size from 452 to 645 square feet and are categorised as Superior, Deluxe, or Premier. Each has either a king or twin beds, as well as a cot or rollaway on request.
Each suite has an attractive sitting room and ranges in size from 592 to 861 square feet. All are elegantly adorned in subtle, contrasting colours. They have soft carpets, full-length drapes, sophisticated furnishings, and art that reflects both Istanbul's Ottoman past and its interesting present.
Both guest rooms and suites have laptop-sized safes, LCD televisions, coffee machines, and well-stocked minibars. Bathrooms are exquisite marble studies that include both showers and bathtubs.
Some suites and rooms face the street, however there is little noise to disturb guests since Sultanahmet is nearly traffic-free. Accommodation with views of the lush courtyard is also available, but it comes at a higher price.
The Avlu Restaurant is a glass-walled pavilion located in the shaded courtyard. Breakfast here is a magnificent affair, with a large selection of Turkish breakfast items on offer, including simit (sesame-coated rings of bread freshly baked on the premises), Aegean honey, plump Marmara olives, varied cheeses, and menemen (a scrambled egg, tomato, and pepper dish). The Avlu delivers contemporary renditions of traditional Turkish cuisine for lunch and dinner, made with seasonal and Anatolian ingredients.
Chef Özgür Üstün prepares delicious mains such as Trakya lamb shoulder, succulent aubergine stuffed with tender lamb mince complemented by quince purée and assorted herbs, and traditional wood-oven favourites such as pide (a pizza-like semi-leavened flatbread oval with cheese, meat, and vegetables).
Head up to the rooftop Sureyya Terrace for stunning sunsets and beverages, as well as DJ sets from 6pm to 9.30pm Wednesday through Saturday. In cooler weather, head to the Lingo Lingo Bar for beverages and cuisine, which includes live music on Fridays and Saturdays. La Pistache Patisserie is great for a post-sightseeing afternoon tea refreshment.
Macakizi
The hotel is located on the northern side of the Aegean Sea's Bodrum Peninsula, surrounded by pine-clad hills. Macakizi (pronounced'magicizzy') is located just outside the picturesque village of Türkbükü, Turkey's counterpart to St Tropez, with its slew of upscale beach clubs, restaurants, and hotels. The lively Bodrum town is a 45-minute drive south, while the Greek islands of Kos, Leros, and Kalymnos are all within sailing reach.
Ayla Emiroğlu, a pioneer in Turkish boutique hotels, founded Macakizi in the 1970s as a refuge for artists and authors.The hotel relocated to its current location in 2000 and is now managed by her son, Sahir Erozan.
It is arranged over four levels; the wow factor really hits when you leave your room, descend the stone stairs, pass the open-air breakfast pavilion and head through magnolia and oleander heavy gardens: in front of you, acres of canopied wooden decking occupied by expensively dressed bodies reclining on sun loungers or propping up the centrepiece bar, while a DJ plays something cool and the hotel's yacht bobs about in Türkbükü Bay's clear blue waters.
Before you saw your glass was empty, an unseen hand had quickly replenished it. A personal trainer is available to help you through your workouts in the fitness centre, and there is a large Nuxe Spa that offers a Bodyism wellness and weight loss plan.
Wind surfing and jet-propelled stilts are available, and you can rent the hotel's yacht for about £1,000 for half a day (with lunch and beverages). A designer boutique sells clothing, luggage, and sunglasses.
Macakizi's 53 pale cream cottage-style rooms (27 with views of the Aegean) and 21 suites have simple, stylish décor, including travertine-tiled bathrooms and flooring, Rifat Özbek-designed couches, and textured wall canvases by local artists. My Sea Front room lacked tea and coffee making facilities, however the suites feature Nespresso machines and all rooms have Bose televisions and Acqua di Parma cosmetics.
Head chef Aret Sahakyan, who previously worked at Washington DC's Cities Restaurant & Lounge, has devised a menu of Mediterranean and 'new Turkish' cuisine, with characteristic dishes including manti (small egg pasta dumplings stuffed with ground beef) and lahmacun (a thin pizza covered with tomato and seasoned lamb).
