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Stay the night: A jia Hotel, Istanbul
Adrian Mourby glides by the congested city on a river taxi ride to this elegant boutique hotel
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Waterfront address: The former summer mansion, built in the 19th century, welcomes guests to its 16 bedrooms
A jia means Asia, an appropriate name for one of the first buildings that visitors to Istanbul encounter when they cross to the Asian side of the Bosphorus.
Recently, this luxurious all-white boutique hotel has found a splendid new way to help guests to avoid Istanbul s nightmarish traffic jams. A romantic weekend in one of the greatest cities in Europe (and Asia) can all too easily be wrecked by two hours spent crawling into the city by car from Ataturk International.
Everyone admits the traffic is getting worse, so, making the most of its position on the waterside, A jia will now send a polished water taxi to collect you. The transfer price is €150, which is twice what an ordinary taxi might cost, but the journey time is halved and the view of Istanbul, as you glide along, is simply superb.
The hotel itself is a refurbished yal (Turkish for house or mansion on the waterside). It was built in the 19th century for Ahmet Rasim Pasha, who in 1873 was appointed mayor and chief of police in Istanbul. In 2002, a local businessman named Serdar Bilgili bought the derelict yal and converted it into a small luxury hotel which has since hosted such celebrities as Salma Hayek, Bryan Ferry, Mike Tyson and Bill Clinton.
The architect was Resit Soley, another remarkably energetic figure in Istanbul. In his spare time, Soley has turned the Aegean island of Bozcaada into a winery of note under his own Corvus label.
The rooms
The hotel has 16 rooms and all but one of them have views of the Bosphorus. The Pasha Suite is where celebrities try to stay, for its gracious central balcony on to the waterfront. Equally impressive, though, is the Mezzanine suite, which makes great use of the traditional high ceilings of Istanbul s summer houses. All rooms have calm white interiors, natural wool flooring, Turkish rugs and retro armchairs. The televisions all come with DVD players and movies are available from reception for free. Bed linen is Italian and so are the toiletries, by Acqua di Parma.
The food and drink
Hasan Karabulut, late of the Framissima Beach resort, Hurghada, and Casa Dell Arte, Bodrum s first boutique art hotel, oversees the A jia Restaurant. This is based in the original owner s dining room but spills out in the summer to feed up to 250 people on the terraces. Waiters in white shirts and black bowties take a genial interest in guests and work from a menu that specialises in Italian and other Mediterranean food. Signature dishes include caramelised rib of beef and lamb shank confit. The wine list has a good range of Californian reds as well as some good (but not inexpensive) French whites. The cheaper – but increasingly well regarded – option is Turkish wines, such as Kavaklidere Bogazkere and Doluca Okuzgozu. Expect to pay €42 (£35) per person, excluding wine.
The extras
A jia offers free transfers across the river Bosphorus from Istanbul s European quaysides. Pick-up points are in Emirgan, Istinye, Rumeli, Hisari and Bebek. There is no gym, but in-room massages can be arranged at a rate of €100 for two hours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
The access
Children are welcome. Pets are not. There is good access for guests with disabilities throughout the hotel, a lift to all floors, plus one specially modified room. However, boat transfers would not be possible for anyone in a wheelchair.
The bill
Double rooms from €227 per night. Breakfast is €18 (£15) per person. Elixir Holidays (020-7722 2288; elixirholi days.com) offers a three-night package for £960 per person, including boat transfers from Ataturk International, all breakfasts, and one dinner with local wine
The address
A jia Hotel, Cubuklu Caddessi 27, Istanbul, Turkey (00 90 216 413 9300)
Stay the night: A jia Hotel, Istanbul
Adrian Mourby glides by the congested city on a river taxi ride to this elegant boutique hotel
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Waterfront address: The former summer mansion, built in the 19th century, welcomes guests to its 16 bedrooms
A jia means Asia, an appropriate name for one of the first buildings that visitors to Istanbul encounter when they cross to the Asian side of the Bosphorus.
Recently, this luxurious all-white boutique hotel has found a splendid new way to help guests to avoid Istanbul s nightmarish traffic jams. A romantic weekend in one of the greatest cities in Europe (and Asia) can all too easily be wrecked by two hours spent crawling into the city by car from Ataturk International.
Everyone admits the traffic is getting worse, so, making the most of its position on the waterside, A jia will now send a polished water taxi to collect you. The transfer price is €150, which is twice what an ordinary taxi might cost, but the journey time is halved and the view of Istanbul, as you glide along, is simply superb.
The hotel itself is a refurbished yal (Turkish for house or mansion on the waterside). It was built in the 19th century for Ahmet Rasim Pasha, who in 1873 was appointed mayor and chief of police in Istanbul. In 2002, a local businessman named Serdar Bilgili bought the derelict yal and converted it into a small luxury hotel which has since hosted such celebrities as Salma Hayek, Bryan Ferry, Mike Tyson and Bill Clinton.
The architect was Resit Soley, another remarkably energetic figure in Istanbul. In his spare time, Soley has turned the Aegean island of Bozcaada into a winery of note under his own Corvus label.
