For the average wanderlust, the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly created a profound and urgent sense of longing to live life to the fullest – which includes investing in leisurely travel experiences that can create a lifetime of moments and memories. This has particularly become the case for Black travellers from the US, who account for $109.4 billion spend among its community. According to a 2019 study conducted by MMYG Global and Black advocacy groups, Black travellers have also increasingly expressed concerns about safety, security and representation overseas. The spending power of the Black dollar, ultimately, seems to go hand in hand with the desire to explore and experience new cultures – all while guaranteeing the safety of Black lives while doing so.
While the Caribbean, North America and Europe statistically continue to be in-demand destinations for global travellers – thanks to alluring marketing and advertising collateral – the Mediterranean is quickly gaining momentum as a popular visitor’s choice for vacationing bliss. One country that is certainly attracting the eyes and hearts of tourists is the Republic of Türkiye. For some, Türkiye may seem to be an unlikely travel pick. However, with several social media posts on TikTok and Instagram boasting of a bustling nightlife, luxury shopping havens, historic sightseeing and awe-inspiring coastal views, there are many exciting adventures that await the solo Black traveller – particularly for those who are seeking a lavish travel experience like no other. With the country celebrating 100 years as a Republic on October 29th – in the same year that the nation experienced a devastating earthquake – there has been high anticipation for centennial celebrations and patriotic displays for the holiday, locally called Yirmi Dokuz Ekim – which is Turkish for “The twenty-ninth of October”.
Bridging the continents of Europe and Asia, this transcontinental country recently rebranded in 2022 from its original name ‘Turkey’, signalling a reclamation of a proud people’s culture, civilization and values. With a population of close to 85 million people – Türkiye has so much to offer to the curious Black, female tourist. Naturally, planning this cross-continental trip started with an aerial journey to get to the final destination, which could be a gruelling 14-hour commute from the southern United States. From Miami International Airport, travellers can opt to commute in ultimate opulence and style by booking a business class seat with the national airline, Turkish Airlines. This world-class flying experience is a deluxe travel pleasure by the standards of any frequent flyer. The VIP tryst with Turkish Airlines can be described a love letter to luxury: featuring a seamless check-in at the airline counter, sprawling VIP lounge with a fully-stocked bar, coupled with a catering buffet, device-charging areas and entertainment while awaiting departure. The business class experience optimizes comfort and even includes bedroom slippers and a hygiene bag courtesy Salvatore Ferragamo. The long-haul journey also includes 3-course gourmet meals from the award-winning ‘Flying Chefs’ on board – who provide an exclusive culinary service that gave the feeling of dining at a restaurant high above the clouds. Guests can look forward to champagne in tow and on constant flow, as the smooth and opulent Turkish Airlines commute set the tone for the ‘soft life’ goals. With Turkish Airline’s Stopover Service, travellers are also offered a complimentary 3-night stay in a 5-star hotel – the perfect airbridge for wanderlusts seeking to capitalize on tourist pursuits in the busy city of Istanbul.
Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul is Türkiye’s cultural and financial hub: unpretentious, vibrant and the true heart of Türkiye’s urban landscape. With stunning mosques posted at numerous locations across the city, excursionists are often greeted with the peaceful, reverberating sounds of Muslim prayer – also known as salat – multiple times per day. A panoramic view from the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Levent also reveal the pedestrian hustle and bustle below, which is conveniently located steps away from shopping centres for my fashion heart’s content. For content creator ItsCocoaNelle, her favourite part of Istanbul is the architecture. “A lot of the buildings look really unique – the way the art is a major part of the infrastructure and foundation. They preserve a lot of their history in their landscape and I really appreciate that Türkiye is good at protecting what they have from civilisations past for future generations to see,” the US-based, Trinbagonian born traveller explains.One of the most beautiful historical monuments in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia Mosque: a major cultural attraction built by the Eastern Roman Empire that dates back to 537 AD. Also known as the Blue Mosque, this UNESCO World Heritage site attracts hundreds of tourists daily for its ornate architecture, wondrous designs and is surrounded by lush, grassy areas that are perfect for picnics and family days.
