If you’re looking to plan a few days in Istanbul shoppping and eating before heading off to one of Turkey's glorious beaches, check into the new W Istanbul. The hotel is the W’s first foray into Europe, and is located in the trendy Besiktas area, which counts Chloe, Vertu, Bottega Veneta and Marc Jacobs as its neighbours. The 134 guest rooms are divided into Wonderful, Spectacular, Fabulous, and Mega, with the grand daddy of them all being the Extreme Wow suite, which is 1830 square feet of over-the-topness. For chilling out, there is Jean-Georges Spice Market restaurant, a fitness center, and Sip for cocktails. W Hotel Istanbul, Suleyman Seba Cad No: 22, Akaretler, Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey. Phone: (90)(212) 381 2121.

One of Istanbul's newest restaurants, Muzedechanga, is already making international waves. Wallpaper just named it the Best New Restaurant of 2007. So what's the deal? Muzedechanga is the sister restaurant of the established (and highly regarded) Changa. Its located within the gardens of the Sakip Sabanci museum and has views of the Bosphorous. The décor is light and airy, with plenty of wood and glass. Kiwi born, London-based chef Peter Gordon of The Providores consulted on the menu, which features Turkish and Mediterranean dishes. These dishes caught our eye: rocket salad with dried sour cherries, goat cheese and pomegranate molasses;  salt cured bonito on leeks marinated in olive oil and fresh mint; and cinnamon scent lamb with saffron. For dessert, there's chilli pepper and red wine soaked pears, or white chocolate mousse with a grapefruit compote. Yum- we're sold. Muzedechanga, Sakıp Sabancı Cad. No.: 2 Atlıköşk Emirgan, Istanbul Phone: Tel: 0212-323 09 01