The Highlights of Turkey

Overview

Set within the walls of a restored Ottoman palace dating from the 19th century, enjoying a remarkable and scenic location alongside the banks of the mighty Bosphorus, the Four Seasons Bosphorus offers an experience of authenticity and luxury at the meeting point of Europe and Asia. Combining the likes of Turkish architecture and contemporary décor with warm hospitality and superb facilities, all the while providing front row seats to Istanbul’s famous waterfront skyline, the hotel manages to unite a desirable theme of relaxation and adventure.

Offering a choice of 65 rooms and suites, the guest rooms are divided between two annexes and the striking Palace Building. In the latter, guests will enjoy the true Ottoman style, as well as some superb views across the Bosphorus from unique floor-to-ceiling windows, while some suites come with a private rooftop terrace. Across all rooms, guests will enjoy a spacious and airy interior, with pleasant décor and touches of both authenticity and modernity.

Dining is quite the experience at the Four Seasons Bosphorus, beginning with an immense breakfast buffet in a space that transforms into the sophisticated Aqua Restaurant, serving up Mediterranean cuisine that highlights the region’s freshest ingredients. The neighbouring bar is a great place to settle down for a nightcap, while summer pop-up eateries provide a diverse array of further culinary experiences. For relaxation, the outdoor swimming pool invites guests for a refreshing soak beside the Bosphorus, and the on-site spa is the place to go for traditional wellness treatments.

Overview

Enjoying a privileged location at the heart of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, boasting mesmerising views of the nearby Blue Mosque, the Four Seasons Sultanahmet is steps away from some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Despite its central location in Istanbul’s old city, the hotel provides a tranquil sanctuary within the walls of a century-old neoclassical home, ensuring a peaceful and relaxing stay in Turkey’s largest city.

Bright and summery décor is featured in each of the hotel’s 65 rooms, with classical touches and artistic pieces found within them and throughout the rest of the hotel’s interior. Each room offers a pleasant view, ranging from the courtyard and greenery through to the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. Outside the rooms, you’ll experience beautiful surroundings featuring the likes of marble pillars, pinched arches, extravagant tiles and dramatic domes, as the hotel presents a striking example of Turkish neoclassical architecture.

If you think the views from your room are impressive, don’t hesitate to head up to the hotel’s rooftop lounge and the A’ya Terrace for some Turkish wine and unprecedented vistas of the neighbouring Hagia Sophia. Dining can be enjoyed in the shape of the Seasons Restaurant, serving up delicious Mediterranean cuisine, while an extra dose of indulgence can be found through the hotel’s rewarding spa, offering a range of rejuvenating treatments.

Overview

Take a step back in time with a stay at this extraordinary boutique hotel, housed within a series of ancient stone caves. Originally serving as a cave monastery, this now luxurious space, perched on the edge of the Uçhisar settlement, is perfect for taking in the iconic hot air balloon scenes at sunrise.

Set across seven restored mansions, 51 rooms and suites feature different designs, and guests can choose between the more authentic cave rooms, or the contemporary rooms with traditional touches. Some suites include private cave pools, open fireplaces and balconies, overlooking the striking landscape. Expansive bathrooms carved out of natural stone, encompass walk-in showers and gaping baths.

Dining is experienced on an outdoor terrace, jutting out over Pigeon Valley, and a menu of Turkish delicacies with Mediterranean flavors is on offer. A buffet breakfast is served every morning, and guests can unwind with snacks and drinks in the snug lounge by the fire. It’s also possible to sample the region’s finest wines in the vast wine cellar, dating back thousands of years and storing more than 22,000 bottles.

Overview

Positioned amid the striking and breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia, housed within a combination of the land, historical features and ruins that comprise this setting, the Museum Hotel is one of Europe’s most incredible boutique hotels. Immersing its guests in the general wonders of this area, this hotel has an undeniable magical atmosphere, which is evident when waking up to dozens of hot-air balloons taking to the sky, relaxing in your exclusive cave bedroom or enjoying the sunset across the dramatic terrain.

Billed as something of a ‘living museum’, the site is steeped in thousands of years of history, with each of the 30 cave rooms and suites, as well as the specially restored traditional rooms, all decorated with priceless antiques and authentic touches. In fact, other than enjoying wonderful views of Cappadocia, no two rooms are alike, with each bringing its own unique feel, contributing to the hotel’s overall charm and character.

There’s nothing like soaking up the unrivalled panoramic views of the region, best enjoyed from the on-site restaurant or inviting terrace, the former providing a flavour of Turkish cuisine with some of the region’s finest recipes. For further indulgence, guests will be tempted by a dip in the Roman-themed infinity pool, while the hotel’s spa provides a range of rejuvenating treatments.

