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.
Central Anatolia Region, Goreme
Cappadocia Cave Suites
Located in the city of Goreme, at the heart of one of the most stunning locales in the Cappadocia region, Cappadocia Cave Suites combine the charm of an original cave dwelling with the benefits of a luxury hotel. All the rooms in this hotel are carved from rock resulting in unique shapes and sizes. The quirky but elegant rooms combine antiques, wrought-iron beds, and fold-art textiles with all the modern luxuries such as flat-screen TVs and in most rooms, Jacuzzis. Larger suites boast fireplaces and several rooms have charming inside fairy chimneys. Patios are dotted around the hotel meaning guests can sit back in wicker chairs and enjoy the views whilst the hotel has plenty of inviting and intimate public spaces, giving you a real sense of privacy. The hotel includes a restaurant serving cuisine that reflects local ingredients and traditions.
Aegean Region, Bitez
Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum
This luxury resort is set on a spectacular section of Bodrum’s coastline, with stunning beaches, seaside pools and terraces. Its 75 airy rooms and 9 suites are decorated with modern furnishings complimented by a Turkish twist, enticing such esteemed visitors as the Saudi royal family. Its 4 restaurants feature everything from both contemporary and traditional Aegean cuisine to sushi, making best use of locally caught fish and rarer global options. The hotel’s own boats are available to hire for coastal excursions, including a luxury yacht features in James Bond’s Casino Royale. Take advantage of the dazzling and well-stocked seafront bar on the evening, watching the lights bounce off the seawater.
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.
Central Anatolia Region, Uchisar
Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge
Enjoy living sustainably whilst also living the life of luxury at the Ariana Luxury Lodge. Breathtaking views over the Uchisar Valley, a deluxe concierge with private guided tours, plus and American-diner style restaurant and beautiful grounds, make this lodge a great option to call home whilst visiting the area. The hotel itself is a stunning feat of architecture, managing to stand out and blend in with the surrounding landscape. Named after an ancient sun goddess, Ariana Lodge is a contemporary hotel with stunning grounds and sun terraces atop the hillside, ideal areas for a spot of yoga or an alfresco massage. The hotel is a light-filled, modern space adorned with bold artworks, ancient mosaics and vaulted ceilings. Rooms are contemporary with feature lighting, designer furniture and marble bathrooms.
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.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Besiktas
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul
The Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul is the perfect destination for a five-star getaway by the waters of the Bosphorus Strait. The hotel is comprised of exquisite guestrooms and suites featuring the expansive 474sqm one- and two-bedroom Royal Bosphorus Suites overlooking the Strait and equipped with a private gym and winter gardens. There are six dining venues on site including shorefront dining at the Mediterranean Bosphorus Lounge and Cabanas. Guests are welcome to take advantage of the opportunity to recharge in The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul while enjoying any of the many treatments on offer or simply making use of the range of wellness facilities. The hotel boasts an indoor, outdoor and a children’s swimming pool as well as a fully equipped fitness centre with spin and pilates studios.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Besiktas
Raffles Istanbul
Raffles is part of the award-winning Zorlu Centre. Unlike many of the surrounding hotels, it is designed with a modern Turkish look. It doesn’t feature any Ottoman references. The public spaces outside the hotel are adorned with Turkish and international art. The hotel has many essential services. These include a kids’ club, bar, restaurant, sauna, steam room, fitness centre, pool, laundry and room service. They also have free Wi-Fi. The rooms are beautifully designed with works of art that are inspired by the Blue Mosque. They also have Nespresso machines and tablet computers for guests. Raffles has two restaurants: Arola and Lavinia. The first one focuses on Spanish cuisine while the second one specialises in contemporary Turkish mezes.
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.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Sisli
Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka Palas
This hotel is set in the Nisantasi neighbourhood, and this place has been noted to be one of the best shopping centres in the city. The hotel is housed in a historic building that was constructed in 1922. It has, however, been redesigned to match modern levels of luxury and convenience, especially with regard to the showers and tubs. One of the highlights of this hotel is the wine bar that serves 70 varieties. It also has a fitness centre, free Wi-Fi, two meeting rooms and a spa.
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.
Aegean Region, Bodrum
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, Besiktas
Shangri-La Bosphorus
This hotel is part of a Hong-Kong group. It is located in Besiktas district on the European banks of the Bosphorus Strait. The hotel has a classic design, with a lot of marble being part of the construction. To complete the look, the hotel employs Turkish and Asian staff. Service in the hotel is personalised and swift. Some available amenities in the hotel include a bar, laundry, pool, room service, hammam, fitness centre, parking and a restaurant. The hotel has 186 rooms, and these have been noted to be some of the most spacious in the entire city.