Click video below to see an in-person walk through of the property!
Hi GSD Leader and fellow adventurer! Let’s take a moment and get real about your health. How are you really feeling? Are you doing something for YOU every day? You know the saying? If you don’t take care of yourself, how are you gonna take care of anybody else? And in hospitality these are the facts. You can only go go go for so long before your body is going to just shut down.
If you've been following my journey over the past few years, you'll know that COVID threw some major curveballs my way (as it did for everyone!). When I was laying on my deathbed in early 2021 from having the virus I really thought that I was going to die. If you’ve ever had a near death experience, or if you’ve ever made goodbye videos to your family, you may feel what I felt. It changes you.
I now understand the meaning of taking care of you first. An airplane is my second home and every time the flight attendant says “put your mask on first” it’s a reminder… There's a reason for that!
If you’ve ever experienced anything like this, you may find yourself taking a hard look at everything, and I mean everything! It started with movement then overtime moved into food and now the focus is sleep.
If you know you’re not properly taking care of yourself don’t beat yourself up. Life happens and you get busy and we all get off track. Don’t do what I did! There's that 80/20 rule. Pay attention to your body, pay attention to yourself.
Remember, your health is your wealth. You can always work more and make more money, but you can never get your health back.
If you've ever dealt with food allergies and felt that travel anxiety creeping in, praying you won't get sick or have an allergic reaction and break out in hives or itch uncontrollably, then you'll understand the relief I’m about to share.
I recently traveled back to Istanbul, Turkey to speak at a luxury hospitality conference, to share what I’ve learned over the past year about implementing AI and ChatGPT into your business. Now I’ve had some pretty bad experiences, traveling with allergies and cross contamination and so often I carry my own food with me and I don’t eat local food until after I speak or teach.
But, when traveling and visiting this particular brand, I don’t have to bring food with me and I don’t have to worry about it, because the focus is solely on wellness and sustainability.
Now I know that when you think of the word luxury, we all define it differently based on our experiences, and our perception. But let me tell you, the team at this boutique luxury wellness resort in Istanbul blew me away! It’s all about the details, and from being in hospitality in a luxury market, especially luxury weddings, for more than two decades, if anyone understands and pays attention to the details, it’s me!
From the check-in (and being saged to have all the bad energy and negativity away), to the sleep kit in my room (because someone on their team was paying attention and asked me about my Oura ring, which is my favorite way to track sleep – the one thing I’m focused on this year). I’m completely obsessed with the data and it’s different from the Apple watch. You can check it out the Oura ring here!
What really makes an experience is the people. Everyone and I mean everyone at this property is all on the same page. From the sales team, to the spa director, chefs, and all the way to the GM; they were so awesome and welcoming. Their vibes from the moment I arrived were next level, and what's even better? They don't just talk the talk when it comes to eco-friendliness and sustainability, they walk the walk. They're all about making a genuine impact in the community, whether it's through backing local projects or spreading the word about wellness and sustainability.
If these things light you up, then keep reading!
I want to welcome you to a paradise where luxury meets wellness, and where history intertwines with modernity. Tucked away in Istanbul's esteemed Sariyer district, Six Senses Kocatas Mansions invites travelers and wellness enthusiasts to an unforgettable journey of rejuvenation and self-discovery. So, let's take a virtual stroll through this gem of the Bosphorus and uncover the priceless experiences it holds for adventurers like us.
At Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, you'll find a charming boutique hotel with 43 rooms – each one thoughtfully designed and totally unique, adding a special touch to your stay. They stay authentic to the mansion and the history. All this with an infinity pool, and stunning gardens. Picture yourself lounging by the pool or strolling through the lush greenery, indulging in delicious food along the way.
Culinary Adventures and Experiences
For all foodies and wine enthusiasts, they offer you a feast for the senses. From Anatolia Wine Tasting to Seasonal Brunch, Cooking Classes, and Destination Dining Experiences. You can also dive into the vibrant flavors of Turkish cuisine while learning the art of sustainable living through fermentation workshops. Whether you're a master chef or just starting out in the kitchen, there's something here for everyone to savor and enjoy.
Now for having only 43 rooms, this location specifically has an abundance of outdoor and indoor social events space that we'll share with you below so be sure to keep reading.
There are multiple restaurants to choose from:
Toro Latin Gastro Bar – Styled by the restaurateur Richard Sandoval, Toro is a gastro bar serving high-end Pan-Latin and Asian cuisines.
Chef Erdal Kocatas Mansions – Enjoy a masterful selection of Turkish traditional delicacies and kebabs by Chef Erdal
Scalini Istanbul – Located at the entrance to the Sait Pasa mansion, Scalini Istanbul brings a taste of diverse heritage from Italy to Istanbul.
Below are 2 more restaurants that are also available to rent out for your special events:
1860 Lounge – This is an intimate place to wind down with cocktails at night accompanied by authentic flavors. The view here is incredible! And they left this area for private events. The furniture to the lighting to the bar to the food, it’s all there for you and it’s awesome!
