Introducing two new icons of luxury on Istanbul's Golden Horn

27 October 2025

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.

Introducing two new icons of luxury on Istanbul's Golden Horn

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 Istanbul 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.

Why Shizuoka, Japan, deserves to be on your bucket list

10 February 2026

Shizuoka is one of those places that quietly delivers on everything people love about Japan, without the intensity that often comes with it. Perfectly placed on the Golden Route between Tokyo and Kyoto, it’s easy to reach yet rarely feels overrun. This is a region where everyday life and travel experiences blend naturally, giving you space to explore at your own pace, whether that’s over a long weekend or as part of a wider journey across the country.

A modern take on Kyoto tradition at Capella Kyoto

09 February 2026

Kyoto’s Gion district is well-known for its heritage and character. Capella Kyoto places guests right in the heart of this cultural scene, surrounded by genuine traditions and the real rhythm of Kyoto life. With celebrated landmarks on all sides - Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo, where geiko and maiko keep age-old performing arts alive, Kenninji Temple, a peaceful retreat and the city’s oldest Zen Buddhist temple, and Ebisu Shrine for good fortune - every walk from the hotel gives you an immediate sense of the history of this part of Japan.

A family-friendly way to experience Mount Fuji

09 February 2026

Japan has a way of rewarding travellers who slow down, and Hanz Outdoor Resort is especially well suited to families looking for space and ease. Set in the Lake Kawaguchiko area, it offers clear views of Mount Fuji while remaining straightforward to reach from Tokyo. Rather than packing days with long journeys, families can settle into one place and let the mountain become part of daily life, from relaxed mornings to evenings spent outdoors together. It’s a base that works just as well for first visits to Japan as it does for families returning to explore further.