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.

Escape to Niva Labriz Seychelles, where rainforest meets the Indian Ocean

20 July 2026

If you've ever dreamed of escaping to a tropical island where nature takes centre stage, Niva Labriz Seychelles is exactly that kind of place. Set on the untouched shores of Silhouette Island, a protected national park just off Mahé, it's the only 5-star resort on the island. Reached by a scenic 45-minute boat journey or a short helicopter flight, Niva Labriz feels wonderfully secluded, surrounded by lush rainforest, towering granite peaks, and a spectacular stretch of white sand overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Five eco-lodges for a quiet escape in nature

16 July 2026

Travel is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with the world, and these magnificent lodges can help you do just that amongst some of the world’s most arresting scenery. What’s more, these lodges are all actively contributing to the preservation of the landscapes you’ve travelled to enjoy. These aren’t just places to stay, they’re destinations that inspire, whether through their endemic wildlife or unique cultural practices. From the rugged coastlines of South Africa to the serene valleys of Bhutan, here are six exceptional eco-lodges to add to your ‘must-visit’ list.

Two sides of the Maldives: which Six Senses island is right for you?

10 July 2026

The Maldives has no shortage of exceptional resorts, but Six Senses has carved out a reputation for doing things a little differently. Here, luxury goes hand in hand with sustainability, wellness is woven into every stay, and experiences are designed to help guests reconnect with nature rather than simply admire it. Two of the brand's most remarkable island escapes are Six Senses Laamu and Six Senses Kanuhura. While both deliver the barefoot luxury that Six Senses is known for, each offers its own distinct personality. Whether you're dreaming of pristine reefs, laid-back island living, or some of the Maldives' finest beaches, here's how these two extraordinary resorts compare.