Image: The new hotel is Marriott's first in Azerbaijan

JW Marriott Absheron Baku, a new 243-bedroom overlooking the Caspian Sea and Baku's Azadliq Square, has become Marriott International's first property in Azerbaijan.

Located in the centre of one of the city's most prestigious neighbourhoods, the hotel has opened under a 50-year management agreement with Yeni Absheron Oteli LLC, which may be extended.

Hotel facilities include the 561sq m (6,039sq ft) Absheron Spa, which is situated on the 21st floor and contains five treatment rooms - including one double room.

Elsewhere, the spa has Loofa and Rasul rooms; a steam bath and sauna; a manicure/pedicure room; and a relaxation room. There is also a roof-top indoor swimming pool.

Anne Semonin and Charme d'Orient products are used in the treatments on offer at the spa, which include a range of massages, facials, wraps and body scrubs.

Meanwhile, other facilities include the Fireworks Oriental Kitchen combining cuisines from Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey and India and the Italian-inspired OroNero Bar and Ristorante.

Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe, said: "With its beautiful natural surroundings, fascinating history and vibrant nightlife, Baku is the perfect location to showcase our JW Marriott brand in Eastern Europe.

"Baku is fast becoming a new European and international hotspot and we see great opportunity to expand our portfolio here."

To read more on how the Azerbaijani capital has seen a surge of international hotel openings over the past two years, see Spa Business 2012 Issue 1, p82

To read the current issue of Spa Business magazine, visit www.spabusiness.com/magazine

Details: www.marriott.com