Lovely stay at the Bosporus – Hotel Witt / Istanbul / Turkey

We landed at Istanbuls International Atatürk Airport, took a taxi straight to the Hotel Witt, located on Istanbul’s European side in a chic bohemian neighborhood of designer boutiques.

The Witt Istanbul Hotel occupies an unassuming corner building on a residential street. Owner and Istanbul native Tuncel Toprak chose the Witt’s location in Cihangir for its connection to a charmingly authentic local community.

The Witt’s stylish yet domestic atmosphere, nice rooms and Toprak’s extensive network afford guests an nice stay in the thriving metropolis, without sacrificing style.

Autoban, the award-winning Istanbul architecture and design firm, outfitted the hotel with an array of distinctly modern furnishings. The interior’s monochromatic mix of natural, earthy tones and black and white, accentuates each room’s sculptural elements and spacious design. Istanbul’s rich history is reflected in the designers’ use of materials, such as the Marmara marble of classic Ottoman architecture. Each suite is equipped with a kitchenette, bar, lounge area and a private balcony. The latter of which offers captivating views over Istanbul’s picturesque skyline of handsome mosques, ramshackle rooftops and the glistening topaz waters of Bosporus.
The Witt is more or less 18 loftlike contemporary suites with kitchenettes using a bold global palette of materials: bathrooms of gray Italian marble, walls of mirrored French tile and laser-cut floral motif headboard panels. Just as chic as the interiors is the hotel’s location: far from the tourist crowds in the cozy neighborhood of Cihangir, the West Village of Istanbul. The Witt isn’t a hotel or an apartment; it’s the cool Istanbul pied-à-terre you’ve always wanted, with a Turkish breakfast spread and casual, friendly service included.
The mighty waters of the Bosphorus flow through the very heart of the Turkish city, dividing the romantic ideals of Europe fropm the intoxicating hubbub of Asia. Along these shores empires have risen and fallen, myths have been born and voyages have begun. Hagia Sophia is one of them.

The city’s waterside delights, criss-crossing from stylish modern enclaves to traditional neighbourhoods little changed for hundreds of years. Çengelköy, on Istanbul’s Asian shore, is fantastic, just to have a tea or breakfast and relax. The Bosphorus thats my passion and love.

We higly recommed a boats tour to Princes’ Islands and up to Yoros Castle on the Black Sea.

The Bosphorus is a whole world.

Finally connecting Asia and Europe – now by a 13.6 km tunnel under the Istanbul Bosporus river opened a new chapter in the world of travel, tourism and transportation.
The three-billion-euro rail tunnel under the Bosphorus connecting Istanbul’s European and Asian sides, one of several mega projects driven by the Islamic-rooted government in the country’s main gateway city.

The 13.6-kilometres tunnel includes an immersed tube tunnel which government officials say is the world’s deepest at 60 metres below the seabed.

The inauguration of the ambitious project that has cost an estimated three billion euros coincides with the 90th anniversary of the founding of modern Turkey.

Things do to: Hamam

We love the Hamams and it is worth visiting a hamam, we enjoyed the fundamental local experience and in the case of Istanbul to bath! A hamam is no sauna or steam bath, it is a perfect differnet experience.
One of our favorite hamams is this:
Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam was built by Mimar Sinan in 1580 next to a mosque with the same name. After five years of rather painstaking restoration, it opened its gates in 2012. Compared to other baths it is spacious and harbors details to help relax before and after baths. The interiors are in brand-new condition, smack clean, topping the experience with honest service. It is worth stopping by, even, if just to gaze at the dome while sipping some hot tea in the hamam owned cafe.

Enjoy your experience and remember to take care of your skin (it is the largest organ in the body and it breathes)

It was beautiful to be here.

My restaurant tip in Istanbul: “Gaja”

Located on the 14th floor of the Swissôtel, the “Gaja” restaurant attracts with great food.
The interior is modern, stylish with soft blue tones that reflect the hues of the river itself.

Michelin-starred Chef de Cuisine, James Wilkins, produces contemporary world cuisine with unique flavors. Wilkins’s best are his desserts, refreshing lemongrass and ginger sorbet to mouthwatering caramelized banana and cinnamon tart with caramel ice cream. Each course of the taster menu is complemented by a selection of fine Turkish wines. They are really good. Surprise.

Finally the place offers stunning views of the Bosphorus.

I will come back.
James Bond in Istanbul