CIRAGAN PALACE ISTANBUL Once the home of a sultan, it’s now “a beautiful hotel overlooking the Bosphorus” (request a room with a view). Brilliant marble is abundant in public areas. Away from the tourist spots, it’s a great place to interact with the locals. The service is bend-over-backwards excellent and the numerous restaurants dish up amazingly innovative Turkish cuisine.
FOUR SEASONS ATIK PASHA MANSION On the European bank of the Bosphorus – which flows through Istanbul’s history and heart – Four Seasons gives a 19th-century palace a fresh, eclectic spirit. Alluring facilities include a chic urban spa. Fine restaurants and pools by the quayside overlook the Asian shore. And all are awash in the light, space and excitement of this water’s-edge location
ESMA SULTAN PALACE Esma Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Abdulhamid the 1st, was one of the most intellectual women of her time and known as a social butterfly. This water-side palace was built in the late 18th century and served as one of her vivacious residences.
The original brick ruins of the palace underwent a modern restoration project that was completed in 2001: The brick ruins remain, but are intertwined with a structure out of steel and glass. The glass seating area, which is tethered to the walls by suspension rods, gives the illusion of floating inside the brick ruins.
