Hg2 : The Hedonist

A Hedonist’s guide to…

Istanbul

Things to doSpas

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam
A luxurious traditional hamam from the 16th century, the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam has had a million-dollar restoration and is more beautiful than ever.

Things to doSpas

Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı

Things to doSpectator Sports

Motor Racing

Things to doSpectator Sports

Galatasaray
Arguably the biggest side in Turkey, Galatasaray hold the record of Turkish League titles and Cups. Locked in an intense city rivalry, they now play home games at the Turk Telecom Arena.

Things to doSpas

Ritz-Carlton Hammam
One of the world's most indulgent spas, this is on the top of our list and a must-try if you're in the area.

Things to doSports & Fitness

Marmara Istanbul

Things to doGolf

Kemer Golf Club
Located to the north of Istanbul, towards the Belgrad Forest, Kemer Golf and Country Club stretches over 500-acres and has pretty much every leisure activity you could possibly want.

Things to doSpas

Motus Wellness Club
Your health and fitness neighbourhood spot for a morning of pampering and exercise, to fit in before the bouts of sight-seeing begin.

Things to doWintersports

Ski
A stone's throw away from Istanbul, head off to Uludag for some heli-skiing action, snowboarding, or just plain skiing amidst a beautiful historic setting.

Things to doSpas

Aga Hamam
Dating back to the 16th century, Aga offers a simple yet satisfying bath and scrub treatment in an atmospheric and authentic setting.

Things to doSpectator Sports

Fenerbahce
Fenerbahçe, on the Asian side of Turkey, were founded in 1907 and were Atatürk's and, traditionally, the army's team. 'Sari Kanaryalar' (The Yellow Canaries) are Turkey's most successful club.=display"

Things to doSpas

Edition Espa
It's the ultimate spa-playground. Rich in ambience and a palette of sensory excess, this haven for beauty is one that will make you squeal with hedonistic delight. 

Things to doWatersports

SuAda Swimming
Su Ada (it translates as ‘water island’) is a swish open-air swimming and general loafing joint housed on a pontoon floating in the Bosphorus.     

Things to doGreat Outdoors

Belgrad Forest
With 13 million people crammed onto both banks of the Bosphorus, every Istanbul experience is inescapably rich and intense. Which is why Belgrad’s 5,000 hectares of lush green forest is a particularly refreshing prospect.

Things to doSpectator Sports

Besiktas Basketball
Known as Besiktas Cola Turka due to a sponsorship agreement with the Ulker food company, the team play home games at the 3,000-seat Akatlar Spor Salonu multi-purpose stadium.

Things to doWatersports

Swimming

Things to doSpas

Swissôtel Spa
An extensive menu of services at this award-winning spa will have you coming back for more and more...and more.

Things to doSpas

Kösk Hamam
A men's only hammam, it's a straightforward and no-frills venue attracting a gay crowd during its opening hours.

Things to doSpas

Çukurcuma Hamam
A go-to hammam for the gay crowd in Istanbul.

Things to doSpas

Çiragan Palace Kempinski Spa
The plush five-star Çiragan Palace boasts of an outdoor massage area, a heated infinity pool, and hamams fit for a sultan (or, indeed, a sultana).

Things to doWatersports

Çiragan Palace Swimming Pool
The Çiragan Palace's 33-metre-long pool is a spectacular place for a swim, bordering the Bosphorus and separated from it by the thinnest of margins.

Things to doSpas

Çiragan Palace Hammam
Spoil yourself within the ultra-luxe confines of this majestic hotel.

Things to doSpas

Çemberlitas Hamam

Things to doSpas

Büyük Hamam
Treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon of blissful relaxation and get your culture-fix at the same time.

Things to doSports & Fitness

Running
With all the beautiful sights to behold, going for a run in this historic city leaves us breathless.

Things to doWatersports

Marmara Islands
A few hours from Istanbul by boat are the Marmara Islands, home to the best beaches in Istanbul and worth a day trip if sun and sand worship is your thing

Things to doSpas

Four Seasons Spa
To rejuvenate or indulge, the Four Seasons offers several treatments to help you get over a bout of jet lag - or just plain fatigue. Guaranteed.

Spas

Ciragan Palace Kempinski Spa

Golf

Klassis Golf & Country Club

Taxis & Limousines

Istanbul Airport Express

Taxis & Limousines

Taxiis Istanbul

Things to doSpectator Sports

Turkish Grand Prix
First held in 2005, the Turkish Grand Prix is one of the largest sporting events of the year, often noted as one of the more exciting races on the calendar.

Things to doSports & Fitness

Mars Athletic Club
Most hotels have great workout spaces, with the more expensive options boasting cutting-edge gym facilities. Gyms are otherwise rare in Istanbul but this is one that's tip-top.  

Things to doSpectator Sports

Galatasaray Basketball
Founded in 1929, Galatasaray Cafe Crown lays their home games in the 12,000-seat Adbi Ipecki Arena. 

Things to doSpas

Dreamlands Spa
A traditional western-inspired spa, this luxe venue promises to spoil and indulge you.

Things to doSpectator Sports

Efes Basketball
With a name that is probably not as recognisable as that of the other Istanbul teams, Efes are surprisingly the most successful club in the history of the Turkish Basketball League.

Things to doSpectator Sports

Fenerbahce Ulker Basketball
Though a firm second to football, basketball is still largely popular in Istanbul and Fenerbahce, similar to the rest of the 'The Big Three' compete for honours on the court as well as the pitch.

Things to doSports & Fitness

Flash Gym
This quiet modest gym can be found on the 4th floor in Aznavur Passage and is moderately priced. Rates can be paid hourly, daily and monthly.

Things to doSpas

Cagaloglu Hamam
A historical hammam that's had a bevy of royals and celebrities dropping in for a visit.

Things to doSpectator Sports

Besiktas
Established during the late Ottoman period, Karakartallar (The Black Eagles) were founded in 1903 and play their home games at the 32,000 seater BKJ Inonu Stadium.
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