CHECK-IN
In simply 5 years, Turkey’s boutique resort group The Keep has constructed a powerful portfolio of inns, together with a coastal retreat in Izmir and 4 inns in Istanbul. Even the pandemic did not halt this group’s momentum: along with just lately changing into the primary resort group within the nation to attain carbon-neutral standing, it’s going to shortly announce a line-up of recent inns.
Simply as Sydney is constructed round its harbour, Istanbul stretches out alongside the Bosphorus, one shore in Europe, the opposite in Asia. The riverfront “villages” embrace a few of the loveliest elements of the town, and Bebek on the European facet is the hippest ‘hood on the waterfront. There are many cafes, bars and boutiques to discover, in addition to the medieval Rumeli Fortress, constructed by the Ottomans as a part of their conquest of the town then generally known as Constantinople.
THE LOOK
The arrival expertise is low-key: by a small doorway to the tiny reception desk, then into the dimly-lit elevator to go as much as your room. The Bebek Resort has been a neighborhood landmark for the reason that Fifties; when The Keep took over, they commissioned architect Mehmut Anlar to do a refresh of the interiors. His wealthy but restrained palette of greens and browns is warmed with fairly pastel touches.
THE ROOM
Each room on this adults-only resort is a collection, however it isn’t stunning that the riverfront Bosphorus Suites are those which are most in demand. My third-floor suite comes not simply with dazzling river views throughout the water to Asia, but additionally with its personal balcony. Each element within the room reinforces the sense of luxurious, from the wonderfully-soft carpet underfoot to the shiny wooden panelling and textured wallpaper. The marble rest room is provided with Acqua di Parma toiletries.
FOOD + DRINK
The Bebek Resort is as a lot about consuming as sleeping, with venues together with a well-liked Chinese language restaurant downstairs and a rooftop bar open between Could and September. My favorite spot is the Terrace Restaurant, open from breakfast by to dinner and past – which suggests in-house friends should be ready for background noise. We get pleasure from a scrumptious dinner however for me, essentially the most glamorous culinary expertise is breakfast by the Bosphorus. The intensive menu ranges from conventional Turkish choices to bacon and egg waffles. I go for the Croissant Bomb, which seems to be an enormous pastry served with clotted cream, dripping with honey and crusted with floor pistachio. No surprise this can be a standard brunch spot with locals; if you would like a desk by the water, get in early.
OUT + ABOUT
Bebek is a simple half-hour stroll from Dolmabahce Palace. The historic peninsula, the place you’ll find Topkapi Palace and the Aya Sofya, is round 15 kilometres away and finest accessed by the inexpensive river taxis which allow you to keep away from Istanbul’s frequent site visitors jams and drink in attractive water views besides. Alternatively, splitting your keep between a extra central resort and Bebek provides you two very distinction Istanbul experiences.
THE VERDICT
This stylish bolthole allows you to expertise a unique facet to Istanbul.
THE ESSENTIALS
From £430 ($760) an evening together with breakfast. Bebek, Cevdet Paşa Cd. No:34, Beşiktaş, +90 212 970 78 36, see thestay.com.tr
HIGHLIGHT: Sitting in your balcony watching the movement of life alongside the Bosphorus.
LOWLIGHT: With the bar buzzing till late, this resort is just not one for gentle sleepers.
OUR RATING (Out of 5)
★★★★
The author was a visitor of The Keep Resorts.
