Six Senses to expand in Turkey

The 45-room hotel will take bookings during its soft-opening period from November, but will launch fully “by spring”, the hotelier said.

Located on the prosperous Sariyer district of the city’s European side, the project sees the combining of two former 19th-century mansions, Kocatas Mansions and Sait Pasa Mansion, previously owned by and named after minister of justice Necmettin Molla Kocatas, also owner of Kocatas Water.

The buildings had lain empty for 20 years following a devastating fire, but have now been restored to their former glory. Features will include three restaurants – Toro Latin Gastro Bar, designed by restaurateur Richard Sandoval; Kahve for all-day dining; and a third restaurant to open in spring, when the gym and spa overlooking the Bosphorus River will also open.

As well as being the group’s second hotel in Turkey – it joins Six Senses Kaplankaya, which opened last year – Six Senses Kocatas Mansions represents only the second urban development by the brand.

The brand has recently opened two properties in Singapore’s Chinatown, as it looks to expand beyond just resorts.

The Istanbul project is a partnership between Six Senses and developer Alfardan Group.

“We are very happy to partner with the Alfardan Group for this historic project,” said chief executive of Six Senses, Neil Jacobs. “Ideally situated in the city’s prosperous northernmost district with its vibrant outdoor cafes and garden areas, this remains truly the best spot for a Six Senses hotel in Istanbul. It will appeal to local residents in search of an urban wellness fix and great dining experiences, and also to international travellers who wish to explore the city.”

Now part of InterContinental Hotels Group, Six Senses Hotels Resorts and Spas manages 18 hotels and 30 spas in 21 countries under its Six Senses, Evason and Six Senses Spas brands, and has a further 19 properties in development.