Raffles Istanbul

Raffles occupies one of the towers of Zorlu Centre, a stylish hub of luxury boutiques, cinemas, restaurants and Zorlu PSM, Turkey's largest performing arts centre. The smart neighbourhoods of Levent, Ulus and Etiler are close by, while the Bosphorus villages of Ortaköy and Bebek, with their waterfront cafés, seafood restaurants and bars, are a short taxi ride away. The metro is close for journeys further afield.

Hirsch Bedner Associates designed light, calm interiors that combine contemporary style with Turkish touches. A large collection of specially commissioned art runs throughout, with hand-blown chandeliers and sculpture adding drama to the public spaces.

With the smallest category at 62 square metres, rooms here are exceptionally generous, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and a furnished private terrace overlooking the city or the Bosphorus. Walk-in wardrobes and marble bathrooms with double vanities and separate baths are standard, and Raffles butlers look after every guest. Connecting rooms also suit families well.

İsokyo is the signature restaurant, taking a journey across Asia with dishes from Japan, Thailand, Korea and China alongside Turkish ingredients. Rocca Grill & Terrace serves Mediterranean grills, Lavinia Lounge offers afternoon tea in the art-filled lobby, and the Long Bar continues Raffles' original tradition in Singapore.

Raffles Spa is one of the city's largest spas, a calm, generously proportioned space made for a long, slow afternoon. Signature therapies sit alongside traditional Turkish baths, vitality pools, saunas and sensory showers. Natural light bathes the indoor pool, while the outdoor pool looks out across the skyline, making it well worth setting time aside.