Istanbul

WHY? If you simply can't wait for your holiday and are in need of some sun and fun in early summer then Istanbul is the perfect choice. Known as "The city of heart's desire", Istanbul is an exotic escape brimming with atmosphere and funky shopping. The Bosphorus has now gone hip.

THE LOOK? Istanbul is a seriously glamorous city both by day and night. By day wear a Michelle Jonas maxi dress with gladiator sandals.  It's covered up enough for sight seeing but wear a Lenny bikini underneath in case you head to Suada an uber chic beach club on the Bosphorus.  Here you will find an olympic size pool, white cabanas and djs spinning while you sip cocktails at the bar until the sun goes down.

STAY? The new Four Seasons Bosphorus gives the WOW factor, with a gigantic swimming pool where staff attend to your every whim from cocktails to leg massage. It also boasts an excellent spa with a hammam. Also good is the Witt Istanbul Suites, the best boutique hotel in the city, designed by Autoban, with cutting edge interiors and all the latest technology. It has an excellent restaurant Roka on the ground floor and the small bar feels like an exclusive members club.

For info and booking details for Four Seasons Bosphorus or Witt Istanbul Suites click here.

GOING OUT? Where do we start? Istanbul is crammed packed with chic restaurants and bars. We love La Reina, a Pacha style super club on the banks of the Bosphorus with three different restaurants on the terraces. Also Blackk in the Bebek area, the trendiest club to hang out in. Pictured is Mikla an up and coming bar and resaurant.   Take in the breathtaking view of the city whilst sipping a Turkish Delight cocktail of raspberry liqueur with creme de cacao on top - looks fab and tastes divine! For designer shopping go to Vakko and Beyman and the latest outpost of Harvey Nichols.