A land of mystery, Sufi mystics and great literature, Turkey is a beautiful place that must be on your bucket list to visit. Serving as an inspiration to many artists, photographers and filmmakers have captured the spirit of Turkey in various forms of art. This is a country full of surprises and age-old Islamic heritage. Turkey offers exquisite experiences in world class service, hospitality, food and beverage and accommodation. Pair that with the several fun activities that will be a memory for the years, and you have yourself a vacation planned.
Best Time to Visit:
A land of extreme climates, summer season is to be avoided as the country observes temperatures that can rise up to 40 degree Celsius. Winters are similarly very chilly with snowfall being a common feature. Spring and autumn, that are the months of April to May and September to mid-November are the best times to visit Turkey.
Once you’re there, what do you do, and where do you go? Here are our top picks of what Turkey has to offer.
Accommodation:
1. Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul
Located in the capital of Turkey, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski is a hotel that rivals palaces and royal galleries. This is because the Ciragan Palace was actually a palace of the Ottoman Empire, which has been renewed into a hotel by the Kempinski Hotels chain. This magnificent structure sits on the European coast overlooking the Bosphorus, offering crystal clear views of the sapphire sea and the sky.
The hotel houses world-class restaurants and bars that offer an eclectic selection of cuisine uniting the old and the new, and the best of east-meets-west delicacies. Embark on a journey of culinary delights at fine dining restaurant, Tura Restaurant, the Gazebo Lounge or Laledan Restaurant. Revel in the essence of Istanbul’s social life in pre- or post-meal socialising in the atmosphere of their bars, The 47 and Le Fumoir. The Ciragan Palace offers plenty to those who are plentiful and it is truly a life lived in Ottoman luxury when staying at the Hotel.
2. The Bodrum EDITION, Bodrum
The EDITION is a boutique hotel located just minutes away from Bodrum Castle and Bodrum Amphitheatre. With the Aegean Sea at your doorstep, this hotel offers suites with private balconies, pools and gardens to accentuate all the Turkish delights you can get in one visit. The neo-modern interiors and custom designed with indulgent marble bathrooms that will send your heart singing in glee.
The hotel also offers a state-of-the-art spa, which includes a salon, Turkish Hammam, and fitness center. Go for a swim in the infinity pool, and get access into the exclusive beach club with a jetty that houses private cabanas. Offering delectable food and beverage, there is a gourmet specialty grill overlooking the bay, a night club, and an all-day casual dining venue featuring Latin-American cuisine, as well as more localized menu offerings. The EDITION is an experience in itself, you’d have to come twice to Turkey- one to live here, and the second time to actually go around Turkey.
Adventures:
1. Hot-air balloon in Cappadocia
An hour ride from the Kayseri Airport, Cappadocia is famous for its distinctive rock formations, called fairy chimneys. The people of Turkey have arranged the best Hot Air Balloon rides for viewing this marvel of nature from a bird’s eye view. The balloon rides take place early in the morning, and right before the sun goes down. The sky gets filled with scores of colorful bubbles with delighted tourists, all taking in the splendour of the Turkish terrain with the sun playing artist to the canvas of the sky. It’s a picture postcard experience- you haven’t been to Turkey if you haven’t gone on the hot-air balloon ride.
2. Kitesurfing in Alacati
Alacati is a small town on the western coast of Turkey, on the Cesme peninsula, a beautiful part of Turkey’s Aegean coast. It is a hidden luxury that is a best-kept traveller’s secret in the Meditarranean Coast. Kitesurfing in Alacati is a popular sport as the wind and weather conditions are most favourable. A reliable company, KiteTurkey conducts kiteboarding lessons and rides according to the time that a traveller can dedicate, and provides all the necessary equipments for the sport. With the adjoining Makah Beach restaurant, enjoy delicious snacks and drinks all day in breaks of kitesurfing and having an adventure of a lifetime.
Don’t miss out on the brilliant things on offer here. There’s a lot that one can learn from the rich culture and heritage of Turkey. From the best shawarma ever to a ride on a hot-air balloon into the horizon, there are countless moments to cherish that your Instagram won’t be enough to handle. A place with history as any, there’s a lot to witness, from the heavenly comforts of some of the best hospitality services in the world. Have the vacation of a lifetime in Turkey, the city that keeps you enthralled.
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