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 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.
Grenada offers far more than beautiful beaches, with opportunities to connect with the island through its food, landscapes, and local communities. From cocoa farms and rainforest trails to underwater conservation projects, a holiday here can support the people and places that make Grenada so special, while giving you a more personal way to experience the island.
A short break to Malta can look very different depending on how you like to travel. You could check into a five-star hotel and build your days around art, architecture, and Michelin-starred dining. You could slow everything down, wandering through neighbourhoods, stopping for pastizz, and exploring historic towns. Or you could use Valletta as a base for hiking, kayaking, diving, and days spent discovering Malta’s coastline. Here are three ways to make a short break in Malta completely your own.
For a city break with plenty to see, eat, and experience, Valletta makes a wonderful choice. Malta’s compact capital is easy to explore on foot, with honey-coloured streets leading to grand palaces, historic churches, and harbour viewpoints. From its impressive fortifications to its lively restaurant scene, Valletta brings together centuries of history and a distinctly Mediterranean way of life, making it ideal for visitors who want more from a short break than simply sightseeing.
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