Kempinski is to manage its first property in Azerbaijan - the 280-bedroom Kempinski Hotel Badamdar, in the capital of Baku.

Facilities include a 3,500sq m (37,674sq ft) spa and wellness centre with 20 treatment rooms - six of which are doubles - and a beauty centre.

The product house used at the spa is Elemental Herbology, while a pool, relaxation area, sauna, hammam and fitness studio complete the offer.

The major five-star Badamdar Complex also features a 5,000sq m (53,820sq ft) entertainment and retail centre, a seasonal aqua park and 37 residential apartments.

Kempinski Hotel Badamdar is the first of two management agreements secured by the Swiss group in Baku, with the Kempinski Crescent Baku due to open in 2015.

Reto Wittwer, the group's president and chief executive officer, said: "Kempinski Hotel Badamdar Baku is an important addition to Kempinski's fast-growing portfolio of city hotels in Eastern Europe, and further emphasizes our strategy in the region.

"The new hotel will combine the best of Kempinski's renowned European flair and highest standards of service, with a keen respect for Azerbaijani culture and traditions."