Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world. An ancient, culturally rich and historically fascinating urban sprawl. Renowned as the place ‘where east meets west’ due to the remarkable fact that it is the only city in the world that straddles two continents: Asia and Europe. As such, it really is one of the most exciting cities I have ever visited. A place full of electric energy due to the splicing of cultures on every street corner: a place where Byzantine churches sit next to Ottoman palaces and mosques and the call to prayer drifts over the rooftops of buzzing cocktail bars and restaurants. One minute I felt I was in Barcelona or Paris, the next, I could have been in Marrakech! It is a feast for the senses - and if you’re a foodie, the palette - as the mixture of east and western cuisines offers up the most incredible array of restaurants, cafes and bars.
Launched in September 2024, Rixos Tersane Istanbul is a bold new landmark amidst the historic 600-year-old shipyard site of the Ottoman navy on the northern shores of the Golden Horn. (‘Tersane’ literally means ‘shipyard’ in Turkish.) This new waterfront neighbourhood that has been in development since 2010 has been described as ‘the future of Istanbul luxury’ as it has been entirely redesigned to blend new architectural features including apartments, hotels, shopping outlets, bars, restaurants and even an outdoor concert venue on the water, all within the repurposed dockyard buildings. Rixos Tersane, one of the first outlets of the new ‘urban resort’ project to open, sits right at the heart of this vibing waterfront arena that despite being situated wham bam in the middle of the city, manages to feel like an oasis of calm: a place where you can soak up the atmosphere of the city by the peace of the still waters of the Golden Horn. Although it does feel a little like a private compound, with a guarded gate upon entering, which was a little ostracising at first.
Rixos Tersane is undeniably an architecturally impressive hotel. From the moment you set foot inside the vast, crazy high-ceilinged lobby, you cannot fail to be impressed by the space and the floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of the Horn. The rooms are all set on floors that look down into the lobby and the cafes and boutiques lining the ground floor add to the glamour and luxury of the overall vibe. The interiors definitely appeal to those with an eye for design: think marble floors, offset by the soaring ceilings, hints of gold and blues and lots of modern Turkish art. Yet somehow it doesn’t feel too ostentatious and there’s a peace to the hotel; aspirational without being intimidating and the kind of place, with a tinkling piano wafting in the background, that makes you feel instantly at ease - an elevated ease. The staff are all super friendly and welcoming and you really feel a sense of the water all around you.
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The vast swimming pool, right down on the water’s edge is a real highlight of the property: whether you’re soaking up the rays with a good book or sipping cocktails, you feel completely immersed and at one with the river, looking out to the Asian side of the city and the famous Galata Bridge in the distance, connecting the Karakoy and Eminonu neighbourhoods. A perk for all guests is the opportunity of a complimentary rowing experience on the river between 9am - 11am, which is a truly magical way - plus a good workout - to start your day!
The property is also a hub for cultural conferences and meet ups, hosting many impressive international companies in the ballroom and Tersane Istanbul Event Hall or of course, even weddings!
It would be remiss not to mention Rix the Rixos Tersane resident cat, a handsome tabby chap with a gold collar who patrols the grounds as if he owns the joint (which he kind of does!) For the feline lovers, Istanbul is cat heaven, with many four-legged friends to be found on almost every street corner (although , sadly, not as many as in such fine fettle as Rix.)
Very spacious was my first impression and also, mirroring the vast lobby, all with uniquely high ceilings. Many of the 432 rooms face the water and if you’re in a suite, be it the presidential suite or a corner suite, then the floor-to-ceilling glass walls offer spectacular views across the Golden Horn and the city. The colour scheme is warm, minimalist neutrals with a hint of metallic and blue - but not too much to make the space feel gaudy in any way. The bathrooms are also super spacious with marble surfaces and rainfall, walk-in showers. But I am a big fan of a long hot soak in the tub when I’m staying at a hotel and unfortunately my room did not provide a bath.
Special mention to the breakfast buffet at Velena Food market - arguably one of the biggest and most gastronomic spreads of international breakfasts I’ve ever seen! The venue is open all day for light, casual meals. Then there is the spectacular flagship Josephine restaurant where not only is the food exceptionally fresh, but the presentation is stunning, with gorgeous glass and painted china plates for every course. With a focus on seafood and local produce; think perfectly grilled octopus, buttery prawns, and meze dishes, strawberry gazpacho and seafood paella - the wine list is seriously impressive too.
The spa at Rixos Tersane is a gorgeous space that blends ancient Turkish hamman tradition with a modern luxury-wellness vibe. There's an indoor heated pool, relaxation zones and well-designed changing areas. I was lucky to sample a signature massage which did the job perfectly. If you're a spa junkie, do set aside ample time to enjoy.
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If you're eager for some retail therapy, it’s literally on the doorstep, as there’s a Nike town and a Sephora next door with an open air shopping mall, Luxury Plaza nearby, teaming with fashion boutiques. In the next two years, Tersane will also play host to a high end luxury array of shops on ‘fashion avenue’ - designed by famous British architects, Foster and Partners - with outlets such as Dior and Louis Vuitton set to take up residency.
Then there’s Beymen Tersane, a new art gallery space that combines luxury fashion with curated art installations. It’s also a new destination for fashion shows in the city. For families, Nickelodeon Play! is also within walking distance from the hotel - complimentary for guests of Rixos Tersane and a fantastic place for kids to let loose while parents enjoy the surrounding area. (There are also kids activities daily within the hotel and during Sunday brunch, parents can leave their children, while they eat, drink and relax. It really does seem like a great property for young families.) There’s also set to be two museums open in the area within the next two years. A stroll along the Golden Horn waterfront promenade is also a lovely thing to do first thing or as the sun sets.
Then of course there’s the wider city to explore! And a bonus of Rixos Tersane is that they offer a boat service along the Golden Horn which cuts out the notoriously bad Istanbul traffic.
Exploring the Old City is top on the list of tourist destinations: The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace are all within easy reach of the hotel, by car, boat or even tram! (The city’s tram network is very efficient and easy to use and also cuts out the traffic.)
For authentic food, nightlife and more local shopping opportunities head to the Galata and Karakoy neighbourhoods only about 10 minutes from Rixos Tersane by car. Sinking a sundowner at a rooftop bar is a must to soak up the buzz of the city and there are plenty to choose from in these neighbourhoods before heading for a local dinner of mezze and kebabs. A night out in Istanbul will never be dull and if you're staying at the Rixos Tersane, you'll have a tranquil oasis to return to rest your head.
Standard rooms at Rixos Tersane Istanbul start from £306 per night, including taxes and breakfast.
