Located in the unique Kuruçeşme neighbourhood of Bosphorus in Turkey’s cultural capital, Istanbul, Mandarin Oriental, Bosphorus, Istanbul is arguably the city’s number one destination for travellers from around the globe. Situated on a unique Bosphorus-front site on the European side of Istanbul overlooking the water, the idyllic location features a breath-taking Bosporus panorama, including views of the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges, as well as key landmarks such as Beylerbeyi Palace and the Kuleli Military Academy. This truly is the most attractive luxury property in the city.
The double-height entry of the hotel opens to dramatic surroundings of Belvedere marble and intricately patterned bronze screens in a contemporary, sunlit space. At the centre of the foyer is a striking glass chandelier from France, one of many illustrations of the hotel’s thoughtful, site-specific interiors. The lobby opens into a modern, sunlit space surrounded by three-dimensional wood panels and accessories. While it has 100 rooms, this property evokes the feel and mood of a boutique hotel.
Rooms & Suites
The hotel features 77 spacious rooms and 23 luxurious suites, all elegantly designed, most with terraces or balconies and a view of the Bosporus. With the idea of being designed in harmony with the hotel’s surroundings, rooms feature a bespoke detailing of bronze and onyx marble paired with organic textures and patterns inspired by Istanbul’s beloved tulip as well as the Turkish Tree of Life and the Ottoman tradition. Each room also features a handwoven carpet hailing from neighbouring countries and highlighting the region’s impeccable craftsmanship. All rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, high ceilings and top-of-the-range technology.
Dining
The hotel is home to several luxury big-name restaurants, including world-famous Novikov and Hakkasan Istanbul. Located on the hotel’s ground floor, Novikov offers a fusion of Italian, Asian and Mediterranean cuisine that complements the cosmopolitan vibe of Istanbul. The beautiful setting allows guests to dine indoors or outdoors (weather permitting), with magnificent views of the Bosphorus. The menu offers a wide range of dishes, including sushi platters and a variety of pan-Asian delicacies in addition to its Italian and Mediterranean specialities.
Hakkasan’s popular modern Cantonese concept has arrived in the city, with a vibrant and lively experience that locals and tourists travel across the city to try. Be sure to pre-book your table here, as it’s an extremely popular venue. Taking inspiration from both contemporary and ancient China, Hakkasan’s signature cuisine is a celebration of Cantonese flavours, innovative cocktail creations, artistic patisserie, and iconic design.
For a taste of the Mediterranean and the traditional flavours of Italian cuisine, Olea is a unique gastronomic experience. Olea, whose name is rooted in Latin and means olive in its oldest form, offers its guests traditional recipes and cooking techniques that have been used in Italy for centuries with its carefully prepared menu. In addition to classic Italian dishes, Olea reveals its difference with main courses and pasta based on original family recipes, which it calls ‘Cibo di Famiglia’.
Elsewhere, some of the Hong Kong-based-hotel chain’s signature dining destinations invite guests to enjoy relaxed surroundings. Relax at the Bosphorus Lounge, which offers Mediterranean snacks, or visit The Mandarin Cake Shop to sample freshly made sweet treats and pastries.
Wellness
Hailed as the ‘best luxury spa and gym in Istanbul,’ The 3,500 square metre Spa At Mandarin oriental focuses on helping each guest to find their inner zen. It features signature wellness concepts as well as a luxurious choice of heat and water experiences and a holistic approach to wellbeing. The Spa features 11 treatment rooms, two beauty rooms and one VIP treatment room, all with their own shower facilities. Of course, it would not be a Turkish spa without a traditional Turkish Hamman (or, in this case, three), all featuring a luxurious minimalistic design. Three Hamman experiences range from 30 minutes to one hour, promising to invigorate and relax the body and mind.
The resort also features indoor and outdoor pools and a separate kid’s pool. The seasonal outdoor 20-metre lap pool within a lush spa garden offers views over the Bosphorus with poolside service and light refreshments available every day. Meanwhile, the spa’s indoor pool features vivid natural daylight, garden access and a hot bath. Complete your wellness experience in the Pilates and yoga studio or at the state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Leisure activities
If the resort’s swimming pools and fitness facilities still leave you wanting to explore more, the hotel is on hand to provide exclusive experiences for customers. This can range from Bosphorus cruise tours, a walk around Kuruçeşme’s historic streets, jogging routes for nearby Kuruçeşme and Bebek Parks or a day shopping in the city. There’s also a distinctive kids club to keep the little ones entertained while you relax and enjoy your stay
Art & Design
Mandarin Oriental, Bosphorus Istanbul’s interiors were specially designed by renowned atelier Tihany Design. With a vision of immersing guests in the jewel of modern elegance and captivating cultural aesthetic, the design perfectly blends the old meets the new, the west meets the east. The New York and Rome-based hospitality design atelier conceived the multi-layered design scheme with a well-balanced artistry and acumen. Their enchanting modern narrative perfectly integrates the refined legendary Bosphorus-front lifestyle of the neighbouring ancient yalı-mansions, Istanbul’s rich history at the centre of the world’s leading empires and civilizations, culture, mystique, and global influences. The team created the ambience of both a tranquil and vibrant seaside getaway in synergy with the epicentre of East and West.
The interiors perfectly complement the building’s low-rise architecture and marble-clad façade in French-Portuguese cream-coloured Massengis stone, inspired by the tradition of Bosphorus palaces, yalıs and mansions. Istanbul’s design story resonates throughout its public venues and private spaces and the choice of materials used. Organic textures and patterns are complemented by a warm and sensual blend of colours, seamlessly paired with metal and leather details.
