Asia, Europe, Middle East, Travel
360 Istanbul, Beyoglu, Istanbul, New City, Park Hyatt, Shangri-La, Turkey
WhyGoNow?
After touring the historic Old City, get ready to party all night and shop all day in modern day Istanbul. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or a singles’ vacation, take the city by storm in your chicest travel outfits. Peruse the many nightclubs and bars as well as chic, cutting edge restaurants. Influences from the East and the West are present wherever you’ll go.
What2Do
Cruise up the Bosphorus from the Golden Horn to the Black Sea with Europe on your left, Asia on your right. Explore Beyoglu, nightlife central. Climb the steep hills of Cihangir (San Franciscans should have no problem) and immerse yourself in the community of artists and writers. Wear you fur beret to blend in. For more art, try the Istanbul Modern museum. Take a romantic vacation within a vacation and go to Fransiz Sokagi (aka French Street) and feel like you’re walking the streets of Paris amidst the pink buildings.
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married (M))? Sometimes you want to “marry” the two (MS).
Where2Stay
The House Hotel – In Nisantasi or Ortakoy, the epitome of modern design. Recommended by Vogue, small, very cool, you feel as though you’re at a private party. (S)
Park Hyatt – Nestled amidst the best shopping. Modern, leather accented rooms, Turkish hamam (call for your own personal bathmaster) and end the day perched at their rooftop pool sipping cocktails for the perfect romantic getaway. (M)
Shangri-La – Newly opened and by the Bosphorus. Great restaurant paired with amazing view. There is nothing more romantic than a room by the sea. Perfect for an all inclusive honeymoon. How about fur ankle shoes to show him how sexy you can be? (MS)
Where2Play
Waterside nightclubs like Angelique stay open until dawn, perfect for the single’s vacation. 360 doubles as both a restaurant and a hot club. All things Middle Eastern, from food to harem design, Al Jamal not only offers a gorgeous view of the Bosphorus, but enticing belly dancers (maybe get some ideas for later that night). Billionaire Nightclub located in the new EDITION Hotel is adorned with crystal, gold and a very chic crowd just like your purse – great for a single girl’s night out.
Where2Dine
Head to Zuma for Japanese (other locations in London, Hong Kong, Dubai and Miami), or 360 Istanbul for fusion (order the Sultan’s Aphrodisiac, who knows what will happen next?) Award-winning Changa is neither on the water or on a rooftop, but in an art nouveau building. It combines classic & modern food w/ an open interactive kitchen. For more authentic cuisine head to Alem.
Where2Shop
Nisantasi is the trendiest shopping area – a posh residential district infused with cafes, restaurants and historical buildings. Don’t miss Abdi Ipekci Avenue for all the luxury brands and local designers. Atil Kutogna is a boutique that mixes bold Turkish & Ottoman patterns with modern European influences. Men & Women! Vakko is Turkey’s answer to Barneys’ New York. Five floors of their own designs, scarves that rival Hermes, & unique custom handbags all at unbeatable prices. Indulge in their own line of chocolates & champagne while shopping. Cocktails always enhance shopping.
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Co-authored by: Tiffany Do , Google Images
Istanbul – Why Go Now?
Inhale the aromas of the Spice Market, drape yourself in gold at the Grand Bazaar, get lost among churches, mosques and cobblestone streets. Whether on a romantic couple’s vacation or a singles’ getaway, historic Istanbul is the place to be for a fall getaway.
What2Do
Sultanahmet is spewing with historical ruins (some turned into museums, others turned into hotels) from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. The Hagia Sofia, once a church, then a mosque, now a museum is a must. Don’t forget your scarf, modesty is key. Movie buffs may remember the Underground Basilica Cisterns from James Bond, “From Russia with Love.” Don’t miss the magnificent mosaics in the Blue Mosque, nor the jewels at the Topkapi Museum. Finish the day at Suleymaniye Hamam, a traditional Turkish bathhouse (best part? clothing optional & it’s co-ed!) You don’t have to worry about what2wear on a first date!
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married (M))? Sometimes you want to “marry” the two (MS).
Where2Stay
Four Seasons Sultanahmet What can be more exciting than staying in what used to be a Turkish prison? ( Maybe they left a pair of handcuffs!) Major landmarks five minutes away, whirling dervishes on the roof & great service; don’t forget your travel clothes for a day of unforgettable sightseeing! (MS)
Ajia – Located on the Bosphorus, this old Ottoman Mansion will give you an authentic twist to your stay in the Old City. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or vacationing with the girlfriends, Ajia will cater to your every need. Wake up to a Turkish breakfast and explore the city via their private water taxi. (MS)
Kempinski Ciragan Palace – Feel like royalty at this opulent hotel complete with an infinity pool spilling onto the Sea of Marmara. Splurge on a Palace suite because who doesn’t want to feel like a princess? An ultimate romantic getaway !(M)
Where2Dine
For seafood, head to Balikcisi Sabahtin. Dine in style at Korfez. Their private yacht will wisk you across the Bosphorus into Asia, champagne glass in hand, to their seaside villa (honeymooners JFK Jr. & Caroline dined here.) Wear your most elegant travel outfit by Julia Panciroli for this night. Dine high at Mikla on the roof of the Marama Pena Hotel. Think NYC or London when dining at Asitane mixing Ottoman cuisine w/ modern influences. For true flavor head to Navizade St to Alem, a traditional Meyhane Turkish restaurant, for music, mezes; a true immersion into street life, perfect on a couples vacation. Google Images
Where2Play
If you want to party all night, head to 360 Bar for drinks, music and more. From Japanese to French, Reina is a regular hotspot for Turkish celebrities and media. Perfect for the single’s vacation. If you’re looking for something more low-key & traditional, try Karga Bar. With a vintage speakeasy feel, it’s no wonder all the cool locals flock there. Courtesy of Google Images
Where2Shop
Need some spice in your life? Sift through the hundreds of spices from cinnamon to allspice at the Spice Market. Might just clear you sinus problems. Be the first to rock the leather designs of upcoming Turkish designer Simay Bulbul. How can you forget the covered Grand Bazaar, with over 5000 shops spread over 60 streets? It’s easy to fill your Michael Kors tote with all the sparkle you find. (*tip visit #94-96, ask for Michele)
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Co-authored by: Tiffany Do
North America, Travel
Betsy Fisher, Capitol Building, Courage B, Fashion Week, Le Diplomate, Michel Richard, President Obama, Rasika West End, Sofitel Washington DC, U Street Corridor, Washington D.C.
