Turkey moves up in the luxury stakes

01-Jun-08

Boasting a wealth of cultural and history sights, a naturally beautiful coastline and luxury hotel investment, Turkey has set out to court the more discerning traveller. Recent guests include HM The Queen, who stayed at the Sheraton Hotel Ankara during a visit in May.

Istanbul continues to delight visitors with expanding luxury amid a vibrant, culturally rich setting. The city awaits the results on its bid to be European Capital of Culture 2010, but meanwhile it continues to fascinate visitors with a history spanning three empires.

The spa trend has not bypassed Turkey, and visitors are moving towards full-service options such as the Nua Wellness Spa (www.richmondnua.com). For a truly historical experience, the Cemberlitas Bath, built in 1584, provides a traditional hammam massage (www.cemberlitashamami.com.tr). High-end hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton Istanbul (www.ritzcarlton.com) and Hotel Les Ottomans (www.lesottomans.com) also have luxurious spas.

Having conquered the mass market, Bodrum is also keen to attract a more discerning clientele. The Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay (www.kempinski-bodrum.com) offers an award-winning 5,500sqm spa. The town itself offers historical highlights: the Mausoleum is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

WHAT'S NEW IN TURKEY

- W Istanbul opened in April amid the redevelopment of the Akaretler Row Houses in Besiktas. It features 136 rooms including the Spice Market restaurant. www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels

- Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus opens this summer as a combination of a 19th-century Ottoman palace and two contemporary buildings. The 166-room property includes 25 suites, Aqua restaurant, Urban Spa and Turkish bath. In addition, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is expanding. www.fourseasons.com

- Park Hyatt Istanbul-Macka Palas is set to open in July, housing the existing Emporio Armani and Gucci boutiques. The 90-room hotel will include seven Park Suites, one Executive Suite, one Diplomatic Suite and a Presidential Suite. www.hyatt.com

- Kirker Holidays is offering an escorted tour, Istanbul & Ottoman Turkey, departing 16 September. The nine-night journey visits Istanbul, Bursa, Iznik and Edirine, with a boat trip along the Bosphorus. www.kirkerholidays.com

- The ultra-trendy Lush Hotel, set in one of Istanbul's hippest areas, is near Taksim Square, perfect for Istanbul's buzzing nightlife. www.lushhotel.com

- Anatolian Sky Holidays has a number of additions to its Istanbul programme for 2008, including the luxurious Bosphorus Palace hotel. www.anatoliansky.co.uk

- LykiaWorld Oludeniz resort has reopened with redesigned a la carte restaurants, Mandarin and La Luna and cooking classes. LykiaWorld and LinksGolf Antalya opened in April, boasting a tennis and watersports centre on 2km of private beach. www.lykiagroup.com

- The 305-room Radisson SAS Resort Cesme opens in western Turkey this autumn with three restaurants, two bars, a 3,500sqm spa, an outdoor pool, kids club, shops and a night club. www.rezidor.com

- Cox & Kings has launched short breaks at the boutique Alp Pasa Hotel in Antalya after BA started offering direct flights in April. www.coxandkings.co.uk

- Serendip Select, Turunc, opened on 1 June. The Honeymoon Suite features panoramic sea views and a private terrace. www.serendipselect.com

- The redesigned Gaia Fitness Centre & Spa opened at the Hyatt Regency Istanbul last summer. It includes four treatment rooms. www.hyatt.com

UPMARKET BODRUM

Lorrie Croze, owner, Medcollection.com

- Is there more to Bodrum than mass-market beach holidays?

It is not an overstatement to say that Bodrum has had mass tourism, but I think it has passed the growing stage and discerning clients will find it easy to avoid. Bodrum's 'luxury' is in its little gems.

- What makes it a luxury destination?

Bodrum's hotel and tourism infrastructure cannot be compared to traditional luxury destinations such as the Caribbean, South-East Asia or upscale European or Mediterranean resorts. In Bodrum, luxury means being able to dine with one's feet in the sand in a tiny restaurant. It is also found aboard beautiful yachts.

- How has the area's luxury offering developed over the past five years?

Several small, stylish boutique hotels have blossomed all over the peninsula. A number of five-star hotels have also recently opened. The three marinas offer quality restaurants, bars and luxury-brand shops.

- Where would you direct clients looking for luxury in Bodrum?

The Marmara Bodrum Hotel, overlooking Bodrum town; Casa Dell'Arte, on the small Torba Bay; Ada Hotel above the exclusive resort of Turbuku; and the minimalist Maca Kizi Hotel, in Turbuku.

