A’jia – Istanbul

What:
In the 1800s it was a governor’s mansion. Today it is a modern chic 16-room hotel. The 10 “deluxe rooms” are minimalist cool; the 6 suites are more ornate and have an almost Swedish-style luxury to them. As comfortable as the rooms are, the excellent waterside dinning and drinking area is definitely the highlight of a stay here.

Where:
Along the banks of the Bosphorus on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Our take:
The A’jia Hotel isn’t in the most central location, about 45 minutes from Ayasofya and the heart of old Istanbul. It is in a blissfully chill location and superb if your plans call for large doses of eating, drinking and relaxing.

The Deluxe Park room is the only one at the A’jia without a water view. The Bosphorus Terrace rooms and Bosphorus Pasha suite have attached outdoor balconies.

Book through Travellisimo and with a Mr & Mrs Smith member card ($25 or £15 per year) and receive a late check-out (if available). Stay in a suite and also receive a pair of tickets to the Sabanci Museum, including complimentary transportation on the boat shuttle between the hotel and museum.