Zeynep Besler's Turkïye (Turkey): From Istanbul to the Aegean

I’m especially excited about this interview with Zeynep Besler, the creative mind behind Surtout Event. Based in Luxembourg, she also happens to be my soon-to-be sister-in-law. Beyond her incredible eye for design and love of beauty, Zeynep has a gift for creating moments that feel both elevated and deeply personal — whether it’s through her events or the way she travels.

Born and raised in Turkïye, Zeynep gives us an insider's point of view in this Turkey Travel Guide. She also defines what “approachable luxury” means to her, and the little rituals that make every journey special.

Tell our friends at Kirgo Travel a little about yourself and your business.

Hello friends of Kirgo Travel! My name is Zeynep Besler and I was born and raised in Türkiye. I moved to Switzerland following my French high school education in Istanbul, and later studied interior architecture in Paris, France. After completing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Paris, I started working there. When I moved to Luxembourg, I finally began pursuing my long-time dream of event decoration after establishing my own company, Surtout Event.I decorate weddings, corporate events, and other private occasions in Luxembourg.

I can say that being minimal and elegant is the motto of my work. My background in interior architecture helps me a lot in identifying the key elements that transform an atmosphere through the harmony of colors and materials.

While I used to work on permanent spaces as an interior architect, now I focus on temporary ones — which increases both the frequency of projects and the level of challenge.

With Surtout Event, you've built a reputation for creating beautifully curated experiences — how does your personal travel style reflect that same philosophy?

Actually, the concept of vacation is a very subjective topic that varies from person to person. Some people seek adrenaline, while others want to see as many places as possible.

When I’m on vacation, I’d say I prioritize visual satisfaction. The hotel I stay in, the restaurant I visit, or even a view I see — all of these need to please me visually. For example, I can’t look at a hotel room purely from a functional perspective. Even if I stay just one night, it has to have an atmosphere that makes me happy and appeals to me in terms of design. 

What makes a trip memorable for you?

I can’t say something very specific, but sometimes a two-day trip can feel like you’ve been on vacation for a whole week. I think what makes a trip memorable is when you have an experience that turns out to be much better than planned, or when you stumble upon a place by chance that makes you genuinely happy.

When you’re on a long flight, what’s your go-to ritual — are you a movie watcher, a reader, or someone who plans their next adventure midair?

I’m someone who can sleep anywhere and under any condition, so I usually prefer to sleep on long flights. Other than that, I’d say I enjoy eating and watching movies. Since I have a bit of a fear of flying, drawing or watching funny videos helps me relax and shift my focus to something else.

At Kirgo Travel, I lean into “approachable luxury” because I think you can find luxury experiences without paying extraordinary prices. Luxury means different things to different travelers — how do you define it, both personally and through your work?

Luxury definitely doesn’t mean spending a lot of money for me. Especially when it comes to travel, luxury — just like in my work — means being in minimal and elegant environments. I especially prefer boutique hotels and small restaurants with a refined sense of taste during my travels. Places with gusto aren’t always the expensive ones.

In the other hand, we often interpret the idea of luxury in a materialistic way, but I think good communication, attentive staff, quality service, and a kind attitude also count as part of the luxury experience.

Turkiye has such incredible depth — from ancient history to coastal glamour. What do you wish more people understood about it as a travel destination?

It may sound a bit cliché, but Türkiye truly feels like a synthesis of East and West.

Of course, since it’s the country where I was born and raised, I approach it with a special sensitivity. But as someone who has traveled to many parts of the world and now lives in another country, I can say that no vacation compares to those I’ve spent in Türkiye — because Türkiye is a country that truly excels in the service industry. In the luxury concept we mentioned earlier, the most important element is actually the service we receive. The true signature of a place lies in providing excellent attention to guests — and Turkey is truly one of the countries that stands out in this regard. Apart from that, it’s a country surrounded by seas on three sides — the Black Sea, the Aegean, and the Mediterranean — where you can experience different cultures and enjoy all four seasons across its diverse landscapes.

Let’s talk about Istanbul, your home— what are a few of favorite hidden gems in the city right now?

It’s not easy to describe Istanbul; I can say it’s the city I dream of living in again. Istanbul is truly unique.  I would say the Bosphorus view — separating the Asian and European sides — is unmatched. In the streets of Istanbul, you can sip your wine in a very modern setting, and just around the corner, you might find yourself by a mosque, passing street vendors in front of old Ottoman houses. You can find everything in Istanbul — cultural and art events, museums, galleries, historical buildings, luxurious venues as well as more laid-back spots, and neighborhoods both extreme wealth and poverty alongside one another. Plus, I don’t know any other place with nightlife quite like Istanbul’s :)

If you really want to experience Istanbul to its fullest, Karaköy, Galata, Pera are my favorite neighborhoods.

Kirgo Travel Best Hotels in Istanbul

Gezi Hotel Bosphorus – A sleek, design-forward stay with sweeping Bosphorus views and easy access to Taksim’s energy.

Kempinski Bosphorus – Istanbul’s grand, waterfront icon blending Ottoman heritage with true five-star polish.