For simple settings, but delicious mezes and fresh fish, try Gebora Restaurant on Yashi Beach or Ali Gonca Restaurant in Torba. For a more romantic dinner, opt for the restaurant of the Antique Theatre Hotel, overlooking Bodrum Bay. While for an amazing moonrise summer dinner, Archipel restaurant in Bitez is a must.

For great cocktails, try the Beach Club of the Maca Kizi Hotel in Turbuku. In Bodrum town, visit the Hadigari Bar.

For spas, I recommend the Six Senses at the Kempinski Hotel on Barbaros Bay.

A must-do is chartering a yacht to explore the superb coastline. Renting a luxury villa is the ultimate experience: total privacy among stunning natural settings.

www.medcollection.com

ISTANBUL HIGHLIGHTS

Karen Fedorko Sefer, President, Sea Song Tours

- What attracts upmarket visitors to Istanbul?

Istanbul is a magical city, full of history, culture and wonderful hospitality. Enjoying a quality, luxury experience is what attracts visitors to Istanbul.

The selection of high-quality hotels, some of the most magnificent historical monuments in the world and incredible restaurants with amazing cuisine are what appeals to luxury clients.

- What can clients see and do?

Istanbul offers world-class classical and jazz music festivals, Formula One racing and yacht cruises along the Bosphorus Sea, and the city also boasts some of the hottest nightclubs in Europe.

Must-see sites include the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Underground Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Chora Museum and the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.

- What else can I book for clients?

Istanbul has the award-winning Four Seasons Sultanahmet Hotel and the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel. Four Seasons has opened a property located on the Bosphorus Sea, which is one of the most spectacular properties in Istanbul. There are many hotel additions for the luxury traveller. The suites-only Les Ottomans Hotel is located on the Bosphorus in an old mansion and has a fabulous spa. The Sofa Hotel, located in the trendy area of Nisantasi, is a wonderful boutique hotel.

There is no shortage of incredible restaurants in Istanbul. Mikla and 360 have the best views in the city and attract a trendy crowd, while Kosebasi serves kebabs in a local environment. Korfez Seafood Restaurant has a private dining terrace and guests arrive by private yacht.

Nightlife could not be better - the well-heeled flock to glamorous clubs such as Angelique, Crystal and the super-club of the celeb-party crowd, Reina.

In future, I believe we will see more luxury hotels opening, specialised spas and a complete focus on private arrangements and memorable journeys.

www.seasong.com

BUYER ON THE SPOT

Matt Holmes, president, Boundless Journeys

Client's question: We are in our mid-30s, and would like to visit Turkey on our honeymoon. We are looking for luxurious/romantic hotels, fabulous food and shopping opportunities. We also want to learn about the culture and history, and end our holiday on secluded beaches. What would you recommend?

Buyer's answer:

Begin by exploring mystical Istanbul on foot, and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus. Walk through the covered Bazaar in search of the perfect Turkish rug, and stroll through the Spice Market.

Stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet - created from a century-old Turkish prison in the core of this fabled city, it's just steps from the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, and provides the highest level of luxury.

Venture into Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey of exceptional natural wonders characterised by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage. Here, you can hike amid bizarre rock formations and discover local artisan's shops. Stay in a wonderfully unique cave hotel to complete the experience.

Next, it's the Turquoise Coast, at the meeting of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Aboard your own luxurious gullet, set out on a fantastic six-day cruise. Your guides will share the best hiking trails and villages.

www.boundlessjourneys.com

YACHTING IN TURKEY

Eldin Basic, managing director, A2A Yachting

- Why is Turkey a great destination for discerning clients with an interest in yachting?

Turkey is located on the crossroads between Asia and Europe. Clients can experience the complex lifestyle differences that gradually change when going from Antalya in the east towards Bodrum in western Turkey.

- Are more people chartering luxury yachts in Turkey?

Absolutely. The whole European market of luxury yacht charters is getting bigger.

- What can clients typically expect on board?

Each yacht is a floating five-star hotel. Services can range from basic to tailored solutions, such as organising a luxury barbeque on a hidden beach.

www.a2a-yachting.net

CULTURAL TURKEY

John McGee, Research and Communications Manager, Artisans of Leisure

- Why is Turkey a great destination for clients with an interest in religious and historical culture?

Turkey has been one of the great crossroads of cultures for centuries, and it offers a wealth of significant and compelling Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Christian, Ottoman and other cultural and historic sights. Istanbul is one of the world's greatest cities, with diverse architectural, archaeological, religious and living cultural treasures. Other destinations in Turkey, such as Ephesus and Cappadocia, complement Istanbul's cultural attractions.

- Where are the best places to visit in Turkey?

