Where.ge #16

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BOWLING – LEBOWSKI Bowl CluB CLUB – leBowski • • • •

● 12 lane professional bowling

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Pool and Russian Billiard tables

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Conceptual American café-restaurant

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Billiard Private Room “Comfort Zone”

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where

.ge

your essential guide to Georgia

#16 August-September 2018 Publisher: George Sharashidze Editor in Chief: Katie Ruth Davies Executive Editor: Maka Bibilashvili Contributors: Katie Ruth Davies Maka Bibilashvili Sofia Bochoidze Shawn Wayne Anna Zhvania Lukas MäDer Tony Hanmer Samantha Guthrie Thea Morrison Daria Kholodilina Photographers: Tony Hanmer Irakli Dolidze Designer: Ani Loladze Logo & Design Concept: Kevin Loftus Marketing Manager: Salome Vashalomidze Maia Tsereteli Sales: Mano Kutchukhidze Sofia Bochoidze Georgia Today Address:1 Melikishvili Ave. TEL 229 59 19 www.georgiatoday.ge

www.emotionsaregeorgia.com Yes! Georgia is all about emotions! Great campaign! Our thanks go to the Georgian National Tourism Administration for such a fantastic idea and such great implementation! It can’t be easy to collect thousands of reviews through complex Artificial Intelligence tools, written by travelers from all around the world who’ve actually visited our country. These are reviews written not by professional travel writers, but by regular tourists- making them the most trustworthy and realistic.

George Sharashidze Publisher, WHERE.ge

Get visiting www.emotionsaregeorgia.com and enjoy an electronic guidebook of Georgia, where you can find everything you need to know about our country told through stories shared on social media by travelers who’ve experienced Georgia’s famous hospitality.

The Where.ge August-September issue is packed full of travel recommendations, equally interesting for travelers on any budget and with any taste: from luxury 5-star hotels and resorts to hospitable guest houses; from sunny beaches to mountain camping; from gastronomic experiences to historical and cultural adventures.

This time, our editor Katie Ruth Davies provides very useful tips for travelers interested in budget tours around Georgia; the country, as Katie rightly says, being super-affordable to those coming from developed countries, as transport, food and accommodation are cheap, and laws allow you to pitch a tent almost anywhere, including the beach, high up a mountain or in a road-side glade. Her great article ‘Georgia on a Budget’ is followed by another useful one on top picks from various families with child-friendly guest houses, truly helpful for your next budget trip to Georgia.

Finally, I would like to congratulate our friend and famous travel blogger Daria Kholodilina on her new book ‘Vinologue Guide to Georgia’ which aims to make Georgian wine as accessible, understandable, and enjoyable to visitors as possible. See our WHERE to BUY section to learn more about the book and also WHERE to DRINK section for another of Daria’s great and unique tourist products – Wine Walks, combining a classical walking tour with an introduction to Georgia’s wine scene.

Closing the welcome with a wine topic is no surprise as the most fascinating season- the wine harvest - is approaching! Get yourself equipped with the best ideas and tips from our professional staff writers and contributors about WHERE to Go, Stay, Eat, Drink and Buy in Georgia. And, as usual, here is my personal choice for each of them:

In partnership with the Georgian National Tourism Administration Anaklia Echo Waves Festival

Dreamland Oasis Chakvi

BK Restaurant

Babaneuris Marani

Gemovani Weekly Market

8 Oliver Regner German Business Association (DWV), Managing Director

48 Tinatin Getiashvili-Dogonadze Boutique Hotel Alphabet, General Manager

86 Neli Melitauri Hotel Dreamland Oasis, Head of Marketing and Sales Department

106 Jaba Dzimistarishvili Georgian Sommelier Association, Accredited Sommelier

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George Keburia Designer

to go

Where to Go for Summer Fun . . . e c i o h C y M

Oliver Regner Managing Director at German Business Association (DWV)

Exploring thE rEmarkablE variEty of musEums in tbilisi Tbilisi is a cultural hub! And it is not only the opulent Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theater or the huge Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, but also a great number of museums providing insight into the thousands of years of Georgian traditions. Whilst the Georgian National Museum and the National Gallery are mentioned almost everywhere, smaller gems deserve attention, too, like the State Silk Museum which adjoins Dinamo Stadium or the Art Museum of Mose Toidze in MitropanLaghidze Street, being not much more than a living room but telling so much about the richness of Georgian family collections.

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following thE trail of thE gErman sEttlErs 200 years ago, the first German settlers arrived in Georgia to contribute to the rural development of the country. One example is Bolnisi (Katharinenfeld) with a wide range of old building structures and my favorite: Hotel-Restaurant Deutsche Mühle with fine Georgian (and some German) dishes, as well as splendid views. Besides the life of settlers, German businesspeople and artists travelling to the country since the 19th century have contributed to the development of the local economy.

rElaxing in gEorgia´s adjara rEgion Georgia´s Autonomous Republic of Adjara has it all: Black Sea coast, lush forests and high mountains. In its capital city of Batumi, you can relax watching the sea and snow covered mountains whilst being surrounded by historical buildings and modern architecture. Be sure to taste the Adjarian khachapuri, a delicacy of the local culture and cuisine.

walking on gEorgian hEights More than 2000 meters above sea level and facing Georgia´s highest summit, the 5200-meter Shkara, the villages of Ushguli in the country´s Svaneti region provide spectacular views and, though characterized by the typical defensive towers, house a peaceful environment of almost timeless beauty. Don’t forget to try the signature dish of Svaneti – khinkali. The meat filling dumplings leave a juicy taste with a pinch of blended spices.

Enjoying dawn on mount kazbEk Another stunning view of Georgia´s outstanding mountainous landscape is Mount Kazbek, best enjoyed from the terrace of the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi. Here, one can try to get a notion of the strong religious influences in Georgia since the mountain is elevating behind Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the country´s most popular landmarks.

And being partner of German based “Design Hotels,” the Rooms Hotel provides authentic Georgian styles and catering.

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#visitbatumi

What comes to your mind first when you hear the word “Batumi”? Of course, the sun, the sea, summer, tan, cold cocktails and dancing under the moonlight.

After getting a chocolate tan and having enjoyed cycling on Batumi Boulevard, you might think there’s nothing more to do here and it is time to go home, but you’d be wrong.

Here are some useful and delicious reasons to visit Batumi: #1.: Batumi is distinguished by modern architecture and an abundance of

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investments. It is a cultural center hosting numerous international festivals with the participation of famous musicians and artists. Batumi has become a city of various cultures and religions, resulting in a tolerant, multicultural character.

and beautiful park is well preserved and combined with modern sculptures, benches and fountains.

don’t miss: Europe Square, Piazza Square, the Ali and Nino sculpture, Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

#3.: The Dolphinarium became one of the town’s most visited touristic destinations with its unique trilingual shows. Batumi Central Park is one of Georgia’s oldest civic gardens, dated 1881.

#2.: Everyone ends up strolling along Batumi Boulevard. Did you know it is 7 kilometers long? It’s roughly divided into ‘new’ and ‘old’ boulevards. The original

don’t miss: The Ali and Nino sculpture, Boulevard Summer Theater, Fountains.

don’t miss: The Dolphinarium, Batumi Central Park, the Aquarium.

#4.: The Botanical Garden represents nine phytogeographic areas: East Asian, North American, New Zealand, South American, Himalayan, Mexican, Australian, and Mediterranean, as well as a humid subtropical section of Transcaucasia. don’t miss: Batumi Botanical Garden. #5.: The region itself is distinguished with interesting historical past and cultural values. don’t miss to visit: Gonio fortress, Petra fortress, Khikhani fortress. #6.: Four unique protected areas of Adjara are a real discovery for ecotourism lovers, creating a magnificent environment for adventurers in biodiversity and pristine natural treasures. don’t miss: Mtirala National park, Ispani sphagnum, Kintrishi protected areas, Machakhela National park. #7.: The mountainous regions of Adjara are full of rich and diverse natural beauty.

Nearby areas offer authentic restaurants and scenic picnic locations. They are also excellent for hiking, hunting, horseback riding, rock climbing and cycling. Their average height is between 2000-2500 meters. The regions have several mineral waters with unique medicinal qualities. don’t miss to visit: Keda, Shuakhevi and Khulo regions. #8.: Traditional, local cuisine is an inseparable aspect of Georgian cuisine.

Dairy products are common ingredients in many local dishes – the boat-shaped

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Adjarian khachapuri is the most famous.

Sweets also play an important role in Adjarian cuisine. don’t miss to taste: Adjarian khachapuri, Achma, Sinori, Borano, Baklava #9.: Grapes have been cultivated for hundreds of years. It is mostly developed in the Keda region. The unique types of wine produced in Adjara are “Keda Tsolikauri” and “Chkhaveri.” Pink colored “Ckhaveri” made from a rare type of grape became the region’s most exceptional drink. don’t miss a visit to the wine houses in keda villages: Vaio, Pirveli Maisi, Gegelidzeebi, Dandalo and Adjaristskali. # 10.: Direct flights are operated by several international air companies to Batumi, Kutaisi and Tbilisi.

Feel the side of freedom! #visitbatumi

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giorgi Chogovadze Head of Georgian National Tourism Administration

‘Emotions are Georgia’ is our new tourism campaign. In 2017, the tourism industry in Georgia achieved a dynamic growth, with incoming tourists increasing by 1,182,534, exceeding 7 million and amounting to 7,902,509 for the first time (a 17.6% surge).

Georgia is the land of hospitality, boasting unique nature, cuisine, wine, entertainment, and numerous four-season resorts. Due to these attributes, tourists go back to their home countries with impressive and unforgettable stories to tell. They then share their impressions on social media networks.

Imagine a scattering of emotions from 7 million guests. We collected these for the very first time in order to create a digital footprint using Artificial Intelligence.

