The Hotel’s 166 rooms occupy the original palace building and two new wings. Light, understated interiors reflect the coastal location, while decorative Turkish touches and traditional artworks allude to the Bosphorus as the former summer retreat of the Ottoman elite.

Atik Pasha’s impressive, symmetrical façade faces the Bosphorus. At night, the frontage is lit by flaming torches – a spectacular welcome for those arriving for dinner via the Hotel’s private, waterfront dock. A 190 m (623 ft) wide promenade extends in front of the palace building. It is landscaped with lawns and gardens, bar pavilions, seating areas and a large pool with open views across to the forests and yalis that line the Asian shore.

Two modern accommodation wings flank the back of the original palace. Designed as contemporary interpretations of old civic architecture, they include wooden windows and copper roofing with stone and stucco finishes. Together, the buildings line three sides of the landscaped gardens, steps and driveway that descend amongst cascading pools, fountains and mature trees from Ciragan Road to the Hotel’s lower, glass-covered entrance.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus has 141 guest rooms and 25 suites. The bright and airy rooms overlook a variety of waterfront, garden and city views with nearly a quarter featuring views across the Bosphorus strait to the hills of Asia.

The rooms feature a striking blend of Ottoman design and contemporary furnishings. Subtle hand-painted ceiling motifs mirror the geometric shapes of the fabrics below, while handcrafted ‘Hiref’ mirrors and lithographs representative of Turkish and Ottoman art adorn the walls. In the suites, freestanding baths and pendulous glass lanterns enhance the modern elegance of the design.

The four Palace Roof Suites feature private rooftop terraces with a 180-degree view of the Bosphorus, across to the Bosphorus Bridge on one side and the distant skyline of the Old Town on the other. The second floor Atik Pasha Suite can be configured for up to three bedrooms and includes a grand foyer, living / entertainment area and dining room for up to ten guests. The ensuite bathroom has steam room, small hammam (Turkish bath), rain shower and wide-reaching Bosphorus views.

The Spa and Hammam

The Spa and Hammam at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus introduces a decadent approach to the authentic hammam (Turkish bath) experience, combining the traditional cleansing properties of the bath with the indulgent delights of contemporary, western treatments. Covering an area of 2,100 sq m (22,605 sq ft), the Spa includes three separate hammams (men’s, women’s and couples) – a first in the city. Nine treatment rooms and one VIP Spa suite (with whirlpool) are arranged around a pillared pool, sky-lit from a height of 6.7 m (22 ft). The pool features underwater music, whirlpool and poolside relaxation areas. Other features include pre- and post-treatment lounges and men’s and women’s locker areas with steam room and sauna.

The design of The Spa and Hammam is subtle and understated, decorated in light marble with coloured mosaic tiles. The minimalist interiors are punctuated by indigenous touches, such as ornate tas (water bowls), kese (cloths for rubbing down) and peştemal (a wrap worn in place of a robe). Accents of wood and mother-of-pearl on jewellery boxes and hand-held mirrors further infuse an air of Ottoman elegance.