The rooms
The hotel has 16 rooms and all but one of them have views of the Bosphorus. The Pasha Suite is where celebrities try to stay, for its gracious central balcony on to the waterfront. Equally impressive, though, is the Mezzanine suite, which makes great use of the traditional high ceilings of Istanbul s summer houses. All rooms have calm white interiors, natural wool flooring, Turkish rugs and retro armchairs. The televisions all come with DVD players and movies are available from reception for free. Bed linen is Italian and so are the toiletries, by Acqua di Parma.
The food and drink
Hasan Karabulut, late of the Framissima Beach resort, Hurghada, and Casa Dell Arte, Bodrum s first boutique art hotel, oversees the A jia Restaurant. This is based in the original owner s dining room but spills out in the summer to feed up to 250 people on the terraces. Waiters in white shirts and black bowties take a genial interest in guests and work from a menu that specialises in Italian and other Mediterranean food. Signature dishes include caramelised rib of beef and lamb shank confit. The wine list has a good range of Californian reds as well as some good (but not inexpensive) French whites. The cheaper – but increasingly well regarded – option is Turkish wines, such as Kavaklidere Bogazkere and Doluca Okuzgozu. Expect to pay €42 (£35) per person, excluding wine.
The extras
A jia offers free transfers across the river Bosphorus from Istanbul s European quaysides. Pick-up points are in Emirgan, Istinye, Rumeli, Hisari and Bebek. There is no gym, but in-room massages can be arranged at a rate of €100 for two hours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
The access
Children are welcome. Pets are not. There is good access for guests with disabilities throughout the hotel, a lift to all floors, plus one specially modified room. However, boat transfers would not be possible for anyone in a wheelchair.
The bill
Double rooms from €227 per night. Breakfast is €18 (£15) per person. Elixir Holidays (020-7722 2288; elixirholi days.com) offers a three-night package for £960 per person, including boat transfers from Ataturk International, all breakfasts, and one dinner with local wine
The address
A jia Hotel, Cubuklu Caddessi 27, Istanbul, Turkey (00 90 216 413 9300)
Stay the night: A jia Hotel, Istanbul
Adrian Mourby glides by the congested city on a river taxi ride to this elegant boutique hotel
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Waterfront address: The former summer mansion, built in the 19th century, welcomes guests to its 16 bedrooms
A jia means Asia, an appropriate name for one of the first buildings that visitors to Istanbul encounter when they cross to the Asian side of the Bosphorus.
Recently, this luxurious all-white boutique hotel has found a splendid new way to help guests to avoid Istanbul s nightmarish traffic jams. A romantic weekend in one of the greatest cities in Europe (and Asia) can all too easily be wrecked by two hours spent crawling into the city by car from Ataturk International.
Everyone admits the traffic is getting worse, so, making the most of its position on the waterside, A jia will now send a polished water taxi to collect you. The transfer price is €150, which is twice what an ordinary taxi might cost, but the journey time is halved and the view of Istanbul, as you glide along, is simply superb.
The hotel itself is a refurbished yal (Turkish for house or mansion on the waterside). It was built in the 19th century for Ahmet Rasim Pasha, who in 1873 was appointed mayor and chief of police in Istanbul. In 2002, a local businessman named Serdar Bilgili bought the derelict yal and converted it into a small luxury hotel which has since hosted such celebrities as Salma Hayek, Bryan Ferry, Mike Tyson and Bill Clinton.
The architect was Resit Soley, another remarkably energetic figure in Istanbul. In his spare time, Soley has turned the Aegean island of Bozcaada into a winery of note under his own Corvus label.
The rooms
The hotel has 16 rooms and all but one of them have views of the Bosphorus. The Pasha Suite is where celebrities try to stay, for its gracious central balcony on to the waterfront. Equally impressive, though, is the Mezzanine suite, which makes great use of the traditional high ceilings of Istanbul s summer houses. All rooms have calm white interiors, natural wool flooring, Turkish rugs and retro armchairs. The televisions all come with DVD players and movies are available from reception for free. Bed linen is Italian and so are the toiletries, by Acqua di Parma.
The food and drink
Hasan Karabulut, late of the Framissima Beach resort, Hurghada, and Casa Dell Arte, Bodrum s first boutique art hotel, oversees the A jia Restaurant. This is based in the original owner s dining room but spills out in the summer to feed up to 250 people on the terraces. Waiters in white shirts and black bowties take a genial interest in guests and work from a menu that specialises in Italian and other Mediterranean food. Signature dishes include caramelised rib of beef and lamb shank confit. The wine list has a good range of Californian reds as well as some good (but not inexpensive) French whites. The cheaper – but increasingly well regarded – option is Turkish wines, such as Kavaklidere Bogazkere and Doluca Okuzgozu. Expect to pay €42 (£35) per person, excluding wine.
The extras
A jia offers free transfers across the river Bosphorus from Istanbul s European quaysides. Pick-up points are in Emirgan, Istinye, Rumeli, Hisari and Bebek. There is no gym, but in-room massages can be arranged at a rate of €100 for two hours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
The access
Children are welcome. Pets are not. There is good access for guests with disabilities throughout the hotel, a lift to all floors, plus one specially modified room. However, boat transfers would not be possible for anyone in a wheelchair.
