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Extraordinary - Society
September 2013 |
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5 Stars
& 6 Stripes
Overall - 'Hotel & Service' |
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The
Ultimate Award:
Seven Stars and
Stripes® |
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| We were about to land at Baku International Airport,
Heydar Aliyev, located between Azerbaijan’s capital city of Baku and the
Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel on the Caspian Sea, our final destination. During
our evening approach, Baku International Airport's main terminal building
appeared from above and afar like a space station; a design most likely
intended to emphasize that Baku is the scientific, industrial and cultural
center of Azerbaijan. Baku, part of the Caucasus region, is Azerbaijan’s
largest city, as well as the largest city in the world located 90 feet below
sea level. The driver of a shiny black Mercedes S town car was waiting there,
and welcomed us most graciously, as did the pleasant late-summer evening
temperatures. He explained that we would be driving on "President Street," a
long and broad light-flanked road that leads East to the Jumeirah Bilgah Beach
Hotel, or West to city of Baku. Baku alone is worth a trip. The inner city of
Baku, whose first written evidence of existence dates to the first century
A.D., along with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower, were designated
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. The Baku International Sea Trade Port,
sheltered by the islands of Baku Archipelago to the East and the Absheron
Peninsula to the North, is capable of handling two million tons of cargo
annually. Baku boasts a wealth of history and urban nightlife, definitely
making it the up-and-coming place to discover during the 2015 European Games.
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| Jumeirah Bilgah
Beach Hotel, Baku - Arrival: Thorsten Buehrmann & Mete Atakuman |
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| As we neared the area of Bilgah after a 15-minute
drive, it became clear that this was one of the most prestigious, private
residential addresses in Baku’s suburbs. And when the hotel came into view
the architectural style of the Jumeirah was obvious. The main entrance, as well
as the road to the hotel, was flanked by
giant
white glowing balls of light (CLICK HERE TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK) which
bathed the resort in a somewhat surreal but welcoming feeling. At the main
entrance General Manager Mete Atakuman and members of his team welcomed us,
attired in traditional Azerbaijan costume. The Jumeirah Bilgah Beach
Hotel--Baku’s most exclusive luxury beach resort (and corporate
playground) with nearly a thousand feet of private beach on the Caspian Sea. As
the Caspian Sea is famous for its healing air, the Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel
is an ideal retreat for those seeking an escape, and to experience the
authentic Azeri cuisine and hospitality, which contribute to its international
credentials. |
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| In true Jumeirah style, the hotel's main lobby is a
stunning atrium. The brilliance of its 190-foot gold and silver-plated
chandelier is sparked by 72,000 LED lights. We passed a number of comfortable
seating areas down the marble lobby corridor, and were introduced to a piano
lounge, a billiard room and a library, complete with rare and collectible books
(CLICK
HERE). We quickly reached our accommodations--cozy, yet classy and spacious
rooms with balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. Each room has its own view
of the gardens below and of the Caspian Sea, even from the deep-soak bathtub.
All rooms feature the latest in-room technology, with complimentary Wi-Fi
throughout the facility |
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| The enormous
Presidential
Suite (170 square meters), and the impressive
Ambassador
Suite as well, are located on the upper floors, and are reached by glass
elevators displaying a full-length view of the atrium's striking chandelier.
The Presidential suite--with its gold-leaf Louis Quatorze furnishings and its
Steinway baby grand piano--and the Ambassador Suite--with its silver fabrics
and accents throughout-- both offer stunning views of the Caspian. Here the
designer used Neo-Classical design combined with Baroque art (and a couple of
casually placed modern accents) to create the feeling of a gracious and
timeless home away from home. Opulent bedrooms are dressed with luscious linens
and luxurious marble, and bathrooms feature spa amenities by Clarins, a French
skincare line. |
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| All accommodations provide
easy access to the "Talise Spa," which features a 20-meter lap pool, several
treatment
rooms and even special Spa Suites for the ultimate in privacy and comfort.
Each Spa Suite has a relaxation area with thermal beds, treatment rooms,
Finnish sauna, Turkish Hammam and either a steam room or a
whirlpool.
We experienced a flawless signature spa treatment by an expertly trained
therapist. And we further relaxed in the outdoor swimming pools at the
"waterpark," complete with sun decks and fountains. Jumeirah Bilgah Beach
Hotel’s
Waterpark
is the largest in the area with speedy thrills and spills on its 11 incredible
slides, including the black hole, the rafting slide, a tunnel free-fall, the
kamikaze slide and a wave slide. Meanwhile, the little ones will have a great
time at the children's pool, which also provides slides, children’s
activities and dedicated play areas. |
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| Besides its reputation for the finest in creative
cuisine, the Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel is perhaps best known for the extent
of its culinary options. Just to mention a few of the resort's signature
restaurants, lounges and unique foodservice options, the family-friendly "Uzuk"
restaurant offers an all-day interactive, international dining experience in an
informal but stylish setting. And the "Waterpark Café" ensures that
guests can stay at the Waterpark without letting go of the fun with its various
food options including hot dogs and ice cream. The "Promenade Sunset Bar &
Lounge" is known as one of the most beautiful and maybe romantic settings in
all of Baku--a great place to date, meet friends and enjoy the stunning scenery
of the Caspian Sea. We discovered the best steaks and seafood at the "Pier
Grill," at the far end of a 100-meter pier stretching into the Caspian Sea.
Examples of the chef's preparations here included Irish rib-eye, marinated
quail, stuffed sea bass and maple-glazed salmon on a charcoal grill--all in a
"rustic with a twist" al fresco style setting! We personally enjoyed our
nightcaps at the "Piano
Lounge & Bar" after our terrific "Pier" dinner--the perfect ending for
a perfect evening, with light music in an elegant setting. |
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| Award-Presentation: Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel - Seven Stars And
Stripes - Award |
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| Whether one is planning a
conference
or a meeting, the fact that the Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel is within easy
to reach of the city of Baku is priceless. With its lovely gardens and terraces
overlooking the Caspian Sea, the Jumeirah is a wonderful setting for
weddings
and family affairs. We congratulate General Manager Mete Atakuman, who
opened this exclusive beach resort in the country of Azerbaijan and has managed
the Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel successfully since its inception in 2011. With
his diplomas in Hospitality Management from the University of New South Wales,
Sydney, Australia, and the Marmara University of Istanbul, Atakuman's
credentials made him the Jumeirah's ideal and perfect choice. We highly
recommend the Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel, with its wonderful traditional Azeri
kitchen and the surrounding incredible Caspian Sea, for an escape from the buzz
of Baku, or from wherever you are. |
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by
Edmund & Thorsten Buehrmann
Editor: Ingrid Lemme & Tim
Nielsen
Editor-in-Chief: John Lomitola |
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| © 2013 ~ Seven Stars and Stripes, Inc. |
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