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The Mandarin Oriental, Bosphorus, is a waterfront urban resort.

Aerial view of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Credit:Manolo Yllera/Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

But this storied metropolis doesn’t rest on its laurels.

(An ultra-luxe transfer move I can’t recommend enough after a long-haul flight.)

A subtle extravagance rooted in Mandarin’s interior design.

Two Bedroom Bosphorus Suite at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Manolo Yllera/Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

I braced for skull-pounding bass to derail my beauty sleep, but the windows were reasonably soundproof.

Curved architectural lines evoke an airy, yacht-like vibe without veering into nautical kitsch.

The marble bathrooms continue the tulip motif and come stocked with luxe Diptyque amenities.

The Mohist Room balcony at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Food and Drink

The eye candy isn’t the only treat at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus.

With two flagship restaurants and a tea lounge, the culinary program also serves up a bevy of treats.

Each restaurant looks out over the Bosphorus, so you could take in that east-facing skyline as you dine.

Two Bedroom Bosphorus Suite at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

With Turkey being the birthplace of the hammam, an authentic experience was mandatory.

They’ll even arrange a nanny or babysitting service if needed.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The Mandarin is doing its part to keep Turkey green.

The Mohist Room balcony at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Focusing on regional sourcing much of their food helps reduce that pesky carbon footprint.

Yet the stalwart sights of Sultanahmet are just a short drive away.

The best of both worlds extends to the surrounding neighborhoods as well.

Al Fresco dining at night time at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Venture south and you’ll discover Ortakoy, a former fishing village that’s maintained its old-world charm.

The Istanbul Suites Naile Sultan dining area at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Al Fresco dining at night time at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

The Istanbul Suites Naile Sultan dining area at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Novikov at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Manolo Yllera/Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

The pool at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Manolo Yllera/Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Interior of a spa relaxation area at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Manolo Yllera/Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Interior of a spa treatment room at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Manolo Yllera/Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul