Welcome to 7Pines Resort – the new luxury hotel in Ibiza and Member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”

By this time, one could think that my favorite island Ibiza doesn’t have anything surprising or really new to offer. Far from it. Opened in early June in Ibiza, 7Pines Resort is a 56,000-square-meter deluxe hotel with 186 suites, oceanfront restaurants and bars, infinity and lagoon pools, a 1,500-square-foot spa, its own Pershing yacht and secret grotto. Located in the southwest of the Balearic island, between Cala Tarida and Cala Comte.

The lobby of the 7Pines Resort welcomes the arriving guest with views of the pool and sea. By the way, checking in here is short and relaxed – and comfortable while sitting down

My first encounter with 7Pines Resort is already two years back. At that time, there was just an idea of what the 5.5-acre site would become once. General Manager Markus Lück gave me a small tour and showed with great enthusiasm, what everything would look like in the future. Construction delays on objects of this size are nothing out of the ordinary – especially not in Spain – so it was not surprising that the official opening in early June had to be rather improvised.

Markus Lück, the general manager of 7Pines Resort and me on the construction site. He supervised the project from the beginning and knows it like no one else

However, the gigantic opening party on the evening of June 2nd ran as planned. More than 600 invited guests strolled the red carpet and were impressed by various show acts, live music and light shows. The evening dresses of the ladies fluttered in the light breeze, while the iced champagne sparkled in the glasses. And the kitchen showed its future culinary standard with its offered food. When world-class DJ Fritz Kalkbrenner was at the turntables later in the evening, there was no holding back. What an impressive evening.

One of the highlights of the opening ceremony: Illuminated giant dolls – Dundus – move in time to the music and delight the guests

The 7Pines Resort is part of the Düsseldorf investment group 12.18., which, apart from various hotel projects, also operate in five-star houses such as “Schloss Fleesensee” in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. With “Hotel Stadt Hamburg” on the North Sea island of Sylt, another hotel in the luxury segment was added this summer. It takes a great deal of entrepreneurial courage to invest millions in a project like the 7Pines Resort, which caters to a pampered clientele who knows everything and has seen it all. Especially in Ibiza. But as an investor you also need a vision. And who visits the 7Pines Resort, can feel the motivation of its operators.

Who visits the 7Pines Resort, can feel the motivation of its operators

What I particularly like about the 7Pines Resort is the generosity of the entire resort. There is room, nothing is tight. There are multiple retreat areas and privacy. The 186 suites (48 to 124 square meters) are spacious and equipped with living room and bedroom (s) in Ibizan style and Mediterranean colors. Some have their own garden and private pool. There is a kitchenette for the preparation of tea and coffee and a wine fridge with champagne, wines, soft drinks, chips and co, which is replenished daily. Even a mini-freezer was thought of, which holds ready ice cubes and cooling sleeve. Friends of the longdrink find everything necessary for its preparation. 24/7 room service is self-evident, as well as the fresh fruit, which is delivered daily on the electric bikes in retro look. In the bathrooms are plenty of towels and bathrobes, Molton Brown products and a XXL rain shower.

The 7Pines Resort’s own delivery – electric bikes in retro look – provide fresh fruit daily and a 24/7 room service. The service at 7Pines Resort is excellent

Speaking of space: the 1,500-square-meter spa is the absolute doozy at the 7Pines Resort (more about it soon on Mystylery) and an architectural masterpiece – the focus is always on the look outside. I cannot think of any other luxury resort on the island that offers me this phenomenal, 180 degree view of the sea and the rock Es Vedrà both in yoga, as on the treadmill or the massage table. The 7Pines Resort aims to welcome and pamper its guests throughout the year. Even in the winter months, when Ibiza is still around 18 degrees Celsius. And even on cooler days, there is nothing more wonderful than sweating in the sauna after a long beach walk.