The bill
Double rooms from €227 per night. Breakfast is €18 (£15) per person. Elixir Holidays (020-7722 2288; elixirholi days.com) offers a three-night package for £960 per person, including boat transfers from Ataturk International, all breakfasts, and one dinner with local wine
The address
A jia Hotel, Cubuklu Caddessi 27, Istanbul, Turkey (00 90 216 413 9300)
Whether you are dreaming of returning to Mandarin Boutique Hotel, or are yet to discover this idyllic rural retreat for the first time, there is no reason to delay planning your visit. Whilst we are almost fully booked for much of September, we still have some late availability for the remainder of August, as well as some spaces in late September and throughout October - the perfect time for exploring the unspoilt countryside on foot, hiking along the renowned Lycian Way or descending the stunning Butterfly Valley.
If you like to plan further ahead, we are already taking bookings for next year. Booking early is particularly recommended for stays around popular dates such as bank holiday weekends, and for groups wishing to book Mandarin in its entirety - with just eight luxurious guestrooms, we are the ideal venue for any select gathering, be it a special family celebration or a top-level business meeting. To enquire or make a booking, simply email mail@villamandarin.com, or call us on (0090) 252 642 1002.
What others have said about us
As a small, independent hotel, we naturally depend heavily on repeat guests and personal recommendations, and we have been so delighted by the comments our guests have left in our visitors book, that we have decided to share them on our website. Please click here to browse our guestbook and read some of the feedback offered by our clients.
Mandarin has also been recommended as an ideal honeymoon destination on about.com, and was reviewed by Annabel Thorpe in the Guardian newspaper as follows: "Fifteen minutes drive from Olu, the mountain hamlet of Faralya is a straggle of houses, simple pensions and the odd stylish hotel above a breathtaking canyon. Discovering the Mandarin in such rurality is a bit like finding a branch of Selfridges in deepest Suffolk; spacious rooms boast Jacuzzis, flat-screen TVs and elegant wooden four-posters, while the communal areas combine luxury with traditional furnishings. There is a good-sized pool, walks from the doorstep and sumptuous five-course evening meals. Adults only." The Guardian also included the nearby Butterfly Valley in its Top 10 Beaches in Turkey feature.
Culinary memories of Mandarin
For many of our guests, one of the highlights of staying at Mandarin are the home-cooked five-course dinners, served on our raised terrace gazing out along the Lycian coast and across the sea to Rhodes. Our girls closely guard their recipes, many of which have been passed down their families for generations, and of course the flavour of many of our dishes results from the excellent quality of the fresh local produce with which we are blessed in this unspoilt and fertile region. But for those keen to recreate an authentic taste of Turkey as a memory of their time with us, here are a couple of simple but delicious dishes that can be served as part of a spread of meze, ideally with freshly baked bread:
Fava (broad beans)
200g fresh broad beans, cleaned & shelled
2 onions
1 carrot
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
Bunch of fresh dill
A few strands of saffron
Juice of one lemon
Salt & pepper to taste
Boil the cleaned broad beans in lightly salted water for 15 minutes or until soft. Finely chop the onion, carrot and garlic and fry gently in the olive oil until tender. Add the drained beans and the remaining ingredients, keeping back half the dill, and process in a blender to a creamy consistency. Chill, then serve in small meze dishes, garnished with the remaining dill and drizzled with olive oil.
Pea Puree
100g fresh garden peas
100g chickpeas
1 tbsp tahini paste
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp olive oil
A few sprigs of dill
Salt & pepper to taste
Boil the garden peas and chick peas in lightly salted water until tender. Drain and leave to cool, then mix with the remaining ingredients in a blender. Serve in small meze dishes drizzled with olive oil, together with warmed flatbread. For more info: http://www.boutiquehotelsofturkey.com/mandarinhotel
Whether you are dreaming of returning to Mandarin Boutique Hotel, or are yet to discover this idyllic rural retreat for the first time, there is no reason to delay planning your visit. Whilst we are almost fully booked for much of September, we still have some late availability for the remainder of August, as well as some spaces in late September and throughout October - the perfect time for exploring the unspoilt countryside on foot, hiking along the renowned Lycian Way or descending the stunning Butterfly Valley.
If you like to plan further ahead, we are already taking bookings for next year. Booking early is particularly recommended for stays around popular dates such as bank holiday weekends, and for groups wishing to book Mandarin in its entirety - with just eight luxurious guestrooms, we are the ideal venue for any select gathering, be it a special family celebration or a top-level business meeting. To enquire or make a booking, simply email mail@villamandarin.com, or call us on (0090) 252 642 1002.
What others have said about us
As a small, independent hotel, we naturally depend heavily on repeat guests and personal recommendations, and we have been so delighted by the comments our guests have left in our visitors book, that we have decided to share them on our website. Please click here to browse our guestbook and read some of the feedback offered by our clients.
