Author: Rachel O
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The best hotel for families at Shymbulak: Shymbulak Hotel Review
We have stayed at all the main Almaty ski resorts, most frequently at a hotel called Shymbulak Resort Hotel. The name might be a little confusing given it’s situated within Shymbulak Mountain Resort and I’m not sure if that was a mistake or just some great marketing! Regardless, the mountain resort also has some other…
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The Best View In Shymbulak: Le Mont Hotel Review
Le Mont Hotel (formerly Sneg) is a cozy lodge nestled halfway up the main slope of Shymbulak Mountain Resort. You’ll find it next to the exit from the Combi 1 chairlift. With a fantastic deck, it is brilliant for summertime eating, but during the winter, when its a bit too chilly to be outside for…
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An 80s Era Room & Excellent Lamb Cutlets: A Review Of Ak Bulak Hotel
This title may not have been how I thought I’d start this review, but there you have it. Ak Bulak Hotel is great for its location of being directly beneath a ski resort, but sometimes you have to focus on the unexpected highlights. If you’re planning to venture out to Ak Bulak Ski Resort then…
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Why visiting Abay Opera Theatre is a great idea
Add to the cultural value of your Almaty trip with a show at the iconic theatre! What is it? Abay Opera Theatre is a large and very grand theatre in the centre of Almaty. Built in the 1930s, with elements of Stalinist architectural style, it has evolved to be the centre of culture for the…
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How to get the most out your visit to Arasan
Arasan is a sauna complex located in central Almaty, and it is well worth a visit. Let me describe how I spent some of my recent visits to Arasan, with my wonderful friend who helped guide me. Thanks Zhanar! Now anyone who comes from a sauna/spa culture will probably think all this is VERY OBVIOUS.…
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What to see when you visit Almaty’s Panfilov Park
When planning your trip to Almaty, you’ll definitely want to check out Panfilov Park, but it’s worth researching what to do and see in the park so that you don’t miss anything out while you’re there! The park is located in the centre of the city, just a short walk south from Green Bazaar, and…
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Visiting Kok Tobe: What to expect and how to have a great time
Visitors to Almaty will want to visit the iconic hilltop fairground with fabulous city views Kok Tobe, which is Kazakh for “Green Hill”, is a forested fairground near the communications tower overlooking Almaty. My family loves it as it caters to us all and – on a clear day – comes with a stunning view…
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The best places for beginners to eat horse meat
When in Rome! Read on to find the best place to eat horse in Almaty! If you’re visiting Kazakhstan, then you really ought to give horse meat a shot. What a great place to visit and try something very unique! Naturally, if you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or a particular horselover, you might skip this particular…
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Fly to Almaty from Perth: A review of the new Air Asia route
You can now book flights between Almaty and Perth with Air Asia, and fit in a cheeky city break in KL! With our eldest starting big school, we are now at the mercy of the airline algorithm and the holiday crowds. Of course this means we are open to bargain travel. So when we found…
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The best things to do in Almaty with little kids
Finding things to do with kids is relatively easy here in Almaty! Families here tend to be a little bigger than in Australia or the UK. Naturally restaurants and other leisure businesses want to cater to this market of young families with plenty to keep everyone happy. You’ll find restaurants with play areas, plenty of…