Princes' Palace Resort
Istanbul, Turkey
Nizam
Vibe
Gulls and bicycle bells drift across manicured lawns and waterfront terraces set against the Marmara Sea on car-free Büyükada.
“Ottoman mansion oasis”
A restored nineteenth-century Belle Époque mansion, once the historic coastal residence of an Ottoman artillery paşa.
Ottoman motifs and Victorian villa architecture meet contemporary suites finished in warm timber, woven textures, and Turkish marble.
A car-free island sanctuary offering a private swimming lagoon, sea-view infinity pool, tennis court, and beachfront dining.
On car-free Büyükada in the Sea of Marmara, reached by boat across the water from Istanbul.
“The resort draws from this legacy with colonnaded walkways, sculpted gardens, and sea-facing suites styled with layered detail and ease.”
Rooms
Ottoman-inspired suites feature stone craft, plush woven finishes, and marble bathrooms, opening onto private terraces overlooking the gardens or sea.
Wellness
A traditional Turkish marble hammam and gold-glazed indoor pool accompany a sea-facing outdoor infinity pool and private swimming lagoon.
Backstory
Completed in 1885, the Belle Époque estate once served as the coastal residence for an Ottoman chief of artillery.
Eat & drink
EMA's Dining Room serves wood-fired Aegean seafood, while the rooftop cocktail bar offers sunset aperitivos overlooking the water.
The neighborhood
Büyükada's quiet coastal lanes remain car-free, inviting exploration by bicycle past historic Victorian timber mansions and pine groves.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.