Hollywood stars on stage for most luxury resort in Europe

Hurriyet Daily News with wires

Europe’s newest and most expensive luxury resort, Mardan Palace Hotel, was unveiled over the weekend at a spectacular opening ceremony in the Mediterranean city of Antalya. The five-star Mardan palace Hotel, built by Russian businessman Telman Ismailov, was host to world famous artists and Hollywood stars for the opening extravaganza.

Ismailov, who is of Azerbaijani descent, said he had realized 20-year old dream with the $1.4 billion hotel. "I made this investment because I love Turkey so much. I have always dreamed of making such an investment in this country. Finally, I realized it," he said.

The press conference, held Saturday before the opening ceremony, was attended by Hollywood stars Sharon Stone, Richard Gere, Monica Belucci, Paris Hilton, singers Seal, Tom Jones and Mariah Carey as well as many foreign and Turkish journalists.

When a press member asked Stone and Belucci the secret of their beauty, Belucci said: "My source of inspiration is Sharon Stone." She said she came from a beautiful family, adding: "The biggest effect on my beauty is the people around me."

Stone said beauty was a matter of inner life. She said people’s life had two parts. "A face is given to you in the first part of your life. And in the second part, you get the face you deserve. Beauty is related to the way you live your life. But in life, peace and generosity is reflected on your face."

When a British press member suggested to Richard Gere that Hollywood stars should be more open about their sexual preferences, Gere said: "I think everyone should be open about their sexual preferences. For example, my brother is gay and married. He has two adopted kids."

Views about the hotel

The artists, who attended the press conference, were asked their opinions of the Mardan Palace Hotel. Belucci said she wanted to stay in the hotel for a long time but that it would not yet be possible. She said she would come to Antalya again for a long holiday.

Stone said Ismailov’s generosity could be seen in every detail of the hotel. "It is very nice that he provided such an employment opportunity in this crisis environment," she said.

Seal said it was incredible that everything in the hotel’s design was the work of Ismailov, adding that he should be congratulated. "You can see the style of the Ottoman Empire in the hotel. I really felt the golden age of the empire here. When you make an investment, you have to respect culture and preserve it. Ismailov succeeded it."

Expressing his delight to be in Turkey, Gere said: "I wish I had an opportunity to visit Turkey. I want to see this extraordinary country with my wife. I came here because Ismailov made a noteworthy donation to my foundation," he said.

After the press conference, Europe’s most luxury resort opened with a party that went on inot the late hours. Dignitaries and artists cut the ribbon together to open the hotel. Presented by Stone and Seal, the opening ceremony hosted 600 special guests. Carey, Jones and well-known Russian singer Philip Kirkorov performed concerts during the night.

Mardan Palace Hotel

With the Taurus Mountain range as a backdrop, Mardan Palace Hotel has 560 rooms, including two Royal Suites with private pools. Drawing on a Turkish heritage, the hotel’s architecture reflects distinctive landmarks of Istanbul. The main hotel resembles the Dolmabahçe Palace and bridges across the pool are based on original designs of the Da Vinci Bridge. Having the Mediterranean’s largest swimming pool, the hotel also boasts the 7,500 square meter "Mardan Spa," 17 bars and 10 a la carte restaurants that include French, Japanese, Russian, Thai and traditional Turkish cuisine.