Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city and cultural and commercial capital, set at 700-900 m on the northern slope of the Trans-Ili Alatau, with snow-capped peaks rising directly behind the city. It combines Soviet-era parks, Orthodox and Muslim landmarks, a thriving cafe and restaurant scene, and the best access in the country to ski slopes, high lakes, canyons and petroglyph sites.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty
Five-star hotel in Esentai Tower on Al-Farabi Avenue with a spa, indoor pool and direct access to Esentai Mall.
Rixos Almaty
Five-star hotel on Seifullin Avenue with a spa, pool and several restaurants.
InterContinental Almaty
Five-star hotel at Zheltoksan and Nauryzbai Batyr streets with a pool, restaurants and business facilities.
The Dostyk Hotel
Five-star hotel on Kurmangazy Street with a garden, restaurant and bar.
Rahat Palace Hotel
Five-star hotel on Satpayev Street with a pool, restaurants and a business centre.
Royal Tulip Almaty
Five-star hotel on Dostyk Avenue with a spa, pool and mountain views.
Swissotel Wellness Resort Alatau Almaty
Five-star wellness resort in Shugyla on the western outskirts with a spa, thermal pools and a medical centre.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Nuala
Menu split into 'Water' and 'Earth' sections with a strong wine list
YURTA
Elegant contemporary Kazakh cooking with a dedicated kumys bar
AUYL Restaurant
Elevated Kazakh cooking on the Medeu road, named on the World's 50 Best Discovery list
Sandyq
Traditional Kazakh dishes cooked in the classic style
Exclusive experiences
Bespoke and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Private gastronomic day with wine tasting
A private guide leads a Green Bazaar tasting and wine stops through Eurasia Travel's Gastronomic Delights of Almaty tour.
Private food tour with Arba wine tasting
A private local guide takes visitors from Green Bazaar tastings to a traditional lunch and an Arba wine tasting.
Thermal-pool day at Swissotel Wellness Resort Alatau
The resort in Shugyla has thermal pools with mineral water and a spa and sport centre; day-visit access and price should be confirmed with the hotel.
Shymbulak ski day
Ski season runs roughly December to February at Shymbulak above Medeu; day passes for 2025/26 were quoted at KZT 12,000-15,500.
Spas & wellness
World-class spa retreats and treatments.
Purovel Spa & Sport, Swissotel Wellness Resort Alatau
Family spa and thermal pools with mineral water, plus a medical and fitness centre.
The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty spa
Hotel spa with fitness centre and indoor pool.
Royal Tulip Almaty spa
Hotel spa and pool with mountain views.
Luxury transport
Travel in style.
- Overview
- Almaty International Airport (ALA) lies north-east of the city. App taxis are the reliable way to reach five-star hotels; private drivers are arranged through the hotel.