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Like a Phoenix: Baku’s Flame Towers

By: Joseph Reaney

ou can see why Baku is often iconic landmark. Located at the city’s iconic shape work as a building began.” called ‘the new Dubai’. It is a city highest point and climbing even higher permanently under construction, into the sky, it is always visible from Impressive as they are by day, the towers where the vast majority of city highlights almost anywhere in Baku. take on an entirely new dimension by Yhave been created in the 21st century night. That is because they feature the and even time-honored attractions, Designed by renowned architects HOK, world’s largest media facade application; like the city’s Old Town, have been so the flame columns were a big challenge. customer-designed strips of LEDs above extensively renovated they almost feel HOK’s Head of Mixed Use, Barry each window that, when lit together, like fresh additions. This spirit of newness Hughes says: “The real constraint was appear to illuminate the whole structure. is best seen in the capital’s landmark to stay true to the flame tower concept. As each strip is independently controlled, architectural achievement, the Flame The idea of the flame resonated with the the building can project a variety of Towers; three gigantic flame-shaped client because it had a direct connection images and patterns; the most famous of columns standing high above the city. with the history of the region, and which is a flickering red flame. And one of these towers is home to Azerbaijan’s tagline, ‘The Land of the Baku’s finest hotel. Fire’. There were long conversations “The engineering and design [of the hotel] about the shape and essence of a flame, represents state-of-the-art technical Fairmont Flame Towers opened in early and the shape of the ‘flick’ at the top. expertise both in terms of architecture and 2013, and was instantly hailed as an Then the hard work of making this lighting system,” says designer Francis

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Krahe. “These applications are unique. the hotel. There are the red silk wall lacquer and ebony millwork, and are The building represents something really coverings in the function rooms, the home to walk-in closets, large desks with dynamic about Baku and the re-emergence blue accents in the service apartments, ergonomic chairs, soft banquettes and onto the world stage of Azerbaijan.” the bronze flame-shaped light fixtures Nespresso machines. The bathrooms are inside the ballroom, and the warm amber decked in beige marble, with oversized There’s no doubt the exterior of the tones of the ESPA spa. In addition, the showers and smart glass walls, which towers are an iconic backdrop to an Fairmont Gold lounge near the top of go from clear to opaque with the flick up-and-coming city. But ultimately, the the hotel has a dramatic light fixture of a switch. Best of all, the room’s floor- main highlights of the hotel are to be made from dark crystals, representing to-ceiling windows offer spectacular found inside – and it all starts with the the black smoke coming off the flame panoramas over Baku or across the remarkable interior design. below. There’s also inspiration taken Caspian Sea. from Baku itself, such as the carpet The work of Hirsch Bedner Associates patterns inspired by the textured stone “We are at the top of this city,” enthuses is startling. Walk into the high-ceilinged of the Old City. Edvena d’Souza, Director of Sales & lobby and you’re greeted by a vast, six- Marketing at Fairmont Baku. “We meter-high glass chandelier in the shape But where the interior design is most offer guests access to a full city view, of water drops, as well as a series of impressive is in the rooms. There are 318 which nobody else can. Even our lowest Anegre wood panels, white Calacatta in total – 299 spacious guest rooms and guestroom floor is higher than any other marble, soft leather columns, purple suites, including 63 Fairmont Gold suites building in the city, so you have an fabrics and red piping. These colors of on a private floor – plus 19 apartments. uninterrupted view over the city from fire occur again and again throughout Regular rooms feature walnut wood, red every single room.”

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Every room and suite within Fairmont the steak-specialist Alov Restaurant, the quality service, which is rare in Baku.” Flame Towers is special, but the most French-influenced Le Bistro, the after- exclusive accommodation is to be found dark Alov Jazz Bar and the soon-to-open Baku is already home to a wealth of five- on floors 22 to 26. Namely, the Fairmont Cigar Divan. There are also the extensive star restaurants, exclusive bars, luxury Gold Rooms. This “hotel within a hotel” business, meeting and function facilities, entertainment and high-end shopping, concept offers a private check-in, twice- which cover more than 26,900 square feet and it has far more fascinating sights in daily housekeeping and access to the and include two ballrooms. And to top and around the city to offer than Dubai. Fairmont Gold lounge, which serves it all off, there are the five-star services, Yet this is only the beginning. Dozens of food and drinks throughout the day; first including valet parking, expert childcare world-class construction projects are now breakfast, then afternoon tea, then pre- and a knowledgeable concierge. underway – not least Azerbaijan Tower, dinner hors d’oeuvres and aperitifs. set to be the world’s tallest building, amid “We have the best food and beverage the surrounding artificial Khazar Islands – Outside of the rooms, there are also in the city,” smiles Edvena. “Le Bistro and so Baku looks destined to become one great hotel features to enjoy. There’s the is Baku’s first French restaurant – I just of the most popular luxury destinations in vast ESPA spa, which covers a total love the duck confit [with gratinéed the world. And the flickering flame of the of 1,036 square feet over two floors, mashed potatoes and green salad] – and Fairmont will be standing tall throughout and features many treatment rooms, an we have others too. We also have the best as Baku’s most impressive landmark, and indoor pool, two vitality pools, a sauna, service; our staff were trained in other most luxurious hotel. a steam room, a hammam, a yoga studio Fairmont hotels around the world, like and a state-of-the-art gym. There are Dubai, for up to one-and-a-half years. You can find out more about the hotel and the bars and restaurants, which include This means we offer consistently high book your stay at www.fairmont.com/baku

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