View of the mystic rock Es Vedrà

I quickly found my favorite spot in the hotel. A lounger by the infinity pool overlooking the rock Es Vedrà. For hours I could hang out here, dream and enjoy the view. This rock has something magical and captivates me. Especially at the blue hour and low sun. And the sunsets are – thanks to the southwest location of 7Pines Resort – the best on the island. Here the sun hovers like a huge, red balloon in the sky, becomes one with the horizon and makes the sky glow. Sometimes a green flash is created for a brief moment. Anyone who sees this may wish for something. BvH

Pure romance: The southwest location of the 7Pines Resort guarantees the best sunsets on the island

Info Pure Seven Spa:

The 1,500 square meter Pure Seven Spa was built by Balmea. The walls are decorated with floor-to-ceiling ornaments made of Bisazza mosaics. In addition to a Finnish sauna, the guest also has a steam bath, bio sauna and hamman. After the sauna, two degrees cold water from the mist shower ensures a little cooling. The Pure Seven Spa and saunas can also be booked and used by external guests.

Varied saunas at the Pure Seven Spa

The Pure Seven Spa at night. In the background the illuminated infinity pool

My suite:

…overlooking the sea from my own balcony. Bright colors were used for the design of the suites, some of which have fireplaces and all of them love to detail

On the convenient sofas you can relax comfortably on ikat pillows in shades of green and blue. Forget the beach bag? No problem. It is part of the 7Pines Resort’s facilities

Fancy a gin and tonic? The ingredients I find in the kitchenette

Comfort XXL: On the box bed of course with several pillows

Good night at 7Pines Resort: I cannot say no to the delicious macarons as a little bedtime treat

Small tour to the 7Pines:

The restaurant “The View” offers a breakfast buffet until noon which leaves nothing to be desired. My favorite: home-made yoghurt with fresh berries, passion fruit and grated coconut

The open-plan lobby at 7Pines Resort is decorated in natural materials such as wood, stone and leather

Following the Ibizan architecture, the facades of the 55 houses of the five-star hotel in total shine in a light sandstone tone. The maxims of 7Pines Resort are maximum comfort, privacy and space

The 44-meter long lagoon pool is ideal for families with children due to the gently sloping water inlet

Spa and Gym from the outside

Om with yoga teacher Sara: I’m thrilled, the 7Pines Resort offers daily yoga and pilates classes as well as personal training

The secret grotto: Like the movie backdrop of a pirate adventure

My favorite spot:

My favorite spot is the 55 meter long and 14 meter wide infinity pool. Pleasant: The subtle music in the background without annoying, deafening beats

Lunch by the pool with probably the most delicious Cesars salad ever. With a peach smoothie…

…Salute!

Infinity pool and sky radiate to the bet. By the way: If you want to swim in the sea and feel like spending a day at the beach, it’s just a few minutes drive away, for example, on the Cala Comte

The architects of Arditecnica from Madrid skillfully put the unique view at the center of the 7Pines Resort’s planning

The culinary:

First, I’ll have an aperitif at the Pershing Bar…

…then to the restaurant “The View” for an à la carte dinner. The view is unbeatable, right?

Chef Bijendra creates European dishes with a Korean touch here. The amuse-gueule with caviar …

…is followed by cannelloni poached Norwegian king crab, red shrimp and avocado

Then I decide for the Wild Red Snapper. Yummy!

From the restaurants “The View” and “Cone Club” my gaze falls on the romantic rock of Es Vedrà and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea

Ship ahoy! The 25-meter Pershing Yacht is available to 7Pines Resort guests for day trips and can also be hired for multi-day tours

Adios 7Pines! I’ll be back. Most certainly…

Contact 7Pines Resort:

www.7pines.com

More travel stories and Ibiza tips you can find here.

The 7Pines Resort Ibiza invited me.

The post Ibiza Love: Fine luxury at the 7Pines Resort appeared first on My Stylery.

No question about it: The historic buildings with their lush gold decor around the Brussels Town Hall are one of a kind

Perhaps it was because of my previous visit to beautiful Bruges, or perhaps simply because of a romantically transfigured memory of a visit to Brussels 25 years ago: My current encounter with Europe’s capital disappointed me at first. Only on the second day my mood brightened up, which was due to the fact that I discovered the trendy districts Saint Gilles and Ixelles.

