gastronomic delights. Noma takes the
crown for the best Michelin restaurant
in the world.
Boasting 15 Michelin stars and 14 Bib
Gourmands, Denmark claims bragging
rights as the gastronomic capital of
Scandinavia. And Copenhagen leads
the way.
Not only is the pristine city, clad in
castles, palaces and green spaces, home
to Michelin-starred restaurants but
also fresh local delicacies, with eateries
for every budget. Hot dogs to locally
foraged foods, it’s a foodie capital.
The iconic Hotel D’Angleterre, which
first opened in 1755, was recently
completely refurbished. Overlooking
the famous Kongens Nytorv square, and
minutes from the main sights, colourful
Nyhavn Canal, the Royal Danish Theatre,
and shopping street Stroget, the
D’Angleterre boasts an unbeatable location for sightseeing. Breakfast is a treat
encased in top-to-toe glass on the most
famous plaza in Copenhagen.
Visit super-hip Vesterbro, the Meat
District neighbourhood, and try BioMio
restaurant, which is housed within a
1920s Bosch warehouse, or the neighbouring organic We Do Food.
11. Istanbul
Millennia of history thrive along the
convoluted coastline of Turkey. A whirl
of spires, blue domes and minarets
pierce the bright blue skyline, heady
with incense and the atmospheric
call to prayer and bordered by the
glittering Sea of Marmara. Istanbul is
a treasure chest of archaeology, art
and culture, Scattered in confetti of
churches and magnificent mosques,
bazaars, castles and temples, dotted
with caravanserai — traditional inns
— where dervishes dance to a rhythm
of traditional life, a raft of religions and
races cohabits. It’s a striking contrast
of modern and ancient, mayhem and
tranquility, intrigue and everyday.
In spring, the streets and alleyways are
stuffed with canopied coffee tables and
meze platters. No weather stops the
Turks enjoying a late-night coffee or
mint tea in the streets, but spring kickstarts boom season. The crossroads of
ancient civilizations meet in a cradle
of convoluted history. This sensual
cocktail of Ottoman Turk and Byzantine
Christian influence is visible in the style,
food and ambiance of the thriving
mega-city.
Stay in the heart of the old quarter
Sultanahmet, at the Boutique Saint
Sophia. The picturesque and intimate
luxury property holds an ideal enclave
in the centre of major historical attractions. Set at the foot of the Hagia
Sophia, you’ll find yourself immersed
in the historic quarter and can smell,
hear and taste it. From here, it’s literally
a short walk to the Basilica Cistern, Blue
Mosque, hilltop Suleymaniye mosque
complex, medieval Grand Bazaar and
Topkapi Palace. To be able to walk to
these world-famous monuments is a
major bonus in this bustling chaotic
city. Boutique Saint Sophia offers luxury
suites of excellent space and amenity in
the hub of the city, and the concierge
is friendly and helpful. A trip to Istanbul
is intoxicating and unforgettable. In
spring, before the severe heat and
humidity sets in, is the most idyllic time
to roam and explore in comfort.
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