Discover Georgia

28/08/2026

Wow - Have you ever seen such incredible architecture as this restaurant in Batumi

Photo credit and link for more detail ... https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g297576-d27147099-Reviews-Senate_Restaurant_Lounge-Batumi_Adjara_Region.html

20/08/2026

Foreigners in Georgia Are Buying Up Entire Neighborhoods, or 50 Apartments in a Single Transaction A new trend has emerged in Georgia’s real estate market: foreign investors have begun buying apartments in bulk in buildings under construction. Such transactions allow them to secure more favorable terms and anticipate an increase in property values.
Source: logos-press.md

Foreign investors are buying blocks of 30–50 apartments in Georgia, betting on rising prices and returns of up to 30%, especially in Batumi.

20/08/2026

Sea, mountains and shared interests: Why do Belarusians keep choosing Georgia?

Sunny Georgia is a wonderful holiday destination. In addition to its sea, mountains and natural beauty, the country is renowned for its historical monuments and authentic traditions. It is therefore no coincidence that many tours combine beach holidays with visits to iconic sites, including Tbilisi. The older generation also remembers Georgia as one of the Soviet Union’s “all-Union health resorts.”

Sunny Georgia is a wonderful holiday destination. In addition to its sea, mountains and natural beauty, the country is renowned for its historical monuments and...

07/08/2026

The Georgian resort of Batumi, on the Black Sea, offers rich history, a burgeoning restaurant scene and stylish hotels. A new direct flight makes it more accessible than ever.

vershadowed by the towering peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia is best known for its 8,000-year-old w**emaking traditions, soaring alpine landscapes and its cool capital, Tbilisi. Less well known is its 200-mile Black Sea coastline, the jewel of which is Georgia’s second city, Batumi, a beach resort once beloved by Soviet holidaymakers.

The capital of Georgia’s autonomous southwestern province of Adjara, Batumi sits 12 miles north of the Turkish border and a five-hour train ride west of Tbilisi. Georgia’s premier seaside resort is home to glitzy casinos and high-rise international hotels, which loom large over faded communist-era apartment blocks lining a glorious five-mile seafront boulevard.

Styling itself as the Vegas of the Black Sea, Batumi is single-handedly reviving Georgia’s status as a beach destination.

I arrive on a Swiss-made double-decker Stadler train from Tbilisi — which is now connected to London by direct easyJet and British Airways flights — to find a mountainous coastline swathed in low-hanging mist.

Batumi’s beachside boulevard
My first stop is Batumi Boulevard, the promenade lined with cafés, bars, restaurants and art installations. These include a revolving statue of Ali and Nino, a fictional Azerbaijani sheikh and Georgian princess known as the Romeo and Juliet of the Caucasus.

The Georgian resort of Batumi, on the Black Sea, offers rich history, a burgeoning restaurant scene and stylish hotels. A new direct flight makes it more accessible than ever

07/08/2026

Starting in August, passengers traveling by Georgian Railway will be able to reach Batumi from Tbilisi in just four hours, Deputy Economy Minister Tamar Ioseliani announced.

According to Ioseliani, the shorter travel time is the result of extensive railway infrastructure upgrades and the completion of the mountain pass modernization project.

She said the improvements are expected to significantly increase passenger traffic, potentially doubling ridership, while also boosting tourism.

In addition to track upgrades, existing passenger stations have been renovated. The Economy Ministry says the modernized infrastructure is designed to increase railway capacity and provide passengers with safer and more comfortable travel.

Starting in August, passengers traveling by Georgian Railway will be able to reach Batumi from Tbili...

06/08/2026

Georgia is emerging as one of the fastest-growing destinations for travelers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC. Data suggests that in 2025 Georgia welcomed 145,513 visits from the Gulf countries, representing 3.4% increase compared to the previous year.
According to the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA), the country welcomed a 7.8 million international tourists in 2025.
Industry analysts point to several factors behind the surge in interest from Gulf travelers. Georgia is roughly a four-hour flight from major GCC hubs, making it an accessible short-haul option for both leisure and family travel. GCC nationals also benefit from visa-free entry and expedited e-visa options, removing a common barrier to travel. On value, Georgia is estimated to offer 30-40% more value than comparable European destinations, appealing to travelers seeking high-quality experiences without the price tag typically associated with Western Europe. The country's diverse landscapes also give Gulf travelers options across every season, from summer stays on the Black Sea coast in Batumi to mountain retreats in Gudauri and Svaneti, and autumn w**e tourism in Kakheti.
Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) has said the country's outreach to the Middle East is built around showcasing this diversity, from mountain family escapes to coastal summers and cultural traditions, with the aim of making Georgia a top-of-mind destination for GCC travelers.
The GNTA has been building partnerships with regional travel agencies to develop tailored packages for GCC travelers, combining luxury experiences, cultural exploration, and nature-based activities. The broader tourism sector reflects this momentum: Tbilisi was recently ranked the world's second-most trending destination for 2026 by Tripadvisor, and more than 300 new hotels, including a number of internationally branded properties, are projected to open across Georgia by 2028 in cities such as Tbilisi, Batumi, and Sighnaghi.
For travel agencies, hospitality groups, and investors across the GCC, Georgia's growing appeal presents a timely opportunity to develop tailored itineraries, luxury packages, and direct partnerships that serve this expanding traveler segment. As connectivity and infrastructure continue to improve, industry observers expect the Gulf market to play an increasingly central role in Georgia's tourism strategy.

