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.
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