Mandarin has also been recommended as an ideal honeymoon destination on about.com, and was reviewed by Annabel Thorpe in the Guardian newspaper as follows: "Fifteen minutes drive from Olu, the mountain hamlet of Faralya is a straggle of houses, simple pensions and the odd stylish hotel above a breathtaking canyon. Discovering the Mandarin in such rurality is a bit like finding a branch of Selfridges in deepest Suffolk; spacious rooms boast Jacuzzis, flat-screen TVs and elegant wooden four-posters, while the communal areas combine luxury with traditional furnishings. There is a good-sized pool, walks from the doorstep and sumptuous five-course evening meals. Adults only." The Guardian also included the nearby Butterfly Valley in its Top 10 Beaches in Turkey feature.
Culinary memories of Mandarin
For many of our guests, one of the highlights of staying at Mandarin are the home-cooked five-course dinners, served on our raised terrace gazing out along the Lycian coast and across the sea to Rhodes. Our girls closely guard their recipes, many of which have been passed down their families for generations, and of course the flavour of many of our dishes results from the excellent quality of the fresh local produce with which we are blessed in this unspoilt and fertile region. But for those keen to recreate an authentic taste of Turkey as a memory of their time with us, here are a couple of simple but delicious dishes that can be served as part of a spread of meze, ideally with freshly baked bread:
Fava (broad beans)
200g fresh broad beans, cleaned & shelled
2 onions
1 carrot
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
Bunch of fresh dill
A few strands of saffron
Juice of one lemon
Salt & pepper to taste
Boil the cleaned broad beans in lightly salted water for 15 minutes or until soft. Finely chop the onion, carrot and garlic and fry gently in the olive oil until tender. Add the drained beans and the remaining ingredients, keeping back half the dill, and process in a blender to a creamy consistency. Chill, then serve in small meze dishes, garnished with the remaining dill and drizzled with olive oil.
Pea Puree
100g fresh garden peas
100g chickpeas
1 tbsp tahini paste
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp olive oil
A few sprigs of dill
Salt & pepper to taste
Boil the garden peas and chick peas in lightly salted water until tender. Drain and leave to cool, then mix with the remaining ingredients in a blender. Serve in small meze dishes drizzled with olive oil, together with warmed flatbread. For more info: http://www.boutiquehotelsofturkey.com/mandarinhotel
Whether you are dreaming of returning to Mandarin Boutique Hotel, or are yet to discover this idyllic rural retreat for the first time, there is no reason to delay planning your visit. Whilst we are almost fully booked for much of September, we still have some late availability for the remainder of August, as well as some spaces in late September and throughout October - the perfect time for exploring the unspoilt countryside on foot, hiking along the renowned Lycian Way or descending the stunning Butterfly Valley.
If you like to plan further ahead, we are already taking bookings for next year. Booking early is particularly recommended for stays around popular dates such as bank holiday weekends, and for groups wishing to book Mandarin in its entirety - with just eight luxurious guestrooms, we are the ideal venue for any select gathering, be it a special family celebration or a top-level business meeting. To enquire or make a booking, simply email mail@villamandarin.com, or call us on (0090) 252 642 1002.
What others have said about us
As a small, independent hotel, we naturally depend heavily on repeat guests and personal recommendations, and we have been so delighted by the comments our guests have left in our visitors book, that we have decided to share them on our website. Please click here to browse our guestbook and read some of the feedback offered by our clients.
Mandarin has also been recommended as an ideal honeymoon destination on about.com, and was reviewed by Annabel Thorpe in the Guardian newspaper as follows: "Fifteen minutes drive from Olu, the mountain hamlet of Faralya is a straggle of houses, simple pensions and the odd stylish hotel above a breathtaking canyon. Discovering the Mandarin in such rurality is a bit like finding a branch of Selfridges in deepest Suffolk; spacious rooms boast Jacuzzis, flat-screen TVs and elegant wooden four-posters, while the communal areas combine luxury with traditional furnishings. There is a good-sized pool, walks from the doorstep and sumptuous five-course evening meals. Adults only." The Guardian also included the nearby Butterfly Valley in its Top 10 Beaches in Turkey feature.
Culinary memories of Mandarin
For many of our guests, one of the highlights of staying at Mandarin are the home-cooked five-course dinners, served on our raised terrace gazing out along the Lycian coast and across the sea to Rhodes. Our girls closely guard their recipes, many of which have been passed down their families for generations, and of course the flavour of many of our dishes results from the excellent quality of the fresh local produce with which we are blessed in this unspoilt and fertile region. But for those keen to recreate an authentic taste of Turkey as a memory of their time with us, here are a couple of simple but delicious dishes that can be served as part of a spread of meze, ideally with freshly baked bread:
Fava (broad beans)
200g fresh broad beans, cleaned & shelled
2 onions
1 carrot
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
Bunch of fresh dill
A few strands of saffron
Juice of one lemon
Salt & pepper to taste
Boil the cleaned broad beans in lightly salted water for 15 minutes or until soft. Finely chop the onion, carrot and garlic and fry gently in the olive oil until tender. Add the drained beans and the remaining ingredients, keeping back half the dill, and process in a blender to a creamy consistency. Chill, then serve in small meze dishes, garnished with the remaining dill and drizzled with olive oil.