WhyGoNow? No longer is Washington D.C. just about politics and monuments. From elegant hotels to groundbreaking restaurants to cutting edge shopping, the nation’s capitol is more than a business trip. D.C. is your next hot destination merging art, food, history, fashion, culture & nightlife. So whether on a couple vacation or traveling with single girlfriends (you won’t be alone for long) Washington D.C. is a global destination, no passport required! Just remember to pack your favorite travel clothes!
WHERE2STAY: FEATURED HOTEL SOFITEL WASHINGTON
Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married (M))? Sometimes you want to “marry” the two (MS).
Sofitel Washington– on Lafayette Square w/the White House as your neighbor, the Sofitel combines 5 star service, with a chic art deco decor. Have croissants & espresso at their sidewalk cafe, martinis in the red Le Bar & dine at ICI Urban Bistro. Their exclusive “SoBed feather beds,” sexy & plush for a romantic weekend getaway or single travel, (added plus, you can purchase it for home use). Marble bathrooms have separate tub & rain showers. Their traveling art exhibit by French photographer Gilles Bensimon celebrates women, their confidence & their bodies. View these amazing photographs now at theirBeverly Hills location. Whether in Washington for business or pleasure you don’t have to be French to experience the “French Luxury” of Sofitel. A perfect romantic hotel. Don’t forget your party dresses. (MS)
Washington is a walking city. The National Mall and monuments are a must by day, but breathtaking at night. A destination for a singles travel touror a weekend getaway. You could never see the light of day for all the museums: The Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Newseum, and the 19 ( yes 19) Smithsonian museums will be like taking a college crash course in history and art. And worth it. Reserve the Library of Congress, Capitol & Supreme Court visit ahead of time. With kids, check out the Zoo, Air & Space, and International Spy museums to let them play out their fantasies! After this you will need a couples vacation!
Where2Dine – Our top picks? Central by Michel Richard – a bistro perfect for your single’s vacation. (great bar & lobster burger) Old Ebbitt Grill – An institution crowded w/politicos wearing custom suits, go at lunch, a great place to date older men! Café Milano – Power play Italian style in Georgetown, the place to be seen & watch the scene to try out that outfit. Rasika West End– Modern Indian cuisine, complete hot spot, great place to wear that outfit for a first date – might bump into President Obama who just celebrated his birthday there. Try the new French brasserie Le Diplomate & Black Salt for seafood. Brunch at diner Ted Bulletin rounds out our favorites!
Hot Sultry Nights in Washington DC – Sexiest bathroom? Proof (see above) Sexiest dining room? Rasika West End (Namaste)
Where2Play – How about a bar within a bar? Find the unmarked door inside Passenger on 7th street and you’ll discover Columbia Room (10 seats, must reserve). Head for Chi Cha lounge in the cool U Corridor for Latin/Jazz. Learn political secrets at the Round Robin (at the Willard), Quill (at the Jefferson) & Off the Record (Hay Adams). Great wine at Cork on 14th Street, Coco Sala for salsa and chocolate martinis. A perfect place to travel single and wear those Paul Andrew pumps.
Happenings– Fashion Week/ Latin Week
Don’t forget to grab tickets to Fashion Week, September 23-29 and the Latin Fashion Week October 15th-19 . Culture & Fashion go hand in hand
Where2Shop Georgetown! For the hottest travel clothes try Hu’s Wear & Hu Shoes for designer looks by Alexander Wang, Herve Leger & the Row. On Connecticut Ave, shop Betsy Fisher, an institution for over 20 yrs and the darling Tiny Jewel Box. Head to the revitalized U Corridor for the off beat & unusual. Stroll 14th St for Muleh & the hippest travel outfits & party dresses for women. For value head to Secondi Consignment. Hop the Red Line metro to Bethesda Row for Courage B for clothes & leather you wont find anywhere else. They will become your favorite travel clothes.
Travel Tip – Hire Gene Taylor at 202-744-2000 for a personalized tour of Washington. He knows all the gossip!
Essential Accessories2Go – Unpredictable weather calls for a chic Burberry collapsible umbrella & iPad case. Be on time w/your Kate Spade watch & catch up on who’s who w/ bestseller “This Town.”
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Co-authored by: Tiffany Do