Hadag explored Istanbul with a stay at the renowned and luxurious Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul, a five-star hotel that rivals the finest in the world.
Istanbul is a metropolis like no other. Marking the point where East meets West, this historic location is the only city simultaneously situated in Asia and Europe. Hadag travelled to this enchanting part of the world, compliments of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul, to experience all the luxury this fivestar venue has on offer.
Meet and Greet Service
Luxury begins at the airport. Istanbul International’s meet and greet service is unmatched. Arranged by the hotel, you’ll be whisked away in a luxury golf cart straight to the car. It took eight minutes from disembarking the plane to finding ourselves seated in a MercedesBenz on our way to the hotel. No walking, no queues, no waiting for luggage or going through customs. It’s all taken care of for you by the incredible team.
First impressions
As we pulled up to Mandarin Oriental, we were still buzzing from the glimpses of the vibrant city we experienced en route. Even from the car, all the sights, sounds and smells beckoned us to explore this proverbial melting pot of the old and the new.
Nestled in the Naile Sultan pine grove in the sophisticated Kuruçeşme district, Mandarin Oriental sits alongside the shimmering shoreline on the European side of Istanbul. Its perfect location provides panoramic views across the Bosphorus Strait and a central location to explore the famous city.
The composition of the hotel itself is a marvel, with its low-rise design, elegant marble-clad façade and Ottoman-style slate roof. Lush gardens and private wooden pavilions along the waterfront add to the luxurious and welcoming nature of the premises.
Once inside, the marble, bronze and glass elements of the interior design create a contemporary setting that is both alluring and comforting. The hotel’s five-star status is always on full display, and we felt that we could have been the only guests there, thanks to the staff ’s attentive service.
Rooms fit for royalty
As we made our way along the pristine hallways of the hotel, we were fortunate enough to inspect various accommodations on offer to guests. Each guestroom and suite is spacious, fully equipped and offers picturesque views of the Bosphorus. Most options include balconies or terraces and feature striking design elements comprising ornate bronze and onyx marble. Organic textures and patterns with bespoke metal and other details are also included in the impressive interior designs. Many of these rooms are adaptable for family needs, and the hotel provides 24-hour room service to all guests.
“The composition of the hotel itself is a marvel, with its low-rise design, elegant marble-clad façade and Ottoman-style slate roof.”
Our suite was as beautiful and spacious as you’d expect from the high calibre of Mandarin Oriental. The highlight was, simply, one of the most comfortable beds we have ever had the pleasure of sleeping in.
Culinary splendour
Olea Bosphorus & The Bar
On the first night of our stay, we were invited to the celebrated Olea Bosphorus & The Bar, an exceptional venue serving up authentic Italian flavours.
Once seated, we ordered an array of options from the impressive menu, and thoroughly enjoyed every dish laid on the table. The octopus carpaccio was perfection and the oxtail fettuccine was worth every bite.
Novikov Istanbul
On our second night, we indulged at the worldrenowned, all-day restaurant, Novikov.
This spectacular ground-floor location offers a fusion of Asian, Mediterranean and Italian dishes, along with magnificent views of the Bosphorus.
We found the pan-fried Asian delicacies particularly appetising, and we were hugely impressed by the quality of the ingredients and the warm service.
Additional Dining Venues
There are four additional dining venues, including: the contemporary Novikov Lounge Bar, the alfresco Novikov Pool Bar, the soothing Bosphorus Lounge and the enticing Mandarin Cake Shop.
Relax and recharge
The Spa
Perhaps our favourite individual experience of the hotel was our time at the luxurious spa, where we indulged in a relaxing 60-minute massage. The aroma of the signature ginger oil and the soothing pressure eased tired muscles and left us feeling deeply pampered and relaxed.
The spa’s 3,500sq/m facilities include 11 treatment rooms, a VIP treatment room, a sauna, a steam room and three gender-separate hammams, amongst other options.
Sports and Leisure
For guests who enjoy staying fit and active, the hotel has a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a Pilates and yoga studio, a heated indoor pool and a lush spa garden featuring a swim current pool, a Jacuzzi, a kids’ pool and more.
For those seeking a slower pace, there are exclusive in-hotel luxury boutiques and access to a 200m shoreline, complete with lush gardens.
Perfectly placed
The hotel is centrally located, providing easy access to many of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks and neighbourhoods. Throughout our stay, we experienced the beautiful sights that included the assortment of grand mosques and historic attractions.
Within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the hotel, is the CBD, the city centre Taksim district, numerous Kuruçeşme nightclubs and two parks with jogging routes.
At the end of our stay, we were transported back to the airport in a stylish BMW, feeling both tranquil and invigorated, thanks to having Mandarin Oriental as our home in Istanbul.