Straddling two continents and shaped by centuries of empire, Istanbul combines iconic landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
Istanbul is one of the world's great cities, a destination where Europe and Asia meet across the waters of the Bosphorus and where centuries of history remain woven into everyday life. Once the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, the city continues to captivate visitors with its extraordinary blend of culture, architecture and energy.
Magnificent landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace stand alongside bustling markets, elegant waterfront districts and neighbourhoods filled with cafés, galleries and independent boutiques. From the historic streets of Sultanahmet to the fashionable districts lining the Bosphorus, Istanbul constantly reveals new layers of its character.
The city's appeal extends far beyond its famous monuments. Acclaimed restaurants, rooftop terraces, luxury hotels and a thriving creative scene have helped establish Istanbul as one of the world's most rewarding urban destinations. Whether crossing the Bosphorus by ferry, exploring centuries-old streets or discovering contemporary Turkish culture, visitors encounter a city of remarkable depth, beauty and ambition.
Moments of discovery often become the most memorable part of any journey, whether found through an exceptional hotel, a remarkable landscape or an experience that reveals a destination in a new light. The places that stay with us longest are those that create a genuine sense of connection.
Across islands, coastlines, mountains and vibrant cities, every destination offers its own character and rhythm. Some invite adventure, others encourage slower exploration, but the most rewarding journeys are often those that combine comfort, authenticity and a sense of place.
From luxury hotels and boutique retreats to safari experiences, rail journeys and small-ship voyages, our collection celebrates travel that feels considered, inspiring and memorable long after returning home.
The Stay Bosphorus, a luxurious five-star retreat in Istanbul's vibrant Ortaköy neighborhood, is a meticulously restored 19th-century mansion crafted by the renowned Balyan family, architects of the city's grandest palaces. Perched along the shimmering Bosphorus, this boutique property, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers an intimate blend of historic elegance and modern sophistication, ideal for travellers seeking a culturally rich urban escape. The 23 rooms and suites, among the closest to the Bosphorus in Istanbul, showcase high ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and contemporary furnishings, harmonizing the mansion's original grandeur with modern comfort. Each is equipped with air conditioning, satellite TVs, curated minibars, and sleek bathrooms featuring premium toiletries. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies in select rooms reveal sweeping panoramic views of the Bosphorus, with the Asian coast and Istanbul's ancient skyline as a breathtaking backdrop. Dining at The Stay Bosphorus unfolds at The Bosphorus Kitchen, where guests savour Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, from fresh seafood platters to aromatic lamb kofta, in a refined setting with waterside vistas. The adjacent bar, adorned with nautical accents, serves handcrafted cocktails and local wines, perfect for sipping as ferries glide past. A serene spa offers tailored massages and wellness treatments, while the elegant fitness centre caters to active guests. The hotel's proximity to Ortaköy's charming cafes, jewelers, and boutiques invites leisurely exploration, with curated boat tours along the Bosphorus providing a unique perspective of Istanbul's storied shores. Nestled just 4.1 kilometers from lively Taksim Square and 9 kilometers from the historic Sultanahmet Square, The Stay Bosphorus is 33 miles from Istanbul Airport, with a nearby ferry pier offering seamless access to the city's cultural and commercial hubs across both continents.
From £175 per night
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul, a five-star resort in the vibrant Beşiktaş district, captures the enchanting allure of Istanbul's East-meets-West heritage, offering luxurious serenity along the shimmering Bosphorus shoreline. The 100 rooms and suites exude contemporary elegance, featuring air-conditioned comfort, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms with premium toiletries. Many rooms boast balconies with panoramic Bosphorus views, creating an opulent retreat for couples or solo travellers seeking refined sophistication. Dining delights with a trio of restaurants showcasing Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines, crafted with fresh ingredients and offering vegetarian, dairy-free, and halal options. The buffet breakfast blends global and Turkish flavours, while à la carte menus elevate lunch and dinner with vibrant dishes. The classically designed bar serves artisanal cocktails, fine wines, and non-alcoholic beverages, perfect for enjoying in the shared lounge or on the sun terrace. Leisure thrives with a stunning outdoor pool, a hot spring bath, and a serene garden for relaxation. The spa pampers with sauna and hot tub treatments, complemented by a modern fitness centre. Curated experiences, from private Bosphorus cruises to cultural tours arranged by the 24-hour concierge, immerse guests in Istanbul's dynamic heritage, while opulent ballrooms host memorable events. Located 4.2 kilometers from Dolmabahce Palace, 6 kilometers from Dolmabahce Clock Tower, and 38 kilometers from Istanbul Airport, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul ensures seamless access to the city's iconic landmarks and cultural treasures.
