TURKEY DELIGHTS

WHERE TO GO NOW

Turkey DELIGHTS This summer, head to Istanbul and Bodrum for the ultimate sensorial vacation

BY NATASHA WOLFF

With half of the city in Europe and the other half in Asia, Istanbul quite literally straddles East and West, the gleaming Bosphorus Strait in the middle. Split your time between the sights of the bustling city and a relaxing beachside respite in Bodrum. Here’s where to stay and how to get there.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Views of the Bosphorus from the Çirağan Palace Kempinski

TRAVEL

The pool and grounds of the Çirağan Palace Kempinski

FROM TOP: In-room snacks at the Çirağan Palace Kempinski; the ceiling of the Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque; the luxurious business class cabin on Turkish Airlines from the U.S. to Istanbul

HOW TO GET THERE

Getting to Istanbul has never been easier or more luxurious. Turkish Airlines, which flies to more countries than any other airline in the world, currently operates from 17 gateway cities in North America, including its first-ever Pacific Northwest route, from Seattle, Wash., which launched earlier this year. Business class perks include seasonal gourmet dishes (served by candlelight, upon request), new designer amenity kits from Coccinelle and Hackett and access to state-of-the-art business class lounges. Beyond the world-class food and hospitality, one of the best parts of flying Turkish Airlines is traveling on the airline’s 787-Dreamliner aircraft, which flies to and from the United States. turkishairlines.com

WHERE TO STAY IN ISTANBUL

ÇIRAĞAN PALACE KEMPINSKI

On the banks of the Bosphorus, the Çirağan Palace Kempinski boasts stunning views of Asia and the ancient city, featuring palatial suites, Turkish gardens and many dining options (Tuğra Restaurant, Bellini Pasta & More, the waterfront Gazebo Lounge and Bosphorus Grill). The property is the only Ottoman Imperial Palace and hotel on the Bosphorus where Sultans once lived, so the views from the rooms and suites are legendary. A dip in the heated, waterfront infinity pool is also a must, as you can gaze at unobstructed views of passing boats and the colorful lights and buildings on the Asiatic bank. Simply put, no matter where you turn, you’re in for a luxe experience in a gorgeous setting. Don’t miss their authentic Turkish hammam experience at Sanitas Spa. kempinski.com

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ISTANBUL AT SULTANAHMET

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, in the Old City, is the perfect basecamp from which to explore Istanbul’s deep heritage, with breathtaking views of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Marmara Sea. While in close proximity to Istanbul’s historic sites, the property has a fascinating history itself, as it was once a former prison featuring a landscaped courtyard surrounded by stone walls, a working masjid (mosque) and guard towers. Following its initial transformation into a five-star hotel in 1996, the hotel has undergone a recent renovation by design studio Goddard Littlefair. The new design pays homage to the beauty and history of the site and Old Istanbul while adding the luxurious, modern amenities synonymous with the Four Seasons brand. While visiting, don’t miss the chance to experience the hotel’s rooftop dining terrace with views of the Hagia Sofia and Grand Mosque, or its spa for an incredible Turkish hammam experience that is unpretentious yet utterly luxurious. fourseasons.com

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL ISTANBUL MARMARA SEA

Surrounded by the tranquil Sea of Marmara, the new 204-room luxury hotel offers guests a relaxing and luxurious stay in the Atakoy district. The guest rooms are spread out across 17 floors and are as spacious as they are sumptuous—marble bathrooms with large soaking tubs and rain shower heads, smart lighting and modern amenities. Ceres restaurant serves Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian fusion cuisine, with a focus on seafood and this summer. Michelin-starred chef Akira Back will debut a new restaurant offering innovative Japanese cuisine. marriott.com

The presidential suite at the JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea The historic exterior of the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

HOW TO TOUR

With only three days is Istanbul, we relied on Eda Sokmen, whose bespoke tour and travel agency Istanbulite is the go-to for tours of key sights including the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace. From helping book luxurious hotels to coordinating historical, shopping, art and photography tours, cooking classes and paper marbling workshops, the team can help you experience the city like a local. You can even book Istanbulite private tours and experiences beyond the ancient city including Cappadocia, Izmir, Ephesus, Bodrum and other off-the-beaten path locations like Aphrodisias and Kaş.

istanbulite.com

An Istanbulite tote bag with an Anim Turkish towel

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The A villa at Bodrum Loft; the lounging deck; sunrise from one of the villas LEFT: The new Nobu restaurant at Bodrum Loft

BELOW: Prawns in a tomato sauce at the Loft restaurant

AND IN BODRUM…

Open May-October, Bodrum Loft is a hidden escape in the lush heart of Demirbükü Bay on the Aegean-facing north coast of the Bodrum peninsula. The 36-room property, developed by Akfen Holding, offers high-end suites and villas that will be your homeaway-from-home this summer. With a swimming pool, beautifully landscaped gardens, fitness center, spa, private beach and restaurants (Paper Moon and Nobu–the first in Bodrum–and the casual Patisserie Loft), you never need to leave the resort. Also on site is a boutique by high-end Turkish brand,

Vakko. bodrumloft.com.tr