Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus occupies a restored 19th-century Ottoman palace on the strait in Besiktas, reimagined as a chic urban resort. The rooms and suites blend contemporary and Ottoman Turkish design with custom fabrics, across eleven categories up to the Atik Pasha Suite, several opening onto quayside terraces. Dining centres on Aqua, serving Mediterranean seafood with a Turkish accent and Bosphorus views, with the all-day Yali lounge, the terrace Ocakbasi for kebabs and mezes, and a celebrated Sunday brunch by the water. The spa has a sauna, steam room, spa tub and relaxation lounge, three traditional Turkish hammams and couples’ massage suites. There is an indoor pool with underwater speakers and skylights, a seasonal heated outdoor pool and a fitness centre with outdoor yoga over the Bosphorus. Experiences run from a chocolate workshop and a wine and cheese journey to a private cruise. It suits couples, families and business travellers who want a palace-resort feel in the heart of the city.