Istanbul is a place that is high on everyone’s travel bucket list if you haven’t already been – and for those who have, it’s a place you can visit over and over again and never get bored. This is coming from someone who made my way through the history-laced city with bronchitis. I coughed non-stop from the time I boarded
business class with Turkish Airlines (thank goodness for a seat that reclined flat for a good night’s sleep and the chefs – yes, there were chefs – serving up warm tomato soup and bringing me rounds and rounds of hot tea). I stifled my cough in mosques, markets, palaces and even beachside on an island. I sipped on traditional Raki (a Turkish liqueur that has a strong anise flavor that thankfully quieted down my cough for an hour or two), ate breakfast on rooftops with some of the most stunning views of the sprawling city, and breathed in the humid, muggy Mediterranean air that proved to be a release for my lungs. If I walked away from this trip with anything, it was knowing that Istanbul is magical even through a cloudy, medicated, coughing haze. I can only imagine what it will be like when I go back cough-free.

For a city that spans two continents and has more than 16 million people calling it home, you can bet there are some luxurious haunts to be found. FYI – luxury is my new favourite cure for feeling under the weather (trust me, it works).

How to TRAVEL LIKE A FASHION EDITOR in Paris

TRAVEL GUIDE: WHERE TO STAY

Conrad Hilton Istanbul: Luxury done right

When it comes to hotels and luxury there’s a fine line between getting it right (a.k.a. the most subtle of touches that make your stay feel posh but still comfortable) and going completely over the top in gilded fashion (where you feel like you might break something). The Conrad Hilton Istanbul (
conradhotels3.hilton.com)gets it right. With a chic rooftop lounge where you can nibble breakfast and sip Turkish coffees, suites that come with the softest beds imaginable and views of the Bosphorus and the Asian side of the city, not to mention friendly service from the staff, this hotel embodies chic travel. The air-conditioned lobby was a total reprieve from the thick and sticky air outside and the added touches of fresh fruit and chocolates as a welcome in the room are the details that count. It’s also ideally located so hopping from one historic site to another is quite easy even through Istanbul’s infamous and incredibly slow moving traffic. (Hint: Book tours and day visits through
InS Luxury Travel not only for driver service but also for the chance to get filled up with plenty of knowledge and history about the city).

e world’s most FASHIONABLE CITIES

Not to be missed: The Summit Bar and Terrace on the top floor offers some of the most spectacular city views. I thought it was amazing during the day, but by night Istanbul’s lights twinkle, the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side puts on a light show and, if you’re lucky, some fireworks might be going off in the distance.

Istanbul’s amazing rooftops.

Armaggan: Boutique at its best

Armaggan Bosphorus Suites: Boutique at its best If boutique is more your game, unpacking your bags in a custom, one-of-a-kind room at the Armaggan is in order. Perched on the edge of the Bosphorus nearly beneath the bridge crossing over to Asia, these rooms have had every minor detail looked over, from the tasteful hand-woven Turkish rugs under your feet to the unique chandeliers hanging over your bed. With only 15 rooms and suites you can bet that you’ll find peace and quiet in this huge city.

Not to be missed: Sipping afternoon tea on the terrace, watching ferries and sailboats passing by in the river is possibly one of the most perfect ways to spend a sunny afternoon. Or take a spin on the Bosphorus onboard the private yacht.

Explore TORONTO’S HOT SPOTS

Hilton Istanbul: Understated luxury

When the likes of royalty and Jacqueline Kennedy have graced the rooms of your hotel, you know it has to be impossibly good. The Hilton Istanbul (
hilton.com) was the first Hilton built outside of the United States and has been a longstanding traditional hotel in the bustling city ever since its doors opened in 1955. Take a dip in the foot-shaped pool, stroll through the Japanese inspired gardens on the grounds or, even better, sip cocktails in the quietly refined lobby pre-dinner.

Not to be missed: The rooftop restaurants offer two distinct foods options: Chinese (sharing your city with Asia has its perks) and Lebanese. Both are stellar and come with a night view of the city that really can’t be missed.

What to do and see in Istanbul on the next page …


The stunning tiles at the Blue Mosque.

TRAVEL GUIDE: WHAT TO DO

Visit the markets

Whether you’re on the hunt for evil eye jewellery, need to fix your sweet craving for copious amounts of Turkish Delights or just want to take in that old world market buzz, hitting up the Grand Bazaar (
grandbazaaristanbul.org) in Istanbul is always at the top of a travel to-do list. Scour stalls and shops for leather goods, jewel-toned glass lanterns and petite Turkish coffee sets – and be set to bargain.

The Spice Market is another hotspot. Stock up on Turkish teas, spice sets and more in these colourful stalls. If you can bypass the rows and rows of deeply saturated spices (and likely have no sense of smell), we commend you. But chances are you won’t be able to leave without at least one or two brightly hued items in your bag.

FASHION CAPITALS of the world to visit

Visit mosques and palaces

Talking about luxury and religion seem to go hand in hand. And when you have the chance to visit a mosque in Istanbul, take the opportunity. The Blue Mosque (
bluemosque.co) is the most famous and decorated in the beautiful hand-painted tiles. Lights dangle just above your head, setting off the moody feeling with ambiance.

And how can the word palace not conjure up some hefty images of royalty and luxury? The Topkapi Palace (
topkapisarayi.gov.tr) is a wonder to walk around, sit and enjoy a latte, or peek into the museums (where you’ll see an 85-carat diamond and extravagant clothing).

Top MUSEUM OPENINGS in 2013

Day trip to the Princes’ Islands

You can hire a private yacht to speed you over to Istanbul’s picturesque and quaint south of France like islands in the Marmara Sea – or you can do like the locals and hop on one of the many ferries for a longer journey. Either way the destination comes with beaches, horse and carriage rides, narrow streets and traditional Turkish seafood restaurants – all of which beckon for a day of total relaxation and lounging. This is also the perfect spot to indulge in one of Turkey’s best sweet treats – ice cream. And you’ll be in awe as you see the server spin and twirl the ice cream into an elastic twist thanks to the secret binding ingredient, mastic.

Take in Istanbul’s art scene and teh best way to get to Istanbul on the next page …


Istanbul’s nightlife.

Museum hop

Think of Istanbul as Turkey’s equivalent to Germany’s Berlin. The art scene is buzzing. One of the best ways to capture the vibe is to visit the countless museums in the city.

Museum of Modern Art

Istanbul Modern (
istanbulmodern.org) takes you on a tour of the modern side of the city – take a morning or afternoon to walk through the clean and minimalist building and ponder the meaning behind the modern works.

Fab FASHIONABLE DESTINATIONS around the world

Armaggan Art and Design Gallery

The newly opened gallery features contemporary exhibits with a focus on Turkish design. The added bonus: just above on another floor is Nar restaurant (
armaggan.com). This oasis of a restaurant dishes up gourmet Turkish delights (the sweet candy treat and otherwise). Test out the salad buffet, piled high with every type of dip, spread and rice dish you could imagine, and save room for the huge dessert selection and, of course, a strong no-sugar-added Turkish coffee to buzz you through the rest of the day.

Then head downstairs for boutique shopping, where you can take in the art scene, get a fashion fix and fuel up all in one spot.

Getting there:

Turkish Airlines (
turkishairlines.com) has direct flights from Toronto to Istanbul and offers some of the best business and comfort class options around (why not start your luxury on your way there?). Business class comes with fully flat beds for a restful sleep and onboard chefs, while comfort class features supersized seats with a deep recline and loads of foot space.

Read more:

10 chic weekend bags

Black Book Travel Guide: Las Vegas

Luxury hotels in London: Claridge’s hotel