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.
Aegean Region, Yalıkavak
The Bodrum EDITION
Perched on a hill just 3km from the gorgeous Yalikavak Marina, The Bodrum EDITION offers enthralling coastal views of the turquoise coast with its terraces, promenades and seaside pools and spa. Sleek, sharp and stylish, this hotel offers luxuriant food, both casual and refined, as well as two sensational bars for a romantic Mediterranean-inspired evening. With spacious rooms, suites and bungalows on offer, you can expect polished stone floors, marble baths and bright, light decor for ultimate relaxation. The service is kingly at this majestic five-star resort.
Aegean Region, Bodrum
Macakizi Bodrum
Maçakizi hotel is named after the Queen of Spades, known for her intelligence and beauty and the hotel certainly lives up to its namesake. Stylish and sophisticated with a cool laid-back vibe it’s easy to see why this is a popular choice for the cool crowd in Bodrum, with celebrities such as Mick Jagger named on the guest book. The hotel is conveniently located and comprises of 74 rooms including 21 suites – for the utmost in privacy choose the Upper Deck suite which is hidden away on the hillside. Guests can take a quick dip in the small hotel pool or head to the seafront deck for the full Aegean aquatic experience. For those wanting something less strenuous guests can indulge in a treatment in the open-plan Nuxe spa treatment rooms. Dinner here is a glamorous affair in terms of ambience and cuisine with a wonderful menu ranging from fresh Mediterranean dishes to traditional Turkish cuisine. Each dish is a work of art and dining here truly is gastronomic experience. The Maçakizi family is expanding with the recent additions to its portfolio including Villa Maçakizi for the ultimate in a private getaway and the Maçakizi Halas 71 the sophisticated yacht which is available for charter and features the unique and high class dining experience the hotel name has become famous for.
Aegean Region, Yaliciftlik
Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum
Hidden upon a cliff-top which overlooks the spectacular Barbaros Bay and its unspoilt landscape, this Kempinski owned resort is ideal for those looking for seafront style and natural grandeur. Classically decorated with high ceilings, traditional Turkish architecture, drapes and opulent furnishings, guests have access to private beaches lusciously kitted out with wicker beds and shielded, green vegetation. The service is friendly and the facilities top notch, with a choice of 3 restaurants on-site: Italian, Aegean and Vietnamese. A Turkish themed beach bar offers poolside lunches and evening drinks on a spectacular seafront patio.
Aegean Region, Göcek
Rixos Premium Göcek
Nestled between two marinas amidst the natural beauty of pine forests, this adult-only all-inclusive resort is the perfect place to escape to enjoy tranquillity and unforgettable moments. Accommodation is presented in the form of a suite or private villa. The villas are the perfect choice for a romantic retreat and are located and can be reached in five minutes by speedboat from the resort. Both accommodation options are beautifully appointed and offer easy access to the resort’s secluded private beach and other facilities. The four exceptional restaurants and six unique bars, each boasting their own concept and style, offer guests a choice for every occasion from casual and fun to elegant and sophisticated. Rejuvenate your body and mind at the traditional spa or opt for something more energetic at swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centre, aqua gymnastics and a whole host of water sports on the stunning coastline.
Aegean Region, Dalaman
Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort and Spa
The all-inclusive luxury beach resort boasts an enviable location sitting on the edge of the Dalaman River and Mediterranean Sea offering guests stunning views from almost every angle. The super-stylish resort offers guests a choice of spacious upscale rooms and suites some of which include private pools and saunas but all of which present the highest standards of comfort. With a 23 restaurants and bars on side there is an excellent choice when it comes to dining, from the elegant oyster and champagne bar and adult only roof top bar through to the relaxed Citrus Patisserie and everything in between. Guests who enjoy the active life can take advantage of the fully equipped gym, Pilates studios, tennis courts, water sports and ten outdoor pools. For family fun, the kids club offers a comprehensive programme of activities and evening entertainment. Just a short stroll from the town centre and with easy access to local attractions guests can conveniently explore and soak up the local culture and atmosphere.
Aegean Region, Göcek
D-Resort Göcek
With its natural coves and wonderful beaches, D-Resort Göcek is a hidden treasure which seamlessly blends nature and luxury to offer guests an enriching experience. Rooms and suites combine contemporary architectural design with beautiful finishes to present a superb selection of accommodation options. The three onsite restaurants boast absolute individual style, ambience and menus with all three presenting dishes creatively prepared using the freshest of locally sourced ingredients. There are plenty of activities for the more energetic guests including a state of the art fitness centre and gym along with studio classes and variety of water sports. And when all you want to do is kick back and relax the extensive spa welcomes guest to relax in the Zen Garden, enjoy a Jacuzzi, Hamman, sauna, steam room, ice fountain, vitality pool or perhaps indulge in an award-winning skincare treatment by ERICSON LABORATOIRE.
