The real estate on the banks of the Bosphorus, Istanbul’s mythical waterway, is so coveted, the prices soar into the upper echelons of credibility. (An old Ottoman mansion has been known to fetch more than $100 million.) A sunset cruise along the Bosphorus is a great way to take in many of these magnificent historic buildings, some occupied by luxury hotels. The latest to move in is Six Senses, which has announced a November debut for the Six Senses Kocatas Mansion Istanbul. The rapidly growing hospitality brand has restored two Ottoman-era mansions in the Sariyer district, which is on the city’s European side. (In the vast sprawl of Istanbul, this district is located about 11 miles northeast of Sultanahmet, where all the tourist sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar are concentrated.)
In fact, the former 19th-century Kocataş Mansions were destroyed years ago by a fire, and so Six Senses has sought to recreate many of the historic architectural details. This waterfront site affords sweeping views of the Bosphorus just as it reaches its last bend toward the Black Sea.
Six Senses Kocatas Mansion Istanbul will have 45 guestrooms and suites spread across the two three-story mansions. Facilities will include a restaurant called the Toro Latin GastroBar, the all-day Kahve café overlooking the Bosphorus, fully equipped gym, and banqueting/ function rooms. A nice touch will be the private boat, moored on property, available to take guests on sightseeing trips. (Because of dense city traffic, boat is by far the best means of transportation in Istanbul.)