In a remarkable debut, Turkish fashion house Vakko gracefully steps into the world of hospitality, introducing a new dimension to Istanbul’s vibrant hotel scene. LLM contributor Benjamin Russell checks in to find out more about how this newcomer exudes style and comfort in equal measure.
Hotel
As you pull up to Vakko Hotel and Residence, the style and luxury that run through the place is immediately apparent.
Top-hatted doormen greet you at the kerb and as you pass through the stylish marble façade and into the lobby, it’s clear you are entering a temple to couture. Perhaps no surprise for a property located in Nişantaşı, one of Istanbul’s most sophisticated and fashionable neighbourhoods, surrounded by exclusive stores such as Louis Vuitton and Prada and, of course, Vakko’s own flagship store, offering women’s and men’s clothing, homeware, and accessories.
Room
The luxuriant theme continues right into the rooms, where chic design runs into every corner. The accommodation includes 31 suites, ranging from two studio residences to 12 premiere suites, 16 signature suites, and The Vakko Room, a penthouse on the top floor that doubles as an exquisite events space with views over Istanbul.
Each suite is generously proportioned, featuring a spacious bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, living room, dining area, and a fully-equipped kitchen. The décor follows a neutral palette, emphasising diverse textures, from tactile woollen furnishings to elegant glass accessories, complemented by the striking contrast of white and black marble in the kitchen and bathroom.
Incorporating modern amenities, every room is equipped with surround sound, a smart TV, a steamer, atmospheric lighting, and an espresso machine. Guests can indulge in complimentary butler services provided by the expert Vakko butler team. Additionally, a sommelier curates a selection of Turkey’s finest wines for the wine fridge in each room.
Beyond the expected, the hotel offers unique services such as personal shopping, made-to-measure tailoring in the comfort of your room, exclusive bride and groom experiences, and even wardrobe organisation. With ample closet space available, you can fully unpack and still have room for any holiday purchases. Welcome to a retreat where style meets comfort seamlessly.
Food and drink
Within the hotel lies Vakko L’Atelier, a branch of the fashion label’s renowned restaurant chain which offers exquisite French cuisine. A standout dish is the salade de chèvre, featuring warm goats’ cheese, honey, and pomegranate, while the entrecôte with rosemary potatoes and garlic butter is equally impressive. The wine list spans the globe, but our waiter suggested a delightful Turkish white that paired perfectly with the salad. And don’t miss the chance to indulge in a decadent French dessert.
For breakfast, or petit dejeuner, as the menu calls it, revel in a French-style experience with freshly-baked croissants and crepes. If you desire something different, there are also egg dishes, açai bowls, and pancakes available.
Guests can enjoy a 24-hour room service menu, offering a more intimate dining experience. A late-night snack like the French onion soup is a delightful choice.
Spa and wellness
Each room is equipped with a personal TechnoGym workout kit, complete with bands, mats, and rollers, allowing you to exercise in privacy. For those who prefer using equipment, the fully-stocked Vakkorama gym features the latest Technogym training equipment and offers a quick and effective Biocircuit programme to help guests achieve their fitness goals more efficiently.
The Sanitas Spa and Wellness centre is a haven of relaxation, with a sauna, steam room, and a full range of treatments, including the signature golden massage that uses palm oil with 24-karat gold particles. Other offerings include Ayurvedic treatments and a traditional Hawaiian massage called Lomi Lomi Nui. A signature massage tailored to individual needs leaves guests feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Vakko began with hats and silk scarves in the 1930s, and now spans fashion, accessories, beauty, home goods, even pastries; a Turkish lovechild of Hermès, Ladurée and JK Place...you get the idea. Staying here – with its 31 suites all with kitchens, dining areas, a crème caramel colour palette and a combination of sleek, pale wood, high tech, soundproofing and modern art – provides a completely different experience to the usual stately palace hotels near the Bosphorous.
As fans of Turkey’s Nobel-prize winning novelist Orhan Pamuk know, Istanbul society has long congregated around the decorative Nisantasi district on the European side of the city. It means ‘marking stone,’ as stones there once marked the range of the Ottoman archers’ and sultans’ arrows. Mostly built in the 19th century, it has also sometimes been called Little Paris; it’s now marked by a range of high fashion brands, art galleries, coffee shops and neighbourhood white-tablecloth restaurants.