Mediterranean Region Turkey, Belek
Kempinski Hotel The Dome Belek
Kempinski The Dome features unique architecture and exotic Seljuk-style design along with unobstructed beachfront vistas. Found in the Belek area of Antalya, this region is gathering international renown in the golf community, withThe Pasha and PGA Sultan 18-hole-Championship Golf Courses on the doorstep. The hotel has 158 rooms, five villas, several pools, a jacuzzi, water-sports, three tennis courts, a huge Thalasso Spa with an indoor pool and a kids club. It’s all-inclusive with a host of dining options: a Trader’s Spice Restaurant, the Palm Pavilion Bar & Grill, Lale restaurant, Cilantro restaurant, cafe, patisserie and two upmarket bars.
Mediterranean Region Turkey, Belek
Rixos Premium Belek
Just along the oceanfront from Kempinski The Dome, and 50km from the city centre, is Rixos Premium Belek, occupying the largest section of private beach in the area. A great choice for families, there’s a kids club, playground, several massive pools, two-bedroomed suites, inter-connecting rooms and free entry to the nearby Land of Legends theme and water park. All part of the all-inclusive deal. Couples can enjoy the adult-only areas for a more peaceful stay and the privacy of a deluxe swim-up suite. Meals can be taken buffet-style in one of two eateries, or in a choice of three a la carte steak house, Italian and Turkish restaurants. In addition, the resort has eight bars and a full programme of activities excursions and classes.
Aegean Region, Bodrum City
Hyde Bodrum
Hyde Bodrum is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort located on the scenic Bodrum Peninsula, amidst pine forests and beside the shimmering Aegean Sea. The resort features 216 accommodations including rooms, suites, and villas, a palm-lined pool, and spaces for hosting events, along with five restaurants and bars, presenting guests with a diverse culinary offering. The design emphasizes a connection with nature using organic materials, natural colours, and large windows to bring the outside in. The Hyde Bodrum experience offers a range of activities from yoga and meditation to live DJ sets and music gigs, with the aim to provide guests a comprehensive, engaging stay without conventional all-inclusive limitations.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Fatih
Sanasaryan Han, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Istanbul
Sanasaryan Han, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Istanbul’s historical peninsula, merges neo-classical architecture with Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. Originally built in 1895 and designed by Ottoman architect Hovsep Aznavur, the hotel stands near landmarks like the Spice and Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. The 63 luxurious guestrooms offer views of Istanbul, present traditional Turkish décor, and local finishing touches like Turkish tea sets. After extensive restoration, the hotel now features a grand atrium, a library of historical books, and modern art installations, including monochromatic photographs of Istanbul by Harun Doğan. Sanasaryan Han’s dining options highlight local cuisine, while its Library Bar is a sophisticated setting to enjoy drinks. This hotel is a splendid urban sanctuary blending history, culture, and modern luxury.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Fatih
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Located literally within touching distance of Istanbul’s UNESCO architectural and cultural wonders, the Hagia Sofia Mansions, Curio Collection by Hilton, offers a quintessentially luxurious guest experience. A collection of restored, historic mansion houses have been reimagined as beautiful, Ottoman-style palatial suites, with access to fine dining, relaxed sun-kissed courtyard cafés, bars and restaurants, and a unique spa housed in one of Istanbul’s ancient underground former cisterns. The UNESCO old city, the Sultanahmet Archaeological Park, on the European side is probably the most visited, and here one finds the Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton close to Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern, steps to the Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque and beside the Hürrem Sultan Hamam, and the former sultan’s Topkapı Palace. Yet despite being at the heart of this popular area, this Curio Collection by Hilton property has wonderfully authentic and tranquil areas including a beautiful dining courtyard with views to the Hagia Sofia museum and mosque and another charming restaurant with views to the historic sites.
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
SAVE FOR LATERMarmara Region, Istanbul, Sisli
The St. Regis Istanbul
This hotel is located in the Nisantasi district and thus lies in the European side of Istanbul. The bedrooms in this hotel have a warm feeling and are decorated with copper and aluminium Art Decos. All rooms have a butler service. The hotel has a top-level restaurant and bar, but visitors can also choose to visit the many dining areas in the surrounding places. St. Regis Istanbul has seven floors, all of which are creatively designed with natural materials and excellent art. In the basement is an Iridium spa with seven massage rooms and a hammam.