Pea Puree
100g fresh garden peas
100g chickpeas
1 tbsp tahini paste
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp olive oil
A few sprigs of dill
Salt & pepper to taste
Boil the garden peas and chick peas in lightly salted water until tender. Drain and leave to cool, then mix with the remaining ingredients in a blender. Serve in small meze dishes drizzled with olive oil, together with warmed flatbread. For more info: http://www.boutiquehotelsofturkey.com/mandarinhotel
Stay the night: A jia Hotel, Istanbul
Adrian Mourby glides by the congested city on a river taxi ride to this elegant boutique hotel
Sunday, 8 August 2010 - İndependent
Waterfront address: The former summer mansion, built in the 19th century, welcomes guests to its 16 bedrooms
A jia means Asia, an appropriate name for one of the first buildings that visitors to Istanbul encounter when they cross to the Asian side of the Bosphorus.
Recently, this luxurious all-white boutique hotel has found a splendid new way to help guests to avoid Istanbul s nightmarish traffic jams. A romantic weekend in one of the greatest cities in Europe (and Asia) can all too easily be wrecked by two hours spent crawling into the city by car from Ataturk International.
Everyone admits the traffic is getting worse, so, making the most of its position on the waterside, A jia will now send a polished water taxi to collect you. The transfer price is €150, which is twice what an ordinary taxi might cost, but the journey time is halved and the view of Istanbul, as you glide along, is simply superb.
The hotel itself is a refurbished yal (Turkish for house or mansion on the waterside). It was built in the 19th century for Ahmet Rasim Pasha, who in 1873 was appointed mayor and chief of police in Istanbul. In 2002, a local businessman named Serdar Bilgili bought the derelict yal and converted it into a small luxury hotel which has since hosted such celebrities as Salma Hayek, Bryan Ferry, Mike Tyson and Bill Clinton.
The architect was Resit Soley, another remarkably energetic figure in Istanbul. In his spare time, Soley has turned the Aegean island of Bozcaada into a winery of note under his own Corvus label.
The rooms
The hotel has 16 rooms and all but one of them have views of the Bosphorus. The Pasha Suite is where celebrities try to stay, for its gracious central balcony on to the waterfront. Equally impressive, though, is the Mezzanine suite, which makes great use of the traditional high ceilings of Istanbul s summer houses. All rooms have calm white interiors, natural wool flooring, Turkish rugs and retro armchairs. The televisions all come with DVD players and movies are available from reception for free. Bed linen is Italian and so are the toiletries, by Acqua di Parma.
The food and drink
Hasan Karabulut, late of the Framissima Beach resort, Hurghada, and Casa Dell Arte, Bodrum s first boutique art hotel, oversees the A jia Restaurant. This is based in the original owner s dining room but spills out in the summer to feed up to 250 people on the terraces. Waiters in white shirts and black bowties take a genial interest in guests and work from a menu that specialises in Italian and other Mediterranean food. Signature dishes include caramelised rib of beef and lamb shank confit. The wine list has a good range of Californian reds as well as some good (but not inexpensive) French whites. The cheaper – but increasingly well regarded – option is Turkish wines, such as Kavaklidere Bogazkere and Doluca Okuzgozu. Expect to pay €42 (£35) per person, excluding wine.
The extras
A jia offers free transfers across the river Bosphorus from Istanbul s European quaysides. Pick-up points are in Emirgan, Istinye, Rumeli, Hisari and Bebek. There is no gym, but in-room massages can be arranged at a rate of €100 for two hours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
The access
Children are welcome. Pets are not. There is good access for guests with disabilities throughout the hotel, a lift to all floors, plus one specially modified room. However, boat transfers would not be possible for anyone in a wheelchair.
The bill
Double rooms from €227 per night. Breakfast is €18 (£15) per person. Elixir Holidays (020-7722 2288; elixirholi days.com) offers a three-night package for £960 per person, including boat transfers from Ataturk International, all breakfasts, and one dinner with local wine
The address
A jia Hotel, Cubuklu Caddessi 27, Istanbul, Turkey (00 90 216 413 9300; ajiahotel.com).
Stay the night: A jia Hotel, Istanbul
Adrian Mourby glides by the congested city on a river taxi ride to this elegant boutique hotel
Sunday, 8 August 2010 - İndependent
Waterfront address: The former summer mansion, built in the 19th century, welcomes guests to its 16 bedrooms
A jia means Asia, an appropriate name for one of the first buildings that visitors to Istanbul encounter when they cross to the Asian side of the Bosphorus.
Recently, this luxurious all-white boutique hotel has found a splendid new way to help guests to avoid Istanbul s nightmarish traffic jams. A romantic weekend in one of the greatest cities in Europe (and Asia) can all too easily be wrecked by two hours spent crawling into the city by car from Ataturk International.
Everyone admits the traffic is getting worse, so, making the most of its position on the waterside, A jia will now send a polished water taxi to collect you. The transfer price is €150, which is twice what an ordinary taxi might cost, but the journey time is halved and the view of Istanbul, as you glide along, is simply superb.
