There are two types of people in the world: beach people and mountain people. Thankfully, Georgia has on offer whatever your heart desires (even if it’s both). For sea resorts, click here. For our top 5 summer mountain resorts in Georgia, read on...

TOP 5 SUMMER MOUNTAIN RESORTS

Svaneti

• The tallest mountains in Georgia are located here in this once-remote region. Increasingly more accessible by car, marshrutka (minibus), or airplane, summer is the easiest time to visit. You will be greeted by bright green slopes dotted with medieval stone towers and feel closer to the sky in the regional capital, Mestia, at 1,500 m above sea level. There are several excellent hikes you can take, including to Ushguli (the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe), various lakes, and the largest glaciers in the Caucasus. One of the area’s three ski resorts operates its chairlifts in the summer months, so you can get bird’s eye views even without climbing gear!

Kazbegi

• My personal favorite spot in the entire country, Kazbegi is always a good idea. Kazbegi is cradled by high mountains that burst into bloom in the summer. There are several great hikes, and multi-day climbs for the more experienced, including to the peak of Mt. Kazbek itself. You can stay in a beautiful hotel such as Rooms, or a more personal local guesthouse. There is also a new hotel just outside Kazbegi in the village of Sno if you are looking to be in a less touristy area. The most famous landmark is the 14^th century Gergeti Trinity Church, poised dramatically on a mountaintop and stunningly lit at night. You can reach Gergeti by car (book through your lodging or easily find a driver in the central square) or with an easy two-hour hike.
• Note: the town’s official name is Stepantsminda, but everyone refers to it as Kazbegi – don’t let the two names confuse you!

Tusheti

• Tusheti is one of the most remote regions in Georgia. Everyone dreams of visiting, but few make it to this highland paradise in the country’s northeast. The only way in is a long, bumpy ride in an off-road vehicle, but it is absolutely worth it. If you have the time, Tusheti is an ideal place to escape the summer heat, and drift away from the world for a few days. There are plenty of charming guesthouses to stay in sprinkled throughout the region’s villages that will offer local hospitality and home cooking. The classic Tusheti visit includes a horse tour – breathtaking Lake Oreti is a short trot from the village of Upper Omalo. June is the best time to enjoy the flower blossoms blanketing the hillsides.

Borjomi-Bakuriani

• The ski resort town of Bakuriani is just a 35-minute drive from the spa resort town of Borjomi, or a slower but more charming ride on the Kukushka train (which crosses a bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel!). Get two-for-one with a trip to these neighboring sites. Borjomi is best known for its mineral water – bottled and sold internationally, here you can drink straight from the source or receive rejuvenating spa treatments. In the charming city park, you can stroll under shady trees and enjoy ice-cream, snacks, and children’s games and small rides. Near Borjomi there are many spots worth visiting, including the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, great for hiking and wildlife spotting, and the Romanov’s summer palace at Likani.
• At 1,700 m above sea level, Bakuriani is literally a breath of fresh air. One of Georgia’s most popular winter ski resorts, it also has plenty to offer the summer visitor, including hiking, mountain biking, and camping. Ski lifts also operate in July and August.
• Borjomi-Bakuriani is maybe the best choice for families on this list!
• Click here for more.

Sairme

• This resort town is located about an hour south of Kutaisi. Together with Borjomi and Nabeghlavi, Sairme’s mineral water forms one of Georgia’s holy trinity of healing beverages. Sairme remains a resort chiefly for connoisseurs of beautiful, pastoral landscapes and calm atmospheres – a true escape from the heat and chaos of the city. The resort itself is in the middle of a green forest with hammocks and bike trails throughout, and a sprawling network of baths and wells at the entrance. Beautifully curated and maintained, Sairme is a balm to the aesthetic senses. Particular care is taken to explain the benefits of Sairme water and the rules for its consumption.

By Samantha Guthrie