Two kitchens serve the à la carte open-air restaurant, bar and breakfast pavilion, which features a buffet of Turkish olives, tomatoes and cheeses, as well as pastries, breads and cooked entrees. The hotel's wine cellar holds hundreds of foreign wines as well as boutique Turkish labels.
Yazz Collective
Yazz is only accessible by boat and is located in a lonely bay on the magnificent northern shores of an undeveloped, pine-clad, mountainous peninsula six miles southwest of Fethiye, a popular vacation town. In the not-too-distant past, the cove was a pirate hideaway, but it is now a popular anchorage spot for luxury boats and cruisers. Fethiye boasts numerous taverns, restaurants, and beautiful old rock-cut tombs, while the eerie "ghost" village of Kayakoy was featured in Louis de Bernieres' epic novel Birds Without Wings.
Successful marriages between the exclusive and the bohemian are unusual, but Yazz pulls it off with ease. Co-owners Mehmet Can Uzun and Timur Seven (the latter is the producer of the highly successful Turkish period drama The Magnificent Century) have spent a lot of time and money to make this magnificent location feel as relaxed and timeless as it does.
Sustainability is central to the Yazz mission, with a focus on reused and natural materials, as well as organic produce; also, it is Turkey's only hotel with a super-efficient VRF energy system. The modern guesthouses and sleek waterfront restaurant mix California cool with Japanese simplicity, and the green gardens, embraced by the limestone cliffs that flank the cove, exude a Lost World vibe.
Yazz's primary focus is undoubtedly the beach, which is flanked by luxurious loungers and attentive service, but there are also five tiny pools. There is a well-equipped gym and an informal wellness room directly above the sea offering a range of therapies like Balinese massages and aromatherapy.
An on-site boutique sells stunning apparel fashioned from recycled materials by renowned designer Ezgi Apa, as well as a mini-library and constantly changing works by diverse artists. Custom boat cruises are popular, and the motor launch is constantly ready to transport guests to and from Fethiye.
Fahrettin Aykut, a Turkish architect living in Barcelona, built the 16 guest cottages, which blend well with the surrounding flora. Each features a vast layout, with utilitarian facilities such as a double shower room, washing/changing room, and large walk-in wardrobe neatly arranged around the raised bedroom.
A muslin curtain separates the latter from the exquisite sitting area, which looks out via room-length, floor-to-ceiling glass panels onto a spacious deck. The interior décor features mushroom painting, reclaimed wood and bamboo furniture, and hammered copper light fittings, creating a peaceful and earthy atmosphere.
Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
It's 11 miles northeast of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, so if you're looking for a city break, this is probably not the place for you. If, however, you want to see a different side of Istanbul, go this way. A 10-minute walk along the Bosphorus shores will lead you to Sariyer, where there are numerous seafood eateries and the excellent Sadberk Hanim Museum.
Cool, serene, and cultured; elegant, sensual, and sophisticated. The hotel is housed in two 19th-century waterfront homes, Sait Pasa and Kocataş, which were destroyed by separate fires over the last century. Their resuscitation is a triumph, a finely crafted blend of historical restoration and contemporary styling, Ottoman opulence and Belle Époque allure, yesterday and tomorrow.
There's a double staircase that you should only float down in a tuxedo or evening gown, art deco furniture, and great art, including works by Ismail Acar. The hotel remembers that it formerly housed Necmettin Molla Kocataş, the Ottoman Empire's minister of justice, as well as Atatürk, the founding father of the Republic of Turkey, and proudly wears its distinguished history.
The hotel has great aspirations, but the coronavirus epidemic delayed the opening of the enormous swimming pool, tiered landscaping, third restaurant, and spa, which will feature hammans, a yoga studio, a holistic anti-aging centre, and more. However, what is up and running gives a clear indication of how fantastic the overall outcome will be.