On the premier shopping street – Abdi Ipekci – there is a new glass and marble entrance, gleaming yet discreet; nearby, an ice cream stand with stripey awning, chairs and tables out on the pavement. This is the new Vakko Hotel and Residence, the first of it's kind from Turkey’s own leading luxury brand.
Vakko began with hats and silk scarves in the 1930s, and now spans fashion, accessories, beauty, home goods, even pastries; a Turkish lovechild of Hermès, Ladurée and JK Place...you get the idea. Staying here – with its 31 suites all with kitchens, dining areas, a crème caramel colour palette and a combination of sleek, pale wood, high tech, soundproofing and modern art – provides a completely different experience to the usual stately palace hotels near the Bosphorous.
Interiors-wise, it is all much more architect-designed superyacht than sultanate excess. And the fashion district itself is serene, calm, stylish and surprisingly untourist-y, a very low stress environment for this fascinating but frenetic city. Vakko Hotel, above and behind its own boutique, is near to Chanel, Gucci and other familiar names. Inside on the ground floor there is a small, welcoming reception and the L’Atelier restaurant where breakfast (pancakes and omelettes are particularly good) is served, along with a mainly French menu throughout the day.
The floors of suites, which vary in size but not in spec (black and white marble bathrooms with Vakko own brand products and heated floors, sitting areas with huge TVs and pictures of old Hollywood; even an in-room Technogym) are sandwiched by a basement containing a proper gym and a spa with a wide range of treatments; and at the top, a penthouse area with a balcony (from which you can see right across the city) and bar, where Johnny Depp had his last birthday party.
The internal motto is ‘pamper guests with style’ and staff are indeed incredibly helpful. Guests get their own butler for whom nothing is too much trouble – ours, Ibrahim, even lent us his tube pass when we couldn’t work the machine. Those sultans aimed their arrows in the right direction – this is just the place for an insider-y trip to the chicest piece of Istanbul.
vakko.com
Opened at the beginning of this year, the new Vakko Hotel & Residence — where I stayed in Istanbul — is the hospitality arm of the Vakko group, founded by a traditional Turkish family over a century ago. The business began as a hat and scarves brand, and over the years, it unfolded into diverse segments of the luxury market. Among them: their own clothing line, department stores, a bridal atelier, home wear, decoration, Vakkorama (a department store for a younger audience), hotel, restaurants, patisseries, and even a chocolate brand.
I didn’t find Turkish fashion to be very sophisticated, but Vakko’s own brand is ultra-sophisticated. I was also impressed with their department store, which is located right next to the hotel, in the popular Abdi Ipekçi Street, in the fashion district of the city. There I found a good selection of brands, such as Alaïa, Ganni, and Victoria Beckham. Everything the group does is extremely luxurious (and it couldn’t be any different with the new hotel). The property offers 31 suites for long or short term stays, styled in a contemporary design and lots of technology.
The amenities, which were very well selected, caught my attention. There was Marvis toothpaste and other little indulgences. I was welcomed with an infinity of macarons and chocolates from the hotel’s patisserie and plenty of Brazilian music on the playlist. I felt at home! The concierge and the staff were excellent. They provided everything that I needed to have the best experience in the city, which requires some logistics; like every metropolis in the world, Istanbul has considerable traffic. Therefore, the best way to visit the city’s principal attractions is by walking — beginning with Sultanahmet Square. At opposite ends of the square are two of the country’s “postcards”: Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. A masterpiece of Byzantine art, Hagia Sophia was built by Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537, and was an Orthodox cathedral until 1453, the year in which the Ottomans conquered Constantinople and the church became a mosque with four new minarets. Some centuries later, in 1935, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first Turkish president, transformed the temple into a museum. In July 2020, current President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reverted the millennial building into a mosque once again.
The Blue Mosque is the most important of the city, and is one of five in the entire country that boasts six minarets. It is locally known as the Sultânahmed Camiî, built by Sultan Ahmed 1 between 1609 and 1616. Its central dome is 23 meters in diameter and 43 meters in height. The thousands of blue tiles on the dome (crafted in the city of Iznik), along with the hundreds of stained glass windows, are responsible for the color that gives the Islamic temple its name. Because of these tours, and the attention I received from everyone during the trip, I can confidently rate my stay in Turkey as five stars.
Stay in a fashion-forward hotel
Doorstaff in tails and top hats set the tone immediately at VAKKO Hotel & Residences, one of Istanbul’s latest openings.
