The moment you step out of Heydar Aliyev International Airport, it becomes clear why Baku likely takes its name from ‘Badkube’, Persian for ‘wind-pounded city.’ The strong gust of wind feels like a pleasant departure from the Dubai heat you just escaped. Vast boulevards, manicured gardens, and flame-shaped towers welcome you in the city that juxtaposes both Soviet-era relics and sleek skyscrapers, offering a preview of Baku’s interesting architectural versatility.
Positioned like a regal landmark on the Caspian waterfront, the Neoclassical structure of the Four Seasons Hotel Baku gives you a grand European-style welcome. But the moment you step in, the Azerbaijani soul of the property is almost palpable. As the buzz of the city faded into the background, we were welcomed in the lobby with a pot of piping hot black tea, served in traditional armudu – elegant, pear-shaped glasses that offered a warm taste of local hospitality.
Whether you step into a room or a suite, opening the French doors to the balcony brings a brief moment of whimsy – you feel like a princess in a high tower, tempted to wave at the traffic below as you gaze out over your kingdom by the Caspian Sea. Inside, a thoughtfully designed space awaits, with an efficient work area, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a peaceful nook perfect for sipping your morning coffee. Every detail is crafted to meet the needs of the modern-day traveller.
There’s no better way to discover a city than by walking through it. Perfectly positioned on Neftchilar Boulevard, at the south-western edge of Baku’s Old City, Four Seasons Baku places you exactly where you need to be.
A skip and a hop away from Baku’s UNESCO-listed historic site, an archaeological gem awaits to be explored. Whether it’s the iconic Maiden Tower, the tucked-away galleries, or the caviare boutiques, there’s enough to keep you invested for hours. Among its many landmarks, the 15th-century Palace of the Shirvanshahs will hold your attention because of its serene sandstone architecture and a history steeped in rich royal legacy.
After a day spent uncovering the cobblestone gems in a new city, few things feel as indulgent and inviting as the promise of a spa ritual waiting back at the hotel. Located on the ninth floor, the Jaleh Spa is the perfect place to rejuvenate and relax after an adventurous day.
The customised treatments, combined with a personalised French approach to skincare, are the ultimate recipe for a recharge. Finish off your session of TLC by unwinding in the sauna or reclining on a heated lounger for a few blissful minutes of relaxation.
After your time at the spa, take the elevator to the seventh floor, where a picturesque indoor pool awaits your arrival beneath a glass roof, soaked in warm natural light.
Whether you’re starting your day with a leisurely breakfast or winding down with a refined dinner, Zafferano, located on the ground floor, serves up a delightful culinary experience in its elegant, high-ceilinged space. And when the city’s pleasant weather is what you crave, the adjacent Eyvan Terrace offers the perfect open-air setting, a place where gourmet meals and good company feel effortlessly elevated.
There’s something about tracing the past while chasing the future that perfectly captures the spirit of Baku. If your journey began by wandering in the Old City, it feels befitting to end it on a high note at the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Centre.
Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, the building’s fluid, wave-like form instantly sets it apart from the more traditional architecture surrounding it. One of the most photographed landmarks in the city, the Centre continues to equally impress visitors with what it houses. Inside, you’ll find a museum dedicated to Azerbaijani history and culture, as well as Heydar Aliyev himself, along with multiple exhibition halls showcasing contemporary art, design, and international exhibitions.
In a world where the future is constantly trying to eradicate the past, a culturally enriching city like Baku stands tall as a beautiful contradiction, reminding those who visit that past and future can coexist in perfect harmony, especially if the present is full of people who nurture it.
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