Epic Kazakhstan: Nur-Sultan to Almaty via the Aral Sea

A prominent work of contemporary architecture and a top-tier luxury hotel setting a new standard in chic, high-end living and hospitality, the Ritz-Carlton in Kazakhstan’s capital of Nur-Sultan, formerly Astana, stands as an emblem of the city’s growing prominence and sophistication. Guests at the Ritz-Carlton Astana enjoy unparalleled service and hospitality in this five star hotel elevated above the glowing urban landscape and have an array of services and facilities at their disposal. Three unique restaurants beckon with everything from decadent protein entrées to fresh, organic produce, teas, and other lighter options. There is also a cutting-edge spa and fitness center that cater to activity- and wellness-seeking guests of all kinds. For families, the Ritz-Carlton Astana offers a variety of child-oriented activities such as storytelling, cooking classes, baby cribs, and more. An array of room and suite options are available for guests, as is the exclusive Club Level Experience, reserved for those seeking true excellence in their stay. With its panoramic views, artfully decorated accommodations, and industry-leading amenities and services, the Ritz-Carlton Astana is an elite-level hospitality experience.

Classic sophistication and elegant, modern flair unite in a five-star luxury setting at the St. Regis in Nur-Sultan, formerly Astana. Located in the heart of the city on the banks of the Ishim River in Astana Central Park, the St. Regis Astana carries on a longstanding tradition of excellence and luxury that began more than a century ago with the original St. Regis hotel in New York City. Guests who wish to explore the capital of Kazakhstan will find easy access to all of the best attractions the city has to offer. For those who would prefer to stay in and relax, the St. Regis Astana boasts a spa and athletic club, two restaurants, and a bar offering an exclusive selection of the world’s finest champagnes, rare vintage wines, and hand-crafted cocktails. Guests may also enjoy the unique 24-hour St. Regis Butler Service – a treasured hallmark of the St. Regis tradition. The hotel offers a range of room types, from the spacious, functional deluxe room to the opulent presidential suite.

Kazakhstan’s expansive country is sparsely dotted with main cities that lie thousands of miles away from one another. One of the best ways to traverse the terrain, glimpse its rural landscapes, and meet its local people is by train, which connects all cities and smaller places. Longer routes feature high-quality trains that have a restaurant and bar wagon attached. They offer standard 2-4 berth cabins, as well as upper level business class and grand cabins with ensuite toilet and shower. Sheets, pillows and blankets are provided for overnight journeys.

Aral Hotel is the only hotel in Aralsk, (also known as just ‘Arul’), a small Kazakhstan city located in the south-west of the country. Being the city’s sole hotel, guests shouldn’t come expecting five-star luxury. However, what Aral Hotel lacks in style and sophistication, it does make up for in charm, with friendly staff, and enough facilities to make for a comfortable night’s stay. Rooms have large, comfy beds and come with room heating controls and private bathrooms. The hotel is located near the main Aral airport and is a short drive away from the picturesque North Aral Sea in Kazakhstan.

The stunning five-star Renaissance Aktau Hotel offers wonderful Caspian Sea views as well as a range of modern and stylish rooms in the middle of Aktau, a large and popular western-Kazakhstan city. On top of its sumptuous sea views, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of guests’ own spacious and well-appointed rooms, this hotel also has an indoor and outdoor pool (with some more of those excellent sea views), a gym, spa facilities and various dining options. Each room comes with flat-screen televisions, coffee/tea making facilities, stylish en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Guests opting to dine in the hotel can enjoy a range of cuisines in the Renaissance’s popular on-site restaurant, including Mediterranean, Asian and Western dishes – as well as a buffet breakfast every morning. There is also the Silk Bar and Chai Lounge for some evening drinks and the outdoor area serves freshly-prepared cuts of meat throughout the day.

The first true luxury hotel in Turkestan, the Kavaransaray Kun Hotel makes a grand entrance combining with 37 specially-designed plush rooms and suites with a fully decked entertainment space. Rooms start at 40 sqm with views featuring the inner square or surrounding foliage. Some rooms and all suites come with private balconies. Facilities and amenities within the hotel include a spa with nail and hair salon, 24-hour dining, laundry services, and complimentary wifi throughout the property. The all-day restaurant, Eposia, serves both local and continental selections. The Kun Hotel is a part of the Karavansaray complex which includes the family-friendly Khaganate hotel, premium boutiques, a food court, outdoor theatre, a show arena, cinema, covered and open bazaars, and a flowing canal feature. The property is centrally-located and approximately 13.5 miles from the airport.

