NEWS & ARTICLES TAGGED

TURKEY

5 Hotels That Lived Former Lives

Nov 2, 2016 | Contributor: Kimberly Fisher

It’s not that new, from-the-ground-up hotels are any less esteemed, it’s just that properties with a storied past are just more intriguing. Sometimes to really get a sense of place when traveling, the best suites are the ones found in historic properties that have been around for centuries. Long before these luxury destinations were welcoming guests, they were the residences of princes, the estates of Italian musicians and former prison cells. If their stories don’t impress you, their fine furnishings, list of amenities and scenic locations just might do the trick. Here are five historic properties that have been restored and turned into luxury hotels:

Enigmatic Istanbul in Winter

Jun 6, 2016 | Contributor: Dan Avila

Sometimes the best travel experiences come from not following the crowds. In fact, in one of the world’s most lauded cities, avoiding the herd can result in a far more enriching experience. Istanbul is a destination that stirs the emotions of historians, culture lovers and travelers alike. If you are prepared to visit this enigmatic city out of peak season, some of its greatest treasures can be enjoyed (almost) all to yourself.

Viceroy Opens First Hotel in Turkey on Motor Car-Free Island

Apr 29, 2016 | Contributor: Nicolle Monico

This summer Viceroy’s first Turkish hotel will open along the Marmara Sea on the island of Büyükada. Viceroy Princes' Islands Istanbul will include 77 guestrooms and suites, serviced residences, a traditional Ottoman grand mansion, extensive gardens and a private cove. Restored to its former self, the grand mansion offers 20,731 square feet of space, six suites, a private pool, and venues available for social gatherings.

Behind the Scenes of Azamara’s Transformation

Apr 19, 2016 | Contributor: Vicki Arkoff

What’s the best way to stay on the top of “Best of” lists? To keep topping yourself. Already one of the world’s most luxurious ship lines, Azamara Club Cruises is making sure its petite fleet of top-rated sea vessels remains ship-shape with a just-completed bow-to-stern refurbishment across nearly every department both on-board and off. “We’re taking what was already an incredibly good product and are devoted to making it absolutely exceptional,” says Azamara’s President Larry Pimentel who calls Azamara his “baby boutique brand.”

5 Extraordinary Buildings Repurposed as Swanky New Hotels

Feb 9, 2016 | Contributor: Nicolle Monico

Every year, new hotels pop up across the globe; some are built from the ground up while others utilize the architecture that is already residing in a city. When developers and designers choose the latter, some pretty stunning properties can take shape. Restored from centuries-old structures, these hotels often times feature unique spaces, vaulted ceilings, original moldings, frescoes and even secret nooks. Of the many properties that debuted in 2015, here’s a look at our five favorite hotels that were conceived out of historic buildings.

We Bet Watchtower of Turkey Will Convince You to Visit the Middle Eastern Country

Oct 15, 2015 | Contributor: Nicolle Monico

It’s hard not be intrigued by Turkey, the Middle Eastern country that has such a rich, spiritual culture, beautiful landscapes, mouth-watering gastronomy and storied history. The destination itself is a blend of many things, a hodge-podge of contradictions from ancient buildings to contemporary architecture and deeply-religious groups mixed with non-believing peoples. It is both Westernized and Oriental, and completely unordinary.

The Glittering Raffles Istanbul is Now Open & You're Going to Want to Stay Here

Sep 5, 2014 | Contributor: Nicolle Monico | 1 Comment

In 2013, it was all about Cape Town, South Africa and Rio de Janiero, Brazil (fùtbol fever) for best travel destinations in 2014. This year, more and more articles, photos and travel packages are coming across my desk with trips to Istanbul, Turkey. And in April, TripAdvisor ranked the Turkish city as the #1 Most Popular Travel Destination in the World.

Tour One of 2014's Hottest Destinations by Gulet On an 8-Day Journey Through Turkey

Aug 27, 2014 | Contributor: Donald Herrera-Fairbairn

Since BBC documentary filmmaker Peter Sommer trekked 2,000 miles through Turkey in 1994, he has put together a number of inspiring tours led by archaeological experts. Come August 30, 2014, his travel company Peter Sommer Travels will be running four eight-day trips by gulet covering some of the Mediterranean Sea's most alluring ancient sites found amongst the Turkish shores.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa to Open in Bodrum, Turkey 2014

Mar 25, 2013 | Contributor: Carly Zinderman

In 2014, Turkey will be the destination of choice for travelers when the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa will open in Bodrum. Designed by GAD, the award-winning New York & Istanbul based architectural firm, the boutique hotel will cover 40,000 square meters (430,556 square feet) of peninsula, featuring views of Torba Bay, Mediterranean Sea and nearby islands. “Nikki Beach offers a unique experience combining five-star service, luxury accommodations, design and ambiance with signature entertainment in an international, jet-set resort environment,” said Jack Penrod, Founder and Owner of Nikki Beach Worldwide. “With its natural beauty and sophisticated lifestyle, Bodrum fits perfectly with our strategy to develop the best and most exclusive destinations in the world,” adds Jihad El-Khoury, Chairman... Read More

Best Beaches in Europe

Nov 19, 2012 | Contributor: Tara Imperatore | 8 Comments

White powder sand, secluded enclaves, staggering cliffs, crystal clear water, and swaying palms are just some of the reasons travelers flock to the beaches winding around the European coastline. Whether you want to surf, build sandcastles with the kids, ride jet skis, snorkel among the marine life, or merely sleep in solitude, there is a beach waiting for you in your favorite destination across the Atlantic. We’ve picked five from the long list of impressive places to dig your feet in the sand and bask in nature’s beauty on your next luxury vacation in Europe.... Read More

Istanbul Tourists Get Five Star Hotel

Nov 13, 2012 | Contributor: Michael Pearse

The new Hilton in Istanbul, set to open in the summer of 2013, will give travelers to the must-go tourist city the opportunity to relax in style with 829 rooms at the heart of the Sisli district. Dubbed the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center, the impressive building is expected to be a rewarding enterprise.... Read More

9 Phrases Every Traveler Should Know

Mar 6, 2012 | Contributor: The Daily Meal | 1 Comment

No matter the travel destination, arriving somewhere new with a good handle on the local language is really helpful. Skipping the charades-style hand gesticulating and the awkward stumbling through the native tongue makes for much easier communication — and it’s also much more fun.... Read More

Victoria's Secret to Open Two Stores in Istanbul by Year's End

Nov 9, 2011 | Contributor: Rana Babac

Million dollar bras; women who make the goddesses themselves jealous; the most awaited fashion show in the world; glamour, glitter and gossip. In Turkey, especially in the last six to seven years, it has been a New Year’s tradition to watch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after midnight. Over time Victoria’s Secret angels slowly but surely replaced the popular belly dancer performances that people used to watch on New Year’s Eve.... Read More

Paris Hilton Launches Her Shoe Line in Istanbul

Sep 22, 2011 | Contributor: Rana Babac

Paris Hilton touched down at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport at about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday where she was welcomed by her "Istanbullu" fans. "I am very excited about being back in Istanbul, it is a very beautiful city. I missed the Bosphorus Tour in Istanbul and her night clubs," Hilton told reporters minutes after she arrived from London.... Read More

Mardin, Turkey: The Window to Mesopotamia

Aug 11, 2011 | Contributor: Inka Piegsa-Quischotte

You can take that title literally. I looked out of the window of my hotel room and there it was: the land of my dreams, the Sea of Mesopotamia, as they call it, stretching out endlessly, all the way to Syria and beyond.... Read More