Scheduled to open September 1, 2014, the Raffles Istanbul luxury hotel is on path to become the “new face of Istanbul” and offer true VIP service plus endless, luxurious amenities.

Raffles Istanbul is centrally located in the Zorlu Center. This social hub is noted for fine fashion, wonderful food and the arts. The luxury hotel sits on the European shore in Beşiktaş and offers scenic views of the Bosphorus, the Princess Islands and local peninsula.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts has long history of offering luxury properties going back to 1887 when they opened Raffles Hotel, Singapore. This award-winning, luxury international hotel company offers ten luxurious properties in the following locations: Singapore, China, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Seychelles, Philippines and Paris.

Similar to the Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris luxury hotel, the new Raffles Istanbul will be adorned in fine artwork from Turkish artists. The art collection will enhance the already sleek modern interiors and consist of a mix of sculpture, paintings, photography plus video installations.

As there is a thriving art industry in Istanbul, the Raffles Istanbul hotel wants to assist its guests with an Art Concierge. The service is similar to what is currently offered at Le Royal Monceau in Paris, and will help hotel guest better understand the flourishing, new art scene and celebrating a new generation of creative artists.

Istanbul, Turkey is a timeless city and the Raffles Istanbul will deliver a luxury oasis for those of expect the very best in a luxury hotel. VIP services abound, hotel guest will be wowed by an elegance that will overwhelm their senses.

If you would like some discretion, then use the hotel’s rooftop helipad to arrive and depart in an expeditious manner in a helicopter. As you arrive, you’ll notice the luxury hotel’s sleek rooms with huge balconies that provide amazing views of the ancient city of Istanbul, Turkey.

There are a total of 130 luxurious guestrooms and 50 suites at the Raffles Istanbul hotel. The property also features a wide range of luxury amenities and VIP service, such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, two restaurants and a bar, ballroom. For a relaxing and pampering experience, try the signature Raffles Spa which will be one of the largest spas found anywhere in Istanbul.

The rooftop swimming pool is a wonderful place to unwind and beat the city’s summer heat. At night, the pool area comes alive with the vibe of live music in addition to a vibrant DJ / nightclub atmosphere. Socialize, dance and enjoy the awesome city views.

The Long Bar, found downstairs will offer delicious tasting, modern cocktails but with a new glam twist. It will soon become a popular social gathering for both locals and hotel guests.

Hotel room rates at the new Raffles Istanbul luxury hotel will start at €600 per night.

To learn more and book your Istanbul reservation and stay at the new Raffles Istanbul hotel, please contact The Life of Luxury. One of our travel concierge specialists will be happy to plan your travel itinerary. Follow this luxury blog to keep abreast of the latest travel industry news.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski

Istanbul, Turkey is a mystical place, rich in both history and culture. Istanbul is unique as the only city in the world that connects two continents.

The Bosphorus Strait connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and lies right in the middle of Istanbul – an ancient city well known as an exotic hub of Eastern and Western culture.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski is Istanbul’s only imperial palace and the hotel is the perfect location for an accommodation for travelers who desire to explore this beautiful body of water and immerse themselves in true Turkish culture.

As a way to experience the Bosphorus at its best, visitors can enjoy a dinner cruise, a romantic and elegant way to see some of Istanbul’s historical and contemporary landmarks, opulent Ottoman palaces and structures; and a ferry ride on the Turkish Maritime Lines (TML) where you can step off at Andalou Kavagi, a unique little village known for its delicious fish restaurants.

If you want a personal touch, Ciragan’s well-trained concierge offers customized itineraries for guests who want a unique, personal adventure.

Don’t miss the chance to walk along the path of a prince or princess up to the ruins of the Byzantine Castle fortress to see spectacular views of the strait that joins the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.

A stay at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski is not complete without the exploration of both shores of the Bosphorus on a cruise. Starting at the Ciragan Palace, the boat will take you along the European side of Istanbul, and you will see the Ortakoy neighborhood, a trendy area that can also be explored by foot as it is only a five minute walk from the hotel.

