There is a time in our adolescence when we start to identify flaws in the stories that we are told as children. The fairy tales that we remember don’t seem to hold such a strong place in our hearts anymore, and we find ourselves focusing only on the elements of the stories which could be plausible to our “mature” minds.

We dilute our memories to fit into the World that we can see and feel. Tangible and real. Sometimes though, very rarely, but sometimes, these Worlds collide, and the stories we stored in the back of our minds are released, in full technicolor.

Winter gardens welcome us at a 19th-century Ottoman palace, deep in the heart of Istanbul. A Multilingual concierge greets us at the entrance to what can only be a palace, lost in time. Fountains and marble terraces, with views of the city. Clear blue water, in the pools and the strait, connecting the two seas of historically rich lands.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus is a place that has found itself locked between the real world and a fairy tale land, and the rich Istanbul culture seems to radiate through its walls.

Enjoy a live performance at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus Sunday brunch, without having to step a foot outside the hotel walls. The Sunday Brunch has become a staple for locals and foreigners alike, where stories of old and new are told, over a traditional Turkish feast.

Once the festivities have subsided, the marble-tiled Hammam awaits. For those looking to mix the traditions of old with an international twist the, World-class spa treats guests to a full body scrub and massage. After soaking and soothing your body a rest may be in order, and where better to lay your head down than a contemporary and Ottoman-designed chamber, with unmatched views of the shimmering Bosphorus.

The Atik Pasha Suite is a luxury room that redefines the word, with 257m2 of floor space fit for royalty. King-size beds and marble bathrooms, surrounded by intricately detailed comforts, featuring rich, custom-designed fabrics and mahogany furniture.

The extravagance at this 5-star Urban resort, which won a Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury City Hotel in Turkey 2022 doesn’t end in the rooms, as the real highlight of this 19th-century Ottoman palace has been running along its walls for generations.

Famously separating the Asian and European parts of the city, the Bosphorus has played a significant role in trade for centuries. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus traverses this passage for a slightly different reason though.

The Four Seasons offers private, luxury boat cruises to its guests upon request. Writing your own history on these famous waters is also a possibility, and couldn’t be done more romantically. Marry the love of your life in a 19th-century Ottoman palace, overlooking these crystal-clear waters.

Sea legs aren’t a requirement in an Ottoman Palace though, with two stunning pools ideally positioned for your pleasure.

The outdoor, heated pool overlooks the Bosphorus, and provides unique additional entertainment for its swimmers, with built-in underwater speakers.

The indoor pool, which is situated near the spa provides a different experience. Designed in a 19th-century aesthetic with golden, dimly lit lamps, this pool is all about serenity and elegance.

Four Seasons caters to gastronomes and connoisseurs with several restaurants, each specializing in something a little different.

Head over to the Yali Lounge for cocktails and cigars, or enjoy a seafood dinner with a view at Aqua.

Located in the hotel lobby, Yasemin prepares traditional Turkish cuisine or an afternoon cup of tea.

A holiday in itself can be experienced without ever leaving the walls of this magical property, but for the explorer in you, the city of Istanbul awaits.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus is only a 5-minute walk to Besiktas Square, which is a fit starting point when exploring vibrant Besiktas.

Beauty surrounds this classically designed, modern European citadel, and the intricacies in the detail are evident throughout. From the marble patio in the center to the winter garden and pristine pools, matched only by the Bosphorus itself, this really is something out of a fairy tale.

To learn more about the hotel, please visit: https://www.fourseasons.com/bosphorus/