Through our new website, visitors now have the opportunity to create a personalized, tailored guidebook based on their own interests. We take you on a journey through different parts of Georgia through video, which the voices of the authors who posted their experiences on social media. We have created three books: one on wine and gastronomy, one on nature and adventure and another on history and culture.

‘Emotions are Georgia’ is entirely built on tourist feelings and sensations while travelling to Georgia. I hope the shared emotions will be contagious and inspire even more guests to give Georgia a try.

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5 Must-See National Parks No matter when you decide to visit Georgia, the National Parks of Georgia await. Open year-round, they are rich in their varied ecosystems and infrastructure. Discover them and find yourself in a totally different world full of magical experiences.

Check out the options below.

sataplia

suspended trails over the waterfalls and up historic steps that once served royalty. Take a raft tour on the river and discover a magical world under the water.

Start your day with a trip to Sataplia, 10km outside Kutaisi, where you’ll have an opportunity to discover diverse nature and various cultural monuments, including prehistoric dinosaur footprints a Colchis forest and impressive panoramic views.

Don’t miss the two tourist trails and panoramic café!

kolkhEti national park One of the most breathtaking destinations is Kolkheti National Park, 70 km from Martvili Canyon.

promEthEus CavE After visiting Sataplia, you’ll already have some cave exploring experience, so let’s take it up a level at the popular Prometheus Cave, located just 20 km from Sataplia.

Travel 40 meters underground into a magical and colorful world famous for its stalactites and stalagmites. There are six halls to discover: Argonauts, Kolkheti, Medea, Love, Prometheus and Georgia.

After an hour of moving through the cave, you might think you’ve seen it all…and then you’ll come to the underground river.

Jump in a raft and go see more!

okatsE Canyon Your next stop should be the Okatse Canyon, half-an-hour from the Prometheus

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Cave. It is the only place in Georgia with an extreme suspended trail, 80-140 meters above the ground.

Before visiting Okatse Canyon, you’ll pass through the atmospheric and historical forest of Dadiani.

martvili Canyon Martvili Canyon is a must-see destination while visiting Georgia, 20 km from Okatse Canyon. Martvili Canyon is on the list of eight best diving destinations in Europe and gives you the chance to walk on

Discover the Paliastomi Lake, where pontoon and motor boat tours are available. You will have the chance to enjoy magnificent views of Paliastomi Lake and take a tour on Golden Lake and River Pichori. While visiting the park, your imagination might well take you to the Everglades! Kolkheti National Park is the best place for bird-watchers, as here you can see more than 200 species of migratory birds.

Have you explored and fallen in love with the National Parks of Georgia? Then go to #CreateyourGeorgianmemories and tell us about it!

The Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia wishes you an unforgattable journey!

For more information please visit: apa.gov.ge TEL 599 37 35 62

We Create Memories

www.nationalparks.ge

top 3 gEorgian ports By shawn wayne

Georgia is a beautiful place all around, and three parts of that are the Georgian ports: Poti, Batumi and Anaklia, with Batumi being the oldest among the three, dating back to the times of Ancient Greece.

batumi sEa port

species of bottlenose dolphins and sea lions, part of which is the aquarium, housing around 100 species of fish from the Black Sea, Georgia’s freshwaters and also a number of exotic and decorative species.

structed several times, most recently under the sponsorship of the Dutch government and the European Union.

anaklia port

poti port

The history of transit navigation via Batumi sea port dates back to olden times. In 1878, the Batumi sea port was named Porto Franco (until 1885), meaning a free trading port. The decision was made with the purpose of increasing Batumi sea port’s turnover of goods. Then there arose the necessity to construct a new sea port.

The Ancient Greeks established a colony on Georgia’s Black Sea coast at the site of modern day Batumi and called it Bathus; derived from the Greek phrase bathus limen meaning “deep harbor.” Located in a bay just northeast of Batumi city, the port of Batumi is an important oil export point providing access to the Mediterranean Sea. The current sea port terminal was constructed in 1962.

Close to the port you will find the Batumi Dolphinarium. Here, you can see multiple

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The Poti lighthouse in the port city of Poti in Georgia’s Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, is one of the oldest navigation facilities on the coast of the Black Sea. Made of cast iron, it was constructed in England and transported by steamship to Georgia in 1864.

In 1858, Poti was granted the status of a port city, but it was not until 1899 when, under the patronage of the Mayor of Poti Niko Nikoladze, the construction entered the sprint stages and was completed by 1907. The seaport has since been recon-

A monument was erected in Anaklia on May 21, 2012, commemorating Russia’s expulsion of the Circassian people from the region following the conclusion of the Caucasian War in the 1860s. The May 21 date was chosen to coincide with the day on which the Circassian people themselves commemorate the expulsion, which the Georgian government has recognized as an act of genocide. The monument was designed by Khusen Kochesokov, a sculptor from the North Caucasus region of Kabardino-Balkaria.

Anaklia is also known as a seaside resort connected to the village Ganmukhuri via a 552 meter flying bridge.

The deep sea port and accompanying new city are under construction.

Tbilisi State Silk Museum: A Museum that Resonates the History of Silk By anna zhvania

Tucked away on the left bank of the Kura River, near the Mushtaidi Park, the Tbilisi State Silk Museum is the oldest museum working on European models both in terms of practical and educational activities. It was established in 1887 by silk specialist Nikoloy Shavrov. The museum was reconstructed in 1892 by architect Alexander Szymkiewicz and it is included on the Cultural Heritage Monument list of Georgia. From classic to authentic design, the Tbilisi State Silk Museum is a landmark of Georgian architecture, creating a fascinating trip through history.

The museum displays more than 5,000 breeds and variations of cocoons, silkworms and butterflies. Additionally, various collections from other countries rich in silk production, including cocoons, industrial textiles, old photographs, mulberries, and samples of natural and synthetic dyes, are exhibited. If you visit the museum from April to June, you’ll get a chance to feed the silkworms with mulberry leaves. You can also buy a silk cocoon from the museum shop.

As shown in archaeological excavations, silk production has been a tradition in the Georgian culture since ancient times.

Producing silk by hand holds a significant place, despite recent technological advances. Tbilisi State Silk Museum offers the opportunity for visitors not only to view the ancient Caucasian hand woven fabrics, but also to learn about the principles of scarf weaving- why not make

your own scarf from scratch within the project #makeyourownscarf!

The project ‘Transcontinental Network Near and Far’ was created with the aim of revealing the relationships between Georgia and other Silk Road countries.

The project welcomes all travelers and tourists to present their country, culture and history of national cotton. At present, the

State Silk Museum is displaying Japanese Kimonos, an original Vietnamese silk machine and traditional dresses, donated

by Trang Thi Regner for the exhibition: ‘Heritage of Vietnamese Silk Weaving’.

The Tbilisi State Silk Museum is located at 6 Giorgi Tsabadze, Tbilisi.

OPEN Monday – Saturday 11 AM – 4 PM

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top 4

fishing spots in gEorgia By shawn wayne

Fishing is both relaxing and fun, no more so than in Georgia! Surrounded by natural beauty, what better way to soak it all in than sitting by a lake with friends, downing chacha (grape vodka) and waiting to reel in your catch? If you don’t have any equipment, Tbilisi has many shops for you to stock up in, such as the Fishing Club, Metevze, Calibre and many more in between.

And these four fishing spots are not the only ones available; there are dozens of spots where you can enjoy fishing as well as camping: try Samegrelo, Svaneti, the Pechora River and of course the Black Sea itself, or even book yourself on a fishing tour!

paliastomi lakE Located in Kolkheti National Park, Lake Paliastomi has an important recreational function for the region. The maximum depth of the Lake is no more than 3m while its bed is covered with peat. It used to be home to more than 40 species of fish, however, in 1924, Lake Paliastomi was connected with the Black Sea via a water channel and as a result, the lake water became salty. Because of this, many of the fish species disappeared. In spite of this, even today the Lake is a habitat of such rare species of Georgian fish fauna as pike perch and black cat-fish. There is a lot of pickerel, bream, common carp, European chub and others. Anyone can fish there, so long you have a permit from the Park Administration.

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lisi lakE This is an exceptional lake in Tbilisi surrounded by a natural reserve and lush green mountains. It is great for a stroll around as well as for fishing. Part of the great city Tbilisi, if you’re short on time and don’t want to travel too far, this is the perfect place to catch a fish or two.

mtkvari The 1,515 km (941 mi) long Mtkvari river originates in Turkey where it is called Kura, and flows through the broad valley between the Greater Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus mountains and down into the Caspian Sea. People in the South Caucasus region have been sustained by the Mtkvari river for at least 7,000 years and it remains a great river, interweaving Georgia’s rich history and culture, including in fishing. For a more family-friendly fishing experience, you may want to go to Vardzia in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region where one of the greatest trout fishing farms awaits! The river itself is home to fish such as carp, truce, sheat and khramuli.

kumisi lakE Starting near the Azerbaijani border, on the bank of the River Mtkvari between the Teleti slope and Yagluja highland, is the hamlet of Kumisi – a health resort noted for its medicinal mud. The therapeutic mud is extracted from an artificial lake in the southeastern part of the village, the bed of which is covered with pseudo-volcanic-origin mud.

The depth of Kumisi Lake, according to the changing level of water, is from 4 to 6 meters. The lakeside is covered with sedge grass and reeds which make good refuge for water birds. There are lots of mullet, silver carp, common carp, cat-fish, minnows, barbell and other species of fish. Nearby, there is a fish farm that is very popular with fishing-lovers.

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Tour Georgia by Cable Car By anna zhvania

Chiatura Chiatura is perhaps the post-Soviet city most associated with cable cars, and when people visit the former mining town in western Georgia, the cable car network that sprawls above the houses is the first (and sometimes only) stop. If you love Soviet kitsch and post-industrial landscapes, the Chiatura cable cars are for you.