The hotel is the first foray into hospitality of fashion brand VAKKO and they have stamped their style all over it.
The jazzy black and white marble entrance is straight out of a billionaire’s pad while the dark, mirrored corridors make you feel like you’re in an exclusive club.
The restaurant is a super chic take on a Parisian bistro with geometric-patterned marble floors and statement lighting.
Breakfast and afternoon tea are the highlight here, with exquisitely presented macarons, eclairs and fruit tarts also on sale at the street-level patisserie.
In the warmer months, the floor-to-ceiling glass door along one side slides open to the wall of lush greenery beyond. The rooms are equally elegant and vast - the smallest measures 95m2 while two Studio Residences are 120m2 and come with a terrace. Suites include a kitchen of black marble surfaces and a wine fridge, a lounge area with bold sculptures and carefully scattered design books, and a bedroom with pale wood paneling and plush cream carpets.
The bathrooms are the epitome of VAKKO’s sharp, sleek style with white veined marble sinks and showers and bold black walls. Guests are made to feel like VIPs with in-room shopping services, a butler on hand to pack and unpack suitcases, and made-to-measure tailoring.
The lavish property has 31 generous suites designed for a bespoke experience. Each suite offerings soft furnishings with neutral hues and a luxurious marble bathroom for an unforgettable experience. Situated in a prime location in the heart of the city, the property is designed with the modern architecture. With a new approach to the accommodation experience, the hotel brings exclusive services under one roof, including holistic spa services, a personalised shopping experience and retail offerings all in a central location. Guests can book a hotel room starting at Dhs2,350 for two guests and experience a midweek getaway as per their convenience.
The clue
The name of this river suggests that we should be in paradise. But as we stand on a 15th-century bridge built by a bishop, my friend and I are battling over what to do next.
Friend - ever the sportsman - wants to see a town four miles east-southeast of here. I (the historian) am determined to visit a smaller town a mile and a half northwards. I'd like to see its fine Romanesque church, but what really interests me is one of its two stations. This one is not for trains - eight years ago it welcomed a large group of men and vehicles back from Germany: and even though we can't go in I want to doff my cap.
“But what about the history of sport?” Friend complains. “Doesn't that get a look-in too?” After all, the larger town played a central role in the birth of one.
“Sorry, but today of all days we need to go north,” I explain. The large group may be the result of a 20th-century merger, but its roots are deep - and famous. Friend threatens a boycott. But I know he's just sabre-rattling. I bribe him with the thought of a long beach nearby. “When we're done at the station we can go and look at the greys,” I tell him. “They keep horses here too?” Friend asks. “I'm talking about seals,” I explain. They gather on a point that's part of a national nature reserve. It's nearly seven miles north-northeast of this bridge as the golf ball flies. Finally Friend relents. “All right then, you lead the charge,” he tells me.
The questions
1 What is the name of the smaller town?
2 What is the name of the national nature reserve?
The prize
The winner and guest will stay for three nights, B&B, at Vakko Hotel & Residence in Istanbul. The first hotel from the Turkish fashion brand Vakko, the hotel sits above its flagship boutique on Abdi Ipekci Avenue, with Chanel and Prada its near-neighbours, and the Nisantasi restaurant scene on the doorstep. Inside, the hotel offers 31 spacious suites as well as state-of-the-art wellness facilities and the bistro-style Vakko l'Atelier, where one dinner for two (excluding drinks) is included in the prize. For details visit vakkohotel.com.
The prize also includes two return flights with Pegasus Airlines, from Stansted or Manchester to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen. Pegasus offers up to seven direct flights a day from the UK to Istanbul, starting from £67 (flypgs.com). The prize must be taken before October 28, 2023, subject to availability and excluding public holidays. The prizewinner must book the hotel in advance through JV Public Relations.
The prizewinner must book the two flights in advance through Redmint Communications at least seven days before the travel date. The prizewinner and guest must book their own travel insurance and have valid passports and the necessary visas. The prize is non-transferable and non-refundable. No cash alternative is available.
Vakko Hotel & Residence Istanbul is the debut hotel from Turkey’s prestigious fashion and lifestyle brand Vakko. Situated in the fashion district of Nişantaşı, the luxurious boutique property features 31 roomy suites, a bistro-style restaurant, and advanced wellness and fitness amenities. The hotel resides above the famous Vakko flagship store and original Vakko L’Atelier, famous for its handmade pastries and artisan chocolates, where guests can indulge in the Vakko experience through bespoke fashion-centric activities and personalised services.