Palais du Roi: At home with the King…

But first my impression of day one: Normally there are numerous cafés and restaurants around Place Jourdan in front of my hotel Sofitel, where you can sit outside. If it weren’t for the current major construction site. In the opposite brasserie “L’Esprit de Sel” – a recommendation of the hotel concierge – I ate a very moderate goat cheese salad and Belgian meatballs and I wondered to what extent grey building rubble and unspeakable noise influence the quality of a meal or even the basic mood of the cook? After all, the next morning I was compensated with a good breakfast in the “Or Espresso Bar”. Here the young avant-garde sits above their computers and enjoys the supposedly best coffee in town. I tasted the freshly baked sourdough bread with homemade jam and an organic Earl Grey before I went to the Atomium by metro. Not original, but a must see for every visitor to Brussels.

The Atomium and I

Back in the city centre. My tour started at the church Saint Cathérine at the square of the same name, around which nice restaurants invite for lunch. Then I went to the adjacent boulevard Antoine Dansaert, where, according to my travel guide, the chic boutiques of Belgian designers are located. Nope. Apart from the “A Suivre” boutique with the brands Vanessa Bruno, Barbara Bui, Joseph, Isabel Marant and some Belgian designers, grey dreariness was the order of the day. I went all the way to the stock exchange, where, in view of the dubious figures around the Place de Bourse, I preferred to quickly find my way around. Neither the Grand Place with its baroque gilded facades and the impressive town hall nor Manneken Pis could really fascinate me. Not to mention the alleys around it with junk shops and rip-off restaurants. Passing the Place du Grand Sablon, the Royal Library and the Royal Palace Palais du Roi, I landed in the Parc de Bruxelles, where I finally had the feeling of being able to breathe again.

Green lung of Brussels: Parc de Bruxelles

Brussels – and this is not really surprising – is dominated by Europe, its policies and its diplomats. Modern skyscrapers, in which the European Committee is housed, dominate an entire quarter, the Quartier Européen. If this is your first visit to Brussels, you should check it out.

House of the European Commission

Day two: My personal highlight were the districts Ixelles and Saint Gilles. My way to get there was along the Boulevard de Waterloo, where all renowned labels and luxury boutiques present themselves, from Prada to Chanel and Gucci. From there the street leads into Avenue Louise, where cheaper brands like Zara, Tommy Hilfiger or my new favourite label Essentiel-Antwerp are represented. I have seen original, individual shops and boutiques on the Rue du Bailli and Rue Africaine, around the church Saint Trinité in the middle of Ixelles. A district where many facades bear witness to the splendour of the Belle Epoque or are still waiting to be restored to their full beauty. My goal was to visit the Horta-Museum, once the home of Victor Horta, the creator of Art Nouveau. Good to know: The museum opens from 14.00 to 17.30 and is closed on Mondays. From here you have an ideal starting point to explore the many Art Nouveau facades of Brussels. Just follow the Chaussee de Charleroi and its extension Avenue Brugmann – the demarcation line of the Saint Gilles and Ixelles districts – and drift along its small streets. A highlight of urban elegance and classical architecture is the area around Avenue du Haut Pont, Rue Franz Merjay, Place Brugmann and Avenue Louis Lepoutre.

Dreamy Brussels: The Saint Gilles and Ixelles hoods

Here, in the Rue Franz Merjay, I stopped by the small bistro “Chez Franz” and ordered a goat cheese salad. This time it tasted delicious, including the oven-warm baguette served with it. Madame Danielle, an elegant, communicative Brussels-based, sitting at the next table, explained the spirit of her city to me and gave me wonderful tips for the rest of the day. So I strolled along the perhaps most beautiful promenade in Brussels, the Etangs d’Ixelles, situated on two long ponds. On the way there I made a detour through the small, enchanted park Tenbosch. Almost reminiscent of an exotic biotope, this green oasis turned out to be a real insider tip. Am I really in the middle of a pulsating big city, I thought to myself and enjoyed the moment. Brussels, a city of contrasts. BvH

A good breakfast is served in the „Or Espresso Bar“

The Atomium was the main pavilion at 1958 World’s Fair. Engineer André Waterkeyn and the architects André and Jean Polak were responsible for the design of Brussels landmark building

Brussels Town Hall: Even on rainy days a tourist magnet

Beautiful garden at the Royal Library of Belgium

Label to watch: Essentiel Antwerp

Around Place Saint Cathérine nice restaurants invite for lunch

An eyecatcher: Boutique “A Suivre” on Boulevard Antoine Dansaert

Around the Saint Trinité church, Rue du Bailli and Rue Africaine original, individual shops and boutiques are situated…