Tbilisi has two cable cars to enjoy, each with their own unique vantage point. In such an architecturally diverse city, seeing different areas from above is a real treat!

rikE park Tbilisi’s main cable car is the aerial tramway that runs between Rike Park and the Narikala Fortress. At nighttime, it is especially magical to ride the ropes high above the Mtkvari River and to get even higher than the spectacular balconies of Old Tbilisi. Narikala is at its loveliest when lit up at night – but keep in mind it won’t be open to enter. From the top of the tramway you can walk to the Mother of Georgia statue.

turtlE lakE The newly renovated Turtle Lake ropeway in Tbilisi opened in September 2016. It runs between Vake Park and Turtle Lake (Kustba) and is designed to make accessing the lake easier. There is even a bike rack fitted to the front so you can bring your bike to cycle around at the top!

bonus: Don’t miss the historic (but beautifully modernized) funicular which runs between the station on Chonkadze Street and Mtatsminda Park!

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borjomi Borjomi Park is home to a short, steep cable car that gives riders incredible views of the park and surrounding Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Although it still has something of a Soviet feel, it was renovated in 2005 and all the technology is up to modern standards!

khulo One of the loveliest destinations in mountainous Adjara is Khulo – a small town that doesn’t have much for you to do except relax and enjoy the views. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Adjaristskali River, the best way to appreciate the lush green hills and sparkling water views is by riding the local cable car. Locals use the cable car as practical transportation between Khulo and the village of Tago across the gorge. The ride is about 10 minutes and costs around one GEL per person each way.

Khulo is approximately 2.5 hours from Batumi by bus.

batumi Batumi is the feather in the cap of western Georgia. A beautiful, romantic seaside city that knows how to party when the temperatures rise, it seems as if the whole country flocks to the Black Sea coast in July and August, and trickles back at the end of the summer, darkly tanned and marked with a sort of satisfied weariness that signifies a holiday well spent.

If you are in Batumi and want a break from the sun and sea, or you just want to see the city and its surrounding environs from a different perspective, try riding the cable car. The 2km aerial track opened in August 2013 and links the city’s waterfront with the Argo Entertainment Center on Anuria Mountain. The lower station is located on Gogebashvili Street. It has a capacity of 500 passengers per hour, so you’re sure to have company! From the viewing platform at the top end, visitors get fantastic views of the Black Sea and the port. There is a small church next to the station building, and a little café inside if you need a snack.

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Take a Trip through Time at the Georgian Art Palace By katie ruth davies

Art Palace is my favorite history museum in the whole of Georgia- reminiscent of the old English country houses that are open to the public, but so much more personal, friendlier and varied.

The building of the Art Palace (officially known as the Georgian State Museum of Theater, Music, Cinema and Choreography) was built at the end of 19th century by famous architect Paul Stern and is a fine example of Islamic-Gothic work. In 1927, it became home to the Theater Museum and since undergoing extensive renovations in the past decade, has opened itself up to be able to house over

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300,000 exhibits and display both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

The house itself has a romantic history as it was brought and extended by Count Konstantin von Oldenburg (1850-1906), who fell in love with and married Agrapina Japaridze, having tempted her away from her husband Prince Tariel Dadiani of Mingrelia.

You can feel the warmth of their love, and the care taken to renovate the museum, as soon as you step through the gate. Head up the stairs to the ticket office, pay the bargain price of 2 GEL ($0.80), only

going up by one or two more Lari when the temporary exhibitions are on, and begin exploring. My favorite part is the spiral wooden staircase, accessed from the yard, which leads up past portraits of well-known Georgian nobles and artists, to the exhibition rooms on the second floor.

Make sure you look up- the ceilings are painted so beautifully, it almost makes you want to lay down to appreciate them some more!

The wooden floors creak deliciously, as they should in all old museums of worth, and the temperature is comfortable, encouraging you take time to discover the

treasures on display, which includes artwork by Pirosmani, Petre Otskheli and other famous Georgian artists of the 20th century, instruments and scores once owned (or created) by Georgia’s top musicians and composers, Soviet-era posters and building plans related to theaters, and various costumes belonging to the fields of ballet and film. The museum also has a collection of costumes from popular 20th century movies, including “Color of Pomegranates” by Sergei Parajanov (1968).

Every turn reveals another key into what makes Georgia so rich in terms of culture and history. Keep your eyes open for the original wall painting in some almost-hidden corners of the rooms as, during

renovation, three layers of decoration were uncovered, dating right back to the original style. Some of those patterns have been taken up by modern artists and replicated, while sections of the original work have been left intact.

The main exhibition in and of itself, as well as the atmosphere, is sure to draw you back to the Art Palace again and again, but so should the temporary exhibitions, which are advertised regularly on their facebook page (see below). They have shown the works of numerous top artists, including Picasso, and showcased various fascinating pieces, such as Napoleon Bonaparte’s death mask and works related to William Shakespeare and Marvel films.

The museum team is also very active in the

promotion of Georgian art and culture, at least twice a year putting together bilingual (English-Georgian) publications on various historical figures and aspects of the Georgian Arts, in order to raise awareness among both guests and locals.

For such work, they were awarded a prize

by Europa Nostra and also given a Special Mention Award.

Don’t miss out on this truly special location in the capital city, Tbilisi.

WHERE: 6 Kargareteli Str., Tbilisi TEL (+995) 295 35 63 www.facebook.com/artpalace.ge/ OPEN Tuesday-Sunday, 12 PM – 5 PM Tickets: Adult –2 GEL, Students and School children –1 GEL.

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On a Timer: Preparing Georgia for the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair By lukas mäder The countdown is on for Medea Metreveli and her team at the Georgian National Book Center. On October 10, 2018, the Frankfurt Book Fair will open – and the Guest of Honor will be Georgia. As head of the Georgian National Book Center (GNBC), Medea Metreveli is the key person in preparing Georgia for the big event and although she appears calm, she admits: “I’m a little bit nervous.”

To be Guest of Honor is a great opportunity for Georgian literature, and the Frankfurt Book Fair is already the most important event for publishers worldwide.

But it’s a chance not only for literature.

“This is a unique platform for Georgia to present itself,” says Metreveli. “The focus of the media and the audience will be on Georgia as a whole.”

The country will have the possibility to promote its cultural heritage, its tourism offers and even its potential for economic investments. Therefore, the GNBC is not organizing this huge event alone, as representatives of the ministries of Economy, Agriculture and Foreign Affairs are also involved.

The event in Frankfurt is so important that even two years ahead of time, it was already impacting on Georgia’s image. In February 2014, the then-minister of culture

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meaning it should be a foreigner who learned Georgian or a Georgian who has lived abroad at least since his childhood. There aren’t so many people with this profile – and, additionally, with experience in translating.

Guram Odisharia, a writer himself, signed the agreement with the Frankfurt Book Fair.

At the time, Georgia was still terra incognita. “The foreign publishers asked for our catalogues only because they liked the exotic Georgian alphabet,” says Tina Mamulashvili, co-owner of Bakur Sulakauri, the largest independent publishing house in Georgia, which has been present at the Frankfurt Book Fair for years already.

But this has now changed and the days are gone when foreign publishers didn’t even know where Georgia was.

Despite the growing interest in Georgia, one problem remains: the lack of good literary translators. “There aren’t many good translators for Georgian,” Mamulashvili confirms. In the best case, the person translates from Georgian into his native language, for example into German,

Medea Metreveli is fully aware of this problem: “We’ve been holding workshops for translators for a few years now.” In cooperation with the Goethe Institute from Germany, the Embassy of the United Kingdom and other institutions, they trained translators in Germany.

Metreveli is optimistic about reaching her goal: to have 150 Georgian books available in German editions when the Frankfurt Book Fair 2018 kicks off. To get there, the GNBC is supporting the translations financially.

Some critics might say the Georgian government rushed into being Guest of Honor in Frankfurt, 2018 – that it is too early because there aren’t enough translations published yet. But it’s not only about literature; the event has a positive effect on promoting the country – tourism and culture will benefit from it, and maybe even the economy through attracting foreign investments. The best is yet to come!

Welcome to Georgia!

National Tourism Awards how did you come up with the idea of founding the welcome to georgia! national tourism awards and what is the main purpose of the award?

Maryna Chayka, Co-founder/Managing Partner of the Welcome to Georgia!

National Tourism Awards: I was doing a Hospitality Awards project in Kyiv and Moscow. After Moscow’s project was successfully launched on 2014, I decided to move forward with the same idea in another country, and as the Tourism & Hospitality industry is one of the main and fastest developing in Georgia, and as I was already in love with this country from being a traveler – my choice was made to introduce the project to Georgia. It’s already the 4th year here and the main mission is to encourage the tourism and hospitality industry in Georgia and to promote awareness of the high-achieving tourism businesses and brands that create a positive image of the country worldwide.

Beside the Award Ceremony we’ve been organizing an Annual Tourism and Hospitality Conference within Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards Project since 2016, a unique business platform to exchange information, communicate and catch up with the latest trends and challenges in the Tourism and Hospitality sphere and Georgian Business industry in general. It aims to bring together representatives of the respective industries, government officials, international and local experts and media. who can participate and what nominations are presented in the

frames of the award?

Participation within the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards is open to all players working in the Georgian Tourism & hospitality industry from all regions: hotels, travel agencies, festivals and events, restaurants, food spots and wineries, travel photographers, and companies focused on the hospitality industry or tourism sector. There are 21 different categories and companies are judged by a transparent and fair jury board which consists of experts of the world and local travel, culture and hospitality market. To guarantee the fairness and transparency of the Awards Project, independent auditor “BDO Georgia” monitors all the processes, calculates the results and, based on the points awarded to each nominee, determines the finalists and the winners in each nomination.

Our winners are guidebooks for tourists and for local people. So, if you are in the Tourism and Hospitality industry, don’t miss the chance! Register by 1 September! how would you assess georgia’s tourism sector? what are the main challenges and opportunities for georgia?

