Page 105 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2019 PORTUGAL

After, wrapped up in my thick terry cloth in time, just for a short while, into the Ot-
robe, I settled into cushions on a deep, soft toman Empire, with its slower pace and gentle
sofa, my feet not touching the marble floor. customs.
Turkish music played in the background and The comfort of it stayed with me as I wan-
water flowed in a nearby small fountain. An dered back to my hotel and throughout my re-
antique tray, with a small teapot filled with maining days in Istanbul. I can even feel it
spicy herbal tea, vintage teacups, water, and again now, as I remember it.
pomegranate juice, had been set out on a low
table for me to enjoy. I could sit and relax as
IF YOU GO
long as I liked.
As I sipped the herbal tea and breathed in its
10 Karaköy Hotel, a renovated classical icon
earthy fragrance, I relished the experience I
from the 19th century, offers bountiful break-
had just had. I’d had my hair shampooed many
fasts, elegant and comfortable rooms, and a
times, in a busy modern hair salon. But my
location convenient to all the important sights
body? And in a clean and private space? I can’t
of Istanbul. At BahaneON10, the hotel’s ter-
remember being cared for like that.
race restaurant, you can enjoy food, music and
I washed my daughters and then my grand-
entertainment while experiencing a stunning
daughters with loving care, but being tended
view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
to so gently and thoroughly myself, as an
Tarihi Cesme Hamami, 1720, Winner of the
adult, no. It felt tender, intimate, and nourish-
World Luxury Spa Award, Luxury Hammam,
ing. I felt grateful to have experienced a slice
Europe, 2022. A five-minute walk from the 10
of ancient Turkish culture, in a space that held
Karaköy Hotel or the Karaköy tram stop.
so much history. It felt like I had stepped back

WINEDINEANDTRAVEL.COM 105