The hotel itself is a refurbished yal (Turkish for house or mansion on the waterside). It was built in the 19th century for Ahmet Rasim Pasha, who in 1873 was appointed mayor and chief of police in Istanbul. In 2002, a local businessman named Serdar Bilgili bought the derelict yal and converted it into a small luxury hotel which has since hosted such celebrities as Salma Hayek, Bryan Ferry, Mike Tyson and Bill Clinton.
The architect was Resit Soley, another remarkably energetic figure in Istanbul. In his spare time, Soley has turned the Aegean island of Bozcaada into a winery of note under his own Corvus label.
The rooms
The hotel has 16 rooms and all but one of them have views of the Bosphorus. The Pasha Suite is where celebrities try to stay, for its gracious central balcony on to the waterfront. Equally impressive, though, is the Mezzanine suite, which makes great use of the traditional high ceilings of Istanbul s summer houses. All rooms have calm white interiors, natural wool flooring, Turkish rugs and retro armchairs. The televisions all come with DVD players and movies are available from reception for free. Bed linen is Italian and so are the toiletries, by Acqua di Parma.
The food and drink
Hasan Karabulut, late of the Framissima Beach resort, Hurghada, and Casa Dell Arte, Bodrum s first boutique art hotel, oversees the A jia Restaurant. This is based in the original owner s dining room but spills out in the summer to feed up to 250 people on the terraces. Waiters in white shirts and black bowties take a genial interest in guests and work from a menu that specialises in Italian and other Mediterranean food. Signature dishes include caramelised rib of beef and lamb shank confit. The wine list has a good range of Californian reds as well as some good (but not inexpensive) French whites. The cheaper – but increasingly well regarded – option is Turkish wines, such as Kavaklidere Bogazkere and Doluca Okuzgozu. Expect to pay €42 (£35) per person, excluding wine.
The extras
A jia offers free transfers across the river Bosphorus from Istanbul s European quaysides. Pick-up points are in Emirgan, Istinye, Rumeli, Hisari and Bebek. There is no gym, but in-room massages can be arranged at a rate of €100 for two hours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
The access
Children are welcome. Pets are not. There is good access for guests with disabilities throughout the hotel, a lift to all floors, plus one specially modified room. However, boat transfers would not be possible for anyone in a wheelchair.
The bill
Double rooms from €227 per night. Breakfast is €18 (£15) per person. Elixir Holidays (020-7722 2288; elixirholi days.com) offers a three-night package for £960 per person, including boat transfers from Ataturk International, all breakfasts, and one dinner with local wine
The address
A jia Hotel, Cubuklu Caddessi 27, Istanbul, Turkey (00 90 216 413 9300; ajiahotel.com).
Stay the night: A jia Hotel, Istanbul
Adrian Mourby glides by the congested city on a river taxi ride to this elegant boutique hotel
Sunday, 8 August 2010 - İndependent
Waterfront address: The former summer mansion, built in the 19th century, welcomes guests to its 16 bedrooms
A jia means Asia, an appropriate name for one of the first buildings that visitors to Istanbul encounter when they cross to the Asian side of the Bosphorus.
Recently, this luxurious all-white boutique hotel has found a splendid new way to help guests to avoid Istanbul s nightmarish traffic jams. A romantic weekend in one of the greatest cities in Europe (and Asia) can all too easily be wrecked by two hours spent crawling into the city by car from Ataturk International.
Everyone admits the traffic is getting worse, so, making the most of its position on the waterside, A jia will now send a polished water taxi to collect you. The transfer price is €150, which is twice what an ordinary taxi might cost, but the journey time is halved and the view of Istanbul, as you glide along, is simply superb.
The hotel itself is a refurbished yal (Turkish for house or mansion on the waterside). It was built in the 19th century for Ahmet Rasim Pasha, who in 1873 was appointed mayor and chief of police in Istanbul. In 2002, a local businessman named Serdar Bilgili bought the derelict yal and converted it into a small luxury hotel which has since hosted such celebrities as Salma Hayek, Bryan Ferry, Mike Tyson and Bill Clinton.
The architect was Resit Soley, another remarkably energetic figure in Istanbul. In his spare time, Soley has turned the Aegean island of Bozcaada into a winery of note under his own Corvus label.
The rooms
The hotel has 16 rooms and all but one of them have views of the Bosphorus. The Pasha Suite is where celebrities try to stay, for its gracious central balcony on to the waterfront. Equally impressive, though, is the Mezzanine suite, which makes great use of the traditional high ceilings of Istanbul s summer houses. All rooms have calm white interiors, natural wool flooring, Turkish rugs and retro armchairs. The televisions all come with DVD players and movies are available from reception for free. Bed linen is Italian and so are the toiletries, by Acqua di Parma.
The food and drink
Hasan Karabulut, late of the Framissima Beach resort, Hurghada, and Casa Dell Arte, Bodrum s first boutique art hotel, oversees the A jia Restaurant. This is based in the original owner s dining room but spills out in the summer to feed up to 250 people on the terraces. Waiters in white shirts and black bowties take a genial interest in guests and work from a menu that specialises in Italian and other Mediterranean food. Signature dishes include caramelised rib of beef and lamb shank confit. The wine list has a good range of Californian reds as well as some good (but not inexpensive) French whites. The cheaper – but increasingly well regarded – option is Turkish wines, such as Kavaklidere Bogazkere and Doluca Okuzgozu. Expect to pay €42 (£35) per person, excluding wine.
