Delight in All Things Turkey
With the exciting news that Turkey is open for US travelers, we sat down with Argent Tours, a fabulous on-site in Turkey, to discuss the best of the best in this country that will leave you more than ready to start exploring.
Amanruya’s private beach in Bodrum, Turkey (photo credit: Aman Hotels)
Most people looking to travel to Turkey will explore the country’s largest city, Istanbul, and then head on to another country. While Istanbul is fabulous and well worth exploring, there is more to Turkey than its largest city (which—fun fact—is not the country’s capital city!). We were very excited to learn that Turkey has re-opened to American travelers, so we sat down with Eyup at Argent Tours, a wonderful on-site who is on-the-ground in Turkey, to discuss the exciting news of re-opening and what Eyup recommends for travelers looking to come into his country in the near future.
Istanbul
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul (photo credit: Fatih Yürür)
For the better part of two millennia (!), Istanbul has been regarded as one of the most incredible cities in the world. Its centuries of empire have left it a cultural hub, with truly remarkable churches, mosques, markets, and palaces. It has a unique geographical position as well, being a city that straddles two continents, both Europe and Asia. Unlike other cities that can be considered cultural hubs, Istanbul is not a static museum-city. It is very much a living city and the hub of Turkey.
Some must-do activities in Istanbul: visit the grand Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Experience the bold and bright colors at the Kapali Carsi, also known as the Grand Bazaar, which is Istanbul’s famous covered market. Dive into the storied culture of this city at one of its many celebrated museums. Of course, we can arrange for only the best local guides to take you around the city. In the time of COVID, you may want to enjoy more outdoor and exterior walks around the city, and our local guides will know all the best places to take you to truly experience all the vibrancy this city has to offer, even now!
Istanbul Accommodations: Six Senses Kocatas Mansion
Especially during these times, a hotel that is a bit removed from the city center might be desirable, and one of our favorites in and around Istanbul is the Six Senses Kocatas Mansion. Away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Istanbul (but within easy reach using a shuttle, private driver, or even a motoryacht), the hotel is set in two three-level Ottoman mansions and set on 6.42 acres. With only 45 rooms, this stunning boutique property has taken all the precautions necessary during the pandemic while still maintaining its luxe feel.
Inside the hotel, you’ll find authentic Ottoman design touches with all the elegance and modern conveniences you would expect in a five-star hotel. For example, in the bathrooms, you will see beautiful marble tiles that are reminiscent of heritage Turkish Baths. Three restaurants by celebrity chefs showcase both local and international cuisines, meaning there is something for everyone. You can pamper yourself in the 16,150-square-foot Six Senses Spa and Turkish Bath Experience. The hotel features both indoor and outdoor pools, meaning you can enjoy a swim no matter the time of year. When you’re not exploring Istanbul, you can take part in activities at the hotel including cooking classes, hiking, an open-air cinema, tours around the local area of Sariyer to discover lesser-known castles and lighthouses, fishing with local fishermen in the Black Sea, and more.
Bodrum
In the south west of Turkey and on the coast of the Aegean Sea is Bodrum, which is a perfect base for a very social distancing-friendly experience: a private gullet hire. A gullet is a masted wooden sailing ship that is traditional in this part of the world. With our friends at Argent Tours, you can rest assured that you’ll be boarding only the best gullet for a multi-day adventure. These can of course be tailored to your wishes, but here is an example of a 5-night journey onboard one of these beautiful vessels:
A traditional gullet (photo credit: Meric Dagli)
Day 1: Embark on your private gullet in Bodrum. After you are shown to your cabins, you will be informed about the cruise itinerary and the boat itself, with time left in the day for shopping in Bodrum.
Day 2: After breakfast, cruise to Knidos, which was founded by Dorians from the Peloponnese in the early part of the first millennium BC, shortly after the end of the Trojan War.
Day 3: Sail to Mersincik, located on the northwest of the Datca Pensinsula. It is the only natural port in the region and provides shelter from the prevailing wind. In calm weather, you can anchor near the hamlet’s farmhouses and take a line ashore. The bottom of the cove is sand, and the surroundings are extremely attractive, with olive trees covering the surrounding hillsides.
Day 4: In the morning, cruise to the Seven Islands, a region full of many small islands and coral reef. You can choose to dive, swim, sleep, and relax. If you’d like, you can also enjoy a walk in the forests, which are filled with pine trees. This is a really great chance to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of the area.
Day 5: As you’ll be accustomed to by now, enjoy a morning swim at Tuzla Bay after breakfast in the turquoise waters. In the afternoon, head to Kisebuku, where you can see Byzantine ruins. In the evening, either spend the night in this lovely bay or cruise back to the Bodrum Marina.
Day 6: Disembark in Bodrum as your incredible journey on a private gullet comes to an end.
As you can see, a voyage on a private gullet is the perfect way to get under the surface of Turkey, exploring much more than the average tourist by stopping at many of these small ports and immersing yourself in life on the Aegean Sea.
Bodrum Accommodations: Amanruya
For the time that you’d be in Bodrum and not aboard your private vessel, there is nowhere we can recommend staying more than the gorgeous Amanruya. We are huge fans of all the Aman properties, but this is one of our favorites! The name of the hotel itself means “peaceful dream,” and to be honest, that is a perfect fit for this retreat. On the scalloped coastline of the Bodrum Peninsula, Amanruya lies in a landscape of sheltered coves and ancient olive groves and sits on its own private beach. The property is laid out like a traditional village, and away from the property’s jewel-like central pool and beach club, you can explore the area’s incredible ruins, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus, along with artisan villages and hiking trails with views that will take your breath away.
The hotel’s accommodations are constructed from local stone and wood and are presented as freestanding pavilions with terracotta roofs, with views varying from garden to sea, depending on your preference. Turkey’s variety of microclimates makes it a place with an abundance of fresh produce, which allows the Amanruya chefs to deliver seasonal menus incorporating both Turkish and Western cuisines. Other notable features include a boutique featuring local textiles, an art gallery used as an exhibition space for sculptors and painters, a carpet gallery featuring a comprehensive selection of iconic Turkish carpets, and a relaxing spa.
A must-do, especially if you are not partaking in a private gullet experience, is to hop on the Amanruya’s private 40-foot yacht to explore the coastal beauty of the Aegean Sea. Even if you ARE planning on doing a gullet experience, this yacht still makes for a fabulous day trip, exploring the hidden coves and ancient ruins near Amanruya. Various countryside activities can also be arranged, as the forests surrounding Amanruya are full of winding trails ideal of hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Why not enjoy a private picnic on the beach or in the forest glades or perhaps head to a pottery center in the nearby village of Mumcular? No matter how you choose to spend your time at Amanruya, you will be blown away not only by your beautiful surroundings, but by the hotel itself.
As if the hotel wasn’t already alluring enough, there are some fantastic perks we can offer for stays through October 2021 as trusted friends of Aman. Here are all the details:
One complimentary night for 4-night stays or two complimentary nights for 7-night stays
Daily breakfast at Amanruya restaurant
Round-trip airport transfers from Bodrum Milas International Airport
Food and beverage credit (50 EUR per room per night for 4-night stays or 100 EUR per room per night for 7-night stays)
6-course chef degustation menu for two, once during stay (for 7-night stays only)
It is hugely exciting that Turkey is once again open to US travelers, especially since it is a destination so full of cultural significance and arresting natural beauty. We don’t know about you, but we’re heading off ASAP!
If you would like to go away to Turkey (or anywhere else in the world), simply contact us, and we will set you on your way.