Plan a jail break

NATALIE KING LOCKS HERSELF UP IN A FORMER TURKISH PRISON THAT HAS BEEN REVAMPED AS A TRANQUIL HOTEL

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SPRAWLING Istanbul has always been a place where East meets West, and the Four Seasons at Sultanahmet perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the city.

It's hard to believe this pretty Ottoman building was once a jail, but it has been beautifully refurbished as a place to escape to, rather than escape from.

Set amid the winding, cobbled network of roads that make up Sultanahmet, the oldest area of Istanbul, the hotel has a polished, serene feeling that becomes apparent as soon as you are warmly greeted at the door.

After a day of exploring in the intense heat of the Turkish sun, the cool, marble interior felt particularly welcoming.

While keeping many of its original features, the Four Seasons has been sympathetically restored to give it a clean, modern feel while still maintaining its character.

The rooms are set around a charming courtyard area, housing the hotel's AVLU restaurant, with beautifully kept gardens full of fragrant flowers and herbs.

It also has a location that can't be beaten when on a short city break. Some of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks are on its doorstep, while others are a short tram ride away. You aren't just close to the city's history, you feel like you're living inside it.

From its pretty yellow facade with Ottoman features to the sleek, neutral interiors, it perfectly balances the historic and modern.

Rooms and suites are tastefully decorated in neutral colours and have been carefully thought out to give guests a truly five-star experience.