Istanbul & Bodrum
Istanbul & Bodrum
No I didn’t go for a hair transplant, but I’ve heard good things.
This summer, I travelled to Turkey with my family and explored Istanbul and Bodrum. I highly recommend a trip which encompasses both, however, if you are precious for time - a weekend trip to Istanbul is totally a must. It's the perfect balance of culture, relaxation, party and of course - phenomenal food.
We were only in Istanbul for 3 days, but I fell in love with the place. Whenever I visit a new country or city, I try and spend the first day getting to know the area, so we decided to do a walking tour. Yes - very touristy; however, it's the perfect way to see a city and get to know its history without having to sit on a bus with a stupid headset on for 3 hours. We used the app 'walking tour' which is available in all major cities - you can choose your tour guide and have a private tour by a local - as long or as short as you want.
Obviously, while you're In Istanbul, it would be criminal to leave without overdosing on baklava, hummus, and more baklava. You must visit Karaköy Güllüoğlu (I'd love to insert a little 'how to pronounce' here, but I have no idea how to say it either.) All I know is that you have to try the selection of sweet and savoury pastries. It was the first baklava bakery In Istanbul and has been opened since 1820.
The spice markets are an absolute must while you are here. Like when visiting any market, I was quite vigilant of pickpockets and was prepared to be haggled left right and centre. However, I must say it was the most relaxed market I've ever been to. You were very much left to shop and browse at your own accord, only to be approached here and there with odd free sample or cup of tea. Despite the lack of haggling, I still had to buy a spare suitcase to put all my spices, nuts and dried fruit in. I did, however, leave behind one of my purchases. I was sold a jar of menthol crystals, which when I sampled them, were amazing and I was thinking - great next time I have a cold I'm sorted. However, upon googling them when I got back to the hotel, one of the side effects was death and the other a stroke, so....I decided it was best to not put that in with my sumac and dates. A wise decision, I thought.
In terms of restaurants, I'd be surprised if you got a bad meal anywhere. But here are the restaurants I loved the most.
Keeping it local, starting off with Meze by Lemon Trees. A one-room restaurant where the Chefs double as wait staff, this place will serve you up some real, local ottoman delights. Everything we ate from the hummus to the fresh bread to the grilled fish and bbq meats was sublime.
Ulus 29 - a more formal restaurant with the most breathing view looking over Istanbul. Serving up regional cuisine with another faultless menu. The sharing dishes are great - I had the whole fish, and my dad and sister shared the lamb for 2, which was just heavenly. If you fancy a bit of a party after you can pop next door to Ulus 29 club.
Banyan - If you fancy a break from eating the regional cuisine then I definitely recommend you hit Banyan. Banyan's motto of "food for the soul" describes the Asian fusion menu. The restaurant is on the top floor of a beautiful historic building overlooking the city.
If you have a Soho House membership then definitely check out the clubhouse, with the building being the old US embassy it's quite literally breathtaking. Table tennis tables, pool, darts, board games and 2 different bars you have enough to keep you entertained for quite some time. Also, the Turkish restaurant on the terrace does incredible food - definitely a must-try.
After spending a few days in Istanbul, we took to the beach in Bodrum. Turkey is a destination which has been up and coming now for a few years. We stayed at The Edition, which is built up into the cliff up from the beach. With bright white sand, stunning turquoise water and incredible views, you will never want to leave. The hotel was absolutely incredible; remarkable restaurants, beautiful infinity pool and an impeccably manicured beach. If you aren't much of a 'grab a sun lounger and sit by the pool for hours with a good book' kind of person, there are enough activities to keep you entertained. From sunrise yoga on the decking to an array of water sports, to boat trips. We ate more international cuisine while we were in Bodrum. To list just of few of my favourite spots.
Zuma - always provides faultless food and a great vibe no matter what the country.
The Mandarin Oriental - Elegant, picturesque with impeccable service. There are 3 restaurants in the hotel, all providing something different. Bodrum Balıkçısı serves traditional Turkish food with a modern twist, heavily centred around seafood. Assaggio, a traditional Italian with a truffle pasta that will make you want to go swimming in it. They also have a Japanese, Kurochan by IOKI, but I'd say if you were after Japanse, then Zuma is the better option.
Bodrum town is something that can definitely be missed out from visiting though, with nothing there apart from rows upon rows of shops selling cheap knock offs, we went to check it out and honestly turned back around.
In terms of beach clubs, I would highly recommend Xuma Beach, situated on a stunning beach with a pier going out into the turquoise water. With a great menu for everyone - salads, grilled fish, bbq meat, sushi - and of course a pizza for the table from their wood fire oven. They also have sets from international DJ's so it can get super vibey. However, on just a typical day, it's really laid back and relaxed.
Another place we fell in love with is Macakizi, a beautiful boutique hotel which was opened by a mum and her son in the early 2000s. With elegant contemporary decor, great food and an amazing bar. This place is perfect to have a stunning lunch, followed by sundowner cocktails.
If Turkey is on your Hitlist, then Istanbul is a must, but an alternative to Bodrum is the D-Maris Hotel in Marmaris. Another beach destination which will blow your mind. With 5 different beaches which you are taken to by little boats and absolutely stunning restaurants such as Zuma, La Guerite and Nusr-Et all located within the hotel.