In general, most of our clients love exploring the important historic sights and hidden cultural highlights of dense, multi-layered Istanbul; walking through the most interesting sections of the well-preserved classical ruins at Ephesus; and discovering the secrets of the most impressive early Christian churches and underground cities in Cappadocia. Many clients also look to spend a few days at a seaside resort in Bodrum or Antalya.

- How long is the ideal trip to see the best of Turkey's historical offering?

The most popular tour is our 13-day Essence of Turkey, which features Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya and Ephesus, although it's possible to see a selection of the highlights of Turkey in less time.

- Can all sites be visited in luxury, or will clients have to sacrifice comfort for culture?

Turkey offers a lot of options for luxury travellers. We have designed our tours of Turkey to be the most luxurious, exclusive and personalised available. For example, we arrange tours of museums with directors, private yacht cruises on the Bosphorus, and visits to historical sites at times of day that are less crowded. As the country's tourism industry continues to evolve, the number of luxury options will only increase.

www.artisansofleisure.com

TOURIST BOARD VIEW

Irfan Onal, Director, Turkish Culture and Tourism Office

- What makes Turkey a luxury destination?

Turkey offers a wide range of luxury resorts and hotels, design-inspired architecture, golf courses and bars and restaurants. There is something for everyone, whether you are looking for a luxury break for two or somewhere unique to take the family. As well as the deeply atmospheric setting of a city straddling two continents and surrounded by the waters of the Bosphorus, Istanbul today is infused with bold new energy: it is exciting and intensely alive with new galleries, cutting-edge international film and music festivals, designer shops and chic restaurants and bars - in short, a city undergoing a dramatic renaissance.

- How is Turkey's reputation as a luxury destination developing?

The country has seen a steady increase in the number of UK visitors over the past few years. This is probably due to our wide offering for all different types of holiday. Where it was once seen only for its package holidays, all across Turkey, boutique hotels, luxury hotels and adventure holidays are becoming established, widening our tourism offering. For example, across the Aegean in Turkey, the luxury offer is really beginning to emerge. Kempinski opened in Bodrum in 2006 and a Movenpick opened in 2007.

As Istanbul has been nominated as the 2010 European Capital of Culture, which will demonstrate an ancient and cultural side of Turkey that has perhaps previously been missing from its reputation. Turkey is rich with archeological marvels, cosmopolitan cities and spectacular sailing opportunities. By demonstrating all we have to offer, our reputation is growing and maturing.

- Where are the top luxury places to stay?

In Bodrum, Kempinski, Barbaros Bay; Ada Hotel, Turkbuku; and Casa Dell' Arte, Torba. In Istanbul, the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton. In Antalya, The Dome Kempinski and The Marmara.

VITAL INFORMATION

Best places to eat

- Kosebasi, Levent, Istanbul, offers traditional Anatolian cuisine in a lively environment. www.kosebasi.com.tr

- Topaz, Istanbul, provides a stylish, upbeat atmosphere and Mediterranean cuisine. Visit for pre-dinner cocktails, or try the steak with asparagus and rosemary-baked potatoes. www.topazistanbul.com

- Reina, Istanbul, offers Mediterranean cuisine and is particularly recommended for fish. www.reina.com.tr

- Take afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge of the Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul; or sample the capital's largest single malt whisky collection at the RC Bar. www.ritzcarlton.com

- Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay claims to have Turkey's only Vietnamese restaurant, Saigon Club, with fusion Asian cuisine. In addition, the hotel opens an Italian restaurant, La Luce di Samdan in June. www.kempinski.com

- Ciftlik Garden, near Bodrum, provides authentic cuisine in a pleasant al fresco setting. T: +90 252 368 9232; E: ciftlikgarden@hotmail.com

Getting there

- British Airways launched a London Gatwick to Antalya service in April. www.ba.com

- Pegasus Airlines launched an Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen route from London Stansted in March. www.flypgs.com

- Bmi operates daily flights to Ankara from London Heathrow. Return flights are available from £245. www.flybmi.com.

- Turkish Airlines runs direct services to Istanbul from London Stansted, London Heathrow and Manchester. Clients can transfer at Istanbul for connecting flights to Bodrum, Antalya, Ankara and Nevsehir. www.thy.com

Getting around

- Taxis are currently the best option, especially in Istanbul where the metro system is still in development. Make sure clients are prepared for heavy traffic. l

TURKEY FACTS

Red tape: UK passport holders can obtain a 90-day tourist visa at any of Turkey's ports of entry for a £10 cash fee.

Currency: New Turkish Lira (YTL) as of 2005. £1 = 2.4YTL.

Time zone: GMT + 2 hours.

Language: Turkish.

Best time to visit: Avoid the intense heat by visiting in spring.