The city of a thousand lights does not lack hotels at the leading edge of elegance. The Ortaköy Hotel has added its name to the list, with a refined and intimate establishment in the heart of the lively district of Ortaköy. I had the opportunity to stay there and to appreciate its charm. Make sure you remember the name, because it is fast becoming one of the legendary hotels of…
Ideally situated, in the centre of the lively Maçka district, surrounded by luxuriant gardens, this is one of the most prestigious locations in Istanbul. Behind a discreet facade, the incredible refinement of the lobby, with its glass atrium giving a magnificent view of the Bosphorus, is delightful. The visitor is greeted, on arriving, in a way that is fully consistent with the standing of the hotel and the legendary hospitality…
Right in the heart of Istanbul’s old city, a building that once housed the Ottoman régie (imperial bureau of tobacco) conceals the very chic Régie Ottoman boutique hotel. The moment you step inside, the decor sets the tone for an experience that cannot help but delight. The establishment has made a choice to retain the spirit of the place. The rooms subtly combine modernity with the imprint of the past,…
There are hotels you fall in love with at first sight. This little jewel overlooking the waters of the Aegean is definitely one of them. Its elegance, the breathtaking views of the Turkish Riviera, quality so high that it approaches perfection, irreproachable service, and an atmosphere that combines charm with tranquillity; these are my memories of the very exclusive Mandarin Oriental Bodrum. The hotel is located in Paradise Bay, one…
Located right in the heart of the town, the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage occupies a magnificent building in classic 19th century style, and is justifiably proud of providing its guests with an exclusive experience. On arriving, I was immediately captivated by its charm. The interior is so elegant and seductive, the welcome so warm and the atmosphere so delightful that any stay there will meet the highest expectations. To…
Being able to travel is one of the things I have missed the most during lockdown. So I decided to explore and re-explore the various districts of Istanbul, to look at them with new eyes, and to use my own experiences to send you off on vicarious travels. Today I’d like to offer an enchanting visit to a district that you may not find in your guidebook: Arnavutköy. Nestling on…
There are destinations you dream of all your life before you finally get there. For me, it was Japan. I have always been fascinated by every aspect of the country, its culture, its food, its art, etc, and I was impatient to set foot on its soil and to get the feel of the place. This trip fulfilled all my expectations, and even increased the fascination the country holds for…
Kyoto is at the heart of the now-legendary era of the samurai. In the lively district of Sanjo, where you can explore a wealth of heritage from the ancient imperial capital of Japan, a delightful journey awaits guests who step across the threshold of the Kyoto Yura Hotel, one of the MGallery collection. Within its walls, time seems almost to stand still, in a sophisticated world influenced by Japanese culture….
The chef of the remarkable「Le Teppanyaki」restaurant in the Westin Miyako Kyoto knows how to make a gourmet meal into a spectacular event. “TeppanYaki” simply means “grilling on a flat metal plate”. That’s plain and simple enough, but when it’s done with a French touch, the experience becomes truly unique. Here you can savour Japanese haute cuisine while watching the elements of your meal as they dance through flames, and be…
In the midst of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, in the Gōra district, there is a majestic mountain lodge, surrounded by breath-taking natural views. Here, one still gets repeated glimpses of the eternal Japan through the contemporary sophistication. If you are lucky enough to stop at the thermal spa town of Hakone, and you have time to treat yourself to a break from the fast pace of big city life, you…