Overview

Ringed by an idyllic Mediterranean garden, and perched on a peak, this hotel is designed to seamlessly frame the turquoise waters, speckled with yachts, from every angle. Sweeping terraces allow guests to soak in views of the Aegean Sea stretching out into the horizon, Bodrum Bay and the city below.

Rooms and suites feature soft tones, with a focus on white and cream materials, enhanced by dark woods and carved doors. The highlight of each airy space is the private balcony, facing the sea or surrounding grounds, while some suites encompass hot tubs and separated sitting areas.

Throughout the rest of the hotel, guests can relish in a relaxed atmosphere and are encouraged to take advantage of the exceptional facilities, such as the free-form outdoor pool, encircled by lounges and lined with umbrellas. The incredibly tranquil spa, another notable amenity, offers a sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and a variety of therapeutic treatments. An on-site gym allows more energetic guests to keep active, along with tennis, basketball and squash courts.

Winding down can take place in the lounge bar, serving up light snacks and refreshments, as well as the pool-side bar, with an alluring menu of cocktails. Tuti Restaurant is all about Mediterranean dishes just as delightful as the panorama, and you really can’t beat a dinner on its the terrace under a starry sky.

Overview

Blessed with a perfect position on the banks of the Turquoise Coast, this stylish boutique hotel of various levels appears to almost spill out onto a private beach, providing its guests with direct access to the sea. The sprawling levels feature all-encompassing terraces, manicured lawns and turquoise pools, shaded by over-arching olive trees, or trellises, dappled with bougainvillea and foliage.

The focal point of the hotel, a grand structure of marble and glass, looks out over the grounds, boasting supreme vistas of the white stretch of sand below. Branching out from this building, the guestrooms, lofts and villas, linked by paths, draw on soft tones and light woods, as well as marble bathrooms, with gaping tubs, to create tranquil interiors. Most of the accommodation has views of the Aegean Sea, and upgraded suites encompass kitchens and patios, with plunge pools.

Room service is available 24-hour, but it would be a shame not to experience the mix of dining possibilities. The hotel’s signature restaurant, BRAVA, is a Latin American haven, with al fresco seating, while Morena is Mediterranean focused, using local flavours for inspiration. If you’re up for a taste of Turkish brunch, the Kitchen at the Bodrum EDITION is all about mezze-style platter indulgence, before you head to the Beach Club for a cocktail or the Discetto, to party with the late-night DJs.

Recovery after the revelry can be experienced at the on-site spa of candle-lit cream treatment rooms. Guests have access to a steam room, plunge pool, therapy baths, and a selection of therapeutic and beauty treatments. Alternatively, you can sweat it out in the gym, or seek refreshment in the infinity pool, enfolded by cabanas, or take to the salty waters for a paddle.

Overview

Enjoying a remarkable location alongside the glistening waters of the Aegean Sea on the Bodrum Peninsula, all while offering the utmost in luxury and diverse facilities, Mandarin Oriental Bodrum promises one of Turkey’s most mesmerising and rewarding stays. Comprising 20 or so olive-coloured geometric blocks, the hotel is spread across almost 150 acres, set in tiers down a wooded hillside towards inviting strips of sandy beach and the clear blue of the sea. Stylish interiors with Asian character will greet each guest, with the hotel dotted with teak and muted marble, while also interspersed with modern artwork.

There are 59 large guest rooms, 29 luxurious suites, 36 lifestyle apartments and 13 villas to consider at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, offering the perfect blend of luxury and comfort in the most welcoming of large spaces. Nearly all of them benefit from a breathtaking sea view, with some enjoying verdant garden views, while sleek and simple decor is met by modern amenities and facilities to ensure an effortlessly relaxed stay. Other features such as outdoor terraces, plunge pools and fully equipped kitchens can be enjoyed for those hoping for even more impressive living quarters.

The dining scene at the hotel is just as diverse and inviting as its collection of rooms and suites, ready to reward each and every preference with a range of cuisines and flavours. For delicious Italian cuisine, head to the decking over the sea at Assaggio, while Bodrum Balikçisi is the place to go for fresh seafood and Sofra for traditional Turkish fare. Cocktails and pre-dinner drinks are best enjoyed at Blue Beach Club & Bar and at Mandarin Bar – there’s truly a place for every occasion. When it comes to relaxation and activities, many will be drawn to the three-storied spa, with its large treatment rooms and incredible array of facilities, while a range of water sports opportunities and the obvious lure of the beach will afford you a hefty dose of the sun, sand and sea.