TURKEY: Istanbul The Favourite Destination For GCC Travellers,

Istanbul, already one of the most fascinating and rewarding cities in the world, is also a long-time favourite destination for GCC travellers, one of the city’s leading hoteliers has unveiled.

With a flying distance of less than four hours non-stop and due to its Muslim-friendly, culturally-familiar environment, the city is expected to have an increasing number of the Gulf’s elite visiting the stylish Nişantaşı neighbourhood during the forthcoming Eid Al Adha break,it said.

With the start of autumn in September, it is the ideal time to discover a city full of beauty and rich in heritage, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Complementing this, the city is filled with world-class retail options, art galleries, excellent dining, exciting nightlife and luxury accommodation options.

“Istanbul is one of the world’s greatest cities and GCC travellers continue to adore this fascinating city. We expect to see greater numbers at Eid breaks. The Gulf’s affluent travellers prefer to base themselves in the chic Nişantaşı neighbourhood, with its premium shopping and dining offerings, while desiring discreet, luxurious, personalised services and design-led accommodation, which is where The St. Regis Istanbul is uniquely positioned to meet their needs,” said Rui Reis, general manager, The St. Regis Istanbul, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Nestled in the sophisticated Nişantaşı neighbourhood, The St. Regis Istanbul prides itself on its prestigious address, surrounded by chic designer boutiques, art galleries and the shimmering Bosphorus close by. The residential hotel sits atop Maçka Park and boasts breath taking, floor-to-ceiling views of the Bosphorus from the 118 guestrooms and suites, including the world’s second Bentley Suite.

Designed by award-winning Turkish architect Emre Arolat, The St. Regis Istanbul is a modern interpretation of Istanbul’s glamorous Art Deco era with a variety of contemporary art installations.

Following in the tradition of the St. Regis brand’s legendary New York hotel, The St. Regis Istanbul features the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including the signature St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to global travellers. Trained in the British tradition, the butlers provide unparalleled attention and unobtrusive service while anticipating guest needs and customising each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

Families can have a truly remarkable dining experience at the city’s famous dining hotspot Spago by Wolfgang Puck, located on the hotel’s rooftop with stunning views of the vibrant city. The St. Regis Brasserie offers street-side action, with an indoor show kitchen and bustling outdoor terrace reminiscent of a Parisian café. For unprecedented relaxation, the prestigious Iridium Spa presents restorative therapies and three treatment pools, whereas the state-of-the-art Exercise Room acts as an energizing all-hours escape.

The city’s true luxury address also offers a tailored shopping retreat, in collaboration with premium department store Harvey Nichols. The personalised styling services provide guests with exclusive previews of the latest collection in the store’s personal shopping lounge or at the hotel, and exclusive access to over 450 brands in Harvey Nichols and Brandroom, as well as in privileged luxury boutiques located at the hotel itself. The hotel can provide transportation by chauffeured Bentley, making it the ultimate trip for GCC tastes.

The St. Regis Istanbul has extended a privileged package for Eid Al Adha, offering a journey to discover the finest address in Istanbul. The bespoke experience includes daily breakfast, an upgrade in the room category upon availability, early check-in and late check-out and a food and beverage credit worth $100 which can be used at the St. Regis Brasserie, a classic Parisian brassiere and Wolfgang Puck’s iconic Spago.

The exclusive package is available between September 8 and 18 for a minimum stay of three nights, with a starting rate of €280 ($310.3) + VAT per night.