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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
Sızmahan Hotel - Ayvalık
Built next to the sea in 1908 from pink “garlic” stone, this building was originally used for processing olive oil.
A hundred years on, the couple Ayse and Mustafa Buyukcivgin have restored the building in keeping with its past and have turned it into a hotel with ten rooms. You will feel straightaway the warm and welcoming atmosphere of this family-run hotel.
Its name signifies respect for its past. The building still resonates with the presence of its hundred-year history.
Your home in Ayvalık
1. At Sızma Han we aim to ensure our guests spend a happy time in a warm and hospitable atmosphere, enjoying a panoramic view of Ayvalık from our hotel with its authentic setting in a historic building.
Here you can enjoy a variety of drinks and try our selection of grills and home-made starters made using the local olive oil, as well as fresh sea-foods. While enjoying your drinks or meal you can listen to traditional and classical music until midnight.
2. In the kitchen of Sızma Han we bring to life again many traditional local Aegean dishes. Here you can savour the taste of the olives and olive oil for which the region is famous. If you are looking for something different in terms of cuisine you must visit Sizma Han’s restaurant, which is open to visitors as well as guests.
3. Sızma Han has a spacious sea-front terrace, with a quay and provision of facilities for water sports. There is a fully-equipped kitchen, restaurant, snack-bar and cocktail bar.
We also offer wireless internet connection facilities, air-conditioning, and LCD TV.
4. Sızma Han is situated directly on the deep blue sea overlooking the historical town and bay of Ayvalık. This beautiful old building, newly restored, carries us from the past to the present, keeping the best of both.
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 | air condition | | Airport nearby | ||
| Airport pick-up | | Alarm | ||
| Baby Cot | | Bar-Cafe | ||
| Beach | | Breakfast included | ||
| Coffee-tea pot | | Concierge | ||
| Credit cards accepted | | Electronic Key | ||
| Fax | | Fireplace | ||
| Free newspaper | | Free parking | ||
| Fridge | | Garden | ||
| Hair dryer | | Historical Building | ||
| Ice Machine | | İnternet | ||
| Jacuzzi | | Kitchen | ||
| minibar | | Open 24 Hours | ||
| Open full year | | Phone | ||
| Restaurant | | Room service | ||
| Satellite tv | | Sea view | ||
| Suit bedroom | | Television | ||
| Voltage adaptor | | Wake up service | ||
| Wine cellar | | Wireless |
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Ayvalik-balikesir-Turkey
AYVALIK
Ayvalik is an old sea side town situated on the North-western Aegean coast of turkey, approximately 160 km North of Izmir, and 355 km South of Istanbul; originally inhabited by the Greeks until the mid 1920's, it still has the characteristics of an old Greek town, with wonderful Ottoman Greek houses and old churches visible throughout.
The town is located on a coastal bay, where you can gaze across the Aegean Sea to the Greek Island of Mytilini, or alternatively view the nearby Island of Alibey (also known as Cunda) which has the riches of empty beaches, olive and pine trees and ancient monasteries scattered on the hill tops.
Ayvalik has a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets that are tributaries leading down to the busy market area and harbour front, where you can spend your day perusing through the wonderful variety of shops, or just relax by the waterside watching the fishing boats come and go; alternatively take the ferry boat across to Alibey to visit the restaurants and tavernas.
The surrounding hillside is laden with groves of Olive trees, which are famous for producing much of Turkey's highly appreciated quality olive oil; also the hills accommodate copious amounts of pine trees that assist in Ayvalik boasting some of the best levels of air quality within Turkey with it's high levels of oxygen. A well-known beauty spot is locally known as "Devil's Table", where the views are spectacular and it is a must to witness the stunning sunset at the end of the day.
Near to the town are two fabulous sandy beaches, Altinova and Sarimsakli, which are easily accessible by the local bus service (Dolmus), taxi or car; the beaches are un-crowded and teems of fish are visible through the crystal clear water. Ayvalik has gained the reputation of being one of Turkey's best locations for scuba diving, and you can also take boat trips from the harbour that will deliver you to various bays throughout the day to take a dip to cool off during your trip.
Nightlife in Ayvalik is of a relaxed atmosphere, where you can frequent the many waterside open-air restaurants, bars and tavernas or simply stroll along the harbour front absorbing the idyllic atmosphere.
Shopping
Within a few minutes walk of the house, in the heart of the town and harbour, the Turkish tourists throng the many waterside open-air restaurants. There are a vast number of shops in Ayvalik ranging from clothes and leather goods to traditional shops and side street establishments where iron mongers and bakers can be found hard at work.
There are several mini markets to do your grocery shopping or wait until Market day when the Greeks come over from Lesvos, along with visitors in their hoards. You can pick up some wonderful fruit and veg bargains or 'genuine fake' designer clothing as well as the real thing, along with some beautiful handmade embroidery and leather goods, but don't forget to bargain! Fresh fish can be bought in abundance from Ayvalik's daily fish market, which is an amazing sight to just browse or buy and cook back at home!