Tourism and Hospitality is one of the main developing sectors in Georgia. We believe that our project is very important from a global point of view. We see great potential for further development of this industry in the country – it’s very promising, with a deep history, and most

importantly with untouched nature to explore. There are many places that have yet to be discovered, improved, developed and promoted at the global level. The guest is the first person for any resident of this country, as they themselves say. And everyone who has ever visited Georgia feels it. Nevertheless, there are global standards of service to be implemented in Georgia, necessarily combined with that unique Georgian hospitality. By combining international standards and the deepseated hospitality of Georgia, we will come to something truly unique.

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Where.ge 3rd in Tourism Campaign of the Year 2018 By robert Edgar The inaugural Emerging Europe Awards ceremony was hosted by the think tank which bears the same name at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s headquarters in London on 22 June.

No matter where you go in London, even at a fairly small awards ceremony focusing on Central and Eastern European business, it seems that Brexit has a tendency to become the main focal point of any panel discussion or speech.

Günter Verheugen, European Commissioner for Enlargement between 1999 and 2004, spoke on what he sees as the importance of further integration between member states to act as an economic bulwark against the USA and China.

“When I spoke to European astronauts who had been on the ISS, they would first say how vulnerable the world looks from above, but they would also say that Europe does not look very impressive”. Doubtless mindful of Europe’s turbulent history, he issued a stark warning with reference to Brexit and current events in Italy and the Czech Republic, “we have to live together peacefully, or we kill each other”. His proposed solution to what he sees as a rise in populism (whatever that may mean), was a common economic area stretching from Lisbon to Vladivostok. To my mind, it

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The full list of winners follows: Young Empowerment Initiative of the Year – Teach for Armenia (Armenia) Social Impact Start Up of the Year – Deepdee (Belarus) Equality-Friendly Initiative of the Year – WeCare (Georgia) was unconvincing: popular disquietude over European enlargement is unlikely to be assuaged by yet more enlargement.

Despite justifiable concern over a lack of clarity about Europe’s likely direction in the coming decades, the panel members were perhaps more optimistic than they themselves realized. Businesses will always need input and skills from a variety of regions; cross-pollination between EU and non-EU countries is still happening organically, regardless of the direction that the EU’s political wind blows.

As for the ceremony itself, Where.ge (part of the GEORGIA TODAY group) was third runner up in its category, “Tourism Campaign of the Year 2018”; We Care, the Georgian branch of the global group MenCare, came first in the “Equality Friendly Initiative of the Year 2018”; Invest in Georgia was a runner up in the “National Investment Promotion Agency of the Year 2018”.

Tourism Campaign of the Year – Ljubljana ‘Plecnik’s Year’ (Slovenia) City FDI Promotion Strategy of the Year – Wrocław, The Meeting Place (Poland) Renewal Project of the Year – New Bazaar, Tirana (Albania) Research and Development Initiative of the Year – Siemens (Czech Republic) Global Market Champion of the Year – Solaris Bus & Coach (Poland) FDI Project of the Year – Amazon (Slovakia) National Investment Promotion Agency of the Year – Invest Lithuania (Lithuania) Lifetime Achievement Award – Günter Verheugen

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EuronEws: old tbilisi is bridgE bEtwEEn anCiEnt & modErn that in its oldest part is a bridge connecting ancient and modern times.

Euronews has prepared an article about Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, which reads

Tbilisi, saying it was King Vakhtang Gorgasali who founded the future capital of united Georgia during a hunt.

“Walking through the city center is an experience made up of contrasts and beautiful discoveries in a town which has been at the crossroads of Europe and Asia for centuries,” Claudio Rosmino, the author of the article, says.

“Abanotubani is the place where the royal falcon fell, leading to the discovery of hot springs that nowadays are public bathhouses that use the sulphurous waters,” the author says.

He adds that cohabitation between history and modernity is best illustrated by the Peace Bridge that connects the newer parts of the capital to the ancient ones.

The article briefly recalls the legend of

Euronews underlines that much of the Old town was restored in 2009. The ‘New Life for Old Tbilisi’ project rehabilitated the historical district with its pastel-colored houses and monuments.

forbEs namEs tbilisi’s ‘plEkhanov’ among CoolEst nEighborhoods By thea morrison Forbes has included ‘Plekhanov,’ one of the best places of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, in its list of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.

The list of the world’s coolest neighborhoods was named as follows:

“The former Soviet republic has become among the trendiest places to visit, and the capital of Tbilisi is always the first and last stop,” the article reads.

‘Plekhanovi’ is the old name for the New Tiflis area, renovated in 2016.

“It recently became more fashionable when the main avenue, Aghmashenebeli, was renovated and especially when the Fabrika space opened. Once a Soviet sewing factory, this multifunctional space

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now houses cafes, bars, studios, shops and a hostel. This area is a mixture of young creatives and tourists, and there’s live music most evenings,” the article reads.

Barcelona: Sants Washington, D.C.: Navy Yard Amsterdam: Amsterdam Noord Cartagena: Getsemani Johannesburg: Maboneng Tbilisi: Plekhanov Panama City: Casco Viejo Saigon: District 5 Athens: Keramikos Seoul: Seongsu-dong Chicago: Pilsen Cape Town: Kalk Bay

forbEs gushEs about gEorgia By samantha guthrie 7,000 years” – 8,000 years to be exact, as reported by the BBC.

Forbes recently published an article titled ‘Why Georgia (the Country) Belongs on Your Travel Wish List,’ by regular luxury travel contributor Ann Abel. She spent nine days in the country as a guest of the Georgian National Tourism Administration.

Abel writes about her time in Tbilisi, Sighnaghi, Borjomi, and Kazbegi. She calls Georgian food “superb. And wildly abundant,” and professes a love for tonis puri (bread baked in a traditional oven) and cucumber-tomato salad. She raves about Tbilisi’s café and cocktail bar culture, and recounts a pleasant “stroll through the trendy neighborhood of Plekhanov, with its old-style houses, its lively Agmashenbeli avenue and the multifunctional Fabrika.”

While Abel clearly had a wonderful experience in Georgia, and saw the country’s appeal and strengths, the article did have several errors. She writes, “The

word for a Georgian meal is supra, which is best translated as ‘feast.’” Supra does, in fact, translate as a feast, but it is not the word for a Georgian meal – a supra is a type of meal. In Georgian, the word used for meal is most often sachmeli, which simply means food. She also includes a photo of the Golden Tulip Hotel in Borjomi, which is a stunningly beautiful building, but does not reflect the architectural traditions of Georgia or the Borjomi region, as it was originally built in 1892 by the consul of Iran to Russia, Mirza-Reza Khan and called “Firouze.” It was a vacation home for the consul, which included spa elements, and is now considered one of Georgia’s most unique cultural monuments of the 19th century.

Golden Tulip is now decorated in a clean, modern mixture of Persian, European and Georgian styles.

About the capital, she writes, “It is one of the few cities left in the world that feels like absolutely nowhere else. I saw one Wendy’s and one Dunkin’ Donuts, but that was it for globalization.” Abel clearly stayed only on the path laid for her by the tourism administration – Georgia is home to no less than 18 Dunkin Donut shops (15 in Tbilisi), and the largest Wendy’s in the world is in Saburtalo near Heroes’ Square!

It seems she also missed the McDonalds, Domino’s Pizza, and KFC – plus Starbucks plans to finally make its entrance to the market soon. She calls Dry Bridge “the massive Saturday flea market” although its vendors operate daily.

While those unfamiliar with Georgia or the post-soviet space in general may benefit from seeing Georgia for the first time through a narrow, guarded, lens, the reality of the country is much more complex, gritty, multifaceted, and better than what a week hitting the prepacked tourist highlights will expose.

Abel marvels at Georgia’s long tradition of winemaking, saying there is “evidence of viniculture stretching back more than

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Events Calendar thEatEr tbilisi intErnational fEstival of thEatEr

September 14-30 September 14, 15, 16 TIGER AND LION Badisches Staatstheater Directed by Data Tavadze Writer, adaptation: Dato Gabunia Starring: Anagerlinde Dodenhofi, Timo Tanki, Antonia Mori, Sonia Vegeneri, Gunar Shmidti Language: German Georgian, English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 25-35 GEL Venue: Royal District Theater

September 14, 15, 15 BRODSKY/BARYSHNIKOV The New Riga Theater Directed by: Alvis Hermanisi Adapted from Iosif Brodski’s poetry Starring: Mikhail Barishnikovi Language: Russian Start time: 20:00

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Ticket: 20-85 GEL Venue: Marjanishvili Theater September 17, 18 CIRKOPOLIS Cirque Éloize, Canada Directed by Deiv Sen-Pieri, Zhano Pensho Writer, adaptation: Deiv Sen-Pieri, Zhano Pensho Starring: Arata Urava, Marilu Fersheldeni, Ana Levandovska, Dominik Bushari, Sepe Van Luvereni, Ian Leblanki, Klodi Dabkevichi, Mika Elingeri, Metiu Jeimz Brauni, Marina Mendoza, Aizek Zolteri.

Georgian, English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15-60 GEL Venue: Griboedovi Theater

September 20 EDGAR ALLAN POE’S HAUNTED PALACE FEATURING THE TIGER LILLIES Directed by Pol Gloubi Writer, adaptation: Peder Biurmani Starring: Martin Zhaki, Adrian Stauti, Ionas Golandi Actor: Piter Qolfildi Da Lusi Kilpatriki Georgian, English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 25-70 GEL Venue: Marjanishvili Theater September 23 THE EIGHTH LIFE (FOR BRILKA)

Thalia Theater, Germany Directed by Iete Stekeli Writer, adaptation: Nino Kharatishvili Starring: Lisa Hagmaisteri, Frantsishka Hartmani, Mirko Kraibihi, Mari Liokeri, Karin Noihauzeri, Barbara Niusi, Sebastian Rudolfi, Maia Shone, Andre Shimanski.

