Four Seasons Baku has become the hotel to beat in the competition between 5 star luxury hotels that kicked off about a year ago in Baku. Set on the waterfront, on the edge of the Old Town, it is an ideal location from which to explore the city.

Patronised predominantly by serious businessmen, Four Seasons hopes to appeal to the younger, trendier tourists who are starting to filter across from Europe and the USA in search of new experiences.

We stayed in a luxury suite overlooking the walls of the historic centre and the rooftops of the houses below. Like the rest of the hotel, our room was elegant, classically decorated in muted hues with soft luxurious furnishings. A grand double bed dominated the room with numerous plump pillows perfect for propping yourself up to read in bed; by the bay windows was a small writing desk perfect for any pressing work matters that needed attending to. We didn’t much need the workspace but loved our mini balcony, there were beautiful city views creating an extension of our Azerbaijan-inspired room. The bathroom was rather more gothic with intense black tiling and regal gold detailing – it was rather a shock opening the mirrored doors, very different in style but we learnt to love it. Equipped with a huge bath, his and hers sinks, and a generously sized power shower there was certainly no amenity overlooked. As is true of most Four Seasons Hotels the bathroom was stocked with L’Occitane essentials.

In the morning guests congregated in the main restaurant for a deluxe buffet breakfast – we enjoyed croissants and fresh juice. At night this space transforms into the Zafferano Italian eatery, casual in atmosphere and cuisine, a family orientated restaurant serving simple Italian recipes and homemade pizzas. The pasta dishes were fresh and delicious, vibrantly flavoured seasonal ingredients… we particularly enjoyed the Squid ink spaghetti with lobster and the Gnocchi with baked beef tomato and pecorino. The pizzas were less thrilling, the bases were too doughy and thick and the toppings, uninteresting. The wine list features some intriguing Azerbaijani as well as European and African varieties. We enjoyed a couple of glasses of the light and very drinkable Prosecco DOC, Scanavino from Italy, which accompanied our meal perfectly.

The Jaleh spa was, for me, the star feature of the Four Seasons Baku. With a beautiful pool, luxurious facilities and highly qualified miracle-working therapists, it is the ultimate place of relaxation. The signature Jaleh massage we received was relaxing and rejuvenating. Our therapist, Havane used Comfort Zone Tranquillity blend oil to resolve knots and tension in my back, and released the strain in other areas of my body. Finishing with a blast of warmth in the sauna, a few energising lengths in the pool, a glass of lemon infused chilled water and a spritz of Voya seaweed toner in the changing rooms, my mind, body and soul felt completely refreshed. If you feel like treating yourself the spa has a great selection of gifts, including BomBom and Daisy fine gold jewellery, Gazelli Azerbaijan designer skincare products and fun peacock inspired haivianas.

With its famous emerald-green roof, the Four Seasons Baku is a luxury landmark in Azerbaijan and rumours have it that the hotel chain hopes to open a second hotel on the Azerbaijani coast. With so much progress and development in Baku, the Four Seasons needs to be proactive to remain ahead of the pack. It seems a shame that the hotel doesn’t feature an outdoor pool, as I believe, more than anything else, this would bring sun hungry customers providing a welcome oasis in such a hot climate.

More information and book here.