Morning light spills across the Bosphorus as fishing boats cut quiet paths between Europe and Asia, passing beneath the windows of the Çırağan Palace just as they did when sultans walked these halls. Inside, guests sip coffee on balconies while watching the strait come alive, participating in a ritual that spans centuries.
Türkiye’s most intriguing hotels tell stories of reinvention. In Istanbul, former imperial residences and historic port buildings have found new purpose as hotels that honor their past while embracing the present. Along the coast, properties nestle into ancient landscapes, from the golf courses of Belek to the olive groves of the Aegean shore.
At the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, original architectural details like the hammam and waterfront walls blend with thoughtful renovations that returned the 1871 structure to life. The palace wing houses eleven suites, each with its own character. In the Sultan Suite, tall windows frame the Bosphorus from three sides, while ornate fireplaces and mother-of-pearl inlaid furniture recall the building’s imperial past. The garden-facing rooms in the newer wing look out over centuries-old palm trees and a pool that seems to merge with the strait beyond.
The palace grounds tell their own stories. Gardeners tend beds arranged according to traditional Ottoman patterns, while the great lawn stretches down to the water where sultans once kept their caïques. The pool area, lined with columns, fills with morning swimmers before the day’s heat sets in. In the historic hammam, marble basins and intricate stonework survived the 1910 fire that claimed much of the palace. Today, this space anchors a spa where traditional bathing rituals continue alongside contemporary treatments.
In Tuğra Restaurant, the palace’s former kitchens serve modern interpretations of Ottoman court cuisine. Diners sit where cooks once prepared feasts for sultans, though today’s meals offer views of passing ships through arched windows. At the Bosphorus Grill, tables spill onto the waterfront terrace, where grilled fish arrives simply dressed with lemon and olive oil. The Gazebo Lounge, a glass pavilion perched above the water, fills with afternoon light as tea is served in delicate cups that echo historical designs.
For gatherings, the palace offers spaces that have witnessed centuries of celebrations. The Ceremonial Hall retains its crystal chandeliers and soaring ceilings, while smaller salons feature original gilt mirrors and parquet floors. Gardens that once hosted imperial festivities now welcome wedding parties and cultural events, the ancient plane trees standing sentinel over new generations of partiers.
Anchoring the new Galatport development just down the shore, the Peninsula Istanbul brings new life to three buildings from Istanbul’s early modern period. The 1940s passenger terminal still welcomes visitors beneath its copper dome, though today, they check into hotel rooms rather than board steamships. The former post office and customs house retain high ceilings and terrazzo floors and now house art installations that change with the seasons.
The Peninsula’s rooms reflect maritime heritage through design. Port-hole-inspired windows in bathrooms frame city views, while custom furniture incorporates brass details and wave patterns. Corner suites occupy the buildings’ rounded edges, their curved windows following the original architecture. The rooftop suite adds a private pool and terrace where guests can watch ships navigate the Golden Horn.
Contemporary Turkish artists have left their mark throughout the property. Woven textiles and metal sculptures catch light from the waters of the Golden Horn, while the original customs hall serves as an airy gallery space. The Peninsula Academy connects guests with local artisans in Karaköy’s workshops, where traditional crafts evolve to meet contemporary tastes.
The hotel’s 10,000-square-meter spa is a true urban wellness oasis. It features a 25-meter indoor pool, an opulent hammam, couples’ treatment suites, and a pioneering program that combines Eastern and Western healing philosophies.
On the rooftop, Gallada, Chef Fatih Tutak draws inspiration from ancient trade routes, combining Turkish ingredients with techniques from China to the Mediterranean. The Lobby maintains the Peninsula tradition of afternoon tea while adding local touches – rose-scented pastries and savory börek appear alongside scones. As evening falls, the rooftop restaurant offers mezze and grilled meats against a backdrop of minarets and ship lights.
Dramatically carved into a rugged coastline overlooking the Aegean coast, Six Senses Kaplankaya sits where ancient Carians once built their settlements. The hillside property follows the contours of the land, its stone buildings stepping down toward the sea like a traditional village. Gardens planted with indigenous species attract butterflies and birds, while paths wind through olive groves that predate the resort.