Georgian, English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15-60 GEL Venue: Rustaveli Theater September 26 FREUD’S CIGAR SthlmsMusikTeater SMT, Sweden Directed By Andrias Bunstra Composer: Ian-Erik Seefisa Starring: Ionas Nierbe Actors: Andersh Holts, Sara Kilman Vilbe Georgian, English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Venue: Marjanishvili Theater September 26 MARTIAL ART IN DANCE Zhaoliangart, China Directed By Tsiao Liani Writer, adaptation: Tsiao Liani Designer: Vu Di Composer: Thruoutin Choreographer: Tsiao Liani Starring: Li Yu, Cao Pei Zhong, Gong Xingxing, Zhang Kun, Zhang Zhenguo, Liao Yuan Wu, Thruoutin, Song Zhao

Georgian, English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15-60 GEL Venue: Griboedov Theater September 30 DIALOGUE IN SKIN South East Asia Music, Contemporary Percussion Directed by Bernar Go Writer, adaptation: Khelebis Ritmi Composer: Ng Siu Yee Starring: Jimmy Ch’ng Actor: Jimmy Ch’ng, Ng Siu Yee, Jek Uani, Leon Kah Miu, Tee Leon Ho, Ti Vi Lini, Phang Jian Hao Georgian, English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15-30 GEL Venue: Marjanishvili Theater

musiC and drama statE thEatEr September 18, 25 WELCOME TO GEORGIA A musical, theatrical play and romantic comedy telling a story about Georgia and its people by combining song, dance, culture, traditions, history, national costumes and local cuisine.

Musical Language: English, some Georgian (with English subtitles) Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 50-80 GEL

shalikashvili thEatEr Address: 37 Shota Rustaveli Ave. TEL 595 50 02 03 September 7 THE KNIGHT IN THE PANTHER’S SKIN Based on Shota Rustaveli’s epic poem

Start time: 20:00 Ticket price: 25 GEL September 8 KRIMANCHULI Start time: 20:00 Ticket price: 20 GEL

September 29 LULLABY Start time: 20:00 Ticket price: 20 GEL

musEums gEorgian national musEum simon janashia musEum Address: 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave. TEL 299 80 22 www.museum.ge

September 14 TERENTI GRANELI Start time: 20:00 Ticket price: 20 GEL

Exhibitions: GEORGIAN COSTUME AND WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH CENTURIES NUMISMATIC TREASURY EXHIBITION STONE AGE GEORGIA ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL COLLECTIONS

September 15 HOST AND GUEST Based on a work of Vazha Pshavela Start time: 20:00 Ticket price: 20 GEL September 21 Roma Rtskhiladze and Pantomime Theater along with electronic music presents THE WISHING TREE where pantomime is combined with experimental music Start time: 20:00 Ticket price: 20 GEL September 28 CHRIST Start time: 20:00 Ticket price: 20 GEL

April 26 – September 1 UNKNOWN COLLECTIONS OF THE GEORGIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM – INDIA, CHINA, JAPAN The exhibition showcases up to 500 artworks spanning time - paintings, sculptures and samples of applied art.

May 26 – September 30 The Georgian National Museum and

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Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, National Parliamentary Library of Georgia, Korneli Kekelidze Georgian National Center of Manuscripts and National Archives of Georgia, presents the exhibition THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA - 100 YEARS

musEum of soviEt oCCupation Address: 3 Shota Rustaveli Ave. TEL 299 80 22 www.museum.ge PERMANENT EXHIBITION Discover the State’s personal files of “subversive” Georgian public figures, orders to shoot or exile, and other artifacts representing Soviet-era cultural and political repression in Georgia.

Svaneti, Khevsureti, Kakheti, Meskheti, Javakheti, Guria, Imereti, Racha, Lechkhumi and Ossetia.

gEorgian statE musEum of thEatEr, musiC, CinEma and ChorEography Address: 6 Kargareteli Str. TEL 295 35 63 www.artspalace.ge

samtskhEjavakhEti musEum June 12 – August 31 Georgian National Museum presents the exhibition CAUCASUS BIODIVERSITY The exhibition is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Democratic Republic of Georgia.

Address: Rabati Fortress, 1 P. Kharistchirashvili Str.1, Akhaltsikhe The Georgian National Museum presents the renovated exhibition spaces at the Samtskhe-Javakheti Museum, which see the addition of recently discovered exhibits, and technical updates according to modern museum standards.

tbilisi history musEum- karvasla

EthnographiC opEn air musEum

Address: 8 Sioni Str. TEL 299 80 22 www.museum.ge

Address: 1 Turtle Lake TEL 223 09 60, 222 63 02 www.museum.ge

June 27– September 10 Georgian National Museum and The Goethe Institute, in connection with 200 years of relations between Germany and Georgia, presents: THE DYNASTIES - PARALLEL PERSPECTIVE The exhibition features the historic-cultural and architectural legacy that was created and developed in parallel in Germany and Georgia, representing two different architectural family dynasties- the Böhms and the Kurdianis in Germany and Georgia, respectively.

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The building of the Georgian State Museum of Theater, Music, Cinema and Choreography was built at the end of 19th century by famous architect Paul Stern and is a fine example of Islamic gothic works.

Following extensive renovations, the museum preserves over 300,000 exhibits, including film and theater costumes, posters from Soviet times, instruments and scores from famous composers and artwork from the best-known Georgian artists, including Pirosmani and Petre Otskheli.

musiC The museum hosts houses and household buildings brought from around Georgia and represents 14 ethnographic zones: Kartli, Samegrelo, Adjara, Abkhazia,

blaCk sEa arEna Address: Village Natanebi (Shekvetili) August 11

NEW

SEASON

STEP INSIDE THE WORLD OF GEORGIAN MUSIC, DANCE, CULTURE, HISTORY AND TRADITIONS!

18/25 SEPT 2/9/16/23/31 OTCT 6/13/21/27 NOV 4/11/18 DEC AT MUSIC & DRAMA STATE THEATRE WWW.MUSICAL.GE

Check In Georgia and Black Sea Arena presents the concert of ENSEMBLE SHVIDKATSA AND 8 TIMES GRAMMY WINNING AMERICAN GROUP TAKE 6 Celebrating the 20th anniversary of ‘Shvidkatsa’ and dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Georgia’s independence.

Participants: ‘Shvidkatsa’, ‘Take 6’, Georgian National Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Nikoloz Rachveli Directed by Basa Potskhishvili Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 20-70 GEL August 16 Check in Georgia and Black Sea Arena present a concert of Legendary Georgian singer Nani Bregvadze and American artist Chris Botti, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Georgia’s independence.

Participants: NANI BREGVADZE, EKA MAMALADZE, NATALIA KUTATELADZE, NINO KATAMADZE, STEPHANE MGHEBRISHVILI, BATUMI STATE MUSICAL CENTER’S CAPPELLA. Special guest: CHRIS BOTTI

Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 20-30 GEL August 24 Check in Georgia and Black Sea Arena present the concert of ‘Sakhe’.

20 YEARS WITH SAKHE

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thE 10th annivErsary intErnational musiC fEstival night sErEnadEs Concert dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Georgia’s independence.

Special guest of the concert will be a member of the group ‘Poetry ‘N’ Motion’, Michael Williams.

Participants: ‘Sakhe’: Dato Khudjadze, Dato Porchkidze, Boriko Shkhiani Poetry’N’Motion- Michael Williams Band: Sandro Sakhamberidze, Luka Topuria, Zura Kiknadze, Akaki Maghaladze, Zura Makhniashvili.

Directed by Basa Potskhishvili Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 5-30 GEL August 28 Check in Georgia and Black Sea Arena, together with the creative union ‘Lion’ and legendary esemble ‘Iveria,’ present the famous musical ‘CHKHIKVTA KORTSILI’ Participants: Nutsa Buzaladze, Andria Gvelesiani, Boris Bedia, Khvicha Maghlakelidze, Vakhtang Tatishvili, Guram Jashi, Manana Todadze, Keti Tsiklauri, Baghashvili, Zura Laliashvili, Gia Baghashvili, Pridon Sulaberidze (Junior)…

Composer- Alexander Basilaia Authors- Jemal Baghashvili and Avtandil Gelovani Music Director- Gia Baghashvili Directed by Jemal Baghashvili Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-40 GEL

August 26 IOSEB BARDANASHVILI’S JUBILEE EVENING Artistic Directors– Liana Isakadze and Giorgi Isakadze Chamber Orchestra ‘Georgian Virtuosi’ Conductor– Vakhtang Machavariani (Germany/Georgia) Soloist– Gia Iashvili– Violin (Austria/Georgia) Program: I Part W. A. Mozart – Little Night Serenade in G Major, K. 525 II Part Bardanashvili–Serenade for Violin and Strings Performance dedicated to the 70th Anniversary of the Composer Dvorak– Serenade in E Major, Op. 22 Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 30-90 GEL Venue: Sheraton Batumi Hotel August 28 DEVIL OF VIOLIN GEZA HOSSZU-LEGOCKY Artistic Directors– Liana Isakadze and Giorgi Isakadze

Chamber Orchestra ‘Georgian Virtuosi’ Conductor and Soloist– Geza H. Legocky- Violin (Hungary/Switzerland) Program: Saint-Saens, Sarasate, Debussy, Bartok, Kreisler Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 30-90 GEL Venue: Sheraton Batumi Hotel August 29 EVENING OF TANGO ZSÓFIA BOROS, MARIO STEFANO PIETRODARCHI

Artistic Directors of the festival are Liana Isakadze and Giorgi Isakadze.

Participants: Gia Iashvili– Violin (Austria/Georgia) Mario Stefano Pietrodarchi– Bandoneon (Italy) Zsófia Boros– Guitar (Austria/Hungary) Chamber Orchestra ‘Georgian Virtuosi’ Program: A. Piazzola, R. Di Marino, L. Bakalov, E. Morricone Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 80-160 GEL Venue: Sheraton Batumi Hotel September 2 OPERA-FANTASY GIA IASHVILI Artistic Directors of the festival are Liana Isakadze and Giorgi Isakadze.

