Fleewinter

The five-star Yelken Yacht Club is not only the first yacht club in Turkmenistan, it’s also one of the finest resorts in the whole country. The property is located on the Caspian Sea overlooking a 600-metre long stretch of beach, just 30 minutes’ drive from the bazaars of Turkmenbashi. Yelken means ‘sail’ in the Turkmen language.

Compared to the other high-rise hotels in the area, Yelken Yacht Club is low-slung with a main pavilion surrounded by extensive grounds. The 111 guest rooms are in villas dotted around the site, each with its own private patio. There are plenty of dining options here, with several bars and restaurants to choose from.

The centrepiece of the estate is the al fresco dining terrace, which leads to a large outdoor swimming pool. The pool is circled by sun loungers and sun umbrellas, while the surrounding garden is dotted with palm trees. There’s also an indoor pool and a spa, which includes a Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, hot tub and treatment rooms, giving you the chance for a relaxing massage.

If you can tear yourself away from the resort, it’s possible to rent bikes to explore further afield. Alternatively, hop on board a yacht, jet ski or windsurf board to experience the Caspian Sea from the water.