After an unforgettable visit to the Derwaza Crater, my tour
guide and I gathered for a traditional desert dinner featuring lamb cooked over
an open fire pit. After eating half roasted meat, my tour guide offered me a
shot of vodka for “digestive health,” which I politely declined. That
night, when nature inevitably called, I deeply regretted not accepting his wise
offer.
Returning to the crater the next morning, I noticed how the
flames appeared significantly subdued in the sunlight.
The heat radiating from the crater is intense: depending on
the wind direction, you either enjoy a pleasant desert breeze or feel like
you’re being blasted by the world’s largest sauna.
Perhaps the most striking feature is the complete absence of
safety barriers with nothing in the way between you and the massive burning
pit.
We headed to Ashgabat and the Yyldyz Hotel, reportedly the most
luxurious hotel in Turkmenistan. After roughing it in the desert, this grand
property was a sight for sore eyes. Perched prominently on a hillside, the
hotel features distinctive architecture that, depending on your perspective,
resembles either a gleaming missile or an elaborate beehive.
It’s an unmistakable landmark in Ashgabat’s skyline,
particularly at night when illumination gives it an almost spaceship-like
appearance.
At around $150 per night, the hotel offers surprising value
for a luxury property. The hotel even has its own branded towels and amenities.
The room itself would feel right at home in any upscale Middle Eastern
property.
An interesting note is that pricing is in Turkmenistan Manat
(TMT) at the official exchange rate. Since this is a government hotel, they’re
required to use official rates rather than black market rates, which results in
dining and amenities available for about a third of what you’d expect to pay.
The hotel’s centerpiece is its gorgeous indoor pool,
complete with an expansive sunroof that floods the space with natural light.
The room itself is quite spacious with a great view of the
Ashbagat skyline.
The bathrooms feature TV-equipped bathtubs, though
curiously, while international channels are available, CNN is replaced by i24
News, suggesting some content filtering may be in place.
The included breakfast buffet is extensive and
well-prepared, served in a grand dining area. Beautiful balconies offer
panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Throughout the property, ornate touches like golden brass
elevators and elaborate signage create an atmosphere of carefully curated
luxury.
From the white grand piano in the lobby to the ever-present
portrait of Turkmenistan’s ruler, the Yydlz Hotel perfectly encapsulates what a
government showcase hotel would feel like.
While the hotel may feel slightly disconnected from reality,
similar to Ashbagat itself, it delivers a genuine luxury experience. The
combination of reasonable rates (especially with the unofficial exchange rate),
comprehensive amenities, and distinctive character makes it a memorable stay.
