Azerbaijan, a country roughly the size of South Carolina or the island of Ireland, offers a diverse range of experiences that can be packed into a single week, according to a recent travel feature. The country, located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, provides a cultural tapestry influenced by Persian, Turkic, Arabic, and Russian traditions, making it a unique destination for travelers seeking variety.
The traveler, Sadie Whitelocks, was initially drawn to Azerbaijan by an invitation to Dream Fest, one of the country's largest music festivals, founded by Azerbaijani singer and entrepreneur Emin Agalarov. She decided to extend her stay to explore more of what the country has to offer, and her trip included beach time, a music festival, luxury hotels, ancient streets, futuristic architecture, and a sunrise mountain hike.
Beach and Festival at Sea Breeze
Whitelocks began her journey at Sea Breeze, a development on the shores of the Caspian Sea that is expected to house more than 500,000 residents when complete. The area, often compared to Dubai, features immaculate grounds, manicured lawns, and paved jogging routes, with signs pointing toward Palm Beach and Miami Beach, though the flat waters of the Caspian Sea serve as a reminder of its actual location.
She spent three days exploring the coast and attending Dream Fest, which drew thousands of attendees each night, with Busta Rhymes headlining. The festival atmosphere and the coastal amenities provided a vibrant start to her trip.
Baku's Ancient and Modern Sides
After the coast, Whitelocks traveled to Baku, the capital, for rest and recuperation. The Old City, or Icherisheher, is the historic heart, featuring limestone buildings and labyrinthine alleyways. Cats roam the streets, and vendors squeeze fresh orange and pomegranate juice for passers-by. Carpet-making is an important cultural heritage, with intricate rugs and textiles displayed in shops and hanging from balconies.
Outside the Old City, Baku's skyline is marked by contemporary architecture, including the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the late Zaha Hadid, and the futuristic Crescent development along the Caspian waterfront. The three Flame Towers, completed in 2012, illuminate the night sky from Highland Park, symbolizing the country's nickname, the 'Land of Fire.' This name has ancient roots, as naturally occurring gas seeps have caused flames to burn from the ground for thousands of years, inspiring Zoroastrian fire worshippers who considered these flames sacred.
Whitelocks found Baku surprisingly affordable. At one restaurant, a lunch deal cost 8 manat (around £3.50), and a 15-minute taxi ride from the Four Seasons hotel back to her accommodation was just £2. She also praised the Ritz-Carlton, Baku, ranking it among her favorite stays anywhere in the world, largely due to the exceptional standard of service.
Mountain Trails in Shahdag
From Baku, Whitelocks headed to the Shahdag region in the north, near the border with Russia. The drive took a few hours, and the steady increase in Lada cars was a sign of approaching Russia. In Shahdag, she met Nazrin Garibova, who is helping develop hiking trails across the country. Garibova showed her some of the best routes, and they decided to attempt the Kuzun to Laza trail, a scenic mountain route stretching around 7.5km one way.
Initially, thick fog shrouded the resort, making the valleys invisible, so Whitelocks visited the spa instead. They decided to try the trail at sunrise, and their efforts paid off. They ran the trail, completing it in just under an hour and a half, though it normally takes between three and five hours. Along the way, they stopped to take in the view of canyons, gorges, and jagged peaks, sipping traditional Azerbaijani tea.
Whitelocks concluded that Azerbaijan is an ideal destination for 'travelmaxxing,' the Gen Z art of maximizing a single destination. In less than a week, she managed to experience beaches, a music festival, luxury hotels, ancient streets, futuristic architecture, and a sunrise mountain hike. Return flights from London to Baku with Azerbaijan Airlines start from around £420 in September. Accommodation options include the budget-friendly Art Gallery Hotel from £65 a night, The Ritz-Carlton, Baku from £238 a night, and the Shahdag Hotel & Spa from £70 a night.
