At The Peninsula Istanbul, 1930s elegance meets inspired Arts and Crafts, early Art Nouveau and Ottoman exotic combined with a touch of Istanbul hipster cool along the Bosphorus. Turkish architect Zeynep Fadillioglu melded together three existing buildings and a new addition using marble, glass, brass and ceramics, plus her exacting attention to detail.
The Bauhaus style of the 1937 former cruise terminal designed by architect Rebii Gorbon is echoed throughout the hotel in the smallest of details, right down to the casings around the elevator direction lights.Gorbon’svibrant turquoise tiles scintillate The Peninsula Suite atop the 1912 Merkez RihtimHan building while the sumptuous gold tiles encasing Cinili Han outnumber those in theBlue Mosque.The original clock tower created by Mustafa Sem-i, watchmaker to the sultans, still keeps time. Inside the 177 rooms and suites, seductive textures, opulent materials and varied shapes create a refreshing and rejuvenating balance, accompanied by a soothing orchestra of lapping waves.
- Swiss landscape guru Enzo Enea’s sculpture-filled garden integrates the different historical layers of the Istanbul hotel, so it blends harmoniously with the surroundings. Architecturally precise mature trees like pistachio and Lebanon cedar, softened by sensual, intimate niches planted with aromatic herbs, sublimely encompass the Bosphorus horizon.
- The luxury hotel’s spa is a destination unto itself. Try one of the hammam services to experience a local tradition. Outside of the spa, the hotel has a dedicated Wellness Portal, providing guests with accessible self-care around the clock. De-stress with guided meditations from the Breethe App in the comfort of your room, get centered with aromatherapy self-care rituals or have a healthy-heart start to the day by following an exercise video before going down for breakfast.
- The Lobby is a glorious paean to Bauhaus. Cool marble underfoot reflects a lofty stained-glass jigsaw-like ceiling; layers of engraved, painted glass panels pay homage to German textile artist Anni Albers; and 18 lantern-shaped, triple-layer Lasvit Czech slumped glass chandeliers are its crowning glory.
- The hotel’s complimentary transport services make sightseeing and shopping easy. Have a town car drop you at the 6th century Yerebatan Basilica Cistern then wander the more than 60 streets of the Grand Bazaar. Alternatively, indulge yourself at Galataport, home to local and international designers, third-wave cafes and fine-dining establishments before being whisked back by the hotel buggy service.
- The mahogany PEN 1 motor yacht, handcrafted especially for The Peninsula Istanbul, is ideal for transfers, magical celebrations or sunset cruises past sumptuous wooden Ottoman summer houses.
Decked out like the saloon of a sleek vintage yacht, the Topside Bar beguiles guests with travel-inspired cocktails. Watch as the sun sets over the historical Topkapi Peninsula or embark on new experiences as Istanbul’s famed vibrant energy comes to the fore.
Named for an ancient path linking the Bosphorus to Galata Tower, Gallada takes guests on a magnificent gastronomic journey along the Silk Road. Respected chef Fatih Tutak showcases his Anatolian roots and Asian training in silky-smooth dumplings filled with blue crab or kebab and tender wagyu fillets. Fresh fruit and vegetables cultivated in the kitchen gardens atop the adjacent Cinili Han grace the table. Pomegranate trees and flowering vines on the terrace frame the exquisite view and when shadows begin to dance across the Bosphorus, the in-house DJ enhances the mood.
Sip oolong or a glass of Peninsula Deutz champagne as you partake of an afternoon tea in the opulence of the double-height Lobby.
Open in summer, Abelia Pool Bar delivers casually elegant alfresco dining, offering hot and cold Turkish mezze, tapas, sandwiches and sushi at the Bosphorus-front pool, in umbrella-shaded dining lounges and private cabanas.
