The transcontinental country of Turkey is a captivating blend of contemporary and antiquity, of East and West, of the many cultures entwined in its rich history. A 5 star hotel is a great way to explore Turkey’s beaches, bazaars, surreal panoramas, and astounding archaeological sites – grand legacies to the past that are still hugely appealing today – while feasting on succulent mezes and local wines. The warmth and generosity of the Turks is so genuine, you will arrive as a stranger and leave as a friend.

The best 5 star stays in tremendous Turkey

© Sumahan on the water

Picturesque panoramas: Captivating Cappadocia & Picture-perfect Pamukkale

The magical lunarscape of Cappadocia has been thrilling tourists with its villages carved out of the soft stone hillsides, labyrinth underground cities, Byzantine era rock-cut churches, dazzling frescoes, and whimsical fairy chimneys for centuries. The best way to take in the majesty of this area of Central Anatolia is undoubtedly by hot air balloon, and better yet with a sunrise tour including champagne breakfast, but there are also great trekking and hiking options. This enchanted wonderland is brimming with sites that both nature lovers and history buffs will appreciate, such as the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Kaymakli Underground City, Rose Valley and Ihlara Valley. Cappadocia is also one of the biggest wine producing regions of Turkey, so sampling a glass of local wine is a must while staying at a 5 star hotel in the region. Though Turkey is most often associated with sweltering Mediterranean coasts, water sports and turquoise waters, it is also a ski lover’s paradise thanks to its cooler mountainous regions that enjoy snow cover for six months of the year. The ski resort Erciyes – Kayseri, located in the central Anatolia region, boasts 55km of slopes, 14 ski lifts and the highest elevation at an altitude of 3,360m. Another must see and do while staying at a 5 star hotel in Turkey is to take a dip in the therapeutic waters of the white terraced pools of Pamukkale. The breathtakingly beautiful hot springs, which have been used as thermal baths since Roman times, are a natural wonder and enjoy UNESCO heritage status. What’s more, the so-called Cotton Castle (pamuk means ‘cotton’ in Turkish) is right next door to the ancient ruins of Afrodisias and Laodicea in Heirapolis.

Captivating city breaks: Ancient Ankara & Intriguing Istanbul

© Sumahan on the water Istanbul, the magical metropolis where modernity and tradition merge, opposites collide and new trends emerge, is the vibrant economic, and cultural heart of Turkey. This vibrant city has the Byzantines and Ottomans’ architectural triumphs to thank for one of the world’s most impressive skylines, and no trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit to both Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia), the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Spend some time exploring the backstreets of the old city and enjoying the succulent kebaps, flavoursome mezes and a glass or two of Turkish wine, before heading to a local hammam. Pair your stay at a 5 star hotel in Turkey with a ferry trip on the Bosphorus before heading to swish rooftop cocktail bars and nightclubs to dance the night away. Located in the heart of the central Anatolia region, Turkey’s capital, Ankara is the perfect destination for a city break while staying at a 5 star hotel in Turkey. Most of the historic buildings and landmarks are concentrated around Ulus, where you can easily get a taste of the most important historic sites in a day trip. Ankara is a sprawling metropolis and a thriving center for the performing arts, but there are two attractions that are a must-see here: the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and Anitkabir, the colossal mausoleum of Turkey’s founder, Atatürk. High-quality oriental carpets, silks and coffee make the perfect souvenirs of your stay at a 5 star hotel in Turkey.

Blue Cruise: Luxury & Extravagance along the Turkish Riviera

© The Marmara Bodrum-Adult Only Pair your stay at a 5 star hotel in Turkey with a voyage along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, where you can get up close and personal with the lush forests, secluded beaches, small coves, and tranquil streams that lace the Turkish Riviera. These cruises are responsible for transforming Bodrum from a sleepy fishing village into the global holiday destination it is today. The Turquoise Coast is spectacularly beautiful, boasting a number of different routes to suit every traveller. If time is short, take a short cruise to an intimate beach nested in a secluded cove nearby. If time is on your side, you can spend several weeks travelling the full extent of the Turkish Riveria, or even wander as far as Greece and the Greek islands.