…like the concept store Mellow…

…and the Boutique Bonzai…

Around 1,500 houses in the most beautiful Art Nouveau style can still be admired in Brussels today

Open your eyes: Beautifully restored houses, sometimes reminiscent of English townhouses…

…Art Nouveau pearls with lush decor, little towers, oriels and balustrades…

…and imposing portals

Walking through the districts with watchful eyes…

…you will discover the architectural beauty and diversity of Brussels

Here you can make your credit card glow effortlessly: The Boutique „Cachemire Coton Soie“

Delicious food, nice staff and located in the trendy Saint Gilles area: The Bistro-Restaurant „Chez Franz“…

…where I highly recommend the goat cheese salad. In addition a glass of rosé wine: Santé!

I particularly like the playful facades and gables with the many chimneys, although I only warmed up with Brussels at second glance

More travel stories you can find here.

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Ibiza Love Part XVI

In the Bay of Es Cavallet is quieter than in the Beach Clubs at Playa Las Salinas or even the clubs on Playa d’em Bossa

Why did I actually always turn right in regularity, when the sign “Es Cavallet” appeared on the roadside of the PM 802 in Ibiza on my left? I honestly don’t know. Habit? Convenience? The believe that the Jockey Club at Playa Las Salinas was already the end of the story? Following a spontaneous inspiration, I then chose the other way and that has paid off in every respect. What I found on the beach of Es Cavallet and the Beach Club El Chiringuito, was the paradise.

The beach-chair price of 15 euros in El Chiringuito Beach Club is based on Ibiza’s price level. The luxurious daybeds are more expensive

Since Jonathan Thorogood and Olivia Fleury opened El Chiringuito in 2009 in the south of Ibiza, the Beach Club has developed into one of the hottest and most compelling high addresses of the island. Surrounded by imposing salt flats, sand dunes and turquoise water, here, the open view of the neighboring island Formentera and the old town of Eivissa reveal. The El Chiringuito is a great beach restaurant and lounge area – and in line with the beautiful scenery.

Here things are maintained well-cultivated, which also relates to the guests

Early Birds start their day here on white, cozy cushions with a breakfast, including Eggs Benedicte or Florentine. Eaten on white set tables where the bread is served in a linen bag. On the menu a whole range of breakfast classics are listed, which are comparable hard to find on the island. From 1 pm onwards Lunch is served, Mediterranean cuisine with French-Ibizan Touch. I love the bread selection to which a tapenade of tomatoes is offered. Delicious! Very good is the salad with goat cheese and walnuts, served in a wooden bowl, fresh Calamari Fritti or the spaghetti with seafood. Who wants a wine recommendation, is in best hands with sommelier Esteban Acosta. I like to try local wines and decide for the Rosé LXV Loxarel of Penedes. Gazing out to the sea I enjoy my wine and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in this moment. BvH

We had the salad with goat cheese and walnuts as a starter …

… followed by fresh Calamari Fritti and the spaghetti with seafood …

… and the Rosé LXV Loxarel of Penedes. Just wonderful!

In El Chiringuito there is also outstanding breakfast …

Chic and casual

… for example, freshly baked rolls and croissants, homemade organic muesli, delicious pancakes with maple syrup and fresh fruits

Best Iberico ham freshly cut by the expert

Just relax!

In order for the big ones in El Chiringuito to eat in peace, there is a professional entertainment area for the little ones

How about an Apéro before lunch?

The only drawback in the Bay of Es Cavallet is the high proportion of algae in the sea. Depending on the flow sometimes more, sometimes less. But knowingly you can’t always have everything

Contact El Chiringuito:

www.elchiringuitoibiza.com

The post Ibiza Love: Beach Club El Chiringuito appeared first on My Stylery.

Kalimera, Crete! This is the beautiful bay of the luxury hotel Daios Cove

My last Greece experience lies numerous years in the past and unfortunately it wasn’t a good one: While driving on the island of Lesbos I had a horrible car accident with a threefold rollover, fell into a coma just to awake in an adventurous hospital where I had to share a room with a snoring old lady who passed away in one of the following nights and my only thought was to escape. Maybe that’s the reason why I haven’t been to the land of gods and scholars lately.