A brisk walk through meandering side streets also reveals a gold mine of one of Türkiye’s most sought-after culinary delights: cooking spices. Aromatic offerings such as turmeric, ginger, saffron, curry and blends of other popular products such as detox teas can be purchased and packaged by vendors for extended travel paths – which makes it the perfect takeaway gift for the enthusiastic visitor. At every exploratory turn, tourists wandered aimlessly to take in the historic wanders around the city – safe and secure.
As a gastronomical haven during the day or at night, one of the signature features of Turkish living is the delectably fused array of Mediterranean, Balkan, European and Asian food offerings. Similar to many major cultural metropoles, food unites communities – and with restaurants such as the world-renowned Soho House Istanbul and the magical Old Town classic, Lokanta 1741, Turkish food is treated with a level of reverence, honour and skill. Even with its modern takes on traditional food offerings such as kakavya fish stew, baklava, paprika lamb rack or vegan options such as gözleme and the traditional white bean stew known locally as kuru fasulye, Turkish chefs showcased a level of sophistication, pride and passion in preparing dishes with fresh ingredients and spectacular plating presentations.
In opulent convenience, a relatively short 90-minute business class flight from Istanbul can lead an eager traveller to one of the most spectacular tourist experiences in Türkiye – the southwest coastal jewel of Antalya. Known as the “capital of tourism”, Antalya is the 5th most populous city in the country, and the Mediterranean views are as picture-perfect as any postcard. Mesmerizing cerulean blue waters and sun-soaked beaches are only rivalled by the fascinating remnants of archaeological sites that date back to the Greek and Roman era, all of which holds significant historical value to the city, province and people. Among a litany of luxury accommodation options in Antalya, the stunning Kaya Palazzo Golf Resort Belek is undeniably a ultra-lavish hotel experience that teleports guests into a world where luxury meets culture. A quick check-in process with welcoming, cheery staff is punctuated with a glass of champagne and then, sprawling grandeur – a breath-taking Luxury Lagoon Suite complete with a private sundeck, heated swim-up pool access and a welcome spread of assorted appetizers fit for royalty. Simply put, Kaya Palazzo is made of the most luxurious and stylish elements of any vacationer’s wildest dreams. With wide-ranging property features as family-friendly waterparks, a private cinema, mini-disco parties and top-of-the-line, award-winning restaurants, there’s definitely something for everyone who visits this sprawling 5-star hotel.
Indubitably, the true piece de resistance at Kaya Palazzo was the first-class attentiveness and congenial nature of hotel staff that endeavoured to meet guests’ every need. Whether contacting the concierge service for a golf-cart ride to the Palazzo Steakhouse for dinner, or the amazing manager, Arif, happily providing information to the hotel spa to experience a life-changing hammam (a Turkish bath with traditional body scrubbing, foam bath and body massage), staff is always ready, willing and able to ensure that the experience is a memorable, palatial, luxurious one. Most importantly, Kaya Palazzo feels like family – and as curious wanderlusts continue to get a deeper understanding about Türkiye’s culture, values and traditions by forming bonds with people in and around Antalya, it can quickly begin to feel like a true home away from home.Visiting Türkiye is a refreshing experience, and the trip awakens the deepest desires to explore beyond one’s borders while reigniting a travel appetite for the excitement of the unknown. This trip to the other side of the globe can be one that was filled with dynamic wonders of what this world truly has to offer the curious wanderlust.
As a seasoned traveller and content creator, Woods strongly encourages other Black women to explore Türkiye as a top-tier, modern option for vacation pursuits. “I felt so safe there. There’s a lot of stigma around what the media and other people try to tell you about certain places in the Middle East, and it’s always good to do your own research and experience the space and people for yourself. You’d be pleasantly surprised at the idealisms that don’t really exist there as a Black traveller – and it’s a great place to escape to when you’re looking for the off-the-beaten path of the other ‘known’ travel spots around the world,” she reasons. Most appreciably, exploring Türkiye is a timely, indispensable and pointed reminder that the essence of community lies at the centre of every meaningful lived experience, and – at the heart of it all – the humility and pride of Turkish people will always stand tall in the beauty of their history, heritage and culture.
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