I fall head over heels in love with Istanbul each time I visit. The people, the history, the food, the joie de vivre are irresistible.

(the surreal Istanbul cityscape)

As Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, there is a certain amount of grandness & flair to expect from a Kempinski property & yet each time I visit the Ciragan Palace, the only Ottoman Imperial Palace & Hotel on the Bosphorus, I am spellbound by its beauty.

(the magnificent chandelier in the Palace)

(the beautiful Ottoman interior of the Ciragan Palace)

(opulent crystal balustrades)

(the view from my balcony)

(the pool overlooking the Bosphorus)

(whole honey comb served with breakfast!)

A few days into my trip with my mother, my sisters & niece, I ran into the esteemed Madeleine Albright preparing for an interview with CNBC.

(just out of the pool & ran straight into Madeleine Albright)

(traveling with my beautiful mother, my sisters & my niece)

Walking along the cobblestone streets of Istanbul you feel a true sense of old-world culture & history everywhere you venture.

(the ceiling of the Grand Bazaar)

While visiting the famous Grand Bazaar I finally found the perfect red carpet runners that I had been searching for!

(the perfect red carpet runners)

With so much to do & see, new & old, Istanbul is a snug fit for any adventurous traveler.

(Istanbul waterscape & beautiful pop-art colored busses)

(the city at night from my balcony)

(the city at night)