The extras
A jia offers free transfers across the river Bosphorus from Istanbul s European quaysides. Pick-up points are in Emirgan, Istinye, Rumeli, Hisari and Bebek. There is no gym, but in-room massages can be arranged at a rate of €100 for two hours. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.
The access
Children are welcome. Pets are not. There is good access for guests with disabilities throughout the hotel, a lift to all floors, plus one specially modified room. However, boat transfers would not be possible for anyone in a wheelchair.
The bill
Double rooms from €227 per night. Breakfast is €18 (£15) per person. Elixir Holidays (020-7722 2288; elixirholi days.com) offers a three-night package for £960 per person, including boat transfers from Ataturk International, all breakfasts, and one dinner with local wine
The address
A jia Hotel, Cubuklu Caddessi 27, Istanbul, Turkey (00 90 216 413 9300; ajiahotel.com).
Roasting in Turkey Travel experts choose their best holidays on Turkey s coast, from villas in unspoilt fishing villages to boutique hotels and white-sand beaches * The Guardian, Saturday 10 April 2010 * Article history The ancient ruins of Olympos. Heaven sent ... the ancient ruins of Olympos on the beach at Cirali. Photograph: Brandon Sawaya Cesme peninsula, Aegean Turkey s coast is one of its greatest assets. Sadly, this is no secret to hotel developers and bus-loads of tourists. For the sea, eschew torrid and overdeveloped Bodrum for the boutique hotels of the Cesme peninsula, on the Aegean coast. Alacati is where Greek workers, brought from the islands by the Ottomans in the late 1800s, established vineyards. These all but disappeared in the last century, though new ones are being re-established, along with olive groves and lavender plantations. Come now though for the sandy beach, also a major centre for windsurfers. The Tas Otel (tasotel.com, doubles from €90), which opened in 2001, is a stylish conversion of a Greek mansion with a pool. Further to the north the seaside resort of Assos, where Aristotle once lived, retains its charm. You can visit the Temple of Athena there. Also make the time to take a trip down the coast from Alacati to gastronomic hotspot Ayvalik which is relatively undeveloped and surrounded by olive groves and has many Ottoman houses. Ferries run to the Greek island of Lesvos from here, too. John Scott, editor of Cornucopia magazine
Each page on the site will give the hotel information, photographs and rates and for hotels with their own websites we have included a direct link for a more comprehensive view of their property. We supply you with our own overview of the hotel and a guideline of facilities available, the rates have been negotiated to offer excellent value for money.
Enjoy this years Boutique Hotel&rsquote;s collection.
BoutiqueHotelsDirectory.com
Each page on the site will give the hotel information, photographs and rates and for hotels with their own websites we have included a direct link for a more comprehensive view of their property. We supply you with our own overview of the hotel and a guideline of facilities available, the rates have been negotiated to offer excellent value for money.
Enjoy this years Boutique Hotel&rsquote;s collection.
BoutiqueHotelsDirectory.com
A collection of boutique hotels around Turkey offering true value, ideal locations and a style of their own.
Each page on the site will give the hotel information, photographs and rates and for hotels with their own websites we have included a direct link for a more comprehensive view of their property. We supply you with our own overview of the hotel and a guideline of facilities available, the rates have been negotiated to offer excellent value for money.
Enjoy this years Boutique Hotel&rsquote;s collection.
BoutiqueHotelsDirectory.com
Aida Hotel / Cirali / Antalya
Aida Hotel is situated just 200 meters away from the beautiful beach of Ancient Town‘’OLYMPOS’’ among palm, begonvile and banana trees. Fully airconditioned rooms has either bath or shower along with Long-Distance telephone facilities. The large confortable rooms has a double and a single bed, and designed such a way to accommodate a Baby-Bed additionally upon request. Sipping a drink in the balconies of the rooms, while watching snow covered hills of Tahtali Mountains is a special sight of Aida Hotel. Wide range of breakfast, including Homemade-Specialties are served in the garden, under the palm trees or in airconditioned lounge. Hammacks and Deck-Chairs spread over the garden for a peaceful reading or relaxing possibilities and a game-Park included for the children with many kind of birds and animals to let them have a fun or enjoy playing. Aida hotel has a Fantastic-Restaurant at the beach, just before the sea, and almost every kind of sea food and Turkish specialties are available together with almost every kind of drinks. There are Deck-Chairs and umbrellas for every Customers to let them lie down and have a sunbathe, read a book or sleep in the sweet warm climates of ‘’OLYMPOS’’. The Hotel attendants strictly trained to take their duties seriously, and in a warm friendly atmosphere, The Owners, Mr. And Mrs. Altıntaş will be ready everywhere to do their best for every simple complaints or for any kind of information, in fluent English or in German. Without any doubt, ‘’AIDA HOTEL’’ is one of the best around this area, to relax and have a quite peaceful holiday.