Me sitting on the terrace while enjoing the 180-degree view over the turquoise sea

But a few month ago when an invitation arrived to get to know Greece’s most beautiful hotel I didn’t hesitate for a minute: Off to Crete – to soak in some valuable last sun in October!
After roughly four hours flight I’m heading from the airport Heraklion towards Agios Nikolaos with a rental car. Here, in the northeastern part of Greece’s largest island hidden and in absolute standalone location the hotel Daios Cove is situated. With a 180-degree view over the turquoise sea – spectacular!

Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas: In 2010 the luxury resort led by the Daios family consisting of 39 villas and 261 rooms opened – 165 come with their own private pool

Actually I am rather a fan of individual boutique hotels. Large concrete hotels aren’t for me. The ‚Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas‘ with 39 villas and 261 rooms and suites surely isn’t a small hotel. But thanks to the modern minimalistic architecture of Greek architect 3SK Styliandis it looks as if the luxury resort consisting of individual, interlaced houses has been sculpted into the hillside and is successfully integrated into the landscape. The complex build from grey-brown rocks stretches on lavishing 35 hectares; club cars, three cableways, and lifts are overcoming the resulting distances. Of course it’s also allowed to go up by foot … just kidding!

Surprise: Behind this door is my villa – you can spy my private pool already and the Mediterranean Sea behind

After I had to walk with crutches for the past few months due to a broken foot, I instantaneously had the best contact to the drivers of the club cars, which made the distance to my gorgeous ‘Private Villa’ insignificant. By the way villa is the right description here: On 115 square meters with an additional 50 square meters patio – spread across two stories, I indulged in a life of pure luxury: two bedrooms with large ensuite bathrooms and an outdoor shower, a living room – everything in contemporary and cozy brown-greige shades. Honestly I don’t know what I liked better: my own little ‘private pool’ or the sensational view across the sea and bay that I could enjoy every morning when I was waking up.

Tadaaa: My luxury two story villa with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, and outdoor shower

… Ensuite bathroom with fine marble …

A big plus of the Daios Cove is it’s own private beach at the private bay – hotel guests only. From my daybed draped with countless towels I occasionally went into the Caribbean appearing sea (the colors!) and from time to time to the beach bar. Certainly I could have pretended to be action seeking and rent one of the catamarans, jet – or water ski’s. But with my broken foot as a convincing argument I rather stayed on the daybed – until further notice.

The guests of the Daios Cove mainly come from Germany and England

But Crete really has a lot to offer. So much that it’s also a popular place for alpinists (the Ida-mountains are as far as 2.456 meters high), hobby archaeologists, and old-hippies. Well equipped with tips from Christos Tassakos, the Director of Sales of the Daios-Group, I undertook one or the other amazing day trip. A detailed to-do list is coming soon on MyStylery. But I actually wasn’t too crazy about leaving the Daios Cove, after all I could get pampered in the 2500 square meter spa, dabble in the infinity pool, play tennis or go into the fitness room. The last two options weren’t for me – unfortunately … but as I had mentioned: the foot.

The terrace of the Taverna

Instead I soon became a regular at the hotel’s restaurants. As resident of one of the villas I could avail myself with the exclusive breakfast service at the Ocean-Restaurant. This was followed by a small lunch in the tavern. I have to admit: the Pangea-Restaurant was not for me. Too big, too impersonal, the minimalistic ambience appeared sterile to me and not very pleasant. I – as an interior pro – would like to produce more coziness here. I spent the evenings at the Ocean-Restaurant – with a view at the selfsame. Magnificent! And because I haven’t seen everything Crete has to offer yet, I will come back soon. αντίο για τώρα – see you soon! BvH

Each morning my view falls from the 2.10m bed onto the hotels’ own bay …

… the second eyes fall on my pool. Should I take a refreshing morning bath here …

… or better take an outdoor-shower?

I could take a swim in the infinity-pool …

… or go directly to the beach

I opt for a breakfast in the Ocean Restaurant overlooking the selfsame and the pool

The watersports center …

… where one can book a catamaran- or jet ski tour

For lunch I go to the beach bar. Sea-air makes you hungry

A pool and another pool and then the sea – hard to decide, too many options!

