Tag Archives: spa

Sumahan on the Water, Istanbul

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Those who have visited Istanbul before, or those with a little more time, may be keen to venture to the Asian side of the Bosphorus. This quiet and calm district will give you a taste of the old Istanbul and there is nowhere better to stay than the design-led hotel, Sumahan on the Water.

Housed in a 19th century former drinks factory, this property has great character and charm. We had a lovely days excursion to Sumahan, a much-needed break from the bustling streets and markets of the city centre. Catching the mid-morning complimentary speedboat transfer, we arrived at the hotel in time for lunch. With the sea breeze and the fantastic vista, it felt like a different city.

On the terrace of the restaurant Tapasuma we enjoyed delicious, beautifully presented Turkish specialities. Fine, refreshing local white wine, homemade bread with warm soft grilled cheese and tapenade. My highlights of the menu included warm hummus topped with indulgent sliced beef, tender roast lamb shank with mashed cracked wheat, fresh herbs, dates, plum, apricot and oregano lamb sauce. Pudding was sublime, a butter chocolate soufflé dusted with icing sugar and accompanied with ice-cream and cream. It was soft, sweet and gooey, the perfect consistency and utterly irresistible.

After a flavoursome and filling meal, we had time to relax in the sunshine before heading down to the petite spa. The space was simple but stylishly designed, and very comfortable. Here guests can try a luxurious Turkish hammam or indulge in one of the signature treatments. I enjoyed a vigorous aromatherapy massage with rose oil. The rhythmic movements eased the tension in my back and legs, and though it hurt at times, it felt like it was really improving my posture.

Sumahan on the Water is a blissful escape, a Turkish delight just thirty minutes across from Istanbul’s main city. Never has it been so easy to see two continents in a day, with the picturesque boat ride between being a bonus.

More information and book here.

The Edition, Istanbul

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The London Edition is the hottest hotel in town. Artistic and elegant, it is frequented by A-listers from Kate Moss to Damien Hirst. The Istanbul Edition is quite different in style and purpose; located in the business district of Levent, this high class and high rise building is out on a limb. Although the trendy, wealthy area of Bebek is nearby, there are no hip hang-outs on the doorstep or cool boutiques round the corner. But guests need not fear, a metro station is conveniently just outside the main hotel entrance, delivering you to the centre of town within minutes.

Inside there are very few indications of Istanbul, the sleek modern interiors are welcoming but slightly non-specific. While checking-in, I was distracted away from the reception desk by the tank of exotic fish and sea creatures, design quirks like this gave a showy futuristic feel.

Even the smallest rooms are spacious at the Istanbul Edition. Our Deluxe Room was spread over 50 square metres and had every contemporary gadget you could imagine. From the giant central bed, we could operate every blind, curtain, shutter and light, controlling the exact ambience of the room. An internal curtain drew back to reveal the luxury bathroom in all its glory. The design is the epitome of minimalistic chic. The palette doesn’t deviate from pale grey and warm caramel shades. No one could fault the facilities and the design is sure to appeal to most. I slept like a baby in the regal bed, and adored the large rectangular marble bath, complete with own brand toiletries.

We felt like we were the first guests to experience the space, which is testament to the quality, upkeep and cleanliness.

The ESPA is a ‘destination spa’. Located deep underground it feels totally removed from the rest of the hotel. There are numerous treatment rooms, male and female hammams, rock sauna, steam room and snow cabin, oh, and a plunge pool with a sculptural, shimmering onyx ceiling.

Italian-based Cipriani Restaurant is found on the ground floor, all meals are served here including breakfast. With notably more colour and character, this area of the hotel gives off a different relaxed vibe. Breakfast was a tad dull, the lack of hot, freshly cooked, a la carte items was disappointing.

Although located in the financial district, the Edition Istanbul is much more than a business hotel. The spa is reason alone to visit.

More information and book here.

The Villa Spa, Villa Kennedy Hotel, Frankfurt

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After a late night out in the city there is nothing more restorative than a morning at a peaceful spa. Villa Kennedy is located in the quiet, leafy outskirts of Frankfurt, a Rocco Forte Collection hotel of some grandeur.

As a triathlete Sir Rocco Forte insists on luxurious spas in all of his hotels, The Villa Spa is renowned in Frankfurt as the best place to refresh the body and mind. With eight treatment rooms, a Turkish steam room and sauna, a relaxing room and garden, a fitness centre and a granite-lined pool, there is every facility you could need to totally replenish and revitalise. We considered lingering in the retreat all day and cancelling our plans to explore the city!

The pale pristine spa is a joy to experience and I couldn’t understand why there weren’t more guests taking advantage of this blissful bonus to the hotel. After changing into the enveloping bathrobes, we were escorted to the private treatment rooms. There are over 120 treatments to choose from, we were booked in for the ‘Whole in One’ 60 minute massage. My chirpy therapist explained each stage of the massage before we began. Face down on the heated bed I felt able to let go of every tension in my body. Using her arms and elbows she eased away knots in my back, focussing on my tight shoulders. It was incredible.

As I woke from my light massage-induced sleep, I realised how clear-headed and light-bodied I felt. The therapists returned with a strongly scented red rose and a cup of hot ginger tea, to sooth and awaken the senses. In the relaxing room a fresh berry smoothie was waiting, looking exotic and tasting delicious. Resisting the urge to lie on the sun lounger in the garden and sleep, I went through to the sauna and steam room and let the heat cleanse my pores. The pool is the centrepiece of the spa, and certainly cannot be ignored. I jumped into the rippling pale blue water and swam back and forth, the most peaceful kind of exercise.

We left this palatial hotel feeling like we’d been rested and revived, it was like waking from a deep sleep. The Villa Spa is an absolute must for guests wishing to take a break from their city itinerary.

More information and book a spa treatment here.

Many thanks to the Frankfurt Tourist board for their help with this trip, more information here.