What to Do in Instanbul: Global Citizen Louise Ulukaya on Her Favorite Must-Visit Spots

Louise Ulukaya created Mon Coeur, her line of children’s and baby clothing, to fill a need. “I couldn’t find any brand that was sustainable, cute, and comfortable,” says the entrepreneur and mom of three. From hoodies and swimwear to onesies, every item features recycled material, and each purchase helps support beach cleanups, tree plantings, and other eco-initiatives via the nonprofit 1% for the Planet.  

This year, Ulukaya is launching the Mon Coeur Foundation to support education for grade school students around the world. Philanthropy is a priority for herself and her husband, Turkey-born businessman Hamdi Ulukaya, the founder of Chobani yogurt, which donates 10 percent of company profits to the Chobani Foundation. “We don’t really call it philanthropy. It’s something we talk about on a daily basis. It’s part of our daily routine,” she says.  

Ulukaya and her family are based mostly in New York (her father, chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, launched his culinary empire there), but they also spend time in the South of France (where she grew up) and in Istanbul, a city she says she fell in love with “at first sight.”

Below, she shares her favorite places to visit in Turkey’s historical city.

Louise Ulukaya
Ulukaya. Photograph courtesy of Mon Coeur.

Seraf Vadi

“It’s great for a nice dinner date. It’s very beautifully designed with Anatolian heritage art all around the dining room. Their lahmacun [Turkish flatbread] is amazing.”  

Seraf Vadi
Seraf Vadi

Lucca

“I also love Lucca in the Bebek neighbourhood, which is kind of like the hip Soho-like area. The menu is super easy with the kids. The kefte dish with rice and salad is a must. When I first visited Turkey, I fell in love with the food first of all.”  

Midnight

“It’s a very well-curated shop in Bebek, with jewelry, including pieces by a number of Greek designers, and nice bohemian clothes.” 

Spice Bazaar

“The energy is unlike anything else—you feel it even before entering the market.” 

Istanbul Spice Bazaar
Istanbul Spice Bazaar. Photograph by Meruyert Gonullu/Pexels.

Cihangir

“The antiques district in the Cihangir neighbourhood is filled with vintage and artisan shops.” 

Ortaköy Mosque

“Located on the waterside of the Ortaköy Pier square, it’s spectacular at night.” 

Ortakoy Mosque
Ortakoy Mosque. Photograph by Oziel Gómez/Pexels.

Galataport

“I love walking on the Galataport waterfront with our kids. The view is beautiful, and we love getting a gelato at Vakkorama.”  

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

“When we got married in Istanbul about seven years ago, we stayed there. It’s very sentimental for me. We love it. You can just sit there and get a Turkish tea and watch the whole dramatic scenery on the Bosphorus. People are canoeing. Boats are passing by. And the pool—it’s the most amazing pool in the whole world.” 

Four Seasons Istanbul
The Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus.
Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Mimo
Four Seasons Hotel Nashville Mimo

An Iconic Landmark in the Making:
Four Seasons Private Residences Istanbul

Inspired by three millennia of history, the soon-to-open Four Seasons Private Residences Istanbul is set to become one of the most sought-after addresses in an already iconic city. Combining legendary Four Seasons service, world-class amenities and an effortless homeownership experience, this standalone development will set a new standard for luxury living right in the heart of Istanbul. Join us as we take a look inside and uncover the inspiration behind the exciting new development.

A dynamic neighbourhood filled with history

Located on the European side where the districts of Ulus, Etiler and Levent come together, Four Seasons Private Residences Istanbul offers effortless luxury living in a dynamic and culture-rich neighbourhood. Think of gazing out over the mighty Bosphorus from a streetside café nearby, or stopping in a fashionable boutique for your next unique find. Strolling along the waterfront streets of Bebek, or exploring the hills of Etiler, where the city’s most notable culinary names await – all will be within easy reach.

“Our project is designed to integrate harmoniously with Istanbul’s vibrant atmosphere, conveniently situated near Istanbul’s prominent shopping and dining districts,” says Mesut Toprak, Chairman of the Tay Group, the development partner collaborating with Four Seasons. “We prioritize striking a delicate balance between [helping residents] engage in city activities, while safeguarding family privacy and serenity.” The goal, he says, is for both local and international residents to feel a connection to Istanbul through location, architecture, design and amenities.

This connection is further amplified by the personalized service that Four Seasons is known for. From making dinner reservations and stocking your kitchen with your favourite local pastries, to picking up your custom order from a designer shop nearby, the dedicated Four Seasons team will go the extra mile to make sure you feel right at home.

Design that merges the past, present and future

The residences themselves spread across four blocks in three ultra-modern towers and one low-rise building. A curated mix of Garden Suites, Apartment Residences, Penthouses and a Sky Loft, the 82 homes will have open-concept living spaces perfect for entertaining and relaxation in equal measure.

We view the architectural designs and materials not solely as historical tributes; they represent the ongoing sophistication of Istanbul’s urban landscape. – Mesut Toprak, Chairman of the Tay Group

Because no two Four Seasons residences are exactly alike, you can expect each residence to be fully customized. “We provide 46 distinctive floor plans catering to diverse lifestyles and preferences. This includes everything from expansive six-bedroom family apartments to minimalist two-bedroom urban living spaces that prioritize comfort without compromise,” Toprak says. “Nestled in one of Istanbul’s most prestigious areas, our apartments reflect the essence of both traditional Instanbulite and modern urban living. They are thoughtfully designed to provide rare urban sanctuaries, featuring terraces and gardens that present homeowners with a chance to relish their own private green spaces amid the urban landscape – a cornerstone of our design philosophy.”