11/07/2026

With the opening of its first property in Georgia, the Ensana Hotels continue their expansion strategy. The new 4-star hotel Ensana Sairme South with 154 rooms is now welcoming guests in the spa town Sairme, located at an altitude of over 900 meters in the pristine mountain landscape of the Caucasus. With its market entry in Georgia, Europe’s leading health spa operator is expanding its portfolio to include a destination that has been known for its thermal and mineral springs for more than 60 years. The property is aimed at travellers who wish to combine health and preventive care offerings with the impressive nature of western Georgia.

“With Georgia, we are bringing Ensana to a country with exceptional natural healing resources, which is also an emerging travel destination and perfectly aligned with our strategic focus,” says Frank Halmos, CEO of Ensana. “The combination of vast, forested landscapes, rich cultural heritage, hospitality and medically usable thermal and mineral springs makes Sairme a location with strong development potential in health spa tourism.”

Focus on natural remedies

For Ensana Hotels, natural healing resources are a key criterion when selecting locations. The thermal water of Sairme is ideally suited for therapeutic treatments, particularly for musculoskeletal issues. The carbonated mineral water sourced locally is traditionally used for drinking cures for liver, urinary tract, kidney as well as gastrointestinal conditions.

The second Ensana property, Sairme North, is currently in the final phase of a comprehensive renovation. As part of this, the spa in the 5-star property is being expanded and enhanced with extensive wellness facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a hammam, a salt grotto and modern treatment rooms.

“Ensana is an important and strategic partner for our properties in Sairme,” adds Temur Khokhodze, owner of Sairme Resorts. “We are investing specifically in the expansion of the hotels as well as in the therapeutic offering to appeal to different target groups. This cooperation will empower local communities, foster new capabilities, and create meaningful opportunities for people in the region.”

Sairme is located around 3.5 hours by car west of the Georgian capital Tbilisi and close to Kutaisi, the country’s third-largest city, with the Kutaisi International Airport. The airport connects the region to 30 cities across the globe. This makes the spa town easily accessible for international guests, especially as Ensana Sairme South can arrange airport transfers on request. The property is set within an extensive mountain and forest landscape, offering guests a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling as well as paddling. More information is available at www.ensanahotels.com/de and on Facebook.

10/06/2026

Georgia’s #1 developer Archi and NEXT, the country’s first international development company, have announced the joint development of Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort, a USD 300 million premium hotel-residential complex on the Black Sea coast in Kobuleti.
The project was officially presented on 3 June 2026 at the resort site in Kobuleti, attended by senior government officials, international partners and business community representatives. The capsule-laying ceremony marked the occasion as pre-sales officially opened — a significant milestone for Georgia’s tourism, hospitality and real estate sectors, and a further step in establishing Kobuleti as a premium resort destination on the Black Sea coast.

Attendees included the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze; the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili; the Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Zurab Pataradze; Aron Libinson, Vice President of Operations at Accor for Georgia and the CIS region; and Jan Dijkema, Director of Chapman Taylor’s Madrid studio.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze noted that the commencement of construction on the Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort is a further demonstration of Georgia’s stable, predictable and attractive investment environment.

“This large-scale project on the Black Sea coast in Kobuleti will be an outstanding opportunity for those looking to profitably invest capital in real estate at an early stage. Together with our experienced and successful partners, our team is offering an exceptional project to both local and international investors. As a market leader, it is important for Archi that every new initiative establishes a new standard in the country, creates additional jobs, and significantly contributes to economic development,” said Ilia Tsulaia, Founder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Archi.
The five-star Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort will consist of three monumental buildings and will bring together a hotel, residential and investment apartments, four large indoor and outdoor swimming pools, conference facilities, a lobby, a lounge, six restaurants under different brands, a casino, a 3,000 sq.m spa and fitness area, a wellness center and a children’s entertainment area.
The announcement marks the entry of the Swissôtel brand, part of Accor’s global portfolio of more than 5,800 properties across 110 countries, into Kobuleti.

“This partnership marks an important milestone in transforming Georgia’s tourism infrastructure and cementing its status as a recognised global leisure destination. We are seeing a tremendous rise in the premium segment because today’s guests seek high-standard, personalised experiences, which is exactly where Swissôtel excels through its core philosophy of promoting vitality and well-being. We are immensely proud to deliver this outstanding project alongside Archi and NEXT, and we look forward to seeing our premium flagship brand shine here in Kobuleti”, said Aron Libinson, Vice President of Operations at Accor for Georgia and the CIS region.