For the time being, enjoy the restaurants, tea room, gym, and organic garden, and be sure to take the hotel's own boat to Istanbul before returning to explore the remainder.
High ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and magnificent views of the Bosphorus from the water-front suites make spending time in your neutral-hued room enjoyable, especially at nightfall when the light softens and the sea and sky merge.
There are 43 rooms in nine categories, each of which combines grandeur with invitation. Nice details include bowls of almonds, walnuts, and dried fruits, as well as masks and sanitizer due to the epidemic. Let's hope the latter is no longer necessary by the time you arrive.
Two restaurants, Defne and Toro, as well as Kahve for all-day cocktails, teas, coffees, and pastries, serve well prepared and presented food with layers of flavour and texture. The Turkish breakfast is a lavish affair, with fruit-filled platters, preserves, honey and molasses and tahini dips, meats, cheeses, savoury and sweet breads to fill you up for the day and the next.
By comparison, Defne's menu, while wonderful, is limited, particularly for vegetarians. Toro, the hotel's fine dining choice, is part of Richard Sandoval's empire and serves his signature Latin/pan-Asian fusion cuisine. Panko-breaded prawns, flamed salmon roll, and lamb shank are among the highlights, but please notify the chef well in advance if you are vegetarian.
The St. Regis Istanbul
The St Regis is at a nice location in this busy metropolis, across from the greenery of the northern tip of Maçka Democracy Park and gazing down the steep hillside to the Bosphorus coastline, with the domes and minarets of the ancient city beyond it. The hotel is conveniently located near Nisantaşı designer boutiques and the Osmanbey metro station, providing quick access to Beyoğlu and Galata entertainment districts.
Even better, a 10-minute walk downhill will take you to the trendy Beşiktaş area, the Bosphorus-front splendour of Dolmabahçe Palace, the magnificent Naval Museum, and ferry ports for a voyage to the Princes' Islands.
Noted Emre Arolat, a Turkish architect, designed the St Regis to be long, low, and linear, standing only seven floors tall (bucking the modern Istanbul norm of soaring high-rises). While the hotel's graceful curving prow bears reference to the 1920s and 1930s apartment buildings of this affluent neighbourhood, the communal areas, particularly the lifts and hallways, are more explicitly inspired by New York's Art Deco architecture.
The hotel's charm stems from the fact that it is not a tourist trap, but rather a popular hangout for residents who come for afternoon tea or a beverage in the stylish ground floor bar and eat at the wonderful rooftop restaurant.
Butler service is typical at the St Regis, so visitors feel taken care of from the outset. Unpacking, shoe shining, turn-down, shirt pressing, and other services are provided, as well as a platter of delectable Turkish desserts (including baklava) delivered to your room every afternoon.
All of the receptionists are fluent English speakers who will assist you with every part of your stay. The Irıdium Spa, with its dramatic lighting and ornamental waterfall, is a popular destination for clients seeking both classic and contemporary spa and wellness services.
There are 118 guestrooms and apartments that overlook either Abdi Ipekçi Street or Maçka Democracy Park. Signature artwork and potted plants liven up the neutral tones, veneered furniture, basic upholstery, draperies, and soft carpets, which are complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that stretch the width of the space.
The king-sized beds are clean and really comfortable, and the enormous televisions are integrated into the wall above a nicely designed dressing table. There are facilities for preparing tea and coffee, as well as a Nespresso machine. The enormous bathrooms are adorned with delicately striped grey and white Proconnesian marble, the white tubs are generously sized, and the toiletries are appropriately expensive.
The magnificent patio of the top-floor Spago restaurant offers stunning views over the park and beyond to the Bosphorus and the old city. It delivers worldwide cuisine with a focus on pan-Asian ingredients; try the Hong Kong-style sea bass for £16. There are some carefully selected, high-quality Turkish wines available. Spago collaborates with Wolfgang Puck, an Austrian-American famous chef.