Given the project’s iconic location, Toprak says, its architecture can be seen as a continuation of the residential architectural styles that emerged in the nearby Nişantaşı and Beyoğlu (formerly Pera) districts during the 19th century. However, “we view the architectural designs and materials not solely as historical tributes; they represent the ongoing sophistication of Istanbul’s urban landscape.”

Those with an eye for architecture, he notes, will find themselves immersed in detecting how these elements intertwine, showcasing the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s past and present.

Views from above

Most of the residences will fall within two categories: Garden Suites and Apartment Residences. The Garden Suites will provide the option of single-floor or duplex homes, each featuring private garden terraces accessible through floor-to-ceiling sliding windows. The Apartment Residences will range from two-bedroom to five-bedroom apartments, offering flexibility and comfort made to suit families or those looking for a luxurious Istanbul pied-à-terre.

Set atop each of the three residential towers will be the Penthouse Residences: ultra-exclusive homes featuring 7-metre-high (23-foot-high) ceilings and living areas focused on an expansive outdoor terrace. The primary bedroom on the upper floor will boast panoramic views and a distinctive crown attribute. Floor-to-ceiling windows will drench each Penthouse in natural light throughout the day, creating an impressive and tranquil space that showcases stunning city vistas.

The other crown jewel will be the Sky Loft Residence, perched on the low-rise building in the centre of the complex. Characterized by high-sloped ceilings and skylight windows in both the bedroom and living areas, the Sky Loft is designed to capitalize on the feeling of spaciousness. The interiors of this bright and airy residence optimize the interplay of space and light, augmented by innovative glass ceilings that maximize city views for an inspiring environment year round.

A sustainable and high-tech approach

Energy-efficient buildings, sustainable materials and green living are a priority at all Four Seasons properties, and they also rank high on the priority list for homebuyers. The team behind the residential property in Istanbul understands the crucial role sustainability holds not only in various aspects of real estate development but also in enhancing the well-being, productivity and overall satisfaction of residents and the community.

“Our commitment to sustainability is at the forefront of our design philosophy. In our quest to create living spaces that nurture both residents and the environment, we have integrated a multitude of eco-friendly features. Our project proudly meets the rigorous standards set by the LEED certification,” says Toprak. LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – is the world’s foremost green building rating system. “By prioritizing energy efficiency, optimizing air circulation, implementing rainwater collection and purification systems, and mitigating light and sound pollution, these residences work to benefit the environment, society and investors alike,” says Toprak.

In addition to intelligent building design, the residences will feature environmentally friendly VRF air conditioning and state-of-the-art under-floor heating, plus noise-cancelling technology and full insulation between residences. The complex itself will feature a parking structure with electric vehicle charging stations and advanced automation designed for 21st-century living.

An extension of your living space

When you live with Four Seasons, you’re not just getting an amazing home, you also gain access into an exclusive lifestyle. As a standalone property – meaning one that’s not connected to a hotel or resort – Four Seasons Private Residences Istanbul will be home to an array of world-class amenities tailored specifically for residential use.

“Our intent is for residents to enjoy the shared amenities as a seamless extension of their homes – an extra kitchen, a treatment room and a cinema room equipped with a superior audiovisual system,” says Toprak. “We believe this goal aligns perfectly with Four Seasons hospitality standards.”

Self-care is made easy at the state-of-the-art spa featuring a sauna, steam rooms and a heated indoor swimming pool perfect for morning swims surrounded by natural light. You can also relax on the outdoor garden deck, spend some time in the fully equipped fitness centre or the private yoga and Pilates studio, or opt for a relaxing spa treatment in the privacy of your residence.

A golf simulator suite, stylish multi-purpose lounges, and private cinema furnished with luxe leather seating and leading-edge AV technology will be perfect for days when you’re hosting guests or looking for fun. The family-friendly residential complex will also boast a bright and well-stocked kids’ playroom, as well as a young adult room featuring everything from table tennis and chess to video games to keep young residents and their friends entertained.

“The common spaces were meticulously crafted to evoke a residential ambience, seamlessly extending the essence of the apartments,” shares Toprak. “Our focus was on creating a fluid transition from the entrance to the amenities, inviting homeowners to enjoy the luxury of amenities reminiscent of their own homes.”

A history of excellence

Four Seasons has set the benchmark for hospitality in Istanbul for more than 30 years. In partnership with the Tay Group, both Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus and Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet were meticulously restored to become the renowned luxury hotels in Istanbul that they are today.

“As we expand our standalone residences in priority markets worldwide, Istanbul presents the perfect opportunity to build on the success and reputation of our renowned hotels at Sultanahmet and the Bosphorus, creating a distinct lifestyle experience with the privacy and comforts of home,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential. “This new project is a natural extension of our partnership with Tay Group, and we are proud to collaborate once again as we offer residents the ultimate living experience in Istanbul.”

To create a truly seamless living experience, Four Seasons Private Residences Istanbul will be managed by a dedicated team, including a Director of Residences and Residential Concierge, that will focus on delivering the legendary service that Four Seasons is known for. Imagine dinner parties with tailored menus prepared by a Four Seasons chef, unexpected birthday surprises or your favourite flowers arranged on your table to brighten up a rainy day, all done with genuine care. At Four Seasons, your residence is an extension of you, so no detail is too small or too big when it comes to creating a home and a life you love.

See what it’s like to live with Four Seasons