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Weekend Hotspot – Four Seasons Hotel Baku Azerbaijan
Baku in Azerbaijan the largest city in the Caucasus region is poised to gain a share of the travel spotlight in the coming years. It’s been described as the Dubai of the region for its displays of wealth and luxury brand names. And after hosting Eurovision in 2012 and being selected to set the stage for the first ever European Games in 2015, this affluent city is gaining momentum as a premier travel destination for the well-heeled. Baku’s virtue lies in its historic, old walled city which was inscribed as
a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. Tourists will find a selection of accommodations in the historic old town of Baku, which also contains Baku’s historical sites, including the Maiden’s Tower and Shirvanshah’s Palace. Vehicle access to the old town’s stone streets is limited, so it’s perhaps the quietest and most pedestrian-friendly area of Baku. The Azerbaijan History Museum is located in the former mansion of oilman Gadji Tagiyev. The museum’s collection boasts over 300,000 artifacts, including examples of every coin and banknote ever circulated in Azerbaijan. It also features many Stone Age artifacts, and
n Four Seasons Baku Premier Room.
a fossilized human jaw believed to date back between 300,000 and 350,000 years. A huge Azerbaijani flag flying on a 162-meter flagpole in the Bayil area of Baku is certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest in the world. Four Seasons presents a Beaux-Arts-style luxury hotel on the Caspian Sea waterfront promenade – just steps from the Old City. The striking nine storey classical architecture is an unrivalled destination in this dramatically changing city. Four Seasons delivers exceptional accommodation unlike anyone else. Of the 171 guest rooms, including 29 luxury suites, almost all open to a balcony with views of the Caspian Sea or the Old City. Superior rooms are lovely, offering comfort with views of the city or park, Deluxe Rooms come with balconies and fountain views, and Premier Rooms make bath time opulent with marble tubs and rain showers plus softly soothing, elegant color palettes and the best
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com and most beautiful furniture imaginable. The rooftop spa – which features several treatment rooms, a hammam and wet areas is situated under a glazed roof, with a marble-encased hot tub area extending into one of the domes. Kaspia Restaurant & Bar is well known for its menu of various fish and seafood. Guests can also try local fish caught from the Caspian Sea. “Zafn Four Seasons ferano” the all day Baku signature restaurant offers Italian-themed spehaul cialties and be sure to visit flights, first, business Bentley’s Whiskey Bar af- & economy class passengers terwards for a nightcap and feast on authentic Turkish kick back to the wonderful and international dishes and jazz quartet. Four Seasons the in flight experience leaves Hotels & Resorts delivers a other Middle Eastern carriers truly exceptional hospitality trailing far behind. The new experience in Baku setting business lounge for passeneven higher standards then gers connecting at Istanbul I would have ever expected to Baku will leave you breathas a seasoned visitor to their less and for me is the finest global properties. www. of its kind in the world. www. fourseasons.com Turkish air- turkishairlines.com For travlines offer super connections ellers from Northern Ireland from Dublin to Istanbul with or Ulster counties the Hilton numerous daily onward con- Dublin airport offers a pernections to Baku. On long- fect stop off point before you
c a t c h your flight the following day. This homely Hilton offers short & long term parking, a complimentary shuttle to the airport, good sized rooms and a friendly service at Burnell Bar & Grill. www. hilton.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com