At the heart of our family heritage lies a story that began over a century ago, with the visionary and commercial spirit of Y. Bahri Akdağ. A true pioneer, he was the man who established the transportation industry in Anatolia. His successor, Dr. Eng. Erdoğan M. Akdağ, a self-made entrepreneur, founded Yibitaş Holding in 1973, leading it to become a cornerstone of the Turkish cement and construction industry. His influence extended far beyond business; through the Erdoğan Akdağ Educational Foundation, he devoted himself to advancing education, healthcare, cultural restoration, and scholarships by funding the construction of over 10 faculties, schools and a university. His love for art and hosting, shared with his loving wife, Serpil, inspired them to create not just a home, but a lasting legacy of hospitality that we continue to honour to this day. In tribute, our signature restaurant, EMA’s, proudly bears his initials, embodying his passion for fine dining and unforgettable gatherings.

Dr. Bahri Akdag, Erdogan’s son, carried his father’s legacy forward with a vision that was both ambitious and deeply personal. He chose to diversify the family portfolio by investing in distinctive projects, such as the Windowist Tower Istanbul’s central business district. This unique development was Türkiye’s first and only fully equipped, all-in-one luxury serviced office space with a heliport, and home to the city’s first IceBar. Bahri’s commitment to perfection was avid in every detail, including his decision to bring the first two-star Michelin chef to Türkiye, setting a new culinary benchmark.

As the architect of our resort, Bahri meticulously crafted every detail from the ground up, blending his vast experience in industry, finance and international business with a refined taste for luxury. His education in Germany and Austria, along with his travels around the world, allowed him to gather the very best – culinary excellence, architectural beauty, and impeccable service.

Sevgi Akdağ, Bahri’s wife, infuses the resort with her love for flowers and warm hospitality. Her touch transforms the historical Grand Mansion into a sanctuary where the scent of blooms and the taste of fine cuisine intertwine. It is here, in “Where Barry Meets Sevgi,” that the elegance of Bahri’s world meets the vibrant joy of Sevgi’s, offering guests a unique experience that celebrates love, food, and festivity.

The next generation of the Akdağ family continues to elevate the resort’s unique character, each bringing their own passions and talents into the fold. Berk Akdağ, Bahri and Sevgi’s son, shares his father’s deep love for the sea. An avid sailor, Berk often sails the waters surrounding the island with Bahri, a passion mirrored in the beautiful yachts available for charter at the resort. Berk also has an innate love for music that echoes throughout the island. A talented musician and connoisseur of sound, Berk’s time in London, where he studied and played in a band, honed his keen ear for the extraordinary. His influence can be felt in the resort’s carefully curated playlists, the bespoke live performances, and the serene soundscapes that drift through our gardens and beach club.

Mina Akdağ, daughter of Bahri and Sevgi, brings a vibrant blend of art and wellbeing to the resort. With a master’s degree from Sotheby’s and successfully co-directing an art gallery in Istanbul, Mina’s discerning eye has curated a stunning collection of contemporary art that graces every corner of the property. Her passion for wellbeing, born out of her co-founding of a wellness members club in Florence, is woven into the very fabric of our resort’s philosophy. The spa and wellness centre directly reflect her belief in the importance of nurturing the body, mind, and soul – an ethos that permeates every experience offered.

Together, the Akdağ Family have infused the resort with their distinctive energies, ensuring that our guests are surrounded not only by extravagant luxury but by the soul of our family’s inventive and cultural legacy. The resort is more than just a place to stay; it is a living, breathing work of art, where every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to provide an experience that is both timeless and refreshingly prevailing.

Welcome to our home, a place where heritage meets modern luxury, and every guest becomes part of our extended family.