A waterway that has witnessed centuries of history, Istanbul's legendary Golden Horn is entering a new era. The former Ottoman shipyards, a site of immense cultural and industrial heritage, are being transformed into Tersane Istanbul, a modern lifestyle destination. At the heart of this revival are two exceptional new hotels: Rixos Tersane Istanbul and Aliée Istanbul. Each offers a distinct vision of luxury, blending the area's rich past with contemporary sophistication, providing two unique ways to experience this magnetic city.
Rixos Tersane Istanbul: An urban resort with historic soul
This beautiful resort masterfully introduces the 'urban resort' concept to the city centre. Housed within the meticulously restored 600-year-old shipyard, the hotel’s design pays homage to its maritime heritage. Inside its 432 rooms and suites, Ottoman-inspired details like intricate mosaics and traditional tulip motifs are paired with sleek, modern aesthetics. This creates a space that feels both opulent and deeply connected to its historic roots, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
More than just a place to stay, Rixos Tersane is a cultural hub. Its prime waterfront location provides stunning views of the historic skyline, which you can enjoy from the heated infinity pool or during a private boat tour. The hotel curates exclusive 'Discovery Routes' for guests, offering complimentary tours of nearby historic neighbourhoods like Fener and Balat. With a diverse culinary scene that includes the eclectic Velena Food Market and the fine-dining Josephine Istanbul, the hotel is a celebration of art, history, and modern Turkish hospitality.
Aliée Istanbul: A house for curious minds
Here you’ll find a different, more avant-garde style of luxury. It positions itself as a ‘House of Curious Minds’, a destination that is part hotel, part creative community. With just 122 individually designed rooms and suites spread across four distinct buildings - including a converted historic Turkish bath - Aliée focuses on providing highly personalised experiences. The architecture and design, led by Los Angeles-based Powerstrip Studio, are cinematic, blending the raw, historic shells of the old buildings with a stylish, contemporary lifestyle.
At Aliée, the experience is curated around gastronomy, art, and wellbeing. The hotel boasts an impressive twelve culinary concepts developed in partnership with the acclaimed Paris Society, including a degustation menu from three-Michelin-starred chef Thomas Bühner and the chic Aliée Swim Club. Its holistic wellness concept, Aliée Well+, spans 4,000 square metres and integrates cutting-edge medical technology with ancient traditions, featuring a Longevity Clinic, marble hammams, and advanced biohacking therapies. It is a destination designed not just for a stay, but for a journey of the senses.
To book one of these remarkable properties for your next Istanbul adventure, contact your personal Travel Counsellor today.
This September, a group of Travel Counsellors got the opportunity to explore the variety of Vietnam, exploring the energy of Hanoi and the scenic beauty of Ninh Binh. With the support of Wide Eyed Tours, the group discovered Vietnam through its food, history, and people, with every detail carefully organised to create a smooth and memorable trip from start to finish.
If you’re dreaming of a journey that blends adventure, nature, and authenticity, Costa Rica deserves a spot at the top of your list. With its rainforests, striking volcanoes, and pristine coastline, this Central American gem perfectly captures the relaxed pura vida way of life. What truly sets it apart, though, is the extraordinary range of wildlife that calls it home. From sleepy sloths to migrating whales, Costa Rica offers some of the most remarkable animal encounters on Earth. Here are five you won’t want to miss…
Some experiences are too good to leave to chance. The sort of trips where the timing has to be right, the seasons align, and the best places fill up long before most people even think about packing a bag. Planning early isn’t just about being organised, it’s about giving your Travel Counsellor the time to secure the view, the table, the cabin, or the front-row seat that turns a holiday into a story you’ll replay for years. Here are five destinations that almost insist on being booked over a year in advance to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
