May 26, 2009 The US$1.4 billion luxury resort Mardan Palace was unveiled on Saturday at a spectacular opening party in Antalya, Turkey. A glittering audience of 600 international dignitaries and celebrities dined on top of the Mediterranean's largest swimming pool, enjoying performances from Mariah Carey and Tom Jones. Guests included Sharon Stone, Richard Gere, Paris Hilton, Seal, and Monica Bellucci. Laser light shows and incredible fireworks lit up the hotel and surrounding Taurus mountains as a backdrop to the feast including 45kg beluga caviar from the Caspian Sea, 950 Atlantic lobsters, and 5kg of "Black diamonds" (Italian black truffles).

Mardan Palace is Turkey's first five-star destination resort, hailing a return to the opulent, golden age of the Ottoman Empire. It is the vision of Telman Ismailov, chairman of Russia's biggest property developers AST, who fell in love with the region. Surrounded by the dramatic Taurus Mountain range, the palatial resort comprises 560 rooms, including two Royal Suites with private pools. With Turkish heritage in mind, the architecture reflects distinctive landmarks of Istanbul - the main hotel resembles "The Dolmabahce Palace," and bridges across the pool are based on original designs of the "Da Vinci Bridge." Gondolas will sail guests around the Mediterranean's largest swimming pool, five giant aquariums reflect the Earth's oceans in the hotel's restaurants and spa, Europe's only swimming reef provides a haven for aquatic enthusiasts to explore, and a dramatic amphitheatre seating 900 will host world-class entertainment and spectacular light shows.

The resort also boasts the 7,500 sqm Mardan Spa, 17 bars, and 10 a la carte restaurants including French, Japanese, Russian, Thai, and traditional Turkish. Rooms range from EUR360 per night for a Superior Room in low season to EUR14,000 per night for a Royal Suite with private pool in High Season. The team behind Mardan Palace are creating one of the world's finest luxury destinations, an incredible resort set to become a modern day wonder of the world and a must-visit destination on the Turkish Riviera.