Vakko Hotel & Residence: A Glimpse Into the Past, Present, and Future of Istanbul

Founded in 1934 as an accessories brand, Turkey’s Vakko has transformed many times over during its 90 years of existence. The leading luxury fashion and lifestyle house’s latest venture, Vakko Hotel & Residence, opened in upscale Nişantaşı in March 2023, showcases exceptional service, timeless design, and rich tradition.

First Impressions

Signature Suite at Vakko Hotel & Residence / Photo: Courtesy of Vakko Hotel & Residence

A ‘personalized stay’ is often promised by hotels, but it’s not always perfectly executed. As a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, however, Vakko Hotel & Residence curates a unique experience tailored to the individual with additional personal touches.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Business Traveler USA (@businesstravelerusa)

Upon arrival I was greeted by the attentive hotel concierge, the noticeable aroma of Vakko’s parfum, and a warm towel—a welcome treat after a long travel journey. I was also assigned my own private butler, whom I was able to request via my suite’s smart tablet. With the launch of the Vakko Hotel & Residence a long time in the making and the brand’s unwavering reputation, the level of care was unsurprising but nevertheless masterful.

Inside the Hotel

Vakko L’Atelier / Photo: Courtesy of Vakko Hotel & Residence

Entering my private, self-contained suite—one of 31 on the property—I began my usual hotel ritual by opening the room windows. In those first minutes of any stay, I must be able to hear, smell, and breathe the destination. With Chanel and Gucci shops in view, I replied to emails and dove into the gifted Vakko L’Atelier flavors and traditional Turkish delicacies. After some downtime, I made my way to the ground floor for a stop at Vakko L’Atelier, the property’s à la carte dining experience. The intimate restaurant, open to nonguests, fuses modern French cuisine and global flavors. Our waitstaff were keen to discuss the history of Vakko as well as Istanbul itself.

A Taste of Turkish History

Local sweets on a private yacht tour / Photo: Courtesy of Lily Mae Pacey

As an Istanbul first timer, I fell deeply, madly in love with the rich culture and history of the city; from the days of the Eastern Roman Empire to the Ottoman Empire and the modern age.

For my personalized tour, organized by the hotel’s concierge, I made sure to pack my Vakko silk headscarf, kindly gifted by the hotel upon arrival. The trek included stops at the Süleymaniye and Rüstem Pasha mosques, the Grand Spice Bazaar, the riverside Vakkorama Cafe in Galataport, and a private yacht tour of the Bosphorus Strait.

Kudos to our fantastic tour guide, who made a travel destination feel like home—though it’s worth getting lost in the blue haze and spice aroma of the city, a world away from the subtle color palette of the Vakko Hotel’s calm and relaxing interior.

Luxury and Pampering

Final dinner at Bebek Balıkçı / Photo: Courtesy of Lily Mae Pacey

Cruising along the Bosphorus, home to Turkey’s most expensive real estate market, I sipped traditional Turkish coffee and got a fortune reading before immersing myself in the Vakko retail experience. Although my purse remained in my pocket and my suite’s large walk-in-wardrobe bare, my hunger for the luxury retail lifestyle and love for window shopping was satiated.

On my final evening in Istanbul, I settled in for a complimentary massage and facial at the Vakko Sanitas Spa, followed by dinner at Bebek Balıkçı.

Known as the “beacon of Istanbul’s seafood tradition,” the restaurant is woven into the oceanfront. Despite the unforgiving cloud of cigar smoke, the attention to detail—both with food and service—did not go unnoticed. I lost myself in the roar of the dinner chatter, the nearby breaking waves, and the flavor of the tabbouleh and octopus salad as I thought about how this city welcomed me with open arms on my first visit. I’m not a fortune teller by trade, but I predict I’ll be back again soon.