Fleewinter

Gazing out over the snow-capped Tien Shan mountains, the five-star Intercontinental Almaty is all about city-centre luxury. Stay here and you’ll have the must-see sights of Kazakhstan’s cultural hub on your doorstep. The hotel sits opposite Almaty’s Presidential Palace and is a 10-minute walk away from the historic monuments of Republic Square. Hop in a taxi and take the 20-minute drive to Kok-Tobe mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic city views. If you’re here to ski, Shymbulak Ski Resort is just over a 30-minute drive away by car.

You’ll have plenty to choose from at the hotel’s five restaurants. Breakfast is served each morning at the sophisticated Asian Café. For dinner with a view, head to Belvedere Grill Room on the rooftop, or taste your way through a menu of delicious Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine at Bosphorus Restaurant. Later, listen to live jazz at the elegant J Bar or sip refreshing cocktails in the beer garden.

If you’re in need of a little pampering, relax with a massage at the spa or enjoy a soak in the Turkish bath and sauna. There’s also an indoor pool, gym and outdoor tennis courts. The hotel’s 290 rooms are spacious and comfortable, styled with traditional Kazakh silks and marble bathrooms. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, comfy sofa, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.