Raffles Hotels & Resorts is an oasis for the well-travelled with luxurious properties around the world. Now, this oasis can be found in Instabul, since the five-star hotel opened its doors on September 1st. The new Raffles is located in the Zorlu Center, a new hub for fashion, food and arts on the European shore in Besiktas, above the Bosphoru. It is is an exhilarating fusion of virtuoso architecture, dazzling interiors, inspired food and deep luxury.
The light and airy interior is designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA). Utterly contemporary, full of texture and distinctly Turkish, the hotel is embellished with a gorgeous collection of specially-commissioned artworks. Many of these are by Turkish artists, others by artists inspired by this magnificent city: tactile sculptures, objets trouvés and contemporary interpretations of classic patterns, pieces inspired by fabulous Byzantine jewels – all bringing the ancient and modern together.
Raffles Istanbul offers its guests 132 guestrooms and 49 suites – all spacious and filled with light, blending Turkish and contemporary design and offering everything the modern traveller demands. Floor to ceiling windows lead to furnished private terraces and balconies, for lofty views over the Bosphorus and the city.
Istanbul is a melting pot of gastronomic delights – and so too is Raffles. Two restaurants, two bars and lounges and a patisserie offer a culinary theatre of possibility, day and night. First up is Arola, where the Michelin-starred Spanish chef Sergi Arola gives classic Catalan dishes a modern spin. This is social food from a sharing culture, the menu offers picas, or small dishes, as well as mains and delicious desserts.
At Rocca, Turkish and Mediterranean food is the order of the day, all day. In the striking Lobby, Lavinia is the place to be seen. The lounge is named after Martin Dawe’s dramatic monumental bronze ‘Lavinia’, a focal point for the lobby, and a homage to the poem by the famous Turkish poet, Ozdemir Asaf. The artisan Patisserie offers a range of tempting Turkish cakes and other delights.
The Pool Bar & Grill on the 6th floor is a stylish spot for soaking up the rays by day or chilling out to the DJ by night, all with eye-popping views over the city. The Writer’s Bar is the place for some time out – and the Long Bar travels from Singapore with a glamorous twist – and its own champagne room.
With nine treatment rooms and suites and a choice of pools, saunas, steam rooms and hammams, Raffles Spa is set to be one of the most comprehensive in Istanbul. Gazelli Skincare and Organic Pharmacy offer an indulgent menu of treatments, with a signature Rose, Honey and Sugar Hammam Experience from the latter.
Raffles Istanbul also offers an inspirational choice of calm, contemporary spaces for private and business events – from the launch of a new car or a society wedding in The Ballroom, a birthday dinner in one of the seven private rooms, to a high-level meeting in The Boardroom. All this backed up by the latest technology, experienced service and support, leaving guests free to focus on their own agendas. Call ahead to book the Raffles helipad, for an easy arrival and a fast getaway.