Participants: Chamber Orchestra ‘Georgian Virtuosi’ Conductor– Vakhtang Machavariani (Germany/Georgia) Soloist– Gia Iashvili– Violin (Austria/Georgia) Program: I Part W. A. Mozart– Little Night Serenade in G Major, K. 525 Bardanashvili– Serenade for Violin and Strings Performance dedicated to the 70th Anniversary of the Composer II Part ‘Opera-Fantasy’ (popular arias arranged for violin and strings) Author of the Project and soloist– Gia Iashvili Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 7-30 GEL Venue: Tbilisi State Conservatoire September 4 ALEXANDER KORSANTIA Artistic Directors of the festival are Liana Isakadze and Giorgi Isakadze.

Participants: Chamber Orchestra ‘Georgian Virtuosi’ Conductor– Vakhtang Machavariani (Germany/Georgia) Soloists: Alexander Korsantia– Piano (USA) Natela Markozashvili– Timpani (Georgia) Program: I Part

A.Machavariani– Symphony for Chamber Orchestra (Chamber orchestra version by V. Machavariani) II Part D. Shostakovich– Chamber Symphony in C minor, Op. 110 G. Ustvolskaya– Concerto for Piano, Timpani and String Orchestra Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-40 GEL Venue: Tbilisi State Conservatoire

batumi statE musiCal CEntEr Address: 1 O. Dimitriadis Str. TEL 0422 22 15 06 August 18, 19 THE 80 YEARS OF JUBILEE CONCERTS OF VAKHTANG KIKABIDZE

Participants: Nani Bregvadze, Tamar Gverdtsiteli, Valeri Meladze, Eka Mamaladze, Liza Bagrationi.

Special guest: the actress playing Larisa Ivanovna, Elena Proklova.

Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 80-160 GEL

batumi musiC fEst Address: Batumi State Musical Center, 1 O. Dimitriadis Str. TEL 0422 22 15 06 September 2-12

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September 10 VIKTORIA HIRSHUBER Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 5 GEL Venue: Z. Paliashvili Music School, Batumi, 20 D. Tavdadebuli Str.

September 2 VERIKO TSCHUMBURIDZE & DAVID MUKERIA Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-20 GEL September 4 BARRY DOUGLAS & MYRON MICHAILIDIS Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-20 GEL September 5 A Conversation with Guram Odisharia MY SOKHUMI Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-20 GEL

September 11 KHVICHA MAGHLAKELIDZE Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-20 GEL September 12 ELISO BOLKVADZE Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-20 GEL

September 9 BARBARE TATARADZE & ILIA LOMTATIDZE Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 5 GEL Venue: Z. Paliashvili Music School, Batumi, 20 D. Tavdadebuli Str.

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August 18 TEONA KONTRIDZE AND BAND Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 50 GEL

soho batumi Address: Old boulevard, Batumi TEL 595 53 57 57 August 8 STEFAN BINIAK NEW COMPOSITIONS AND HITS Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 20 GEL

September 6 DAVID MUKERIA & LISE DE LASAL Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-20 GEL September 7 GALA-CONCERT Start time: 18:00 Ticket: 10-20 GEL Venue: Chokhatauri Cultural Center

August 15 SALOME DE BAHIA Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 30-70 GEL

August 21 GRAMOPHONEDZIE Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 30 GEL

UP2YOU Address: Batumi Beach Club TEL 577 43 39 39 August 24 DJ MEME MUSIC FROM IBIZA Start time: 23:00 Ticket: 30 GEL

musiC fEstivalEChowavEs powErEd by Exit

kobulEti ozonE fEst Address: The beach at Kobuleti Pinewood August 25

Address: Anaklia Day Pass: 60 GEL, Season Ticket: 150 GEL Camp (tent for 2 person): 250 GEL. August 23-26

Enjoy several stages with diverse music genres – Main Stage, KHIDI Stage, EYE Stage, Taiyo stage and Aqua stage, that will host 150 international and local artists, including: Die Antwoord, Tricky, Solomun, Ben Klock, Marcel Dettmann, Juan Atkins, Function, Kayakata, NU, Woo York, Henrik Schwarz, Antigoe, DJ TENNIS, Greenbeam & Leon, and more.

Artists Line Up: August 23 Day 1: Juan Atkins feat Dzijan Emin & Orchestra, Henrik Schwarz live, Foals dj set, Francesco Tristano & Guti present Another Paradise, Henry Saiz & Band, Dominik Eulberg, Claro Intelecto live, Jonas Kopp, Lehar, Musumeci, Lucy, Fabrizio Lapiana + many more.

Line up: DDT, Soft Eject, Green Room,

August 24 Day 2: Tricky live, Ben Klock, Marcel Dettmann, Shpongle dj set, Function, Derrick Carter, Blond:ish, Butch, Christian Loffler live, Bjarki, Anetha, Woo York live + many more.

August 25 DAY 3: Solomun, DJ Tennis, Ancient Methods, Detroit Swindle, Viken Arman live, Sailor & I live, Sigha, Johannes Brecht live, Aril Brikha live, Rayko, Ison, Stojche + many more.

Gamouvali Mdgomareoba, Nemra, Asea Sool, Sevda, Vako T Start time: 17:00 Ticket: 30-55 GEL

August 26 Die Antwoord live, Kayakata live, Kollektiv Turmstrasse, NU live, Matthew Dekay, Moritz Von Oswald, Shlomo, Francois X, Antigone, Moscoman, Regal, Marc Romboy + many more.

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More Events: of the festival, the results of the 2018 festival and bird watching season will be summarized in a presentation.

The festival has been held in the region since 2012. It promotes the development of eco-tourism in Adjara, the economic prosperity of locals, and conservation of migratory birds. The festival is organized by the Tourism Product Development Agency of the Department of Tourism and Resorts of the Adjara Autonomous Republic.

ajara to host intErnational bird watChing fEstival September 3-8, Adjara will host its annual International Bird Watching Festival.

Foreign and Georgian ornithologists and volunteers from different countries will visit the region during the festival. Bird watchers will be accompanied daily by professional experts and guides to learn

don’t miss thE int’l bird watChing fEstival

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about the most important areas for bird watching – Chorokhi Delta, the villages of Chaisubani and Sakhalvsho, Batumi Seaside Park and harbor, and Kolkheti National Park. There will also be lectures and presentations open to the public.

A group of invited Georgian students and experts, as well as tour agencies, journalists, university professors and students, and schoolchildren will attend the festival.

Together with the invited guests, at the end

Venue: Poti Central Park, Okros Tba and on the Maltakva Coast August 12 During the festival, enjoy competitions in fish catching and water skiing, a marathon, beach games, local cuisine tasting and a concert. The main event of the festival will include an international scale quest game ‘ARGO QUEST.’ All enthusiasts can participate in the game.

The theme will be adventure-cognitive, interesting both for tourists and locals.

Bird watching is one of the ecotourism activities that holds the greatest potential in Adjara. The Black Sea coast is known as the ‘Eastern Black Sea Migration Corridor,’ where more than a million migratory birds are registered every year. Adjara is the third largest corridor for migratory birds in the world. Ornithologists, volunteers and ecotourists visit the region from different parts of the world to observe migrating birds. Bird watching season will open in Adjara on August 15 and lasts till October 16.

All Set for Summer Fun at the Anaklia Echo Waves Festival By thea morrison

On August 23-26, head over to the Black Sea coast to enjoy the Anaklia Echo Waves Festival, to take place instead of the annual Georgian Electronic Music Festival (GEM Fest), the latter being planned for later in the year.

According to the National Tourism Administration, among the festival participant artists will be: • Solomun • Juan Atkins • Dzijan Emin • GPO • Francesco Tristano and • Guti live, among others.

In addition to music, the festival is to include sports and recreational activities, various artistic and cultural events, and social and educational projects.

The festival will be held under the umbrella of EXIT, one of the best and most popular festivals in Europe. EXIT has been held in Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Romania and Bosnia since 2000.

The festival will be funded as part of the Georgian government’s Check in Georgia project.

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Listing: Georgian Travel Agencies tripplannEr.gE TEL 591 7 12345 info@tripplanner.ge www.facebook.com/tripplannergeorgia/

Tripplanner.ge is aY-95; new C-90; M-35; K-25;page for those who are fond of travelling.

It will help C-15; M-35; Y-100; K-20; tourists to independently discover interesting information about Georgia, tours, sights and seasonal offers, all on one page.

Get package tours, transfer services and plan your trip, all of which can be purchased online. Innovative page “trip planner” is a system that does a complete calculation to give customers a full range of information about routes, kilometers, sights, prices, and the contact details of tourist groups, guides and other additional services on offer.

travEl Co Address: 9 K. Apkhazi Str., 128 Aghmashenebeli Ave. TEL 557 59 14 08 (whatsapp, viber), 593 40 06 01 (whatsapp, viber) www.travelco.ge info@travelco.ge reservation@travelco.ge FB – TravelCoGeorgia Instagram - travelcogeorgia

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voyagE tours gEorgia Address: 8 G. Kartozia street Tel: +995 32 2299555 Fax: +995 32 2299444 Web: http://voyagetours.ge Email: Tbs@voyagetours.net

Tusheti and Kakheti (wine region) to modern and luxury venues and resorts, their diversified products allow you to immerse yourself in rich and alluring ways of life. Professional multilingual guides will take care of the logistics, high qualified service and be on hand to add a unique ‘Explore twist’ to your trip while ensuring that your pleasure and responsible tourism remains at the very core of each adventure.

travEl Company ‘your group’ Address: 34 I. Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 577 03 05 44, 243 143 incoming@yourgroup.ge Voyage Tours Georgia offers all type of travel services throughout Georgia, selected and tailored by experts to create perfect holidays: adventures, leisure trips and events.

