The best hotels in Turkey are as wildly diverse as the country itself—from chic coastal boltholes with views of the turquoise sea at every turn; to grand Ottoman palaces, revamped to new levels of luxury; to wellness resorts which harness ancient rituals switched up with cutting-edge spa technology; to places to party or to reset in serene, unspoiled surroundings, a world away from the quotidian concerns of the real world. Everywhere, food is a joyous affair—everyone comes home raving about it—and Turkish hospitality is always wide-armed and warm.
What time of year is best to visit Turkey?
The season on the Turkish Coast runs from May to October. September and October are heavenly—it’s quieter, the sea is still warm, the days warm and evenings cooler. July and August can be crazy hot. Istanbul is a blast year-round, though it’s no winter-sun destination—sometimes it snows in January.
Which part of Turkey should I visit?
For East-meets-West culture, history, Ottoman grandeur, a newly vibrant arts scene and, yes, for shopping, Istanbul is a whirl of wondrousness, with its wealth of ever-starrier palace hotels. Cappadocia, a region of otherworldly rock formations, is one of the most enchanting and romantic places in the world. For a seaside escape, the dreamy Turquoise Coast: Alacati is the bohemian hangout for chic Istanbulites, Bodrum has a lively social scene, Fethiye and Kalkan have sandy beaches, while the pine-forested Datça Peninsula is so isolated it feels like being castaway on an island.
Which hotel in Turkey is best for families?
The Bodrum Peninsula and Alaçati are home to an huge array of smart family-friendly stays. The villas at Bodrum Loft are perfectly set up for a multigen stay, and for an innovative kids’ club, Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye has a whole roster of workshops and events for children and adults.
This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