SAX – Where the night is always young with lounge and fine dining! It’s at the top of the hill next to their garden and infinity pool, overlooking the entire city of Istanbul.
Travel wouldn't be complete without pastries and boutique cakes so here are options for you:
Kocatas Patisserie – Every moment is a joyful moment with freshly prepared pastries and boutique cakes!
Kahve – Kahve lounge is located in a bohemian-style gilded hall offering up sweet turkish delight and sticky pastries
Ultimate Wellness Escape
If you’re from America, and you have experienced a hammam, you know this is an experience like no other! It’s a type of steam Turkish bath.
In the hammam, your body is cleansed from head to toe. It takes place in a humid steam chamber, where a Tellak, a hammam attendant, will douse you with water before applying soap to your skin and exfoliating it with a kessa glove. I've been to a handful of hammams while working in Turkey before, and I learned that the local women in Turkey do it every 21 days. Amazing! It's like giving your entire body a facial and afterward, your skin will feel unbelievably smooth and refreshed. It’s a must try!
Now let's dive into the little details of my personal spa experience – even the journey to the spa at the top of the hill was incredible! It feels like a leisurely hike, thanks to the carefully crafted path that keeps you comfortable every step of the way with a personal guide. And when you meet the spa director or the guide leading the nature hike, you'll understand why this place is so special. I love them!! With their wealth of knowledge and radiant energy, they are the cherry on top of an already incredible experience. Located at the top of the hill and I mean the very top of the hill the view and the air quality is just incredible. It's a know fact that the location that this mansion is positioned have the best air quality in Istanbul.
Sleep Health
You know, sleep can be a real challenge for those of us who love what we do and can’t turn our brain off. It's like it never stops and then add travel to that and all the different time zones and you can really feel drunk (even though I rarely drink).
When I got to my room, there was a delivery waiting for me – a sleep kit that syncs up with an app, and it actually worked like a charm for me! It was such a thoughtful gesture and honestly, one of my favorite things they did. It just goes to show their care for their guests, which is what you really want in a top-notch hotel.
It worked so well that I actually overslept and woke up to the phone ringing asking me if I was coming down to the lobby for my meeting. And if you’ve ever woken up in a panic like that, it sucks because I hate being late and I hate letting people down but when I tell you the whole kit worked, it worked!!
Special Events
If you're planning a wedding, birthday party, executive retreat, wellness retreat, special event, or cultural celebration – this is a perfect place for you, especially if you and your friends and family are focused on a healthy lifestyle.
With lush greenery, 270-degree Bosphorus views, and both indoor and outdoor venues, they cater to events of all sizes – from intimate gatherings to grand affairs. The outdoor venue accommodates 450 people for cocktails and 350 for seated events, and the indoor venue accommodates 250 people for cocktails and 200 for seated events. Again for only having 40+ rooms. They have some incredible event spaces and if all of your guests cannot stay at their property, they of course collaborate with other properties around.
Accommodations
If you’re a member of IHG one rewards, you can take advantage of low member-exclusive rates – plus earn points on every stay to redeem for reward nights, gift cards, and more. Who doesn't love a sweet deal, right? But let's be real, it's not just about the money – it's about the whole experience. It's about knowing you’ll be taken cared of in every way during your getaway, and that is priceless.
Play video below for a quick overview of the property!
Immersive Historic Experience
Every property is unique in their own way, and I immediately noticed that this property is very much focused on the history of the mansion. If you love history and art, you'll love diving into the stories behind these meticulously restored Ottoman-era mansions – Kocatas Mansion and Sait Pasa. Formerly owned by Necmettin Molla Kocataş, each corner is filled with exquisite design details that honor their storied heritage. From the moment you step foot into these lavishly appointed guest rooms and suites, you'll be transported back in time while enjoying all the modern comforts and Six Senses touches.
Unforgettable Experiences and Activities
Do you find that as you grow older and gain more life experience, your priorities may shift based on your needs and what is going on in your life at that moment?
Now that my oldest niece who works with us has a baby, and some of our clients have children – I've become more aware of how resorts and properties cater to families with young children. So if you're traveling with kids, you'll be delighted to know they offer sustainable games and have an amazing area for kids to enjoy. It's all about creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels cared for and valued. This is why I absolutely love Six Senses. It's not just about having fun – it's about instilling a love for sustainable living from a young age and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Beyond the confines of the hotel, you can go diving into the pristine waters of the Bosphorus with intercontinental swimming or explore the iconic landmarks of old Istanbul. I’m serious when I say there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Six Senses Kocatas Mansions in Istanbul is a total immersion in wellness, luxury, top-notch experiences, culinary wonders, and history. This gem in the heart of the city feels like your own private oasis. Get ready to have your expectations blown away and your wanderlust ignited. So grab your bags, get set for an epic journey, and let Six Senses Kocatas Mansions be your ticket to an unforgettable Istanbul adventure.
Ready to have your special events in this property? Email us your questions at: connect@angelaproffitt.com or schedule a call with us HERE!
