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ambitions


BIG


The Kempinski Hotel Badamdar Baku opened in December 2011


the 309-bedroom Hilton Baku with its signature 1,500sqm (16,146sq ft) eforea spa (see Spa Business 2011/3 p28); and the 207-bedroom Sheraton Baku Airport hotel with a Gazelli Spa and Wellness facility. This year is set to be equally as busy. The 175-bedroom Four Seasons Hotel Baku, due to open in June, is the setting for the 950sq m (10,226sq ft) Jaleh Spa which occupies a roof-top location and provides wide views of the city and sea. Spa manager, Canadian Shawna


High levels of business travel and the seductive appeal of an ancient yet


thoroughly modernised city is intoxicating


Morneau, stresses the importance of developing the local markets. She estimates that “65 per cent of our business will be derived from local and VIP markets taking advantage of an exclusive membership programme and our unique VIP suite facility and private balcony.” Designed by UK-based archi- tects ReardonSmith, the spa has 10 treatments rooms and will use prod- ucts by Sodashi and Kirsten Florian. There are also separate male and


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female areas, with a hammam, steam- room and whirlpools by Barr + Wray, a fitness centre and a pool that’s set in a two-storey stone-clad atrium. In May, Marriott is to make its debut with the launch of a 243-bedroom JW Marriott Absheron Baku in the heart of the city overlooking Freedom Square and the Caspian Sea. The property will incorporate a health club and spa over three floors. The Absheron Spa will cover 1,700 sq m (18,300sq ft) and include four large single treat-


Read Leisure Management online leisuremanagement.co.uk/digital


ment rooms as well as a couples' suite. Products will be supplied by Anne Semonin and Charme d’Orient. There will also be a salon for hair- dressing, make-up and manicure/pedicure serv- ices; a thermal suite comprising a steamroom, rasul, and loofah room; a swimming pool and sun- deck; and a gym with Precor equipment. Also due to open immi- nently is the 299-bedroom Fairmont at the Flame Towers with an ESPA spa.


CHALLENGES AND IMPROVEMENTS Despite the influx of international oper- ators, Azerbaijan still faces significant challenges in developing its tour- ism economy including environmental concerns as a result of the oil and pet- rochemical industries. But there have also been some big improvements – most notably investment in Baku International Airport and Azerbaijan Airlines to provide better links to west- ern Europe and Asia by major carriers.


ISSUE 2 2012 © cybertrek 2012


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