05-08-2025
Inside Rixos Tersane Istanbul: A new era of multigenerational luxury in Türkiye
For years, Türkiye has enjoyed a loyal following among GCC travellers — a sun-soaked escape offering rich heritage, warm hospitality, and favourable proximity. But something deeper is happening now. As luxury travel habits shift, the region's elite are no longer content with seasonal getaways. They're craving immersive experiences, multi-generational moments, and places that resonate on a personal level. At the heart of this transformation stands Rixos Tersane Istanbul, a property that is not merely redefining luxury in Türkiye — it is reimagining how luxury hospitality connects with culture, legacy, and family.
"We've witnessed a beautiful evolution," says Fettah Tamince, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Rixos Hotels.
"GCC travellers have not just increased in number, they've matured in their expectations. Today, they seek destinations that speak to their identity, their heritage, and their desire for meaningful experiences."
A Lifestyle Destination
Open since September 2024, Rixos Tersane Istanbul is nestled along the historic shores of the Golden Horn, in the heart of what was once a 600-year-old Ottoman shipyard.
"This is not just a property," Tamince says. "It's the beating heart of a new lifestyle ecosystem. Within the Tersane district, we are building something that speaks directly to Gulf families, whether you're travelling with children, grandparents, or an entire private group."
From the largest luxury retail zone in Europe to immersive wellness sanctuaries, elite sports arenas, curated fine dining, and family-centric entertainment, Rixos Tersane offers a seamless blend of recreation and relaxation.
"It's not a check-in point," Tamince adds. "It's a destination that defines what multigenerational luxury should look like."
For Gulf travelers who value depth alongside indulgence, the Tersane district's historical setting is a key draw. With its centuries-old maritime legacy, it delivers something increasingly rare in the global luxury circuit: authenticity.
"This is where legacy and luxury intersect," says Tamince. "At Rixos Tersane Istanbul, our guests walk through living history with every modern indulgence at their fingertips. For Gulf travellers who want more than a five-star stay; who want meaning behind the marble, this is the answer."
According to Tamince, exclusivity at Rixos is not about gatekeeping, it's about deepening the guest journey. "Exclusivity is not about restricting access; it's about elevating experience,' he explains. 'We are not scaling rooms, we are scaling personalisation. Through tailored guest journeys, private butlers, and curated cultural moments, we ensure that every stay feels rare and unforgettable."
Türkiye's Unique Position
When asked how Turkish luxury hospitality plans to rival legendary destinations like the French Riviera or Switzerland, Tamince's response is firm yet poetic. "We don't compete, we differentiate," he says. "Istanbul was once the capital of empires. Every stone, every street tells a story. Gulf elites are not just drawn to indulgence, they're drawn to soul. And that soul is uniquely alive here. Turkish luxury hospitality, especially in Istanbul, stands on the shoulders of a civilisation that has been welcoming royalty, traders, and travellers for centuries."
He continues, "With Rixos Tersane Istanbul leading the way, we are not offering just luxury, we are offering legacy. That is something no Riviera or Alpine resort can replicate."
