Best Luxury Hotels In Turkey

Turkey is the ultimate country of contrasts and fusion, the original cultural and ethnic melting pot.  It will excite and inspire in equal measure.  Geographically and culturally, it is where East meets West, where the call to prayer is heard over the pealing of church bells.  Once the centre the Byzantine Empire and then of the Ottoman Empire, there is evidence everywhere – churches, mosques, monasteries, castles, forts – of the fascinating journey Turkey has been on since time immemorial. Istanbul (or Constantinople, depending on which historical period floats your boat) is the most populous city in Europe and straddles the Bosphorous Straight that separates Europe from Asia.  Cultural highlights include the Byzantine Hagia Sophia mosque, the Ottoman Blue Mosque and the Greek Orthodox Hagia Triada. If you’re looking for a little retail therapy, the Grand Bazaar is an absolute must.

Beyond the cities, the contrasts continue unabated.  The mountains are super-sized and the forests deep, lush and green.  The other-worldly topography of the Cappadocia region is truly mind-blowing and best viewed from the basket of a hot air balloon.  Not to forget the plethora of ancient coastal towns and modern beach resorts – the nearly 5,000-mile coastline has hidden coves and expansive beaches for every shade of sun worshipper.  The food fusion is a delight for every palate, with inspiration drawn from Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Arabia, the Mediterranean and the Maghreb.

Read on to discover some of our favourite luxury hotels in Turkey.