Things to do
Probably one of your first visits should be to Seytan Sofrasi (Devil's Table). This is the highest peak in Ayvalik and is renowned for it's spectacular views over the entire area and in particular it's sunset over the Aegean sea and the islands. There are restaurants and cafes at the tope and a Turkish teahouse where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Along the harbour front, just past the restaurants you are faced with the daily boat tours, which is an absolute must and excellent value for money. About six or so large boats will be persuading you to join their crew for a trip around some of the smaller islands with several swim stops and of course a delicious lunch, of fried sardines, bread and salad -which never seems to stop!
Further along, just before you get to the marina, you will come across a local diving centre, which provides various courses for different levels of experience. The depths of the sea around Ayvalik reveal plenty of different species of fish, marine creatures and corals. You will also see people fishing all around Ayvalik. Basic fishing tackle is available by the fish market, or fishing boat trips from the harbour are available.
Between the fish market and the marina is a jetty with boat trips to Cunda Island (Alibey), this is also a must. The ferry runs late into the evening - although it can also be reached by car, dolmus or bus across the causeway. Cunda has a lot to offer with numerous restaurants along the quayside, but wander into the pretty village as well because there are other restaurants and bars which might be cheaper. Musicians tend to turn up with a guitar and play Turkish love songs whilst you eat and drink into the small hours.
I have bought home made butter and cheese on Cunda which is absolutely delicious. There is also a range of little stalls where you can buy locally made jewellery, pottery and textiles very cheaply for yourself and gifts to take home.
Of course there are beaches by foot on Cunda as well, but if you are hiring a car or a moped can access other beauty spots like Patricia or the ruins of Moonlight Monastery.
Beaches
Down at the harbour you can get a dolmus or taxi to the nearby beach of Sarmisakli which is approx. 5k along the coast road and is the best place to swim where the vast stretch of beautiful beach and white sand welcomes you. You can hire jet ski's, paddle boats and depending on which end of the beach you are there is a banana boat as well.
Just before Sarimsakli, between the road and the pine forest is the beautiful beach of Badavut, which is quieter than Sarimsakli and has cafes selling simple food at reasonable prices.
Climate
The average temperatures range from 21°C to 30°C during April-September but there have been highs of 31°C to 43°C during the same period. The region has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild and rainy winters with hot dry summers.
Transport
There are various ways of getting to Ayvalik; the most direct route would mean flying into Izmir ADB Airport and either hiring a car or getting a taxi from the airport, which could be arranged on your behalf. Last summer this was about £60.00 UK sterling. Transfer time from the airport to Ayvalik is about 2.5 hours, the distance being approximately 91 miles along the coastal duel carriageway; alternatively take a taxi to the bus station in Izmir and a coach to Ayvalik which is incredibly cheap. Another option favoured by some is to fly to Mytilene (Lesbos) and get the ferry across to Ayvalik that takes around 40 minutes, I know First Choice fly to Mytilene. However, I believe there is only one crossing per day, i.e. from Mytilene to Ayvalik at around 08.30 in the morning and returning at around 18.30 in the evening. Details are available through Jale Lines Ferries (jaletour-@hotmail.com). An alternative is to fly to Istanbul and get a domestic flight to Korfez Airport, Edremit, and then a taxi or hire care to Ayvalik, which is then only 40 minutes away. One can also get a ferry from Istanbul to the new ferry terminal in Ayvalik (takes about 6 hours), which is due to be opened this summer.
There is talk that the Korfez airport may receive International fights some time in the future, but this is yet to be confirmed.
Whichever route you decide it will be an adventure, and a well worth one, because the delights awaiting you upon arrival to our house and Ayvalik will become treasured memories.
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There are a large number of historical and cultural buildings in Ayvalik. Most of these buildings are abandoned. Mr. Mustafa is hardworking, courteous, positive, humanist and he has ideals and wants to be active always socially. He transformed a structure that has a 101 year-past and had been used as an extra-virgin olive oil factory in order to bring it in history and tourism. Sharing historical and touristic beauties of Ayvalik with guests; he transferred his positive thoughts and energy in his character to his guests; establishing permanent friendships have been essentials of him after opening the hotel. Sızma Han Hotel is seafront, near the city center and a historical hotel. That is, your one foot is in civilization and the other is within the nature. The most exclusive meals of Ayvalik cuisine which are prepared by the most delicious olive oil of the world are offered specially for you and whenever you want. Breakfast prepared by natural and organically grown products is cherry on the cake.
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Gümrük cad. 2. sok no:49 Ayvalık / Balıkesir / Turkey - Ayvalik Hotel
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