Founded as a resort in 1886, the health-giving waters of springs on the hillside above Jalal-Abad here have attracted visitors and patients from across the region for even longer. The modern resort, which dates to the Soviet era, is a throwback experience worth at least a stroll through the massive grounds if not a weekend stay.
Prices vary wildly depending on the room type, but include all meals and many spa treatments. Those noted here represent the good-value second residential campus. From the centre, follow Lenina til it starts climbing just east of the square. Keep winding straight along until the road reaches the top of the hill, where the resort gates are immediately on the left.