The excellent breakfast is served in the lobby-floor Brasserie, which offers a full international menu (including several different types of coffees and a variety of egg dishes), as well as Turkish specialties like börek (a pie filled with goat cheese and parsley) and black tea served in traditional tulip-shaped glasses. Locals enjoy the all-inclusive buffet afternoon tea (about £12), which is served between 3pm and 6pm every day.
The Bodrum EDITION
On a gorgeous harbour on the north shore of the Turkish Riviera, with spectacular views of the Aegean Sea from many rooms, as well as the pool, beach, and restaurants. The brilliantly clear water fades into deeper turquoise blues in the distance, while the parched slope surrounding the bay and sprinkled with white buildings adds to the area's rustic beauty. The glitzy Yalikavak Marina, along with fashionable restaurants and designer boutiques, is only a 10-minute taxi ride away.
Despite its name, the hotel is only 35 minutes from the peninsula's main city, Bodrum. If you want to visit, you can easily take a taxi (they are relatively cheap here, and you are unlikely to require or desire a rental car). The hotel is also a 50-minute cab ride from Milas-Bodrum airport, which has direct flights to the UK and more connecting options through Istanbul.
The sparkling white, sun-dappled lobby features huge planters and luxurious armchairs. A large mirror leans against the wall, casting shimmering reflections of the surroundings and passersby.
This approach is carried throughout the hotel: basic on the whole, but with bright, whimsical touches (a neon sign here, a string of festoon lights there). Outdoors, cobbled roads and steep steps lead down to the sea, framed by colourful splashes of purple bougainvillaea, tall olive trees, and a variety of green plants. Chilled beach club music sets the tone for alcoholic days on the beach and beside the pool, followed by late nights in Discetto. It's a fine balance to strike between a lively, fun-spirited atmosphere and a raucous party scene, but The Edition nails it.
The amenities are a major lure for lodging here, including a private beach, infinity pool, nightclub Discetto, full spa, pop-up shops, and a gym with equipment, free weights, and a climbing wall. It's lovely to be able to select between a lounger on decking or sand at the beach, and for an extra cost, you can rent a wooden cabana on the jetty that extends into the ocean.
These are extremely elegant, with ample seating for large groups on white outdoor sofas, loungers, and netting hammock daybeds. For an extra rush, stop by the watersports hut to reserve time on jet skis, paddleboards, and other activities on the bay in front.
The amenities are a significant draw for staying here, including a private beach, infinity pool, nightclub Discetto, full spa, pop-up shops, and a gym with equipment, free weights, and a climbing wall. It's nice to be able to choose between a lounger on decking or sand at the beach, and for an additional fee, you can rent a wooden cabana on the jetty that stretches into the water.
These are really attractive, with plenty of space for large parties on white outdoor sofas, loungers, and netting hammock daybeds. For an added rush, visit the watersports hut to schedule time on jet skis, paddleboards, and other activities in the bay in front.
The rooms have a sleek minimalist look, with muted shades of beige, brown, and white creating a peaceful, calming atmosphere. Crisp linens cover ultra-comfortable king-sized mattresses (or two queens if you prefer), and black-and-white amusing seaside images hang from headboards against the wall. Look for bright colours in Turkish ceramics. This is where you may recharge after spending time in the hotel's buzzy, sociable areas, which are why people come (and return). Soom suites feature gardens, terraces, and private pools, and many have floor-to-ceiling windows with views.
Overall, the bathrooms are a highlight, with huge glistening tubs, monsoon rain showers, double vanities, and sweet-smelling Le Labo amenities. There is a thin drape that pulls over the glass dividers, making the area feel larger while still providing seclusion. USB ports, extremely comfy robes and slippers, and a minibar stocked with carefully selected delicacies such as kombucha and champagne are among the amenities provided.
The three restaurants, all with outdoor seating and views of the bay, each provide something unique: Morena for sushi, tempura, and gyoza (don't miss the beef truffle nigiri; it was so amazing we requested extra); Kitchen for regionally inspired meals; and Brava for Peruvian flavours.
