04 Nov 2021
Six Senses opens new spa in Istanbul with authentic Hammams and design inspired by local Turkish culture
BY Megan Whitby
Six Senses Kocatas Mansions in Istanbul has been upgraded with a brand new 16,145sq ft (1,500sq m) urban spa retreat within a restored 100-year-old stone house.
The spa has been added to the existing Six Senses resort which originally opened in 2019 within a former mansion owned by and named after Ottoman Minister of Justice Necmettin Molla Kocataş, owner of Kocataş Water.
Elevated above the resort and blending into the natural greenery, the new spa has been realised using natural materials from the original setting and constructed in an eco-friendly manner. It also incorporates artefacts from Ottoman palatial collections to pay homage to the city’s past.
Inspired by the tiles of Istanbul's iconic historical imperial Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the spa’s five treatment rooms have been completed with blue-tiled walls to celebrate Turkish culture, enhanced with red line details to give the walls a natural and authentic finish.
Six Senses claims the vision for the spa is to create an urban haven of healing.
Istanbul-based architecture firm EMR Architecture oversaw the restoration, while Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu managed interiors. DAR Design from Beirut completed the spa's interior design.
The spa was conceived with the help of wellness consultancy The Wellness Dubai which designed three hammams (male, female and private hammam) two steamrooms and two saunas, to evoke an authentic Turkish experience.
Facilities also include an open-plan relaxation area, retail boutique, Holistic Anti-Aging Center, Pilates studio, Alchemy Bar and Nail Bar.
In Q1 2022, the spa will also gain an infinity pool with a Bosphorus view, a juice bar and additional fitness centre facilities.
Treatment highlights include personalised facials and authentic Hammam experiences, administered by local hammam experts.
The interior design of the hammams is also unique as each offers a spacious lounge and a decorative glass panel design to let in a sprinkle of daylight and a peek of the Bosphorus.
Additional rituals on offer include massages, body care treatments, and hair, body, and beauty services.
The spa is partnered with professional French skincare and spa brand Biologique Recherche for treatments, as well as luxury Australia-based Ayurveda aromatherapy brand Subtle Energies.
To ensure Six Senses Spa Kocataş Mansions, Istanbul upholds the brand’s long-term commitment to sustainability and wellness, all spa hosts have been provided with sustainable uniforms created by local designers EzraTuba, who champion circular and ethical fashion in Turkey.
Spa director Sündüz Ediz Kibar comments: “This spa is a magical place for guests and members alike. After months of anticipation, we’ve opened our doors and completed the resort’s identity.
“Our passionate team will be working to create #OutOfTheOrdinary guest experiences and immersive wellness programming and retreats.”
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