The lounge- and bar area

The 2500 square meter spa with the indoor pool

My freshly pedicured feet and I

Finally a hotel boutique which offers attractive labels – like Missoni Mare – and stylish clothes

The modern executed lobby with designer furniture by Varaschin. Also the lamps by Castellani & Smith are chic. In the background the cableway with which you can get onto the other levels and to the beach with

On the way to my villa passing beds of cacti and bougainvillea. By the way: a standard room consists of luxurious 43 square meters

Who needs the Caribbean? The fine sand strand of the Daios Coves’ private beach in front of the turquoise sea and soft surf. Ideal for families with children

The Taverna

Tavern host Dimitri shows me the freshly caught seabass …

… which he is going to prepare for me now. Yummy!

Sea of lights at Daios Cove

On the 22nd April Dios Cove starts into the new season after the winter break

Tip I:

Namasté on Crete: Yoga-Fans – like me – get their moneys worth as well, for example with a one week Jivamukti-Yoga-Seminar at the end of September for 399,- Euro (plus Hotel). More infos: www.daioscove.com

Daios Cove Director of Sales Christos Tassakos and me

Tip II:

Exclusively for MyStylery Christos Tassakos recommends the most beautiful beaches on Crete

1. Not even five minutes by car the small town of Vathi is located with the bay of Voulisma: Greece has a lot more to offer than crisis, mismanagement and middle fingers á la Varoufakis

2. Crete is known for its countless, antique dig sites. When you’re on the way to Kolpos Malion you should take a detour to the long sand beach east of the town of Malia. Avoid the town itself, it is ultra touristic

3. In the south of Crete you can witness the most beautiful sunsets. For example on the beach of Tertsa – close to the little city of Mirtos – you’ll have to pass an adventures gravel road but its amazingly beautiful, not just for old hippies

4. Also located in the south close to Agia Folia a cul-de-sac winds down the hill. The bumpy road is worth it; a pebble stone beach in a romantic bay awaits the arriving visitor

Me and a last glass of wine on the beach of Tertsa. Αντιο – Bye Crete, see you soon!

Contact:

www.daioscove.com

The post Daios Cove: A chic luxury hotel on Crete appeared first on My Stylery.

The Blue Mosque, a dog and me: Hello Istanbul

The pulsing life, the movement, Istanbul fascinated me from the first moments. First of all there is the incredible location of the 14 million-inhabitant metropolis on two continents that impresses. 3000 years of history left their mark on the Bosphorus town. There is so much to discover- but where to go first? Of course there is the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque that come to my mind. But Istanbul has a lot more to offer.

Shop ’til you drop: The ‘Grand Bazaar’ has more than 4.000 shops

A boat tour along the Istanbul strait is for the daughter of a ship captain like me a clear MUST, to Asia and back to the Golden Horn please. For shopping victims like me it is obligatory to stroll through the oriental market ‘Grand Bazaar’. You absolutely need to schedule some time for this, as there are more than 4.000 shops on 30.000 square miles to visit. I am curious how the sultans in the Topkapi Palace resided and want to get enchanted by the grandest mosque the Sülemaniye. Conveniently those monuments of the old town on the historic peninsula lay in the district of Fatih, so it’s easy to combine these legs of my tour.

Streetlife in the Beyoğlu district, the hottest hood in Istanbul

The facing district Beyoğlu is the hottest borough of the moment, where the member club Soho House just opened its newest hotel (see “Soho House Istanbul: An oriental fairy tale palace“ on MyStylery). Here in Pera – that’s how the old European borough originally was called – a new art scene established with the ‘Istanbul Modern’ and ‘Pera- Museum’. There are many small cafes, galleries and shops, and not to forget the famous shopping street on which the historic tram drives.

Look at: https://mystylery.com/blog/2015/08/16/soho-house-istanbul-ein-palast-aus-1001-nacht/

You can find the most delicious breakfast with croissants that taste like in France at ‘Gram’. Everything is freshly prepared and the menu offers changing dishes. Chef and successful cookbook author Didem Şenol conjures fantastic Turkish- European crossover dishes from regional ingredients for instance warm goats cheese on eggplant and lentils – a truly culinary delight! I would like to highly recommend her branch at the Karaköy- District the ‘Lokanta Maya’ at this point. Culinary art at a high standard in a beautiful ambience.