The kitchen is especially noteworthy, with its elevated vantage point providing the greatest views and a selection of Turkish classics prepared to the highest standard, often with a twist. Begin with velvety hummus topped with meaty mushrooms, smoked paprika, and crispy onions, followed by a fresh and sunny salad of stracciatella, purslane, and strawberries. The delicate beef rib main dish with ravioli is delicious, as is the dessert of sweet baklava ice cream, filo pastry, and pistachios.
Morena also serves more beach-friendly cuisine during the day, which can be requested at the restaurant or from your sunbed, such as tacos and tostadas.
The hotel even serves its own ice cream, with 12 different varieties to pick from, six of which are alcoholic. Try the espresso martini, raki and melon, and aged rum and banana cocktails. You can also find all of the conventional cocktails here, but the innovative drink versions in each restaurant and bar are what will stick with you. Kitchens are inspired by smells (and, while they may appear delicate, they pack a powerful punch), whereas Brava's are inspired by various materials.
Breakfast is a feast, with a wide variety of dishes delivered to your table, including breads, tomato and cucumber salad, olives, Turkish cheeses, Aegean honeycomb, tahini and carob molasses (which is really delicious), and more. That's all before you choose your main course; try the courgette cake with smoked yoghurt for a light and fresh local fare.
Bodrum Loft
Loft is located off a short road that ends at a small point on the less developed northern coasts of the picturesque, albeit intensively developed, Bodrum Peninsula, about a 20-minute drive north of the stylish resort town of Bodrum. Public transit is limited, but a cab into Bodrum, which has numerous bars, restaurants, clubs and ancient monuments such as the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the Crusader Castle of St Peter, costs around £6.
Loft has a distinctly casual atmosphere. It's nestled among a massive olive orchard and pine forest, with structures occupying only a third of the overall area. There are no automobiles, but electric buggies (called by cell phone) transport tourists from the beach platforms to their accommodations. Each cubist-style unit is cleverly shielded and tiered up the hillside, providing unimpeded sea views that are especially lovely in the warm orange-pink glow of sunset.
The resort makes the most of its outstanding seaside location. Several swimming decks carved into the brilliant blue waters provide a midday focus for many guests, complete with comfy cream loungers and attentive food and drink service. A spa and wellness complex buried away in the vegetation up the hillside (open from 6am-7pm) provides massages, yoga, Pilates, and personal training sessions. There's also a sauna and a reasonably sized outdoor pool.
The grounds are dotted with installations by well-known artists, and a sophisticated library houses volumes about Turkish culture. The well-drilled and pleasant concierge team handles everything from guest shopping to nanny services.
There are 36 nicely finished detached homes ranging in size from one to four bedrooms, as well as a one-bed superior room option. Turkish architects Tabanlioğlu designed a minimalist interior with all-white walls, recessed shelves, natural wood doors, and polished concrete-pebble floors.
Lamps with hand-blown shades, well-chosen artwork, and large mirrors add character to the minimalist aesthetic. Bathrooms are generously proportioned, with a separate toilet, shower, and changing space. The wooden balconies, all of which have sea views and are shielded from neighbours, contribute to the feeling of spaciousness. Each unit has its own laundry room and cooking space.
Breakfast is served at Nobu restaurant, which has a calm outside seating area shaded by olive trees and scented with roses and lavender. Try the Turkish dish çilbir (poached eggs in garlic yoghurt sauce) or buckwheat bircher muesli. Lunches and dinners are served at Paper Moon, which first gained popularity in Istanbul under the direction of Milanese chef Giuseppe Pressani.
The Italian-international menu is so wonderful that many guests travel from all over the Bodrum Peninsula to experience the delicious pastas and pizzas on Loft's candle-lit patio.
Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
The hotel is located in Beşiktaş, an up-and-coming neighbourhood with vibrant bars and restaurants, nestled between the magnificent Maritime Museum and the whimsical Palace Collections Museum. Look northeast up the shimmering Bosphorus to the majesty of the first (of three) continent-linking suspension bridges, east across the strait's shipping-filled ribbon to the Asian hills, and south to the old city.
