Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world. An ancient, culturally rich and historically fascinating urban sprawl. Renowned as the place ‘where east meets west’ due to the remarkable fact that it is the only city in the world that straddles two continents: Asia and Europe. As such, it really is one of the most exciting cities I have ever visited. A place full of electric energy due to the splicing of cultures on every street corner: a place where Byzantine churches sit next to Ottoman palaces and mosques and the call to prayer drifts over the rooftops of buzzing cocktail bars and restaurants. One minute I felt I was in Barcelona or Paris, the next, I could have been in Marrakech! It is a feast for the senses – and if you’re a foodie, the palette – as the mixture of east and western cuisines offers up the most incredible array of restaurants, cafes and bars.

The location

Launched in September 2024, Rixos Tersane Istanbul is a bold new landmark amidst the historic 600-year-old shipyard site of the Ottoman navy on the northern shores of the Golden Horn. (‘Tersane’ literally means ‘shipyard’ in Turkish.) This new waterfront neighbourhood that has been in development since 2010 has been described as ‘the future of Istanbul luxury’ as it has been entirely redesigned to blend new architectural features including apartments, hotels, shopping outlets, bars, restaurants and even an outdoor concert venue on the water, all within the repurposed dockyard buildings. Rixos Tersane, one of the first outlets of the new ‘urban resort’ project to open, sits right at the heart of this vibing waterfront arena that despite being situated wham bam in the middle of the city, manages to feel like an oasis of calm: a place where you can soak up the atmosphere of the city by the peace of the still waters of the Golden Horn. Although it does feel a little like a private compound, with a guarded gate upon entering, which was a little ostracising at first.

The vibe

Rixos Tersane is undeniably an architecturally impressive hotel. From the moment you set foot inside the vast, crazy high-ceilinged lobby, you cannot fail to be impressed by the space and the floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of the Horn. The rooms are all set on floors that look down into the lobby and the cafes and boutiques lining the ground floor add to the glamour and luxury of the overall vibe. The interiors definitely appeal to those with an eye for design: think marble floors, offset by the soaring ceilings, hints of gold and blues and lots of modern Turkish art. Yet somehow it doesn’t feel too ostentatious and there’s a peace to the hotel; aspirational without being intimidating and the kind of place, with a tinkling piano wafting in the background, that makes you feel instantly at ease – an elevated ease. The staff are all super friendly and welcoming and you really feel a sense of the water all around you.

The vast swimming pool, right down on the water’s edge is a real highlight of the property: whether you’re soaking up the rays with a good book or sipping cocktails, you feel completely immersed and at one with the river, looking out to the Asian side of the city and the famous Galata Bridge in the distance, connecting the Karakoy and Eminonu neighbourhoods. A perk for all guests is the opportunity of a complimentary rowing experience on the river between 9am – 11am, which is a truly magical way – plus a good workout – to start your day!

The property is also a hub for cultural conferences and meet ups, hosting many impressive international companies in the ballroom and Tersane Istanbul Event Hall or of course, even weddings!

It would be remiss not to mention Rix the Rixos Tersane resident cat, a handsome tabby chap with a gold collar who patrols the grounds as if he owns the joint (which he kind of does!) For the feline lovers, Istanbul is cat heaven, with many four-legged friends to be found on almost every street corner (although , sadly, not as many as in such fine fettle as Rix.)