A land of white mountains, green forests, and blue lakes, Georgia enchants tourists and locals alike. For thousands of years, it is the cradle of winemaking and provides one of the best wines in the world. The country can look back at a stunning history of Russian, Persian, and Ottoman invasions while constantly reinventing its nationalism to rise from its ashes.
Batumi and Kazbegi are the more known destinations, but the new Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) discount week running until 29 April offers access to the most fascinating and relaxing locations in Georgia. From east to west, hotels, spas, and wellness centers are giving out discounts of up to 50%. Below, you have a selection of our favorite spots:
STALIN'S SPA TOWN - TSKHALTUBO
Georgia has many regions providing various local specialties. Often unnoticed by Western tourists, but extremely popular among citizens of former Soviet states, the town of natural springs called Tskhaltubo gives an extra bit of health tourism to this great country.
Stalin, who is Georgian-born, from the town of Gori, decided every summer to drive down from his Kremlin palace to enjoy the spas and springs stemming from Tskaltubo’s ground. Among the dozens of spring facilities, only one was renovated in the 21st century to recreate a Soviet atmosphere. Spring number 6: the biggest, and Stalin’s favorite. In fact, Stalin loved Spring 6 so much that he has received his own personal bath, which is now the only room still preserved in its original style. Unfortunately, it is closed off to the public until renovations are done.
Motoring into the town rather feels like entering an abundant Soviet city. Huge, broad roads are a sign of totalitarian politics and the nature springs flowing out of every corner almost fight the many constructions around them while exemplifying the missing maintenance by the authorities. Despite its grandiose look, tourists fill the streets in the summer hoping for the same medical effect that Stalin has once enjoyed. You'll find two parks, the smaller of which boasts a modern restaurant and fishing ground for the townspeople, while tourists sit on the terrace sipping Laghidze, the national drink.
During nights, the town offers a variety of hotels to stay with the Tskaltubo Plaza being one of the fancier ones. Although prices can reach up to 160 dollars for one night in a standard room, the food selection and closeness to the spa areas speaks for the place.
Stay in Tskhaltubo Plaza, 15a Rustaveli St, Tskaltubo
ENJOY 5-STAR GAZING AT BORJOMI'S NIGHTTIME SKY
Despite the brand having dozens of locations around the world, the Crowne Plaza in Borjomi exhibits an inviting ambiance unmet by other hotels of its class. Its location in the midst of the steep gorge in Borjomi gives off that native and green vibe vigorously desired by nature adventurers and summer vacationers alike. Built like a castle, including its essential adjacent tower, the 5-star hotel is held in white and simple colors, avoiding an imposing design without the danger of being dull. It almost fades into the rocky hillslope behind it, yet its size prevents it from doing so.
Providing soft king-size deluxe beds, the rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art devices, minibars featuring an international product range, and impeccably marble-tiled bathrooms. Notable was the unique aroma on the sheets, a comforting scent that lulls one to sleep, stimulating the respiratory tract and allowing a deeper rest. Such tricks catapult the hotel out of the standard category right into the hall of fame of hotels.
An appertaining spa area with swimming pool and sauna rooms is just the cherry on top of the chocolate cake.
While Borjomi provides countless bars and corner shops for relishing the Georgian khachapuri, at dinner in the hotel, one is offered a rich and international selection of dishes from Indian-style vegetarian rice to Mediterranean-inspired tuna salads. If desired, a Georgian red wine accompanies the international cuisine perfectly, adding a local touch to the evening meal.
From the design, the rooms and leisure facilities, to the exquisite dining experience, this 5-star hotel isolated in Borjomi guarantees you recharged batteries. It has the power to accompany your trip to the mountains with a relaxing bed and the privacy needed to reboot your mind.
STAY at Crowne Plaza Borjomi, Baratashvili str 9, Borjomi
A MUSEUM FOR THE MASTER OF PROSE IN GVISHTIBI
The Falling Stars (1962), Once There Was a Woman (1970), and Taken Prisoner by Prisoners (1975): these three titles, together with countless other stories, symbolize the foundation of one of Georgian’s greatest prose writer and dramatists – Otia Ioseliani. Novels, comedies, dramas, and stories are all types of literature this Georgian talent has produced over a lifetime. Born in 1930 in the small town of Gvishtibi near Tskaltubo, Ioseliani’s life was filled with the opposite lifestyle to his works, which traveled across the Soviet Union to be transformed into plays and theater pieces. His humble manner and solitary attitude refrained him from visiting places beyond the limits of his hometown, and he only occasionally took trips to Tbilisi or other important former Soviet metropolises.
Western tourists in search of adrenaline-filled Kazbegi hikes easily overlook the importance of Georgian artists on the country. Yet, if Kutaisi is on the bucket list of things-to-do in Georgia, a short detour to Gvishtibi is obligatory. Ioseliani passed away in 2011, having refused to move during his lifetime and inhabiting the same house his entire life. Eventually, it became a collection box of souvenirs and items of his interests and hobbies, thus representing the most authentic museum culture aficionados may ever visited. The main room’s high ceiling and tall walls exhibit dozens of square meters which could have remained empty and plain, but for Ioseliani's artistic mind which turned them into a spotless surface of photos, pictures, hung souvenirs, and self-shot Capricorn horns.
Also, one of the smallest museums ever visited, the authenticity speaks for itself. Run by his grandson, a collection of homemade wine and different metallurgy decorations allow visitors to spend a couple of extra bills to support the museum, especially as the museum exhibition is free-of-charge.
GO to the Ioseliani House Museum, 1 Tskaltubo-Khoni, Tskaltubo
As well as the Where.ge recommendations above, visitors are encouraged to take advantage of many more offers. Over 19 locations offering either a relaxing stay in a hotel or luxurious time in a wellness area can be visited. Even if you remain in Tbilisi as you are short on time, the Tbilisi Balneological Spa Resort offers 30% discounts. Additional price reductions are available at hotels in Mtskheta, Bakuriani, Boris Tsikhisdziri, Agmashenebeli, or Batumi.
For More Information:
https://georgia.travel/discount/weeks#