Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul invites guests to immerse
themselves in Turkish culture, art and natural beauty with a range of new city
experiences
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 27, 2021 – When it comes to cities that combine history, beauty and
culture with art, style and creativity, there are few places on earth that can
compete with Istanbul. And there are few people who know the city like the team
of local experts at Shangri-La
Bosphorus, Istanbul. Tapping
into these deep-rooted connections throughout the city, Shangri-La has created a series of curated
experiences that invite guests to rediscover the best of Istanbul this summer. The
new experiences make every Istanbul adventure even richer for guests, whether
they’re jewellery lovers, art aficionados, or just love getting out on the
water.
A
Journey into the world of Turkish jewellery designer Sevan Biçakçi
Loved by celebrities including
Elizabeth Hurley, Halle Berry and Whoopi Goldberg, Sevan Biçakçi launched his
first collection of extraordinary jewellery in 2002, having spent years working
as an apprentice with master craftsmen in Istanbul’s famed Grand Bazaar. His unique
pieces are a reflection of Istanbul in miniature, incorporating Ottoman
history, art and traditional motifs, with one of his most famous pieces to date
incorporating a miniature of the Hagia Sofia mosque embedded into a ring. On
this Shangri-La-curated half-day tour, guests will visit Biçakçi’s store deep
in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar for a close-up look into the intricacies of
his designs, including one unique and highly desirable piece that is usually
under wraps and off-limits to visitors. A must for lovers of jewellery and
Ottoman style, the experience is priced at EUR 250 per person for a minimum of
four and a maximum of eight guests.
A visit
to artist Ismail Acar’s atelier and an Afternoon Tea to remember |
shangri-la-bosphorus-istanbul-shangri-la-suite |
Inspired
by his home city of Istanbul, multi-disciplinary Turkish artist Ismail Acar’s
artworks are filled with Turkish and Ottoman motifs, with people, patterns and
familiar city sights all finding their way into his creations. A glimpse into Acar’s
atelier is like entering his own version of the city. With works ranging from
portraits to paper-carving, stencil graffiti and much more, it’s his
hyper-realist portrayals of still life and Turkish artefacts, juxtaposed with
Ottoman and Turkish design details, for which he has become most famous. After
experiencing artistry in the atelier, guests will return to Shangri-La
Bosphorus, Istanbul to experience artistry through the hotel’s renowned Afternoon
Tea, where Turkish and Asian flavours reflect the meeting of European and Asian
cultures in this thrilling city. The menu features dishes such as the palace manti
with fresh goat cheese, herbs and gold leaf, fresh-from-the-oven Black Sea pide
with minced beef, and the much-loved money bags with Peking duck, as well as a
selection of teas ranging from traditional Turkish çay to Indian and
Chinese blends. The
experience is priced at €170 for two people, inclusive of round-trip transfer
from the hotel to the artist’s atelier.
Cruising to find the Catch of the Day
on the Bosphorus
The
Bosphorus is one of the world’s most evocative waterways, connecting Europe and
Asia and providing the perfect backdrop for all sorts of Istanbul adventures.
On this excursion created by Shangri-La, guests will have the opportunity to
set sail on these storied waters with local fishermen and try their hand at fishing
the catch of the day. Departing at sunrise on a traditional Turkish fishing
boat, your local guides will survey the waters and cruise to the spots with the
best chance of landing a catch. Depending on the time of year and the
conditions of the day, bluefish, seabass and mackerel can all be fished in
these waters. For those who prefer to enjoy the ride instead of fishing for
dinner, a morning out on the Bosphorus offers opportunities to see the
beautiful Istanbul skyline from a different perspective, with mosques, minarets
and the city’s seven hills lighting up with the sun’s first rays. And keep an
eye on the surface of the water, too. It’s not unusual to see dolphins here. Back
at the hotel the chefs will be waiting to cook up the catch in traditional
Turkish style. And for those who didn’t have any fishing luck or who preferred
simply to enjoy the ride, there will still be a freshly prepared meal waiting
with ingredients picked up at the fish market for a true strait-to-table experience.
The Bosphorus Fishing
Excursion, including one night in a Premier Bosphorus room for two, is priced at EUR 1650. The fishing experience is
available for a minimum of two and a maximum of eight guests.
For bookings, please call +90 212 275 88 88, email slib@shangri-la.com
or visit https://www.shangri-la.com/landing/summer-on-the-bosphorus/
Shangri-La Cares Enhanced Health and Safety Protocols
Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
remains committed to providing a safe environment for all through Shangri-La Cares, the Group's global
safety program. Comprising a range of enhanced protocols and measures designed
to ensure colleagues work with peace of mind and guests can confidently enjoy
the moments that matter most. Shangri-La has followed recommendations laid out
by the World Health Organization, or more stringent local directives where
appropriate, to ensure its operational protocols are comprehensive. Concrete
measures have been adopted at all Shangri-La Group hotels and resorts to combat
the risk of contracting viruses and bacteria so that guests can feel safe when
staying at or visiting its properties. These protocols include: increased
frequency and full attention to deep cleaning of all high-touch surfaces and
areas used by guests throughout the hotels; use of medical grade sanitizers and
disinfectants, which are approved by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency; increased cleaning frequency of air filters and air-conditioner systems
to ensure optimal air quality; and safe dining, meetings and events with extra
precautions to respect physical distancing and enhanced food safety practices.
Guests can learn more about Shangri-La Cares programme on the website.
About
Shangri-La:
Shangri-La,
an iconic flagship brand of the Shangri-La Group, puts heartfelt service at the
core of its distinctive Asian hospitality experience. Through imaginative and
nature-inspired design, delightful culinary and cultural experiences, and its
authentic and thoughtful service, the brand enables guests to realise their own
moments of Shangri-La.
Today,
the brand experience is brought to life in over 80 deluxe hotels and resorts at
destinations around the world, including Australia, Canada, Mainland China,
Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia,
Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of
Oman, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
Shangri-La’s Golden Circle is the
award-winning loyalty programme offering members a world of benefits when
staying at participating Shangri-La, Kerry, JEN and Traders Hotels. The
programme offers members access to mobile check-in and check-out, free nights
and more. To enrol or learn more, visit Golden-Circle.com.
For
more information, please visit Shangri-La.com.
Tags: Shangri-La, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul