Upper (or Mountainous) Adjara is one of Georgia's gems. Head inland from Batumi and follow the Adjaristskali River to discover a subtropical world of steeply-placed villages surrounded by forests, corn and tobacco fields, ancient ruins and natural waterfalls. It makes the perfect relaxation or hiking destination, with something for all the family to enjoy. Check out our recommendations for places to stay- each visited personally by the Where.ge team.
Vaio
Makho’s Marani, Vaio village
Makho’s Marani offers a sunny terrace overlooking the family’s corn and tobacco fields- perfect for breakfast and evening chill-outs. Be sure not to miss out on the chance to grab a hammock and swing on the edge of the mountain while watching the sunset blasting the sky with color through the fruit trees. Rooms are simple, air-conditioned, with a shared bathroom. The guesthouse is run by three generations of the same family, who will cook you hearty meals to set you up for the day, happily answering your questions about their work and life in the village.
Varjanisi
Chateau Iveri, Varjanisi village
Chateau Iveri offers colorful Mediterranean-rustic style rooms with beautifully tiled private bathrooms, ideal for the upper-price segment looking for some luxury in the mountains. All rooms come with wooden balconies overlooking the vineyard and magnificent surrounding scenery. The family offers guests various tourist packages that include accommodation, local cuisine, wine tasting, folk art, and folk crafts.
Pirveli Maisi
Shervashidze’s Wine Cellar, Pirveli Maisi village
At Shervashidze’s Wine Cellar, stay in a room in the three-storey main house for 50+ GEL per night, including food, or go a night in a wooden cabin on stilts overlooking the vineyards and distant village (100 GEL per night, excl. food). They’ve been hosting visitors since 2006, offering not only wine tasting but also traditional Georgian cuisine. Why not book yourself on one of their 1 or 2 day excursions to visit cultural sites from the 10th and 12th centuries?
Dandalo
Hill Inn Luxury Camping, Dandalo village
Try some glamorous camping (glamping) in the mountains at Hill Inn, an innovative vacation site set up by Davit Ardzenadze and Maia Verdzadze within the frames of the Keda LEADER project.
The dome-tents offer fantastic views of the surrounding forest and mountains, and come with a small kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area, as well as a projector and screen for the full laze-and-watch experience. And if that’s not glamorous enough for you, be sure to try out the spa, Jacuzzi and sauna!
Milisi
Fridon House, Milisi village
The village of Milisi has something particularly restful about it, and Fridon Gvarishvili’s wooden two-story eco-cottage ‘Fridon House’ is the perfect place to experience it. Located as a separate structure in the garden of the family guesthouse, the cottage comes with a fully-equipped kitchen and living area with a TV, and two en-suite double bedrooms with views over the garden, orchard and mountains. The family offers ecotourism, hiking, ornithology, ethno and gastronomic packages.
One night for the whole cottage, which is just 19.3km from Batumi, will set you back only 200 GEL.
Discover more about Upper Adjara here.