Elite Traveler Summer 2019

BOSPHORUS ABODES

RAFFLES SUITE Raffles Istanbul

For something completely different, Raffles Istanbul offers exquisite, top-of-the-line luxury with an alternative vibe, starting with its unexpected location in the vibrant business district. A soaring symbol of modern, self-confident Turkey, Raffles makes a serious statement with quirky art, glass corridors, sinuous sculptures and a liquid lobby of limpid pools. Sophisticated and startlingly sleek, Raffles has removed itself from the traditional Ottoman/Byzantine blueprint and styled itself up into a totally different orbit. The Raffles Suite is super-spacious and amazingly light, with wall-to-wall windows offering amazing views across the multifaceted city. It is elegant, individual and perfectly appointed with a grand piano for celebrated company. From $30,900 per night. Contact Christian Hirt, general manager, istanbul@raffles.com, +90 212 924 0200, raffles.com

Hagia Sophia has provided the blueprint for countless mosques across the city and beyond

THE FABULOUS FIVE

The magical waters of the Bosphorus divide the city between the romantic ideals of Europe and the intoxicating hubbub of Asia. Along these shimmering shores mighty empires have risen and fallen, palaces have crumbled, myths born and voyages begun. With so much to see, where do you begin? Topkapi Palace is a typical tourist stop, but also the cultural symbol of imperial Istanbul. Built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in 1459, Topkapi Palace showcases the heart and pride of the historic Turkish empires. The sultan’s harem, royal gardens, peeling frescoes, religious relics and tiled mosaics are all breathtaking in the context of their own historic beauty. The glittering jewel house isn’t bad either yet, sadly, nothing’s for sale at any price! Istanbul Modern is the contemporary art museum, set in a stylishly restored warehouse in the old dock district of Tophane. Check out the permanent exhibitions, conceptual installations, cinema, art library and photographic

exhibitions that chronicle the changing face of a diversely enchanting Istanbul. There’s also a splendid restaurant with a terrace on the Bosphorus offering an astounding view of the city. Hagia Sophia is undoubtedly one of the most important and imposing religious buildings in the world; the gravity- defying domed basilica remains an architectural wonder, providing the blueprint for countless Ottoman-era mosques. Sparkling with gold mosaics, Hagia Sophia is surely the ultimate, must-see Byzantine building in Istanbul. Built more than 1,000 years after Hagia Sophia, the BlueMosque is a divine statement of voluptuous domes and gorgeously spindly minarets. The interior space gleams with the dreamy hue of blue Iznik tiles fromwhich its name derives. The trip by ferry to the fine arts Sakip Sabanci Museum is half the fun. Set in a sumptuous private villa, the often-overlooked museum is one of the best in the city. It has touring exhibitions (recently Picasso and Rembrandt) along with its own collections concentrated on exquisite Ottoman calligraphy. Plan your visit in time for lunch on a terrace overlooking the strait.

SULTAN SUITE Çırağan Palace Kempinski

For sheer opulence alone, with its breathtaking grandeur and spirit of imperial Istanbul, the impressive Çırağan Palace Kempinski remains an unequaled experience on the Bosphorus hotel scene. The Sultan Suite on the second floor is one of the most luxurious hotel suites in the world: It offers panoramic views of the iconic Bosphorus from its palatially appointed windows. Traditionally Turkish in its indulgent yet contemporary style, the sumptuous suite oozes sheer, classical elegance. This is where sheiks and sultans mingle with the stars, and European royalty consider it the only place to stay.

From $34,345 per night. Contact Ralph Radtke, general manager, reservations@kempinski.com, +90 212 326 4646, kempinski.com

THE ATIK PASHA SUITE Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

Quintessentially elegant, hip and historical with Baroque and Rococo influences, the lovingly restored former Atik Pasha Palace, with its neoclassical symmetry, is best worshipped from across the water, set apart from any opposition by its stunning waterfront terrace, and dramatically lit by night with a romantic floodlight of flaming torches. Flawless service, hand-painted ceilings, rivers of pale marble and a plush neutral palette throughout reflect the promise of chic pampering at Istanbul’s latest Four Seasons. The Atik Pasha Suite shines as the star of the show, resplendent as a jewel in the Four Seasons crown. Grab a glass of champagne, throw open the windows and gaze across the Bosphorus strait to the city’s Asian shores. From $20,600 per night. Contact Tarek Mourad, general manager, concierge.bosphorus@fourseasons.com, +90 212 381 4051, fourseasons.com

IF YOU DO ONE THING… THE BASILICA CISTERN Subterranean depths and a sunken palace known as the Basilica Cistern are not for everyone, yet this marvel of Byzantine engineering remains unmissable. Invisible beneath the streets of Istanbul, it’s an urban fascination in the bowels of a 1,500-year-old building supported by 336 ancient columns. Look for the twin blocks carved into snake-haired Medusas, and the lazy carp idling in the shallow waters.