Archive for June, 2009

Antalya Mardan Hotel, the pure gold of Turkish heavenly coasts welcomes you, if you want to feel yourself as a contemporary Turkish Sultan for a few days. Mardan Palace Hotel, the most expensive hotel in Europe opened its doors a month ago in Antalya Lara hotels region and shocked the world not only with its ultra high prices (£36 a glass of champagne, £6 for a coke) but also with its overall luxury level. The Azerbaijan billionaire oligarch Telman Ismailov easily buried at least a billion for this hotel making not only himself as famous as Abramovich but also free advertisement for Turkish tourism.

Here are a few remarkable facts about this ultra-star Antalya hotel.

  • The hotel was inspired by Dolmabahce Palace, Galata Bridge and Maiden’s Tower of Istanbul
  • The Ottoman style rooms decorated with classy objects from fashion idols like Hermes, Gucci.
  • 2,500 tons of gold, 500,000 crystals and 23,000 sqms of Italian marble was used in both interior and exterior decoration.
  • Swimming pool is one of the largest pools of the world. There is also a river like pool where gondolas can carry you in 30 minutes from one end to the other.
  • 4 large aquariums to reflect different seas
  • The private beach silky sands are brought from Egypt, 9,000 tons
  • There are over 10 restaurants featuring all types of Turkish and world cuisine and 14 bars and clubs.

If you have a chance to afford some days staying in this hotel, do not miss the life time experience.

See latest Antalya hotel prices at Booking.com

Aspendos is an ancient Greco-Roman city in Antalya Serik region, mostly famous for its antique Roman Empire theater which holds the title of best preserved ancient amphitheater in Turkey. It was built in 2 AD and dedicated to Emperor Markus Aurelius. One of the most spectacular ancient views you can see as a traveller waits for you.

Throughout the history, Aspendos was always a popular city and had seen many invasions. At Seljuk times, it was used as a caravansary. There are also various Roman structures nearby including basilica, agora, nymphaeum and a long 15 kms long Roman aqueduct.

Because of its excellent acoustic properties, Aspendos ballet and opera festival is held each year attracting thousands of local and international music and art lovers. It has a seating capacity of 17,000 people.

Here are some Aspendos photos :

Theater View

Aspendos Theater Turkey

Aqueduct View

Aspendos City Aqueduct

Archway at Aspendos Theater

Aspendos Theater Archway

Aspendos Walls

Male dancers of UK The Royal Ballet at Aspendos

Aspendos Theater Ballet Festival

By the way, if you are planning to travel Antalya, you can Compare Luxury and Budget Antalya Hotels here.

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