Jannat Resort

I keep coming back to this spa in different seasons, and I’ve visited in summer, autumn, and winter. The garden is a highlight for me, with lots of plants and benches, and it’s especially nice to sit there in winter. The big pool and surrounding greenery make for a pleasant atmosphere, and there’s a shared sauna by the pool as well. You can get to the main pool area through a corridor or by going outside. The entry price covers the whole day, and there’s a large restaurant next to the pool if you get hungry. A salt room is available too, though reaching it in winter can be uncomfortable because it’s in a separate building outside. After you pay, you get a set with a bathrobe, towels, and slippers if you need them, plus a bracelet for your changing-room locker. The men’s locker room is spacious and has a hair dryer. Shower first after changing. The shower area is in its own room, with lounge chairs for relaxing, a small sauna, and a men-only hammam. As far as I know, the women’s locker room has similar facilities. I like having the option of a more private sauna experience. Some stairs get slippery, and there are enough of them to make the place less accessible. Even so, I’ve had a really enjoyable time each visit and keep wanting to return. Price: 2000 KGS on weekdays, 2500 KGS on weekends.

If mountain scenery and hiking are what you’re after, the remote setting works well. There’s not much nearby besides the hotel. For everything else, though, the rate doesn’t feel justified: the place seems closer to three stars than five, the breakfast needs more variety, and the property is dated enough to need renovation urgently. Staff walking around with loud walkie-talkies was disturbing too.

Nursultan at the poolside restaurant was warm and welcoming, and his ability to speak several languages was a big help to us. Jannat Resort is a beautiful, clean place, and I’m grateful to the management for having such great staff.

The breakfast buffet was tasty and really good, though getting food at the restaurant could take ages. We waited about an hour for one pizza even though we were the only people there. Most staff didn’t speak English, so communicating was very difficult. Our room was very clean and had almost everything we needed, but there was no fridge, which meant we couldn’t keep food or cold water. We also got complimentary access to the spa facilities, including the steam room, sauna, and pool. Unfortunately, they’re mixed, so anyone uncomfortable with a mixed facility can’t enjoy them. Having a few ladies-only hours would help. We stayed two nights and, in general, it was very good, with a few things that could be improved.