From £615 per night
The Bank Hotel Istanbul, a distinguished five-star property in the vibrant Karaköy district, stands as a meticulously restored neo-Renaissance gem, designed by Italian architect Antoine Tedeschi in the 1880s. Nestled on historic Voyvoda Street, once the financial heart of the Ottoman Empire, this boutique hotel, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, blends eclectic 19th-century architecture with modern artistry, offering an intimate retreat for those drawn to Istanbul's rich cultural tapestry. The 63 rooms and suites, housed in the iconic Sümerbank Building, exude timeless charm with high ceilings, ornate detailing, and contemporary comforts. Each features plush bedding, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, curated minibars, and sleek bathrooms with rain showers and L'Occitane toiletries. Many rooms offer glimpses of Istanbul's historic peninsula, with select suites boasting private balconies that frame the city's dynamic skyline, creating a seamless blend of heritage and luxury. Dining at The Bank Hotel unfolds at The Bank Roof, a breathtaking rooftop venue where international and Turkish cuisines intertwine, from tender lamb kebabs to vibrant ceviche, all savoured against panoramic views of the Bosphorus and old Istanbul. The adjacent rooftop bar crafts signature cocktails with local herbs and premium spirits, perfect for twilight gatherings. The hotel's spa, a haven of calm, offers bespoke treatments and a traditional Turkish hammam, paired with a modern fitness centre for rejuvenation. A cozy library, stocked with contemporary books and accented by lush plants, invites quiet moments, while curated art tours to nearby galleries like Istanbul Modern and Elipsis immerse guests in Karaköy's creative pulse. Ideally situated just 700 meters from Istiklal Avenue and 2 kilometers from Taksim Square, The Bank Hotel Istanbul is a short stroll from Sultanahmet's historic treasures and 31 miles from Istanbul Airport, offering effortless access to the city's vibrant cultural and artistic heart.
From £145 per night
Adahan DeCamondo Pera, a five-star boutique retreat in Istanbul's vibrant Beyoğlu district, blends the historic charm of its 1874 Camondo family origins with contemporary Turkish elegance, offering a refined escape in the heart of the city. The 50 rooms, including 16 vintage-inspired suites, feature high ceilings, hardwood floors, and custom wooden furniture, paired with modern comforts like LCD TVs, air conditioning, and private bathrooms with premium toiletries. Many rooms offer views of the historic Galata district, creating an intimate and stylish haven for couples or solo travellers seeking a unique stay. Dining at Béatrice Restaurant, perched on the rooftop, delights with a buffet breakfast of Turkish and international flavours, followed by an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner, showcasing dishes from local meze to global cuisine, all framed by breathtaking city views. The chic Clarisse Bar crafts artisanal cocktails and fine wines, perfect for unwinding in a lively yet cozy ambiance. Leisure unfolds in the inviting lobby lounge, ideal for relaxation, while the hotel's terrace offers panoramic vistas of Istanbul. Complimentary exhibitions and concerts curated by the attentive staff immerse guests in the city's rich cultural scene, with nearby galleries and boutiques sparking exploration. Located 150 meters from the bustling Istiklal Avenue, a 5-minute walk from Galata Tower, 1.5 kilometers from Taksim Square, and 18 kilometers from Istanbul Airport, Adahan DeCamondo Pera ensures effortless access to Istanbul's vibrant nightlife, historic landmarks, and cultural treasures.
From £95 per night
AJWA Sultanahmet, a five-star boutique hotel in Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district, embodies serene luxury with a halal approach, blending Ottoman-inspired elegance and gracious hospitality as a member of Preferred Hotels LVX Collection. The 61 rooms and suites, adorned with handcrafted mother-of-pearl furniture, silk Tabriz carpets, and hand-painted tiles, feature Loewe Ultra HD TVs, electronic curtains, air conditioning, underfloor heating, and M Line Slow Motion beds. Private bathrooms with Dornbracht fittings and bespoke marble work create an opulent retreat, enriched with tea and coffee setups and artwork by renowned Azerbaijani artists like Sattar Bahlulzade and Maral Rahmanzade. Dining at Zeferan Restaurant, perched on the 8th floor, offers a sumptuous breakfast buffet and à la carte menus featuring Turkish and international cuisine, paired with breathtaking views of the Marmara Sea and Princes' Islands. The alcohol-free restaurant crafts dishes with fresh, local ingredients, served in a refined setting with Ottoman accents. The hotel's bar offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, teas, and coffees, perfect for unwinding in the elegant library or lobby lounge. Leisure thrives with an indoor pool, a spa centre offering rejuvenating treatments, and a modern gym for active guests. The hotel's curated cultural experiences, including private tours to nearby historic sites, immerse guests in Istanbul's rich heritage. Located a 10-minute walk from the Blue Mosque, less than 1 kilometer from the Grand Bazaar, 45 kilometers from Sabiha Gokcen Airport, and 53 kilometers from Istanbul Airport, AJWA Sultanahmet ensures seamless access to Istanbul's iconic landmarks and cultural treasures.
From £415 per night
Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, a five-star resort in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, blends the grandeur of an Ottoman imperial palace with modern luxury, offering a majestic retreat along the Bosphorus. The 317 rooms and suites exude regal elegance, featuring air-conditioned comfort, flat-screen TVs, safety deposit boxes, and private bathrooms with premium toiletries. Select rooms open to balconies with breathtaking Bosphorus views, creating an opulent haven for discerning travellers seeking history and sophistication. Dining at the palace's restaurants captivates with a buffet breakfast offering continental, American, or Turkish delights, followed by lunch and dinner menus showcasing Ottoman and international cuisine crafted with fresh ingredients. The elegant bars serve artisanal cocktails, fine wines, and non-alcoholic beverages, perfect for enjoying on the terrace with panoramic water views. Leisure thrives with a year-round outdoor infinity pool that blends seamlessly with the Bosphorus, an indoor pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The spa pampers with bespoke treatments, while curated experiences like private Bosphorus cruises or cultural tours immerse guests in Istanbul's vibrant heritage. The hotel's renowned venues host high-profile events, from weddings to congresses, adding a touch of grandeur. Located 1.5 kilometers from Dolmabahce Palace, 2 kilometers from Dolmabahce Clock Tower, and 37 kilometers from Istanbul Airport, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul ensures seamless access to the city's cultural and historic treasures.
From £390 per night