Baku is not just a city: it’s a statement. Perched on the edge of the Caspian Sea, the Azerbaijani capital is a siren call for Qatari travellers who crave a blend of old-world romance and cutting-edge cool. Home to the speed and thrills of Formula one race for the week-end, imagine a place where medieval walls whisper to Zaha Hadid’s futuristic curves, where the air smells of spice and sea salt, and where a weekend escape feels like stepping into a living, breathing novel.
Your home for the weekend is the Four Seasons Hotel Baku, a masterclass in heritage chic. Housed in a restored 19th-century building, once the city’s grandest residence, the hotel is a love letter to Baku’s golden age, with soaring ceilings, ornate mouldings, and a courtyard that feels like a secret garden. The location is impeccable: steps from the Old City’s labyrinthine alleys, yet close enough to the Corniche to catch the Caspian breeze.
Dining at the Four Seasons is an event, and Il Palco is the star. This Italian restaurant serves dishes as elegant as they are indulgent. Start with the fried eggplant salad: crisp, golden slices layered with buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and aged balsamic. Follow it with handmade pappardelle al ragù and finish with a tiramisu so light it’s practically a cloud. The setting, candlelit tables and soft jazz, only adds to the allure.
After a day of exploring, the Four Seasons Spa is your sanctuary. The Biologique Recherche facial, a combination of potent ingredients and master techniques, leaves you refreshed and glowing.
Baku is a city made for wandering. Start in the Old City, a maze of cobblestone streets and ancient mosques. Don’t miss the Maiden Tower, a 12th-century enigma with panoramic views. For contemporary genius, the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid, is a masterpiece of fluid architecture. Inside, exhibitions are as bold as the building itself.
The Corniche is where Baku lets its hair down. Stroll along the promenade as the sun sets, the sea turning shades of pink and gold. It’s the perfect place to reflect on your weekend, how you’ve dined in a historic palazzo, stood in the shadow of a medieval tower, and marvelled at a building from the future.
Baku is a city of contrasts, but they all coexist with effortless charm. It’s close enough for a spontaneous weekend, yet exotic enough to feel like a grand adventure. For GCC travellers, it’s a breath of fresh Caspian air—familiar in its hospitality, thrilling in its novelty. So pack your bags, book your table at Il Palco, and prepare to fall in love. Baku doesn’t just welcome you; it seduces you.
Words by Narges Raiss