Located just minutes from Batumi, the development will further integrate Kobuleti into the region’s largest tourism ecosystem while contributing to the balanced development of Georgia’s coastal regions. The project is expected to introduce the highest international standards in hospitality and real estate development, create new opportunities for economic growth and generate substantial employment during both the construction and operational phases.
“We are delighted to launch this large-scale project. We have extensive international experience in resort and tourism development in Georgia, Dubai, Spain, and Kenya. We believe this project will completely transform Kobuleti’s investment climate and establish it as a new point of attraction in the region. It will become a distinguished offering for both local and international investors,” said Kakha Devadze, Founder of NEXT

The project also reflects the growing confidence of international partners in Georgia’s stable, predictable and attractive investment environment. Georgia’s investment fundamentals have strengthened considerably in recent years. According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat), Georgia’s economy has grown by an average of 9.3% annually over the past five years, placing it among the strongest growth performers in Europe.

For GCC investors already familiar with the branded residence model, Georgia represents a growing hospitality and real estate market, supported by strong tourism demand, improving investment fundamentals and increasing international investor interest.

The Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) reported that Gulf countries accounted for 145,513 visits to Georgia in 2025, with Saudi Arabian visitor numbers rising 9.1% year-on-year — a trajectory that directly underpins hotel occupancy and rental returns for investors in the region.
As tourism continues to expand and drive demand across the hospitality and real estate sectors, Georgia’s coastline is increasingly becoming a space of new opportunities for developments that combine world-class hospitality, leisure and long-term investment value within a single concept.

04/06/2026

Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Türkiye, has announced the signing of Gudauri Ski Resort, the group’s first ski resort and a milestone that introduces an entirely new category of hospitality to its global portfolio.
The signing took place at an official ceremony in Tbilisi on 22 May, attended by senior leadership from Rotana, Pontus and NOA, the award-winning Italian architectural studio specialising in mountain hospitality design, alongside Georgian and international media. The gathering served as the public unveiling of NOA’s architectural concept for the resort and the formal exchange of the management agreement.

Located in Gudauri in the Greater Caucasus mountains, one of the region’s most established ski destinations, the resort sits within a dramatic high-altitude landscape with direct ski-in, ski-out access to the Gudauri ski lift station. The development comprises two distinct properties offering approximately 400 keys, complemented by a range of culinary experiences, full-service spa and wellness facilities, panoramic saunas, and a dedicated entertainment programme.
Makram El Zyr, VP of Development, Rotana, said: “Gudauri marks a defining moment for Rotana. With our first ski resort, we are introducing an entirely new dimension to our hospitality offering and extending our brand into one of the most exciting categories in global travel. The trust and shared vision we have built with Pontus over the past three years, alongside the architectural expertise of NOA, gives this project an exceptional foundation. Gudauri reflects our long-term confidence in Georgia and commitment to delivering distinctive guest experiences in destinations of true character and significance.”

Designed for year-round appeal, the resort will welcome travellers seeking distinctive experiences across every season. The resort is approximately 120 kilometres from Tbilisi International Airport, with a scenic drive and direct connections from the UAE, Europe and the wider Middle East.
Across the resort, guests will have access to signature and specialty dining, a cigar lounge, six meeting rooms, après-ski terraces, full-service health clubs and spas with bio and panoramic saunas, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, ski equipment retail and rental, and extensive kids’ and family entertainment. A dedicated wellness facility connects both properties via a bridge, providing guests with access to the resort’s shared wellness offering.
The resort’s architectural concept has been developed by NOA, the award-winning Italian studio specialising in mountain hospitality design. Led by architect Lukas Rungger, the concept draws inspiration from the Mandili, the traditional Georgian headscarf, reinterpreting its characteristic fluid form through the resort’s rooflines and spatial identity. The result is a destination deeply rooted in Georgian cultural identity, where architecture, landscape and local heritage converge with contemporary design and modern amenities to create a distinctive sense of place.

The development marks a deepening of the partnership between Rotana and Pontus, which began three years ago with the signing of Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa, Gonio on the Black Sea coast, due to open in 2027. Gudauri Ski Resort is the second project to emerge from this partnership, reflecting a shared long-term commitment to elevating hospitality standards across Georgia.
Irakli Varshalomidze, Founder, Pontus, added: “Expanding our partnership with Rotana into Gudauri is a defining moment for Pontus and for Georgian tourism. The strength of this project lies in the synergy of three teams — Pontus’s deep knowledge of the local market, Rotana’s international hospitality expertise, and NOA’s world-class experience in mountain architecture. Together, we are delivering a new benchmark for service, quality and design in Gudauri, and contributing to the next chapter of Georgia’s growth as a leading international destination.”

Georgia continues to position itself as one of the fastest-growing tourism economies in the wider region. The country welcomed over 7 million international visitors in 2025, supported by a strategic focus on year-round destinations and the development of premium hospitality infrastructure. Gudauri Ski Resort is well-placed to benefit from this momentum, with growing visitor interest from the GCC, Europe and neighbouring markets.
As Rotana continues to expand across new and emerging markets, the group remains focused on innovation, sustainability, and a guest-first philosophy, ensuring every stay delivers on its enduring promise of “Treasured Time.”