Best Luxury Hotels in Baku
It was the glitzy home of Eurovision back in 2012, but the coastal settlement of Raku, is also Azerbaijan’s capital. It’s boomed in modern times, thanks to a lucrative gas and oil industry. Although ancient roots are still clearly visible here, shiny skyscrapers are shooting up at some speed, as the city sees a fast rate of transformation. The walled inner city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – three of its towers were said to be used as fire temples in the 5th and 6th centuries. Visitors come not only for the glamour and heritage but also Baku’s wonderfully temperate (and in summer, downright hot), climate.
Baku, Sabayil
Four Seasons Baku
(5 stars)If you prefer to stick to well-known chains when travelling a little further off the beaten track, the Four Seasons is a dependable luxe choice. And this one is especially popular for couples. Overlooking the Caspian Sea, the stunning building was built in a beaux-arts–style. Italian meals are served in Zafferano’s dining room or on the alfresco terrace, plus there’s a piazza for lighter bites and a club-style lounge bar. Swim under natural sunlight in the indoor pool, housed in a Roman style, stone-clad atrium with a glass vaulted ceiling. Next door, in the spa, you’ll find a Hamman and VIP suite for couples’ treatments.