MARCH 2023 AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION Jumeirah’s Jaime Simpson reœects on the progress of women in hospitality AT THE TABLE
48 hoteliermiddleeast.com March 2023 CHECKING OUT
March 2023 hoteliermiddleeast.com 49 What sets The Ritz-Carlton brand apart from other luxury names in the Marriott stable is its commitment to localisation. Around the world, the hotels attempt to blend into the local culture, to honour and champion it. The recently opened Ritz-Carlton in Azerbaijan is no different, Œ nding a balance between the brand’s familiar traditional luxury and the culture of Baku as a city. Blending with Baku The country’s cultural narrative has also been carefully woven into the fabric of The Ritz-Carlton, Baku. Designed by Kristina Zanic Design Consultants, the hotel’s interior takes inspiration from its destination and combines modern hospitality with history, art, and culture. The design reœ ects a city of many layers and the enriching contrasts of Azerbaijan are portrayed throughout, with decorative detail reœ ecting patterns and colours that represent Baku. The hotel offers many cultural experiences, including a daily music performance with a Whaletone piano and traditional Azerbaijani music, accompanied by a local dancer. Sizable spaces Reaching 33 storeys, The Ritz-Carlton, Baku offers 190 guestrooms and suites, many of which have private balconies and terraces. The Presidential Suite offers 608 sq m of living space, making it the largest suite in the city with a private living room, formal dining room and gym. Further leisure facilities include a Club Lounge and The Ritz-Carlton Spa complete with two indoor swimming pools, treatment rooms that draw inspiration from the lakes of the country, an outdoor garden space, and a Œ tness centre. Global dining While the rest of the hotel seeks to shine a light on the country, the dining choices go global. Options are Tribeca, an all-day dining restaurant inspired after NYC with a Californian menu; or Blind Tiger, a speakeasy-style cocktail and jazz bar accessible only by providing a secret password. The Ritz-Carlton, Baku