“Istanbul’s number one problem: choc traffic” says every single taxi driver in this over crowded city. As beautiful as Istanbul is, there is only so much traffic and people I can take at any one point in time. Just one hour away from the city lies a tranquil retreat, Saklikoy, in the district of Beykoz.

Saklikoy is the perfect place for anyone who wants to escape the city, indulge in nature and excellent organic food, and quite simply chill out! Saklikoy has all the activities under the sun; from horse riding to swimming to a make believe medieval dinner village.

What impressed me most about Saklikoy was the food. For breakfast I enjoyed a homemade muselli with dried figs, walnuts, raisons and apricots; followed by a spread of cheeses, olives, salads and freshly baked breads.

Whilst at Saklikoy I was lucky enough to experience probably the best barbeque I have ever had. Normally a barbeque not hosted by myself is limited to some veggie burgers, vegetable skewers and one or two salads. Not a Saklikoy! I felt like the barbeque was designed with me in mind. An endless table of Turkish salads both hot and cold, fresh vegetables cooked in various sauces, cheeses after cheeses, fresh brown bread with olives. My favourite Turkish dish kisir (Turkish Tabbouleh) was by far the highlight! Each dish was fresh, made with organic ingredients and most importantly both pleasing to the eye and even tastier for my tongue.

I came back to Istanbul feeling really rejuvenated and relaxed. Having breakfast at my hotel in Istanbul was very much a disappointment. Perhaps I was too spoilt with the organic food at Saklikoy.

Like all great places, you pay for what you get. I was lucky enough to get treated to my experience at Saklikoy. Judging from the crowd, the exclusiveness of the place and the extensive activities,  I expect the prices to be above your average hotel prices.

Villa Saklıköy, Göksu Evleri No:A15/a , 00900216 465 17 87, Beykoz - Istanbul

(My view whilst sipping a refreshing Martini)

At the 19th century Misir Apartment on Istikal Street, those who are in the know, wait for their turn to fit inside this ever so small elevator that takes you up to the hip and happening roof top bar and restaurant 360. A scan along the cue at any one point in time and you can find: Little Miss Prada, the casual traveller, a group of Turkish guys going for after work drinks or an old yet stylish couple. Basically anyone! Whether it is a romantic meal whilst absorbing the stunning view, or raving it up after midnight to some great music, 360 is a place to see and to be seen!

(Picture – courtesy of 360)

Whilst some go to 360 for its international cuisine, coming from London and being spoilt by Italian cuisine, I would say the food is average. 360′s glass and steel bar and stylish interiors makes for a great place to enjoy drinks. Just imagine sipping a Martini with the backdrop of the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara and Hagia Sofia. The best views are obviously from the terrace, so book in advance or arrive early. If you want a good night out during the weekend, stay on to the early hours to enjoy either live music or most likely electro-funk DJs.

For such a great view and a stylish ambience, you can imagine 360 is slightly more expensive than your average Turkish bar and restaurant. For a Londoner or a Milanese, prices are probably in line with your average night out.

360, Misir Apartment Building, Istiklal Caddesi 32/311, 0090 212 251 10 42 – 43,  Istanbul – Turkey

I was hoping for a quiet Sunday afternoon in Istanbul. Somehow I managed to get stuck amongst a political protest of 1000 students marching down Istikal street. Luckily I came across a bistro, that to my surprise once I entered was also a book  shop. Upon entering Ada I felt like I was on another street in a different city, and far far away from the political mayhem a metre outside the doors of this stylish modern book shop come bistro.

A perfect place for a single traveler, a kitap club (book club), friends catching up, or a family out for a Sunday brunch.

The food at Ada is great, especially if you have had enough of mezze and kebabs! I had a delicious vegetable noodles dish.

Note that the majority of books are in Turkish. So if you are looking to pick up a book to read, I suggest you go a few doors down to Robinson Crusoe 389 and pick up a book on Turkey in original language, and enjoy it at Ada.

What better way to spend a sunday afternoon, reading a good book whilst enjoying an Anatolian wine, eating some international food and relaxing against the back drop of jazz. Ada is all about the full experience, don’t just go there for the food or just the books. Enjoy both and you will not want to leave until you have finished your book!

Ada, Istikal Cd No: 158-A, Beyoglu, 00902122514728, Istanbul

I was told it was an absolute must. Strip naked, get scrubbed by an old Turkish woman, watch layers of dead skin fall off you, and try to hide your private parts as fellow women get scrubbed the traditional Turkish way. And what an experience it was. I had my first Hamam treatment at Cagaloglu Hamami in Istanbul, which was built over three centuries ago. The Hamam itself  is beautiful and well maintained.

However my experience on the whole was not such a positive one. As soon as you enter the Hamam you realise you have entered a tourist trap. The idea of someone bathing you is quite a luxurious one, so my expectations are to have that in a luxurious environment and really feel pampered.

When in the Hamam, you almost feel like you are in a production line waiting in the que to get scrubbed. When its your turn you lie down on a marble slab which goes around the Hamam, with your toes touching someonelses head and your head being massaged by someones else foot.

Determined to have a good Spa Experience, I decided to go up a notch or two, and hit the Four Seasons Spa in Istanbul. What a difference! Quality and luxury is the essence of the spa, though it comes at a price. The spa is a converted 19th century Ottoman Palace on the banks of the Bosphorus.

A great experience, however I would not go back, purely because its expensive and I have now found my favourite Spa in Istanbul.

Anantara Spa, at the top of Astoria Mall in Istanbul’s most prominent business district and in the same tower as the Kempinski residences, is everything I want from a spa experience. The menu of  treatments is extensive catering for everyones needs, from Turkish to Aryuvedic treatments.

Each treatment room has a theme, is carefully thought through and really makes you forget absolutely everything. Whatever treatment you have the spa has a ritual of first scrubbing your feet and washing them with rose petals.

What particularly attracts me to this spa, is the feng shui, the lighting, the music and most importantly the service and quality of the treatments.

Although quite pricey, I recommend it as the experience and the treatments are worth it!