Where Heart Meets Heritage: Four Seasons Hotel Baku Welcomes Saakshee Gahlawat as the New General Manager

Four Seasons Hotel Baku announces the appointment of Saakshee Gahlawat as its new General Manager, bringing with her more than 15 years of international experience in luxury hospitality and a profound dedication to service excellence.

“My career with Four Seasons began in 2019 in London, and I have since been inspired by the strong service culture and ethos that the Four Seasons brand stands for,” says Saakshee. “Four Seasons Hotel Baku is more than a landmark on the Caspian – it’s a living expression of Azerbaijani warmth and world-class hospitality. As General Manager, I have the privilege of leading a team that strives to go beyond and redefine expectations every single day.”

Born in Udhampur, India, Saakshee holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a specialization in Human Resources from the University of London, as well as a Certificate of Higher Education in Hospitality from Oxford Brookes University. Her career has spanned diverse geographies including the USA, UK, Bermuda, and Southeast Asia, where she has worked with diverse and multi-cultural teams.

Her journey with Four Seasons began at the iconic Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane in 2019, where she was appointed Director of Rooms before she grew into the position of Hotel Manager in 2022. During her time there, she led a team of more than 400 colleagues and played a key role in driving guest satisfaction and colleague engagement while delivering financial results. She worked closely with the Regional Vice President and General Manager on the hotel’s multi-million-pound renovation, including the successful launch of its Michelin-starred restaurant, Pavyllon London — which earned its star within just six months of opening. Her tenure with Four Seasons also includes a Task Force General Manager role at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire in 2025.

Known for her meticulous eye for detail and unwavering commitment to quality, Saakshee believes, “Luxury for me is felt and not flaunted. I constantly strive to maintain a balance of visible warmth with invisible excellence.”

Now, Saakshee brings her global expertise and luxury hospitality values to the gem of Caspian coast as the General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Baku.

The hotel is a beautiful blend of classical grandeur and contemporary luxury, situated at the doorstep of UNESCO World Heritage site. It delivers the finest Four Seasons hospitality amid Azerbaijan’s captivating cultural backdrop.  

Away from professional commitments, Saakshee’s journey extends beyond hospitality – she finds joy in family travels alongside her husband and little daughter, cultivating wellness in everyday life, and exploring the captivating narratives of history.