Istanbul, Turkey—Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Four Seasons Hotels invites the world to discover one of Turkey’s best kept secrets with the announcement for their new resort property in Cesme. The picturesque Aegean town, located on the coast of Turkey’s Izmir province, has long been a favorite of the Turkish elite drawn to the area’s rich culture, cuisine, vineyards and therapeutic thermal springs.
Expected to open in 2016, Four Seasons Resort Cesme will attract a mix of domestic and international luxury travelers, thanks in part to the region’s onshore and offshore beauty. Steeped in history, the region boasts several significant archaeological sites including the ancient city of Ephesus—home to the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—and the well-preserved Library of Celsus. The region is also known to sport and adventure enthusiasts as one of the world’s top windsurf and kite surf destinations.
The Cesme Peninsula has evolved in recent decades to become one of Turkey’s most prominent tourism centers, with a number of hotels, marinas, clubs, restaurants and recreational facilities appearing in the area.
With 130 spacious resort suites and 16 private hilltop villas offering extraordinary sea views, guests of Four Seasons Resort Cesme will enjoy both a world-class facility and the highly customized service now synonymous with Four Seasons. The beachfront property will offer extensive sport and fitness facilities to take advantage of the region’s many outdoor activities while thermal springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties, are abundant in the area and will feature prominently in the property’s luxurious destination spa, where guests can relax in a thermal pool and hammam.
The arrival lobby will mirror the design of a traditional agora – the central gathering place of ancient Aegean city-states. The agora will host several restaurants, lounges, entertainment and retail areas. The Resort will also offer meeting and event facilities to accommodate business travelers and groups.
“When exploring expansion opportunities we always consider where our guests want to travel,” said Kathleen Taylor, president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. “As the sixth most visited country in the world, Turkey clearly tops the list for many luxury travelers. The popularity of our two existing properties in Istanbul underscores both Turkey’s appeal and the tremendous growth potential for Four Seasons in this market.”
Four Seasons Resort Cesme marks the luxury hospitality company’s third property in Turkey, following the successes of two renowned properties – Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, the company’s first Turkish property that opened in 1999, and Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, which opened in 2008.