Ortakoy, once literally “the village in the middle,” is now amongst Istanbul’s coolest and most artsy neighborhoods with trendy boutiques, plenty of outdoor cafés and bistros, and crowds of young, sophisticated locals and visitors.

As you pass the Ortakoy area, take in the majestic view of the Bosphorus Bridge which connects the two continents. As the boat turns towards the Asian shores, be sure to admire the particular architectural style of this area characterized by wooden mansions and marble palaces.

A top attractions is the Beylerbeyi Palace (which means “Lord of Lords” in Turkish), located in the Beylerbeyi neighborhood of Istanbul. An Imperial Ottoman summer residence built in the 1860s, it is now situated immediately north of the 1973 Bosphorus Bridge.

After a full day out enjoying the water, lift up your feet and be treated like royalty. Lounge on the balcony of any of Ciragan’s 313 rooms, 80 percent of which overlook the Bosphorus, ensuring a glorious view.

To learn more or book a reservation, please contact us at:

Ulus 29

Looking for a unique, international social experience? In amazing Istanbul, Turkey you can see for miles and enjoy fine dining.

Ulus 29 opened back in 1993 and can be found on the scenic, hilltops of Ulus, Turkey. This incredible restaurant establishment offers patrons magnificent views overlooking the Bosphorus.

Ulus 29 both with its fine dining restaurant and Club 29, clearly establishes the luxury standard of indulgence and entertainment of Turkey.

Metin Fadillioglu is the owner of Ulus 29 and has created many classical trendy spots like, Çubuklu 29 and Hip Nişantaşı Brasserie. Fadillioglu is definitely a pioneer name in the Istanbul restaurant & entertainment industry.

Ulus 29 is a unique fine dining restaurant, where internationally acclaimed chef Mert Şeran features his very distinct techniques and creativity in avant-garde modern cuisine. Şeran is quite popular and one of the top chefs in Istanbul culinary scene.

The chef offers diners two signature menus: one with a wide sushi selection and the other with a list of Turkish and international favorites.

For wine lovers, you are in luck. Ulus 29 has highly experienced sommelier Stephane Vattepain, who will provide exquisite recommendations from the restaurant’s own wine cellar, which was awarded with Wine Spectator Award in 2011. The Ulus 29 wine list offers from over 4,000 fine wines to choose from.

The elegant and vibrant Terrace Bar and the Club section adjoin the spectacular view of the restaurant. The Terrace Bar is a great spot to have cocktails after work or your fine dining experience.

For a night to remember, on Fridays and Saturdays you can enjoy yourself at the Club 29 with its famous DJ’s and special cocktails. The Club is known as one of the world’s trendiest night clubs, with its music and its hip clientele including celebrities and many well-known international names.

If you are looking for a great vacation, Turkey should be high on your list of countries to visit. The sun is always shining and the beaches are great. In the evening you can eat wonderful Turkey food and then dive into the wild nightlife.

If you just want to relax, you can spend the whole day on the beach. If you want some action, try one of the many available water sports: jet skiing, para-sailing, banana boat or simply play a fun game of beach volleyball.

Looking for something more adventurous,? Then trek into the mountains or try mountain or ravine climbing. If water is more your element, Turkey also has a lot of places for diving, sea kayaking and rafting.

The most popular Turkish destination without a doubt is Alanya. About 10 % of all tourists in Turkey are on vacation in Alanya. The reason is the combination of two wonderful beaches and the many interesting sights.

The best site many be castle hill, which divides two beaches. From the top of the hill, about 820 feet (250 meters) above the sea, there is a great view of Alanya and the surrounding country.

The Water Planet Aquapark is one of Turkey’s largest water parks and is an excellent place for children. Here they can try everything from water slides and rafting to bungee jumping and crazy golf.

Antalya is a little different than the other Turkey destinations. The city is not the typical fishing village that grew into a tourist village. The city has about 500,000 residents, so here you see more locals than tourists.

As a large city, Alanya has many shopping centers, bazaars and shopping streets. In addition, there are also many interesting sights from the Roman Empire in the city. Many are located in the old part of the city called Kaleici.

The number one golf destination in Turkey is without doubt – Belek. Eight golf courses can be found in the area. Due to its popularity, you must book several months ahead if you are going in the high season.