Türk moda dünyasının duayen ismi Vakko, pastane ve bistro alanındaki girişimlerine otel ve rezidans projesi ekledi. Geçtiğimiz ay İstanbul Nişantaşı’nda açılışı yapılan Vakko Hotel & Residence, markanın turizmdeki iddiasını kanıtlar nitelikte. 95 ila 198 metrekare arasında değişen genişlikleriyle 31 süit odada misafir ağırlayan Vakko Hotel & Residence, markanın Nişantaşı binasındaki butiğinde yer alıyor ve misafirlerine kişiye özel alışveriş deneyimi de sunuyor. Otelin en üst katta konumlandırılan Vakko Room adlı bölümü özel davetler için tasarlanırken giriş kattaki Vakko L’Atelier misafirlere kahvaltı salonu olarak da hizmet verecek ve aynı zamanda oda servisi de yapacak. Otelin kapsamlı bir spa’sı ve fitmess salonu da bulunuyor.
Other notable openings include boutique beachside property Yazz Collective set within a private bay in Fethiye, and the Vakko Hotel & Residence (pictured below) in Istanbul adding to the city’s next-level hotel offerings that already also include Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, which made its debut last year.
From Turkey’s leading luxury goods house, VAKKO’s first hotel will open this spring, with 31 suites, an indulgent spa, gym, and a spectacular penthouse. Hoping to appeal to the fashion conscious, expect sumptuous interiors in the brand’s signature cream and black tones.
An exciting debut hotel project from Turkey’s top fashion, luxury goods and lifestyle brand Vakko, this cool new property will consist of just 31 suites and is set to reflect the brand’s luxurious standing while offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in the national heritage brand.
Turkish fashion house brings luxury and exclusivity to its design-led debut property
This exciting debut sees luxury Turkish fashion house Vakko take its first leap into the world of hospitality, bringing something completely new to Istanbul.
What was once a small millinery shop in 1934 has since grown into a huge brand. Vakko already offers culinary experiences through restaurants, chocolatiers and patisseries, on top of running stores across the country. Known for its understated and timeless style, these are elements that the brand has incorporated into the design of its first property.
Everything you need to know for a break in Turkey’s largest city
Places To Stay: Best Hotels
Quiet space is “not so easy to come by” in Istanbul, especially in the “intensity” of the old town, said Holden Frith on TheWeek.co.uk. This helps to explain why the neighbourhood’s most luxurious hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, can be found in an old prison. With a prime spot in the heart of the old city, this recently refurbished hotel is a “serene launchpad” for Istanbul’s greatest attractions.
Istanbul is the hotspot where “worlds, cultures, religions and empires collide”, said Condé Nast Traveller. A “unique fusion” of “East-West, ancient-modern, grit and grandeur”, the city’s “exquisitely restored” Ottoman palaces and mansions now house an abundance of top-drawer hotels. One place that’s “worthy of a stay” is The Peninsula Istanbul. Made up of four separate buildings, the hotel sprawls across 250m of “prime Galataport waterfront property” taking in views of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the old city.
There are 11 hotels in Istanbul which have been given a 9/10 rating by the experts on The Telegraph. Pick of the bunch is Sumahan on the Water, a former Ottoman-era distillery situated on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait. Other highly rated hotels include the “hip boutique” Georges Hotel Galata and the “history-filled” Pera Palace Hotel.
While Turkey’s Mediterranean resorts do a brisk trade in beach retreats, Istanbul is for those who want to reconnect with the world rather than get away from it all. The Six Senses Kocatas Mansions provides a “haven of restfulness”, said Holden Frith on TheWeek.co.uk. Few places could be more laid-back than the Six Senses, which occupies two 19th-century palaces on the shores of the Bosphorus. The guest rooms are large, bright and, like the city itself, a harmonious blend of influences.
For a stylish stay head to Vakko Hotel & Residence, the exciting debut property of Turkish fashion house Vakko. Located in the fashionable Nişantaşı neighbourhood – which is filled with bustling lanes, architectural gems, and amazing shopping – Vakko Hotel & Residence brings a stylish new dimension to the city’s hotel scene.