Lunch- and breakfast spot: Gram, Mesrutiyet Caddesi, 107d in Pera, www.grampera.com

Help, I can’t decide with all the delicacies at the ‘Gram’!

The right address for Turkish Mocha or a Caffe Latte is the ‘Noir Pit’. Next to a tremendous selection of coffee specialties they also offer a variety of small snacks.

Have a coffee at the ‘Noir Pit’, Mesrutiyet Caddesi, 109a in Pera, www.noirpit.com

I love the small Cukurma-district, the antiques quarter offside the hectic ‘Istiklal Caddesi’ in Beyoğlu. It’s a pleasure strolling through the little alleys, past welcoming cafes and partially fallow buildings and then again the already refurbished objects in between like the small Boutique-Hotel ‘Corinne’ with a magnificent restaurant, and art gallery offer a nice surprise.

‘Corinne Hotel’, Kuloğlu Mh., Turnacıbaşı Cad Ayhan Işık 41, www.corinnehotel.com

Here you can also sit outside nicely: Boutique-Hotel ‚Corinne‘

Moving on past the Galata-tower into the direction of Karakoy, the quarter that just awakes from it’s deep slumber. Directly next to the jetties for big cruise ship emerges an interesting scene with chic restaurants for the hip audience. I initially wander trough ‘Fransiz Sokağı‘- the French street of the former Algerian quarter, which was renovated with the help of the French cultural institute, past little shops and cafes.

Popular to tourists and locals: ‚Fransiz Sokağı‘, the French street

Welcoming: Coffeeshop at the ‚Fransiz Sokağı‘

Giant boat infront of a small house: Jetty in the Karakoy district

I decide to have a relaxing lunch at the near, very popular ‘Karakoy Lokantasi’ which was recently furnished by the Turkish design company ‘Autoban’ with very cool tiles in turquoise. I order Turkish starters, so-called ‘Meze’: Hummus with flatbread, eggplant puree, shrimps marinated in coriander and garlic-yoghurt-cream. One should also taste the bulgur balls and the obligatory stuffed vine leaves. The only thing I could have forgone was the dowdy, bad service. But even that can damp my excitement for Istanbul in no way.  BvH

Unmotivated waiters in the otherwise beautiful ‘Karakoy Lokantasi’, Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa Mh., Kemankeş Cd 37a, www.karakoylokantasi.com

A MUST: Turkish starters, so-called ‘Meze’. Yummy!

Old Byzantium and Ottoman Empire

Ruin in Pera

A cat-city: Istanbul

A boat tour along the Istanbul strait: From Kadikoy to Eminons and back

Between Orient and Occident

Quite windy here! As it is, I have to hold my hat, so it doesn’t end up in the Golden Horn or Bosphorus

In Istanbul the religions live peacefully together. Here the Catholic Church St. Anthony …

… there is the ‘Neve Salom’-Synagogue. Both in the former European quarter Pera

There are a lot of inviting cafes in Pera

Not for calorie counters: Turkish delights like here on the ‚Istiklal Caddesi‘

There are many carpet dealers at the ‘Grand Bazaar’. The most talented (!) seller I met at ‘Rug & Rug’

I bought spices at the ‘Grand Bazaar’. Cooking at home – sounds like a plan

In the mood for a new hairstyle? Kuaför in the Pera district

Good to know:

English is not a matter of course:
A business card of your hotel can help to show the taxi driver where you want to go.

Worth seeing: the Topkapi Palace

By the way following tip saves time and nerves: at the Topkapi Palace I actually hired one of the guides who work there: Mustafa sneaked me past the sheer endless queue and explained – in perfect German – the whole palace including harem and armory to me. Since then I know that the word kiosk has its roots in the Turkish language. The length of the tour is negotiable and was absolutely worth its 50 €.

‘Lokanta Maya’, Kemankes Caddesi 35a, www.lokantamaya.com …

… there is great European-Turkish crossover cuisine

The post Istanbul, so cool! appeared first on My Stylery.