Posts

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

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.