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Where Excellence Endures: Four Seasons Hotel Baku Earns Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Recognition for a Second Consecutive Year

A celebrated acknowledgement of world-class hospitality
February 12, 2026,
Baku, Azerbaijan

Among this year's distinguished collection of properties, Four Seasons Hotel Baku has once again been awarded with the coveted Forbes Five-Star distinction - an honour reserved for the most exceptional travel experiences worldwide. Notably, the hotel stands as the only property in Azerbaijan to receive this prestigious recognition.

Set along the shores of the Caspian Sea in the heart of the capital, Four Seasons Hotel Baku offers a refined sanctuary where grandeur, warmth, and artistry converge. From its elegantly appointed accommodations and intuitive, heartfelt service to its distinctive culinary destinations and serene wellness rituals, the hotel curates moments that linger long after departure.

High above the city on the ninth floor, Jaleh Spa invites guests into a sanctuary of restoration, centred around its Romanesque-style, daylit pool bathed in natural light. Here, time slows amid tranquil arches and soft reflections of water. The spa is also home to the city’s only exclusive facial treatments featuring rare Azerbaijani saffron oil - a precious local ingredient celebrated for its restorative properties - offering a wellness experience that is both deeply rooted in heritage and refined in execution.

Culinary artistry unfolds at Zafferano, the hotel’s signature Italian restaurant, where authentic flavours meet contemporary elegance in a setting overlooking the Caspian Sea. As evening descends, Bentley’s Bar becomes a destination of its own - an intimate, sophisticated space where masterfully crafted cocktails and live piano melodies set the tone for unforgettable nights in Baku.

Blending classical European architecture with contemporary sophistication, the property commands breathtaking views of the Caspian coastline, Baku’s dynamic skyline, and the UNESCO-listed 12th-century Old City. In a destination where ancient heritage meets modern ambition, the hotel serves as a gateway to the spirit of Azerbaijan - vibrant, cultured, and deeply welcoming.

“This coveted Forbes Five-Star recognition represents far more than exceptional service standards - it is a reflection of the heart, passion, and unity that define our team,” says Saakshee Gahlawat, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Baku. “Every day, our people at Four Seasons Hotel Baku come together with a shared commitment to excellence, curating moments of genuine care and refined luxury for each guest who walks through our doors. I am immensely proud of the culture we have built - one where dedication, warmth, and craftsmanship transform stays into unforgettable experiences.”

“Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality,” says Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “This year’s list reflects the changing landscape of luxury with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognize their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today’s discerning guest.”

About Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travellers select the world’s best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through an independent inspection process.

To learn how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.