Situated waterside on the Bosphorus Straits – the frontier separating Europe and Asia – is the immaculately appointed Sumahan Hotel. The chic design hotel was converted from a mid-nineteenth century building that was originally a distillery producing ‘suma’, the pure spirit used to make local favourite, Raki. The hotel is a family affair in every sense of the word. The property is still in the hands of the original family – a Turkish – American couple and daughter – who also happen to be the architects/designers of the hotel.

The design is contemporary and elegant with choice use of wood, marble, steel and brick together with Turkish fabrics and linens and a colour palette of blues, greens and greys inspired by its surrounds. The hotel has its own restaurant, bar, charming library and a Turkish-style basement hamam for private use. Its Bosphorus-front location provides the perfect view of bustling Istanbul from a peaceful and secluded spot. While the hotel’s wooden launch is on-hand to ferry you across the strait in a matter of minutes – although after a few rakis in town it’s worth catching a taxi back across the bridge for the ‘Welcome to Asia’ sign that greets you on the hotel’s side of the Bosphorus. If you’re looking for a relaxed and stylish stay on your next trip to Istanbul – look no further than the Sumahan…