JEWELRY & FASHION-FORWARD PACKING, SHANGRI-LA BOSPHORUS, ISTANBUL
If are looking for ideas for a chic city break or for an exotic destination, I’m going to have it covered. Here is my jewellery & fashion diary from the latest trip to Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul.
GETTING THERE
It is my birthday tradition every year to travel somewhere new and exotic with my husband so that just the two of us can have a romantic celebration. For this birthday we picked Istanbul as I had never been before. I really wanted to celebrate my birthday in a sumptuous style with lots of flowers and Turkish delights at Shangri-La! Shangri-La Bosphorus is 45 minutes from Attatürk international airport, where I recommend flying with Turkish Airlines. Make sure to ask Shangri-La for a blue sapphire Rolls-Royce to pick you up from the airport in order to arrive at the hotel in style.
FIRST IMPRESSION
Just like Istanbul itself, the hotel is grand with a welcoming environment (and a fast check-in!). The two storey chandelier made from contemporary Bohemian glass in the lobby is absolutely striking and takes your breath away. Shangri-La Bosphorus in Istanbul offers 186 spacious rooms and suites, two restaurants, one bar and CHI Spa.
ROOM
My birthday started in my room with my favourite sweets: baklava and turkish delight. Flowers were abundant and everywhere, and they never fail to put a smile on my face! My Deluxe Bosphorus Suite had a breathtaking view of Bosphorus and the myriad of boats of all sizes floating on the water. The room was spacious, comfortable and luxurious, so absolutely perfect for a birthday celebration. The pastel palette of blue and beige is certainly provides a calming contrast to the chaos of Istanbul’s streets. The bed was divine, and my favourite space in the room was the marble bathroom featuring a large walk-in shower and a bathtub and filled with Bulgari products. I was also happy to see my favourite Villeroy & Boch ceramics in the suite as little details matter to me.
BREAKFAST
Skip the buffet and treat yourself to a breakfast in bed just like I did for my birthday. The pancakes were yummy and a must-order!
SPA
I was really keen to try the traditional Turkish bath or Hammam during my time in Istanbul. On one of the days, I met a local – and a friend of a friend – who assured me that we were at the best Hammam in town. The soothing hands of a skilled therapist at the CHI spa melted away each knot in my body, leaving a sensation of deep relaxation before my birthday celebration in the evening. I loved being covered with foam during the treatment. What is the better way to start a birthday if not with a Spa treatment, spoiling myself!
DINING
As I was born the Far East of Russia and regularly travelled to China with my family, the authentic Cantonese dishes at Shang Palace restaurant were perfect for my birthday dinner. The dish I am already craving again is the crispy Sinchuan style fried sliced beef with honey-vinegar sauce: absolutely a must-order! Shang Palace provide authentic delights in the elegant ambience of its spacious dining area.
JEWELLERY BOUTIQUE
Taking advantage of being a jewellery blogger, I picked a few of my favourite jewels to wear on my birthday! The hotel jewellery boutique, Arte Diore, by the reception is impossible to miss: it has a strong magnetic power even I could not resist!
THE VERDICT
Shangri-La is great place to stay in Istanbul, because of specular views of the Bosphorus, a convenient location to explore the city, and a beautiful Hammam to relax in after a long day of adventures in the Turkish capital.
What did you think of my experience at Shangri-La Bosphorus? I would love to hear what you think by leaving me a comment in the box below. Thank you!
I am extremely happy to announce that my new jewelry book – GEMOLOGUE: Street Jewellery Styles & Styling Tips – is now on Amazon. I’m so excited. It’s the first book of its kind solely dedicated to jewellery.
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GEMOLOGUE jewelry blog by Liza Urla is a celebration of fine, fashion and vintage jewellery featuring talented jewellery designers, trendy urban street style, exclusive interviews and rare jewellery reviews. This jewellery blog’s goal is to encourage and educate about jewellery online in a fresh and original fashion to inspire women and men across the globe in a fashion and travelling context.
Jewellery blogger, writer Liza Urla, the founder of GEMOLOGUE, is a London-based and NYC-educated gemologist, who has travelled to and lived in many countries. She is now one of the most influential digital jewellery tastemakers. Her jewellery influence has been acknowledged by Financial Times, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
*Photographed at Shangri-La Bosphorus. Styling and Art Direction by Liza Urla. All photos belong to GEM Kreatives for GEMOLOGUE.
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