From group walking and trekking tours in the Caucasus Mountains to cycling trips and wine yard voyages in the most authentic areas of our ancient country. The agency also offers family adventure holidays, trips for solo travelers and much more. Passion and experience are at the heart of their ethos and they pride themselves on expertise as one of the most professional and trusted travel companies in Georgia.

They create exciting itineraries that will take you off the beaten track to fully experience the culture of each unique region of the country. From the remote villages to the local people of Ushguli,

living roots travEl TEL 599480086 tamara@travellivingroots.com www.travellivingroots.com

Culinary and wine tours.

Living Roots Ranch offers horseback rides from 1 hour to multi-day treks.

gEorgia holiday Address: 12b A. Kazbegi Ave. TEL 200 04 45 www.georgiaholiday.com info@georgiaholiday.com

rustar onlinE

omnEs tour

adjara tour

Address: 7 Ts. Dadiani str.

TEL 593 09 78 78 gm@rustaronline.ge www.rustartourism.com

Address: 4 Abesadze Str. TEL 293 34 00 www.omnestour.ge info@omnestour.ge

Address: 3 V. Vekua Str. TEL 247 87 78 www.adjaratour.com info@adjaratour.com

turi.gE

trawEllin

Address: 42 I. Abashidze Str. TEL 242 50 05 www.turi.ge info@turi.ge

Address: 4 I. Nikoladze Str. TEL 229 20 90 www.trawellin.ge inbox@trawellin.ge

gEorgiantravEl burEau

apg gEorgia

loCalhost gEorgia

Address: 6 Pushkin Str. TEL 2430444, 2434006 E-mail: tours@apggeorgia.com

visit gEorgia Address: 4a Ingorokva Str. TEL 292 22 46 www.visitgeorgia.ge vg@visitgeorgia.ge

intErCo travEl Address: 14 I. Abashidze Str. TEL 229 43 43 www.interco.travel info@interco.travel

CauCasus travEl Address: 22 Peritsvaleba Str. TEL 298 74 00 www.caucasustravel.com Georgia@caucasustravel.com

nEwkaz Address: 5 Janashia Str., Old Tbilisi TEL 230 96 20 www.newkaz.ge info@newkaz.ge

Address: 2 Mtskheta Str. TEL 222 29 41 www.gtb.ge info@gtb.ge

viCtorya travEl

Address: 116 Tsereteli Ave. TEL 215 87 77 www.localhost.com.ge david@localhost.com.ge

Address: 112 Agmashenebeli Str. TEL 230 52 50 www.victoryaltd.com victoryaltd@gmail.com

vECtor travEl gEorgia

gEorgian holidays

Address: 47 Kostava Str. TEL 595 48 22 33 www.vector.travel info@vectorge.com

Address: 116 Tsereteli Ave., Didube Plaza TEL 218 45 39 www.georgianholidays.com info@georgianholidays.com

magEllan

agassi travEl

Address: 86 T. Tabidze Str. TEL 230 90 06 www.magellan.ge info@magellan.ge

Address: 7 Dadiani Str. TEL 577 04 48 80 www.agassitravel.com

Captain plus Address: 2 Mari Brose Str. TEL 242 40 40 www.captain.ge captain@captain.ge

fly travEl Address: 41 Dolidze Str. TEL 272 97 24 www.flytravel.ge info@flytravel.ge

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Listing: Casinos prinCEss Casino batumi Address: 33 M. Abashidze Str., Batumi TEL 422 22 60 20 http://princessbatumi.com

and raffles featuring cash or prestigious prize winnings. There is a parking lot in front of the casino. Princess Casino Batumi is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

ambassadori Address:17 Shavteli Str., 0105,Tbilisi, Georgia TEL 211 21 21 info@ambasadori.casino

Princess Casino Batumi is the ideal place for quality recreation and hospitality in a luxurious and cosmopolitan environment of an International Princess Casino Chain working in the best traditions of the European gaming business which include a high level of service.

The casino is located in one of the biggest modern and most touristic cities in Georgia, taking up part of the first floor of Wyndham Batumi Hotel in the heart of the city: when the lights of downtown switch on, the spirit of entertainment comes alive…

Enjoy world-popular gambling games such as American Roulette, Blackjack and Poker as well as high technology slot machines.

Princess Casino offers an innovative program for slot machine players, ‘Players Club,’ giving you the chance to earn points towards gifts and unique benefits.

Princess Casino regularly offers an entertainment program, shows and an open buffet for players.

With a dedicated team of PR and entertainment professionals, the Princess Casino Batumi offers a variety of draws

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EuropE-bEt Address: 12 Melikishvili Ave. TEL 2 47 14 71

Casino astoria palaCE Address: 123 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 296 75 04

grand Address: 48 Vaja-Pshavela Ave. TEL 239 96 52

adjarabEt Casino Ambassador is an elite gambling club based on the idea of a premium-class casino. It includes a unique approach to each customer and high-class service. The refined design, comfortable environment and perfect service that will be found in the Ambassador is a continuation of the hotel “Ambassador Tbilisi” concept. The Casino offers guests an unlimited amount of entertainment and relaxation 24/7 for both men and women.

When high bets are drawn, when the concentration is at its peak; when comfort means more than just luxury, club “Ambassador” will open its VIP-apartments for youthree apartments of different color, exclusive furniture, relaxation zones, bathrooms and, of course, a professional table.

Prize money for weekly chess tournament is 64,000 GEL Prize money for the weekly Saturday raffle is 120,000 GEL

Address: Old Tbilisi, Merab Kostava, near subway «Technical University» TEL 271 10 10, 236 43 60

grand sakartvElo Address: 12 Melikishvili Ave. TEL 223 45 45, 223 46 46

vEga Address: 111 D. Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 291 03 88

Tobacco Breaks Hearts The romantic slogan “Tobacco breaks hearts” is a crucial problem, related to tobacco use and the most common cardiovascular disease. As a result, this year the World Health Organization (WHO) selected the above-mentioned problem as the main target of tobacco control. Thus, in 2018, the “World No Tobacco Day” carries the main message of WHO – “Tobacco breaks hearts”.

The number one killer in the world and in Georgia are cardiovascular diseases.

Globally, 31% of deaths occur due to cardiovascular diseases. In Georgia, the indicator is more than double amounting to 69%.

Tobacco use is a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, strokes and peripheral vascular diseases. Moreover, cardiovascular diseases account for approximately 12% of deaths caused by secondary smoke impact. As a basis of cardiovascular disease, Tobacco use holds the second place after hypertension.

More than 7 million people die yearly around the world due to the global epidemic of tobacco use, out of which nearly 900,000 are non-smokers who are affected by secondary smoke.

The aim of the slogan “Tobacco Breaks Hearts” by the WHO is to:

Tobacco smoke free legislation and other regulations, prohibiting advertising, promoting and sponsoring the use of tobacco, came into effect in Georgia one year ago, which effectively protected the public from further complications in developing cardiovascular, cancer and other diseases caused by tobacco consumption.

• Increase awareness of tobacco consumption and the negative impacts of secondary smoking on cardiovascular diseases

Every year the Director of World Health Organization awards viable institutions and employees who have contributed to tobacco control on “World No Tobacco Day”. Only 6 of the 53-member states of Europe, including Georgia, have been awarded this year. The success of Georgia is attributed to the immense coalition of partners and the reward was symbolically handed to Akaki Zoidze, Chairman of the Healthcare Committee of the Parliament of Georgia.

• The smoke-free legislation that came into force 1 month ago (May 1, 2018) was easily accepted by the Georgian society and business. Public buildings and areas are now in high quality law control protecting people from tobacco smoke and encouraging smokers to quit smoking or reduce consumption. In the long-term, families, the healthcare system and the economy will reap the benefits as a result of this law

• To alert the public on the connection between tobacco and cardiovascular disease

• Create opportunities for the public, government and other parties to promote heart health by protecting people from the use of tobacco products

Boutique hotel ALPHABET is an ideal combination of style, high level service and Georgian hospitality.

The interior of the building is done out in modern vintage.

A hotel is not just a business, it’s a lifestyle, because if you want to create a strong and modern hotel company, you must live in this world. It is a matter of perfect reputation, perfect personnel, unique services, and, of course, your desire to be the first and the best among rivals.

Telavi str. 3, 0103 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: +995 599 13 88 88

www.alphabet.ge

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Tips for Your Hotel Search in Georgia . . . e c i o My Ch

Tinatin Getiashvili-Dogonadze Boutique Hotel Alphabet, General Manager Being a host is a huge responsibility, not only because you must make your guests happy, but because you are representing your country. It is something I love, which is why I have spent the past eight years managing a hotel.

alphabEt Our desire is to offer guests a unique experience and unforgettable memories. Out of respect for the beautiful Georgian script and in order to increase awareness of the culture of our country, I decided to name our hotel ‘Alphabet’. You can find it in the Avlabari district of Tbilisi, with an incredible panoramic view of the city. Alphabet is distinguished by its design and surroundings, and we assigned alphabet letters to the rooms instead of numbers.

Each guest has the chance to see samples of our writing and get acquainted with the history behind them. We also teach our guests to write their names in Georgian and offer them the opportunity to taste our bio wine.

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to stay

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

sChuChmann winEs Kakheti is one of the most popular regions with tourists, and Schuchmann Wines were the first to introduce wine tourism to Georgia, meaning wine tasting, gastronomic tours, wine spa procedures and various other wine-related products.

vardzia rEsort Located in Samtskhe-Javakheti, Vardzia Resort offers vacationers a wide range of entertainment and tours. The hotel complex boasts a boutique-style hotel, Georgian/Meskhetian and European cuisine, wine tasting, cottages, a swimming pool located on the rocks, and an open lounge bar and camping area.

fivE-star hotEl paragraph rEsort & spa in shEkvEtili Paragraph Resort & Spa is the only hotel on Shekvetili beach and the first hotel in Georgia of the Autograph Collections by Marriott. It offers a new standard and diversity of service, an individual approach to each guest, and a great deal of relaxation and entertainment.

