Although Turkey may not be a traditional honeymoon location, visitors find romance in this country. Turkey rests on the border of the Middle East and Asia. The city of Istanbul, with ancient sites dotting it, is an ideal place to start any honeymoon. Turkey might not be known as the land of love, but the memory of a honeymoon visit to this land will stay with newlyweds for the rest of their marriage.
A quick plane ride from Istanbul, Cappadocia is a remote small village with lunar "fairy chimney" formations dotting the landscape. Though the majority of the Cappdocia Cave resort is located outside the caves, the tan stone facade of the building blends beautifully into the landscape. The hotel comes with two heated swimming pools for a romantic moonlight dip. In true Turkish fashion, choose from two hammams, traditional bathhouses, or try booking a massage at the hotel's Leea Spa. All rooms are stocked with fruit plates and drinks upon arrival. Each room comes with Internet access and a television, and many rooms feature terraces that allow romantic visitors to step out and enjoy the fresh night air. The hydro-massage shower and bathtub ensure that newlyweds never want to leave the room. The various rooms and suite choices are all luxurious, but the queen suite, with its round bed, stone wall and plush headboard, is the best choice for a romantic stay abroad in Istanbul at the Cappadocia Cave Resort & Spa.
Cappadocia Cave Resort & Spa
Tekelli Mah. Goreme Cad. Divanli Sok.
No: 83, Nevsehir, Uchisar
Cappadocia, Turkey
0-384-219-3194
cappadociacaveresortandspa.com
Newlyweds can relax in style along the Asian side of the Bosphorus. The A'jia Hotel is situated in a gorgeous white Ottoman mansion that dates back to the 1800s. The hotel only has 16 rooms, most of which offer a direct view of the river outside. Choose from private terraces, hot tubs, in-room baths and more. A'jia's hotel rooms and suites are charming and look more like ancient loft apartments than a hotel. Light streams through the white curtains, washing the rooms in natural light. But the hospitality doesn't stop there: The hotel's highly rated restaurant showcases the best in Mediterranean cuisine. Though honeymooners can easily reserve a table for two, a larger wedding party can come along for a private tasting event. Although the location of this boutique hotel is slightly secluded from the heart of Istanbul across the Bosphorus, it is only a 40-minute drive away. Those on a romantic getaway can enjoy each other's company in peace or delve into the riches of Istanbul for a day trip as desired.
A'Jia Hotel Istanbul
Pasabahçe Mh.
Pasabahçe Çubuklu Cd 27, 80200
Istanbul, Turkey
0-216-413-9300
ajiahotel.com
On the opposite side of the Bosphorus from A'jia Hotel visitors will find another luxury honeymoon hotel with a long history. Once belonging to an Ottoman-era Pasha, the hotel has since been redone and upgraded to lavish proportions. The suites are decked out with glamour, from plush beds and lavish drapes to hot tubs and walk-in showers. The Nurbanu Sultan suite's bathroom features black and gold marble, while the bedroom and sitting room appear to have been created for a romantic prince and princess's vacation. The Les Ottomans' hotel recommends the Safiye Sultan for honeymooners and those on a romantic getaway. The room is awash in reds and gold with a view of the Bosphorus from all windows. But the hotel's rooms shouldn't be the only attraction for newlyweds; the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa offers massages and scrubs as well as a chance to spend time in their very own hammam.
Hotel Les Ottomans
Muallim Naci Cad. No:68 34345
Kurucesme--Istanbul
90-212-359-1500
lesottomans.com