Casa Foscolo – An intimate, art-driven hideaway with bold, Faena-style personality woven into every detail.

Witt Istanbul – A boutique favorite known for its modern loft-style rooms and a calm, creative vibe above Cihangir.

Now, if I were in Istanbul, Turkey for just one day, here’s my guide for the day:

•    Coffee @karabatak_karakoy

•    Shopping @galataport

•    Exhibitions @istanbulmodern

•    Dinner @muuttoanatoliantapasbar

•    Walking around the Galata Tower

•    Cocktail @sohohouseistanbul

•    Music @nardisjazzclub

The Turkish Riviera has really come into its own in recent years. Where do you love to stay along the Turkish coast?

In Türkiye, you can enjoy a summer vacation from early May until the end of October.

The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are especially stunning. Since my family has a summer house in Foça, İzmir, I absolutely love the sea and nature of the Aegean region of Turkiye. Foça is quite unspoiled and peaceful.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit livelier in the Aegean, Çeşme and Alaçatı are wonderful.

The Aegean region has its own distinctive cuisine, famous for its olive oil dishes — it’s a light and refined style of cooking, which makes it perfect for summer. I won’t even start talking about the incredible variety of fish!

For history lovers, the Aegean is also a great destination, as there are many ancient ruins to visit — the most famous of which is the ancient city of Ephesus.

If you go a bit further south, Bodrum is the most popular holiday destination in Türkiye. In Bodrum, you can both relax and have a great time. Bodrum’s hotels, restaurants, marina, sea, and nightlife are all very famous. And that also makes it a more expensive place on the Riviera :)

But the true natural wonders are Marmaris and Fethiye, districts of Muğla, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. There, you can stay in wonderful hotels for much better prices, enjoy breathtaking views, and have incredibly delicious meals.

Kirgo Travel’s Best Hotels in Bodrum

METT Hotel & Beach Resort – A contemporary, social-leaning beach escape with a laid-back, Mediterranean-chic vibe.

Bodrum Edition – Ian Schrager’s signature minimal-luxury vision brought to the Aegean, effortlessly cool and refined.

Macakizi – A legendary Bodrum institution known for its glamorous crowd, sun-drenched decks, and effortless seaside elegance.

Lujo Hotel Bodrum – A bold, all-out luxury playground with elevated dining, striking design, and endless amenities.

Bodrum Loft – A serene, design-centric enclave where understated architecture blends seamlessly into the coastline.

Kirgo Travel’s Best Hotels in Çeşme and Alaçatı

Warehouse by The Stay – A converted industrial gem with minimalist design, curated art, and The Stay’s signature cool.

Alavya – An enchanting, garden-filled boutique retreat where rustic charm and refined Aegean style meet in perfect balance.

Kirgo Travel’s Best Hotels in Marmaris and Fethiye

Yazz Collective – A boat-access, bohemian-luxury hideaway blending art, nature, and barefoot elegance on its own private bay.

Perdue Hotel – A secluded, adults-only escape known for cliffside tented suites, candlelit dining, and a wildly romantic atmosphere.

Ahama – A serene, design-forward coastal retreat where modern minimalism meets warm, soulful Aegean living.

If you could design your dream getaway — anywhere in the world — where would you go and who would you bring along?

The place I find myself thinking about most these days for a big trip is Japan. I absolutely love their lifestyle, culture, and design approach. That’s why I’d like to take this trip with my fiancé, Leo.

We’re both Miyazaki fans anyway. If one day we get the chance to travel to Japan, we wouldn’t just stay in the cities — we’d also go to places where we could see the landscapes we’ve admired in Miyazaki’s films.

As someone deeply rooted in hospitality and design, what details instantly win you over when you check into a hotel?

The lobby area of a hotel is incredibly important to me. Especially at the moment I walk in, the scent and design of the space need to be pleasant. Having small treats offered upon arrival is also very important to me — since we usually come from a long journey, a small drink, a little piece of chocolate, or a candy makes me feel really good. Of course, having friendly staff is also very important — I think that matters to everyone, just like cleanliness does.

Finally, what’s next on your travel wish list — personally or professionally? Do you have any dream hotels that you would love to stay in?

I kind of touched on this a bit earlier, but Leo and have talked recently about where we would like to travel to soon. Traveling the world and discovering new cultures is wonderful, but we realized that there are still so many places we haven’t seen in our own countries — in Türkiye and France. That’s why we’re planning to focus our future travel plans there. When we think about the possibility of our families joining us on some of these trips, it makes us incredibly happy!

 

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Ready to plan your Turkish escape? 

Whether you're dreaming of Bosphorus sunsets in Istanbul or barefoot luxury along the Aegean coast, Kirgo Travel specializes in creating approachable luxury experiences throughout Türkiye and beyond. Let us craft your perfect getaway.

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Planning a celebration in Luxembourg or the Grand Est of France?

Zeynep Besler brings the same elegant, minimal aesthetic she loves in travel to every event she creates. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, Surtout Event adds beauty to everything she touches.

To explore Zeynep's work and services, visit surtoutevent.com or follow along on Instagram @surtoutevent to learn more about her aesthetic and design approach.