Throughout Kazakhstan’s remote corners, from the Aral Sea to Berikara Gorge, lies beauty and adventure, as well as a number of cozy guesthouses which happily host travelers. All rooms are compact, and simply and pleasantly furnished with comfortable beds, fresh linens. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum, the guesthouse does provide hot water and homecooked meals, and some of the more modern rooms are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences.  Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and sample the tasty, home-cooked meals featuring local dishes.

Throughout Kazakhstan’s remote corners, from the Aral Sea to Berikara Gorge, lies beauty and adventure, as well as a number of cozy guesthouses which happily host travelers. All rooms are compact, and simply and pleasantly furnished with comfortable beds, fresh linens. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum, the guesthouse does provide hot water and homecooked meals, and some of the more modern rooms are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences.  Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and sample the tasty, home-cooked meals featuring local dishes.

Kazakhstan’s expansive country is sparsely dotted with main cities that lie thousands of miles away from one another. One of the best ways to traverse the terrain, glimpse its rural landscapes, and meet its local people is by train, which connects all cities and smaller places. Longer routes feature high-quality trains that have a restaurant and bar wagon attached. They offer standard 2-4 berth cabins, as well as upper level business class and grand cabins with ensuite toilet and shower. Sheets, pillows and blankets are provided for overnight journeys.

Occupying the top ten floors of the Esentai Tower, the Ritz Carlton enjoys unrivalled views of Almaty and the sweeping, jagged, snow-peaked Ile-Alatau mountain range. Guests choosing to stay here have the best of both worlds with easy access to the city and all its famous historic sights as well as the ski slopes in the national park to the south. After a long day on the piste or exploring the city, guests can ascend the escalator into the luxurious surroundings and enjoy all that the hotel has to offer. With restaurants and bars decorated with the latest works from the hottest modern artists in the country, from cocktails with a view to sumptuous dishes prepared with expertise, dining and drinking at the Ritz Carlton is a feast for the senses. Rooms and suites boast stunning panoramas and are fitted with every modern convenience and comfort. Meanwhile, the acclaimed Six Senses Spa offers a retreat from the stresses of everyday life. 

Throughout Kazakhstan’s remote corners, from the Aral Sea to Berikara Gorge, lies beauty and adventure, as well as a number of cozy guesthouses which happily host travelers. All rooms are compact, and simply and pleasantly furnished with comfortable beds, fresh linens. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum, the guesthouse does provide hot water and homecooked meals, and some of the more modern rooms are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences.  Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and sample the tasty, home-cooked meals featuring local dishes.

Throughout Kazakhstan’s remote corners, from the Aral Sea to Berikara Gorge, lies beauty and adventure, as well as a number of cozy guesthouses which happily host travelers. All rooms are compact, and simply and pleasantly furnished with comfortable beds, fresh linens. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum, the guesthouse does provide hot water and homecooked meals, and some of the more modern rooms are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences.  Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and sample the tasty, home-cooked meals featuring local dishes.

Throughout Kazakhstan’s remote corners, from the Aral Sea to Berikara Gorge, lies beauty and adventure, as well as a number of cozy guesthouses which happily host travelers. All rooms are compact, and simply and pleasantly furnished with comfortable beds, fresh linens. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum, the guesthouse does provide hot water and homecooked meals, and some of the more modern rooms are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences.  Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and sample the tasty, home-cooked meals featuring local dishes.

Occupying the top ten floors of the Esentai Tower, the Ritz Carlton enjoys unrivalled views of Almaty and the sweeping, jagged, snow-peaked Ile-Alatau mountain range. Guests choosing to stay here have the best of both worlds with easy access to the city and all its famous historic sights as well as the ski slopes in the national park to the south. After a long day on the piste or exploring the city, guests can ascend the escalator into the luxurious surroundings and enjoy all that the hotel has to offer. With restaurants and bars decorated with the latest works from the hottest modern artists in the country, from cocktails with a view to sumptuous dishes prepared with expertise, dining and drinking at the Ritz Carlton is a feast for the senses. Rooms and suites boast stunning panoramas and are fitted with every modern convenience and comfort. Meanwhile, the acclaimed Six Senses Spa offers a retreat from the stresses of everyday life. 

The InterContinental in Almaty is a luxury hotel sitting opposite the famous Presidential Palace in Republic Square. It’s the perfect location to see this popular attraction, as well as the city’s many others in this central area. The InterContinental’s rooms are big, bright and fresh with a whole list of facilities and services right on hand. The dining options are impressive too, with an excellent international breakfast buffet, Asian café, rooftop grill, Turkish restaurant and jazz bar. In the evening guests can enjoy relaxing in one of three bars, including a jazz bar and beer garden with light music and boardgames to wind down summer evenings. Elsewhere there is an indoor pool, children’s play area and tennis courts.