Baku
Luxury on the Caspian Sea may sound exotic, but Azerbaijan’s capital Baku knows how to impress discerning travelers. Here are our tips for a luxury stay in the City of Winds!
Baku
Luxury on the Caspian Sea may sound exotic, but Azerbaijan’s capital Baku knows how to impress discerning travellers. Here are our tips for a luxury stay in the City of Winds!
The City – Baku
Admittedly, Baku isn’t the first city that comes to mind when thinking of a luxury city break. Yet Azerbaijan’s capital has plenty of charm, history, and character – and much to offer for discerning travelers. The city already makes a strong first impression with its modern airport and convenient connections: Lufthansa flies directly from Frankfurt and connections via Istanbul or Dubai are frequent. Azerbaijan Airlines also offers direct flights from Barcelona, Berlin, London, Paris, Prague, and Sofia.
Once there, visitors can enjoy a pleasant atmosphere. Tree-lined promenades bring a touch of the Mediterranean, streets and sidewalks are spotlessly clean – and where else would you find marble floors in pedestrian underpasses? The three towering Flame Towers dominate the skyline, housing offices and a Fairmont hotel, and at night they light up in a colourful display visible even from incoming flights. Another plus: Baku is known for its high level of safety. Locals point out that extensive camera systems make it possible to move around the city freely and confidently at any hour.
And that’s good news, because there’s plenty to explore. History and culture lovers will enjoy a private guided tour through İçərişəhər, the Old City. Here your clients will find the ancient city core with excavation sites, traditional houses, remnants of caravanserais, and the Shirvanshah Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once enclosed by a city wall, only small sections remain today. The Old City is also home to many traditional restaurants – one of the most notable being Mugram Restaurant, said to have existed in some form since the 12th century.
To dive even deeper into Azerbaijani culture, guests can visit the Carpet Museum, explore the Highland Park memorial honoring fallen soldiers, or admire the striking architecture and art exhibitions at the Heydar Aliyev Center – one of Baku’s modern cultural landmarks (see picture below).
Luxury Experiences
Baku Caviar
The city’s most exclusive address for caviar is located in the Old City. The Baku Caviar Boutique sells the highly prized delicacy and also offers tastings with plenty of background information. These take place either at an elegantly set table in the boutique’s showroom or upstairs, where there’s a spacious reception area and a stylish bar. Naturally, caviar is best enjoyed with a glass of champagne. Baku Caviar also operates sustainably: for every tin sold, the company releases ten young sturgeons from its breeding programme into the Caspian Sea.
Contact: Laman Guliyeva, Store Manager Baku Caviar Boutique
Formel 1 Grand Prix
Fall 2026 will once again be all about Formula 1. From 23 to 26 September, Baku will host the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, transforming the city into a hub of excitement and visitors. The street circuit winds through the city, passing the Old City and the Caspian Sea. Grandstand tickets are available in various price categories, with hospitality tickets also on offer. Tip: book a sea-view room at the JW Marriott Absheron for a direct view of the grandstand and pit lane. From the Four Seasons Baku, your clients enjoy the same view as in the photo above.
Port Baku Mall
Luxury brands have found a home in Baku too – inside the Port Baku Mall. Since 2014, the shopping center has brought together around 32,000 square metres (344,445 square feet) of premium labels, including Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana and Tiffany & Co. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the setting is stylish. Fine dining options are also available. And for those wanting to stock up on local delicacies, the Port Baku Bazar is the place to go. Located on Level 0, the store is a gourmet market offering not only packaged specialties but also a bakery selling traditional Azerbaijani baklava.
Hotel Tips
Dreamland Golf Villas & Residences
Located just outside the city centre and only about five minutes from the airport, Dreamland Golf Villas & Residences combines permanent residences with guest accommodation in a golf resort setting. Its golf course is currently the only one in Azerbaijan certified by the European Golf Association, designed by Cynthia Dye. Another highlight of Dreamland is the country’s largest Spa & Health Club, spanning 8,000 square metres. Facilities include gender-separated spa areas with sauna, steam room, salt room, and a hydro-massage pool. The complex also houses the Marga Holistic Medical Center and an Athletic Club equipped with the latest Technogym machines and offering classes such as aerial yoga – the first of their kind in Azerbaijan.
Trade Contact: Elnara Farzali, Director of Sales & Marketing
Four Seasons Baku
Location is key – and the Four Seasons Baku holds one of the best in the city. Built in elegant French architectural style, it borders directly on the Old City and faces the promenade along the Caspian Sea, offering both cultural charm and waterfront views. The hotel features 142 rooms across five categories and 29 suites in seven, each designed with refined interiors and elegant details. Guests can relax in the Jaleh Spa & Health Club, which includes seven treatment rooms, a hammam, sauna, and pool. Culinary highlights await at the Zafferano restaurant next to the lobby, where Italian cuisine and Azerbaijani desserts are served. The bar and the Piazza lounge offer stylish settings for coffee, tea, or evening drinks.
Trade contact: Teymur Shukurov, Assistant Sales Manager Commercial
JW Marriott Absheron
Culinary enthusiasts will feel right at home here, as the Oronero restaurant (pictured) delights with authentic Italian cuisine served in an elegant setting. Those who prefer something heartier can head to the Fireworks steakhouse opposite, which also enjoys an excellent reputation. Both venues feature outdoor seating overlooking the hotel’s garden and the iconic Crescent Building still under construction. The JW Marriott Absheron offers 237 rooms across twelve categories, along with 19 suites and junior suites. A highlight is the indoor pool at the Absheron Spa, located on the 22nd floor with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning city views. Besides Oronero and Fireworks, guests will also find the Zest Lifestyle Café, the Tea Lounge, and a hidden speakeasy bar.
Trade Contakt: Durdana Baghiyeva, Director of Sales
The Ritz-Carlton Baku
Stepping into the lobby, it’s hard not to let out a quiet "wow" – there’s plenty to take in: a grand piano, inviting seating areas, and design details that instantly evoke Azerbaijani culture. One of Baku’s newest luxury hotels, the property opened in late 2022 and stands out for its futuristic architecture and floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms and suites. Located slightly outside the city centre but right next to the Heydar Aliyev Center, it offers extensive event spaces on the lower level, along with a spa featuring two indoor pools and seven treatment rooms. The Tribeca restaurant serves stylish all-day dining, while cocktail lovers will find their spot in the trendy Blind Tiger Bar.
Trade Contact: Alsu Hajibabirova, Group Sales Coordinator im The Ritz-Carlton Baku
DMC Tip: Premium Travel and MICE
Premium Travel and MICE is a luxury DMC based in Baku that organizes high-end travel and events for both private and corporate clients. Operating internationally, the company covers a wide range of services – from bespoke luxury journeys and meetings to incentives, group travel, and corporate trips. The portfolio includes tailor-made itineraries with VIP services, full conference and incentive programme planning, and flexible business travel solutions. Group and themed trips are also organized regularly, often in collaboration with local partners around the world. The DMC places strong emphasis on meticulous organisation, quality, and reliability. Instead of standard programmes, personal attention and perfectly coordinated experiences take centre stage.
Conveniently, the company offers premium packages, tours, and travel experiences not only in Baku but across Azerbaijan. These include stays at ski resorts, mountain hotels for hiking enthusiasts, and the exclusive Chenot Palace Gabala, located about three and a half hours from Baku Airport. Private venue arrangements, such as at the historic Shirvanshah Palace, can also be arranged.