Have you ever imagined luxurious hotel and strolling in its lavish gardens profuse with giant, red roses against the romantic yellow walls, only to find out that this same edifice used to be a prison 100 years ago? For the initiated who has experienced the eclectic indulgence called Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, it is both romantic and humbling to discover that the more-than-century- old edifice used to be a prison where famous artists, political figures, and renowned writers like Nazim Hikmer were among the celebrated detainees.

Topkapi is now a museum that houses many treasures of Istanbul, including the Spoondaggers with diamonds of gargantuan proportions. We were near tears as we chanced upon the poignant silhouette of the Blue Mosque as the sun was beginning to set against the six slender minarets. It felt like a surreal encounter with the synergy of man’s creation and nature’s sublime canvas as the palaces and churches, illuminated from all sides, appeared like floating jewels in the ebony sky. All these architectural wonders are just more than 50 steps away from the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul in Sultanahmet. The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at The Bosphorus, meanwhile, offers 141 guest rooms and 25 suites.

Having explored Four Seasons Istanbul in Sultanahmet for three days, it was time to transfer to our next home in the city: the alluring Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. As we boarded our hotel car to proceed to the Bosphorus area, we recalled the magical memory of seeing the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul in Sultanahmet for the very first time at dawn after passing through dark cobblestone streets with their yellow lights from the centuries-old lampposts and structures. At the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, we were welcomed by the palatial complex situated along the Bosphorus river with an amazing view of the illuminated bridge. At night, the bridge that connects the Asian and European sides of Istanbul comes alive as it bursts in a display of festive colors. This rhythmic elegance can be enjoyed at the promenade area of the hotel.