Belek is more than just for playing golf. Belek is also a paradise for bird lovers. The city does of course also have fine shopping and several water parks.

Kemer is a nice, little village that is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean. The city has a unique mix of the original Turkey and a modern tourist destination. Here are lively pedestrian streets, an elegant marina and beautiful beach promenades.

Close to the city is the ruins of Phaselis, where Alexander the Great spent his winters. In the middle of Kemer is the Moonlight Park. It’s a large park area with playground and dolphinarium. You can also find many restaurants, bars and discos.

Kusadasi offers an international feeling because of the many arriving cruise ships. Most passengers come to see the famous sight Efesos (also called Efesus) near Kusadasi. If you enjoy smart cafes and international clothing brands, Kusadasi is the city for you.

If you are looking for a romantic vacation destination, the city of Side might be the answer. In the old town you can view many Roman buildings. Stroll among the well-preserved wood and stone houses in quiet streets. Finish the day in the city theater, where concerts and theater have replaced long ago gladiator fights.

Author: Morten Elm

Bodrum is a seaside resort in the southwest corner of Turkey that attracts the jet-set during the summer months. It is also the home of one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.

Bodrum is a destination worth considering for a few days (or even a week) for a break from sightseeing. The very best times to visit are late spring or early fall; the weather will be perfect, many of the crowds will be gone, and you’ll avoid the searing heat of the summer months. There are a number of 5 star luxury hotels in Bodrum.

Where to stay?

The Marmara Bodrum is a 96 room resort with a panoramic view overlooking the town of Bodrum. This is a contemporary boutique hotel, and the imaginative flair of its designers can be seen the moment you walk into the lobby and see the interior decoration of the public spaces. The guest rooms have a minimalist elegance that appeals to me. Consider at least a four night stay to enjoy a special Virtuoso exclusive promotion.

The Queen Ada Hotel is an intimate beach hotel with just 22 guest rooms. A bit more casual and less expensive than the other properties described in this article, this is a lovely property with a four star feel. The guest rooms are clean and comfortable, and guests are steps away from the beach. Rates are especially affordable in mid-season (April 18-June 12 and September 15-October 31, 2008), and these are in fact the best times to visit Bodrum (see what I wrote above about visiting in Spring or Fall).

Casa Dell’Arte is located right next door to Queen Ada on the same beach. This is an over-the-top beach hotel with the feel of a lavish private home. The walls of the property are decorated with the owner’s art collection, and the rooms are an incredible expression of decorative imagination. By all means, you should book one of the two rooms with a direct view of the beach. There are just 12 rooms (each named for a sign of the Zodiac), and the entire property can be booked for the ultimate family vacation. If you want to stay in the trendiest property in Bodrum, and cost is not an object, Casa Dell’Arte is where you want to be.

The Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay is a larger property with 173 rooms and suites. This property has the most imaginative management I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Our site inspection was set up as a “progressive supper” with each course in a different restaurant or area of the hotel. Our appetizer was served in the Vietnamese restaurant Saigon Club, our soup course by the pool (where, thankfully, efficient gas heaters kept us warm in the cold, winter evening), the pasta course in the kitchen (where we pulled on aprons and helped prepare our own meal!), the main course in a Presidential Suite, and dessert at the bar. Management has exciting ideas about children’s programs and a refreshing originality about how to do more than just run a luxury hotel. With a beautiful beach and gorgeous infinity pool, this resort would be a great spot for a family vacation on the beach in Bodrum.  Article by: David J. Ourisman

The days of drab dress, expressionless people and communist rule are long gone. Eastern Europe is displaying a vast array of phenomenal vacation spots for all to enjoy. It’s virtually uncharted territory for the luxury traveler.

There’s a surge of luxury resorts being built. What causing this? Tourism is quickly becoming a source of economic growth. The other main reason is that historic buildings in the region are a virtual bargain, as compared against real estate in western and central European countries.

Many of these Eastern European countries, such as Poland and Hungary, offer tax breaks to foreign businesses that bring in tourism dollars. This allows hoteliers to save up to 15% on their investment.  Full article