A Stay Beyond The Bosphorus at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul

The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul looks down over the flowing ebbs of the Bosphorus from high up on its hill. Across the river, you look out to clusters of minarets dotting the old town and the rolling greenery that divides the inner city from Istanbul’s rural districts. Up here on its high point, despite neighbouring the occasional uproar of Beşiktaş Stadium, The Ritz-Carlton offers an aura of seclusion as you enter into an echoing marbled lobby, centred with extravagant bouquets bursting from ornate vases.

Built as a 33-storey glass tower on the Dolmabahçe hillside, it doesn’t take a high-level penthouse to achieve panoramic views of Istanbul, with 90% of the 239 rooms and suites providing direct views of the Bosphorus Strait by day, fading into a constellation of city lights by night. Here, we get a feel for the hotel's gastronomic and wellness offerings, unique guest experiences and how to make the most of Istanbul stepping out from the front door.

Lather, Steam, Repeat

Located on the lower ground floor, the hotel’s spa is a dreamy sight to behold. The indoor pool spans 17 metres with ceiling paintings of blushing clouds reflecting off the water’s calm ripples. This expansive area is framed by Byzantine columns and the work of Koray Tokdemir each an abstract art piece telling dreamlike stories. If a cherub popped out of the water with a bow and arrow, it wouldn’t seem too peculiar. Diving deeper than the pool, the spa offers a state-of-the-art gym and all the treatments one may usually hope for: facials, massages, body wraps… But what gives the spa its distinctly Turkish character is the presence of a traditional hammam.

Found not only across Turkey but also in countries such as Hungary, Greece, and Morocco, hammams are typically part of a fortnightly or monthly wellness ritual. A quick scrub with a loofah doesn’t quite compare. Entering my first hammam experience with little idea of what to expect, I was surprised by how pleasant it was to be thoroughly exfoliated from top to toe. Hammam experiences vary in style depending on location. Here at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul, you’re welcomed onto a central marble slab and into a cyclical cleanse: enveloped in a warm, frothy cloud of bubbles, scrubbed with what feels somewhat like fine sandpaper and massaged into a blissfully lulled state. Between steps, warm water is poured over you limb by limb.

In Turkey, hammam is traditionally a social ritual. Afterwards, people bask in a sense of community and sip on a sweet soda like Gazoz to refresh after the steamy heat. Though I enjoyed the experience in quieter solitude, I followed tradition nonetheless, wrapped in a fuzzy robe and letting the fizz of Gazoz tickle over my tongue.

From Tokyo to Tuscany, via Istanbul

Opened earlier this year, Limoré expands The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul’s restaurant offering into Italian territory. An intimate space with just 45 seats, it’s another spot in the tower that doesn’t fall short on views. Perfect for stopping in for a light pasta lunch or a few sunny small plates — from parmesan-topped beef carpaccio and creamy burrata to beetroot-laced octopus.

As for its more headline-grabbing resident, the hotel also houses Turkey’s only Nobu. Despite living in London — and passing several of the Japanese-Peruvian powerhouse  — this was my first time trying it. It’s not easy to find a cocktail that complements an entire meal, but the Kagayaki (with sake, coconut vodka, lemon oils, white sesame and sparkling wine) held its own from start to finish. I’m easily won over by sushi, and each bite delivered, but my loyalty shifted to the spicy miso salmon tacos. Dessert was a curveball — Nobu churros, made entirely worth it by the scoop of honey ice cream on the side.

Suite Life

The hotel has a variety of signature suites, arguably the best due it being unique to the Ritz-Carlton Istanbul, is the Nobu Suite. Created in collaboration with the iconic Japanese restaurant—located just downstairs—the standout feature of this suite is its private terrace and bubbling Onsen-style hot tub, offering sweeping views across the Asian banks of the Bosphorus. Thanks to the outdoor firepit, the space remains warm and inviting year-round, long after the sun sinks below the water. A stay in the Nobu Suite also comes with its culinary perks: from afternoon tea and hors d’oeuvres to late-night snacks and desserts, up to four guests are exceptionally well catered for.

As for the room I spent my stay waking up to the Bosphorus in—that would be the Front-Facing Bosphorus Room. Almost the entire wall opposite the king-size featherbed is taken up by a glistening window, offering panoramic views across the river. A small compass detail sits on the windowsill, inviting you to plot which direction you’re facing over the city. The room itself is finished with crisp, embellished details: artwork in shades of lapis and cerulean accents the walls, while bronze pendant lights on either side of the headboard cast a warm, low-lit glow in the evenings. The bathroom features classic tiling and high ceilings that echo slightly, lending a sense of spaciousness. The best part? All the toiletries are Diptyque—if you know, you know.

Above and Beyond

The Ritz-Carlton staff make a point of going above and beyond for their guests. Each night, a different gift is left in your room—one evening it might be a hand-crafted evil eye, another, a luxe candle. Is the last page of your book dog-eared as a placeholder? Are your sunglasses sitting on the side, in need of a clean? You might return to find a new bookmark tucked into your novel and a lens wipe placed neatly beneath your shades. It’s the little things you didn’t realise you needed, offered just when they’re most useful.

Find out more and book a room or suite at the Ritz-Carlton Istanbul via ritzcarlton.com/en/