The luxurious Dolmabahçe Palace is only a few minutes' walk away. There are ferry terminals nearby that connect to the Asian shore and the Princes' Islands, however the nearest tram stop is a 20-minute walk away in Kababtaş. A taxi to the ancient city takes about 20 minutes.
Despite being repurposed from a working tobacco warehouse, there isn't a whiff of cigarette smoke in the air of the fragrantly-scented Shangri-La; step through into the glittering marble, gilt and lacquer work of the impressively spacious lobby that runs the entire length of the building, and you'll struggle to imagine its origin. The main illumination is provided by three giant Bohemian glass chandeliers, one of which plunges magnificently down the stairway leading to the luxury shop-filled lower lobby floor and the vast ball and meeting rooms on the basement floor.
Service is excellent and surprisingly personal for such a huge hotel, with everyone from cleaning to bartenders greeting customers by name. A pleasant touch is the complimentary cake, macaroons, and cookies delivered to your room in the afternoon.
The basement pool is very impressive, with a constant depth of 1.5m and sufficient of length for a good swim. It's very relaxingly furnished, with an eye-catching trompe l'oeil sky ceiling and wonderfully comfortable loungers for a post-swim calm or to keep a watch on the kids in the adjacent children's pool. The CHI spa is as appealing, with its grey marble heated slabs and Iznik tile decor.
The most difficult aspect of staying here is picking which of the 186 rooms to choose, as they vary greatly in terms of both quality and price, as evidenced by the fact that there are 11 different room classifications.
The majority of the 17 suite rooms have a private terrace, with the most expensive being on the hotel's corners and offering panoramic views of the waterfront, Bosphorus, and Asia. In contrast, the rooms on the hotel's back, street side view the car park, the busy coastal road, and beyond to the heavily built-up hills of Beşiktaş and nearby suburbs - however those on the fifth floor have a huge private terrace.
The cheaper rooms, located around the atrium that runs the height of the building, do not have the same amount of natural light as the exterior-facing rooms. Each room features a well-equipped office desk complete with everything from old-school paper clips to USB charger plugs, and on the bedside table is a copy of James Hilton's 'Lost Horizon' novel, which is said to have inspired the Shangri-La chain's name.
The bathrooms are luxurious, with heated floors, a separate bath and shower, marble everywhere, luxury products and extremely soft, white towels and robes - albeit a television screen incorporated in the bathroom mirror seems a little excessive.
The hotel features two restaurants. The IST TOO is located on the ground level and has a large patio that overlooks a public Bosphorus-front promenade. It serves a variety of Turkish and international dishes. It's a spacious yet stylish restaurant where you can have mouthwatering kebabs, manti (yogurt-smothered Turkish ravioli), and other specialties, as well as pizzas, pastas, and fish. The wines, which are prominently displayed in the décor, are sourced domestically (Turkey is the world's third largest grape producer) as well as from Europe and New Zealand.
A large buffet breakfast is also available, with a variety of Turkish, western, and eastern foods to choose from - albeit sampling the entire menu requires a walk between food stations. The Shang Palace, located on the lower lobby floor, is the hotel's hallmark restaurant, featuring a delectable selection of Chinese delicacies that are far superior than anything else available in Istanbul.
Conclusion
To summarise, Turkey's greatest hotels provide a captivating blend of luxury, history, and culture that represent the country's rich legacy and different landscapes. Whether tucked along the banks of the Bosphorus in Istanbul or overlooking the turquoise seas of the Aegean in Bodrum, these hotels provide an unmatched experience that combines elegance with discovery.
Turkey's unique location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, its long history as the centre of empires, and its breathtaking natural beauty make it a genuinely extraordinary destination for travellers looking for an unforgettable vacation. Turkey's greatest hotels invite tourists to immerse themselves in the beauty of this wonderful country, offering world-class lodgings, exceptional hospitality, and a plethora of experiences to discover.