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 | air condition | | Airport pick-up | ||
| Baby Cot | | Bar-Cafe | ||
| Beach | | Breakfast included | ||
| Concierge | | Credit cards accepted | ||
| Daily Room Cleaning | | Fireplace | ||
| Free newspaper | | Garden | ||
| Hair dryer | | İnternet | ||
| Library | | Massage | ||
| Mountain view | | Open full year | ||
| Outdoor swimming pool | | Pet friendly | ||
| Phone | | Restaurant | ||
| Safe box | | Terrace |
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Cirali
Location and geography
Çirali is in the zone of the Taureses montains which has all characteristics of the Meditarenean region.
Although there are two different roads reaching the Olympos ruins and Çirali they share the same bay. Çirali is located between Adrasan and Maden (Atbükü) bays and has the longest beach (3 ,25 km) in the near area. As a beach especially good for swimming Çirali was chosen as the best coast of the world in 2003 because of its natural beauty and cleanliness in a public survey which is done by South Galler Glamorgan university.
The plain of Çirali is bordered by Mt. Musa, Mt .Omurga, Khimera and Karaburun. There are paths to climb to these mountains which give breathtaking views for the trekkers.The valleys which are formed among these mountains; the rivers Akçay, Ulupinar and Andizli flow into the sea. The Ulupinar river also supplies drinking water to the area.The water of the Ulupinar decreases and in summer stops flowing totally. Especially in April/May and June the river offers a lovely trekking route with clear flowing water, small waterfalls and ponds to swim in. Yanartas/Khimaria which is in the northwest of Çirali Plain is formed of serpentine and limestone. Because there isn't a fusion in connection points of these two different rock structures, gas leakage (mainly methane) occurs from splits. This rocky area which has been burning for ages, adds magnificent beauty to the region especially at nights and it's at a short walking distance from Myland. Hellenic ruins found very close to the fires mean that the fire region was important in the ancient times also.
Flora and Fauna
An English nature scientist described this area as "heaven of flowers" while he was travelling in 1842. This region which encompasses extraordinary richness in a small area with its natural and historical structure was announced as National Park of Olympos Beydaglar in 1979. In 1989 all construction was forbidden to protect the environment.That's why you can't see high buildings and big hotels here. Olympos National Park is the region which has a lot of and intensively endemic species of plants.Only 7 out of 1000 species of plants classified yet. Its no wonder why people interested in herbal medicine and ayurvedic treatments have an special interest in Çirali.
In the region which is rich about animal species 73 sorts of birds, about 45 reptile and frog, 56 mammals and 9 amphibian species are inventoried. 12 kinds of reptile species have been taken under protection, especially Caretta Caretta sea turtles. A project carried out in Çirali by the Foundation of Preserving Natural Life, the Turkish Representation of WWF (World Nature Protection Foundation) was expanded taking into consideration the protection of the living and reproducing areas of the sea tortoises Caretta Carettas, the biological richness of the area, the variety of its fauna and flora. Ecologic agriculture has been improved with the request and contributions of the region's people. These studies made for a sustainable agriculture and tourism was awarded the best implementation prize by being one of the best 10 from the 110 countries and 700 projects in the competition organized by the United Nations Commission of Human Settlement (UNCHS) Habitat in year 2000. DHKO (Foundation of Preserving Natural Life) and the Çirali people aim to be a model for the preservation of the present situation of Çirali and leaving it to the next generation.
History
The antique city of Olympos is found 25 minutes walking distance from Myland. Water channels of the ruin which are still working when it rains, end in a pond close to the beach. After swimming you can take shower by the fresh spring water maybe like the ancient Lycians were doing.
Olympos name was first seen on Lycian coins printed in II.century B.C. It was one of the three having the right to vote at 100 B.C. As a result of the attacks of pirates usurping free people and capturing and selling them in harbor cities as Side and Delos Olympos lost its population. The Roman emperor Sevilius Isaurieus won the battle against pirates in 78 B.C. With the Roman pax (peace period) Olympos was shining again with Phaselis. The region was exposed to Arabian attacks and since the middle of 7th century lost its importance and economical power.
Knights from Venice, Geneva, and Rhodes in the middle Ages area had some economic life for a short period of time. After 1056, Turkoman clans which were rushing in crowds to the region settled in the mountain area because they found many settlements abandoned apart from Attaleia (Antalya) After Ottomans, Olympos was abandoned in 15. century completely.
Sea and Climate
Sea is clear and calm beginning from March to mid November. It gets deep after 5-6 mts and seashore is a mixture of sand and stones. Sea water temperature is around 18 centigrade in March-June, 26-28 centigrade in July-September and 22-24 in October-November. All climate characteristics of the Mediterranean exist here. Wonderful streams flowing with a loud, roaring sound in the spring, the lovely scent of the orange and lemon flowers will make you drunk. The summer months are hot but you'll feel the coolness just after the sunset. If you want to feel the bronzing Mediterranean sun; June, July and August is ideal for you. Spring and autumn is more suitable for trekking /yoga/cycling/rock climbing.
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Çıralı village, Kemer, Antalya, Turkey
Category: Cirali small hotels
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