Hg2 : The Hedonist

A Hedonist’s guide to…

Almaty

Zontiki
Minimlaist yet delicious Oriental cuisine and décor.
Zheti Kazyna
Authentic Uzbek, Russian and Japanese cuisine, each in their own rooms.
Zhailjau Golf Resort
XO
Smaller than most Almaty clubs, but with a buzzing atmosphere, get monochRome delirious to cognac cocktails.
WorldHotel Saltanat
Minimalist design hotel, packed with style. A favourite.
World Fashion
Fashionista flock to this stylish bar, where the décor pays homage to the greats.
Winter Fantasy
Exotic high-fashion furs from this designer label.
Wild Asia
One of the most comprehensive menus we've come across, with excellent cocktail-aided atmosphere.
Voyage Hotel
A quiet, courtyard hotel with quirky lift upholstery.
Vogue Bar
Wonderfully cool décor, luscious long drinks and an intimate atmosphere - Vogue is not to be missed.
Vobla
If you're in need of a long cool beer to wash down your food, Vobla is the place to find it.
Via del Mondo
A loving selection of the best and rarest wines and fine cigars.
Vertaliot Public Lounge
Perfect for weekend partying, as the young crowd sweep in to drink and dance.
Velvet Lounge
The ultimate rock'n'roll location, this place knows how to party.
Ultra’s
Offering a wonderful roof terrace, sushi, beer, cocktails and live music, Ultra's is all about unpretentious fun.
Tumar
A good selection of handmade felts mean there's no need to trawl craft fairs.
TsUM
There are some great textiles being produced and imported in Almaty the best of which can be found on the top floor of the Tsum department store.
Trader Vic’s
Check out the chilled Polynesian vibe at this surfer's paradise.
Track Tourism
Mountain climbing specialists, with an extensive photographic collection of Almaty.
Totsami
One-way mirrors in the ladies', and a bartop reserved for girls only dancing, this club likes it a little raunchy.
Top Line
Couture shoes line te walls at Top Line - head here to pick up your Louboutins.
The Royal Tulip
A mountain retreat for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
The Rooms
You could spend hours wandering between Pacha's themed rooms - or just live it up on the dancefloor.
The Noodles
International food combines with Kazakhstan coffee to keep everyone coming back to this busy little café.
The Hg2 Hot Cities List 2012
Ever the purveyors of up-and-coming cities, a new year brings yet another opportunity for Hg2 to publish the annual hot cities list!
Thai
This funky art deco spot in Central Almaty is quite simply a must.
Tengri Umai Gallery
The first private art gallery in Kazakhstan, this minimalist institution hosts a selection of interesting contemporary works.
Telli Café
The ideal spot for health fanatics, Telli offers a range of sensitive services.
Telli
An on-site homeopathic pharmacy complements the high end skincare brands at Telli.
Tau Dastarkhan
Well-situated hotel with some fantastic amenities.
Tamgaly
These rock carvings are a World Heritage Site, and a humbling experience for all culture vultures.
Sumo San
Serving seriously good sushi and teppyanaki this authentic Japanese spot is popular all year round.
Stan Tours
Turkmenistan tour specialists.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
Apart from being striking in appearance St Nicholas Cathedral has been an important part of Almaty's culture for the last century. Be sure to catch a service.
SKI, SING AND BE SEEN IN KAZAKHSTAN
Silk Road Adventures
High-powered exploration, with hang-gliders and helicopters on hand to show off the steppes.
Shymbulak
OK, so you'll undoubtedly have experienced more challenging skiing, and you will almost certainly be used to better facilities, but how often do you get to ski in Central Asia?
Shock
A treasure trove of Sauvage sale pieces, this is one for those who are more max-it than plastic, and looking for bargains.
Shera Hotel
Local celeb hangout, with decent rooms a short break from the town centre.
Segafredo
Mamma mia! Real Italian coffee.

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