Ridge Terrace Rooms open onto gardens planted with lavender and sage, providing private outdoor spaces for morning yoga or evening stargazing. The larger villas incorporate local stone and timber, their infinity pools appearing to spill into the Aegean. Some accommodations offer direct beach access via private paths that weave through the natural landscape.
The resort’s wellness center incorporates indoor and outdoor spaces. Treatment rooms look out over the water, while the fitness area features floor-to-ceiling windows that bring nature inside. The spa blends ancient healing practices with modern s. Guests might start their day with a traditional hammam ritual and end it with a session in the altitude chamber or consulting with visiting wellness practitioners.
The property’s environmental initiatives shape daily life here. Morning light finds chefs picking herbs from the kitchen gardens, while evenings bring discussions of local archaeology and marine life. At Sage & Sea, the day’s catch arrives directly from local fishing boats, while Wild Thyme serves dinners under the stars. The resort’s signature restaurant, built into the hillside, offers panoramic views alongside dishes that showcase the organic gardens’ harvest.
Water activities center around three private beaches and a marina. Paddleboards and kayaks await morning adventurers while boat trips explore hidden coves along the coast. The Earth Lab demonstrates the property’s sustainability initiatives, from water conservation to organic farming, inviting guests to understand and participate in environmental stewardship. Nearby hiking trails meander through unspoiled nature amid archaeological treasures.
In Belek, where the Taurus Mountains meet the Mediterranean, morning fog burns off championship golf courses as players head out for early rounds. Kaya Palazzo Golf Resort takes advantage of the region’s natural assets: sandy soil that drains well, flat terrain that suits golf course design, and reliable sunshine. The Kaya Eagles course wraps around the property, its water features reflecting clouds and dating palms.
The resort’s rooms and suites spread across several wings, each with its distinct character. Garden rooms open onto terraces shaded by Mediterranean pines, while upper-floor suites offer views extending from the mountains to the sea. Along the water features of the golf course, the Lagoonside rooms provide direct access to private decks and swim-up pools. These accommodations blend indoor and outdoor living – floor-to-ceiling windows slide away to connect bedrooms with water-edge terraces, while private loungers sit just steps from the water. The Presidential Villa stands apart, with its own pool and garden providing privacy for families or groups.
A VIP beach club creates an exclusive enclave within the resort. Imported sand and private cabanas line the waterfront, while an adults-only pool area offers a quieter atmosphere. The main pool complex includes water features for children and swim-up refreshment stations.
Inside, the resort balances sports facilities with Mediterranean pleasures. A La Turca restaurant serves dishes from Türkiye’s seven regions, from Black Sea hamsi to Gaziantep pistachios. Around a central courtyard, other venues include a waterside seafood restaurant and an Asian kitchen where chefs prepare sushi from local catches. The wine cellar features vintages from Turkish vineyards in Thrace and Cappadocia.
The spa occupies its own wing, where treatment rooms surround a central courtyard filled with citrus trees. Traditional hammam rituals occur in a marble-clad chamber, while the hydrotherapy area includes various thermal experiences. A dedicated salon caters to wedding parties and special occasions.
Each property reflects its setting: palaces and port buildings along the Bosphorus, stone villages on the Aegean cliffs, and modern retreats on the Mediterranean shore. As the seasons change, they offer different experiences—from spring walks through wildflower-dotted golf courses to winter storms viewed from warm palace rooms. In their own ways, they each reveal a piece of Türkiye’s story.
If you go
When to visit: The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are most popular from May to October. Spring and fall offer pleasant conditions in Istanbul, and winter provides mild weather for golf along the Mediterranean.
Getting there: Turkish Airlines offers nonstop flights to Istanbul from Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. It boasts an impressive business-class experience with onboard Flying Chefs. Efficient domestic connections land travelers in Antalya or Bodrum within a few hours of visiting Istanbul, and each property arranges luxury transfers. Many visitors combine multiple properties in different regions for a well-rounded immersion in the Turkish Riviera’s myriad attractions. —Mark Sissons
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