Paragraph Resort & Spa has 220 rooms. The hotel is designed to offer a marvelous view of the sea from each room. The atmosphere is of calm and relaxation, with pastel tones used in the rooms reflecting the color of the sand, sea and sky.

porta CauCasia kazbEgi Mtskheta Mtianeti, particularly Kazbegi, is also very popular with our tourists. In this region, I recommend Porta Caucasia Kazbegi. The 4-star hotel offers tourists a unique service, where guests can enjoy Georgian cuisine and unique Khareba wine tasting.

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Castello Mare the Best Spa Service for Your Relaxation

If you plan to spend the hot summer days at the seaside, if quality and the environment are important to you, having time to relax your mind and body is a must, and you enjoy taking care of your beauty and health, then you should visit Castello Mare.

Hotel and Wellness Resort Castello Mare is unique for its location- you can find it the Tsikhisdziri resort just 17 kilometers from Batumi.

The fascinating location of Castello Mare, the seaside subtropical climate and the stream of air coming from the mountain creates an ideal environment for relaxation and wellness.

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Otium Spa in the Hotel and Wellness Resort Castello Mare is the most diverse in the Adjara region, boasting both high quality and top service.

spa services: massage and hydrotherapy, cosmetology, body and facial care programs, apparatus procedures, physiotherapy and beauty salon services.

Otium Spa is a unique wellness center with a variety of hot areas, dry Finnish and herbal saunas, Roman and eucalyptus steam rooms, a fitness hall, jacuzzi, foot contrast baths, and the signature indoor and outdoor infinity pool with sea water from which you can see a panoramic view of the fabulous Black Sea and Tsikhisdziri environment.

Besides these, the Otium Spa is equipped with ultra-modern technologies, which can effectively deal with issues of excess weight, cellulite, detoxification, facial body care.

Otium Spa offers a wide range of healthcare, rejuvenating and relaxation

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The ultra-modern technologies and experienced staff will help you to change your look. If you have a weight problem, or just want to correct your body shape, you can pick the Spa Capsule or Trio I Shaper.

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

The Spa Capsule has 16 different programs, selected based on your skin type, weight and general condition.

Through this, fat loss, weight loss and the improvement of the skin happen very fast.

With the Trio I Shaper, you can easily reduce fatty tissue and cellulite to get your desired body shape.

In the Otium Spa you can also enjoy a hydromassage. Try the Sharko or Vichy water procedures, which will help you with weight correction, skin hardening and erradicating edema. This is a very small list of services offered by Otium Spa to those customers who want to correct their weight.

If your focus on facial skin care, then you need mesotherapy, ultrasound mesotherapy, ultrasonic cleaning, peeling and massage, for a healthier and younger look.

If you want to rest, to fight chronic fatigue, depression and neurosis, then a relaxing massage or bamboo massage is for you.

Besides these procedures, Castello Mare Spa complex has many other types of service. In total, more than 80 services – all totally adaptable to the needs of guests.

Otium Spa’s professional masseurs, cosmetologists, therapists and stylists team up to take maximum care of the relaxation, beauty and health of each guest’s

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mind and body. This is the guarantee that once a visitor tries Otium Spa, they’ll definitely be back for more.

If you plan to visit Tsikhisdziri in July-August and are interested in Yoga, then you are doubly lucky, because at this time Castello Mare offers weekend yoga sessions on the open terrace of the hotel, conducted by a qualified trainer- open to hotel guests and visitors. Choose to spend the summer in a magical place, as you tan, have fun and take care of your body. Return from the long-awaited vacation looking a few years younger and with a few less kilos. Come to Castello Mare and believe you can do anything.

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WINE PALACE HOTEL THE HERO OF GEORGIAN HOSPITALITY

Wine Palace is a 4-star hotel located in the center of Tbilisi, within three minutes’ walk of the Technical University Metro Station. The major concept of this place is Georgian wine and hospitality.

Georgian painters worked the interior and as you enter the lobby, the wall paintings will be the first to grab your attention and even the decor shows wine elements. The owner thinks that when guests enter the Wine Palace, they should feel the ambiance and diversity of the Georgian wine and cuisine culture, but the hotel is exceptional for many reasons, from its highquality customer service and special offers, to the free wine tasting and gifts from the owner.

Wine Palace has four floors and 33 rooms. The majority of rooms have balconies and great views over the capital city. All are equipped with Free Wi-Fi, Satellite TV, an international phone and safes.

• • • •

Standard Single Standard Double Standard Twin Deluxe Double

But wait- there’s more! Wine tasting is available on the ground floor of the hotel, which includes a variety of wine, cheese and freshly baked bread. This is a great chance to see the process of unique Georgian wine and Chacha (vodka) making, bread baking in Tone and to enjoy the cheese of the different regions of the country. At the end of the wine tour, guests get a labelled bottle of red or white wine as a gift from the hotel.

Outdoor tours are also on offer for visitors, with qualified staff able to plan personal trips and transfers for guests. Since it is now the winter season in Georgia, you might be interested in visiting one of the winter resorts or continue your wine adventure into the Kakheti region – the cradle of Georgian wine.

Address: 31, B. Kvernadze Str. Tbilisi TEL: +995 322 33 88 08, +995 555 35 55 55, +995 577 75 55 55 www.winepalace.ge Email: info@winepalace.ge Facebook: #HotelWinePalace

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Georgia on a Budget By katie ruth davies

Georgia is super-affordable to those coming from developed countries: transport, food and accommodation are cheap, and laws mean that you can pretty much set up camp anywhere, including the beach, high up a mountain or in a road-side glade.

The people are friendly, the country is safe, and guests are treated as “gifts from God,” that, plus there is so much nature to explore, you’ll find Georgia getting into your heart!

low budgEt TRavELiNG Single minibus journeys out of Tbilisi (from Isani, Ortachala or Didube, depending where you’re heading) within a radius of 4 hours cost 8-10 GEL ($3-4) per person, while a trip to the coast, including a rest stop, will set you back around 20 GEL ($8). The trains are around 25 GEL per person each way. Hitch-hiking is also an option (see SUPER LOW BUDGET below).

HOSTELS Like many things in Georgia, you’ll find some hostels of (or beating) European standard, and some you’ll be glad to move out of as soon as you can. There are no fixed standards, though awareness is on the rise of what a good hostel should be, and a lot of hostels have been set up by foreigners who decided to stay and start an “easy” business. The best option is to check where.ge online and take word-of-mouth recommendations.

GUEST HOUSES iN THE REGiONS

partially into a guest house, will usually set you back 10 – 20 GEL per person, per night ($4 -8). If you want them to cook you a meal, expect to pay the same again (10 GEL breakfast, 20 GEL dinner)- this must be agreed on in advance and in most cases by doing so, you’re guaranteed local cuisine, including cheese, yoghurt, jam, eggs, honey and bread for breakfast and any number of traditional Georgian dishes for the evening meal.

The quality of guest houses varies as it is still unregulated, though trainings in standards have been offered several times over recent years, so feel free to ‘check out the place’ before you agree to stay. In particular, check bed comfort (some have very old beds!), the bathroom/toilet, kitchen, dining and livingroom facilities, cleanliness and access to wall sockets and Wi-Fi. Decide on arrival how you will pay- upfront or before leaving.

And expect that famed Georgian hospitality in many places- small dishes may be given to try or a glass of local wine- we even walked away with two rare grape vine saplings and a 5kg bag of hazelnuts once!

Guest houses in the regions, by which we mean a local house transformed full or

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to stay

guEst housE lago & winE CEllar

This converted family home offers clean, spacious rooms with bathroom accessories, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities in every room. The owners are welcoming and friendly and will happily take you on a wine tasting tour of their small family wine cellar.

Bonuses here include a swimming pool and a garden bar. Families with children will also be well catered for with a variety of toys and fun things for the children to do while you sip on a wine and enjoy the mountain air. The owners offers tasty dishes, and breakfast.

An on-site restaurant offers tasty food, and breakfast is filling and delicious (at a small extra charge of $4 per person), setting

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

At guest house Savane, staff are available 24/7 to help you or to recommend where to sight-see, as is the owner of the converted house- a lovely old lady who doubles and a brilliant cook! All guaranteed to put you at ease and make you feel at home.

63 Zakatala Str., Lagodekhi, Kakheti TEL 577 10 18 34

guEst housE savanE, gori

Mountain views, free Wi-Fi, clean, modern decor and a Continental breakfast are just the first reasons to book your stay here.

While Gori can be ‘done in a day’ from Tbilisi, it also makes a nice spot from which to explore the Shida Kartli region.

CaMPiNG

supEr-low budgEt

Camping is a free-for-all if you’re happy with the wild and responsible enough not to set fire to the area with your campingstove. Pay attention to standard safety precautions and of course do your research on the area before setting up your tent (watching out for landslide or flood zones, for example). In Nature Reserves (‘Protected Areas’), they ask all guests to register in the Visitor’s Center before you head in. There are a number of campsites available throughout the country, basic as they may be, and the number is increasing annually in line with the tourism boom. Check out some of them below.

HiTCH-HiKiNG

pankisi Camping

you up for a day of hiking or relaxing in the garden.

Nearby attractions include the entire Alazani Valley and all the monuments, cellars and churches your heart could desire, and the Lagodekhi National Reserve with its five breathtaking, safe and informative tourist trails: the Grouse waterfall, Ninoskhevi waterfall, Machi castle, Black Rock Lake and Knowledge of nature trail.

in a car that you have “no money” in order to avoid uncomfortable misunderstandings. Carry a map with you so you can point to your destination.

28 Christopher Castel Str., Gori TEL 599 20 60 60

Hitch-hiking is doable, though in general, females traveling in pairs or alone should be cautious. Men tend not to do more than flirt, but for your own safety consider public transport or a registered taxi.

Georgians are said to be among the most benevolent in terms of picking up travelers, and you shouldn’t be surprised if you get offered an extensive meal (and lots of wine!) in their home and even a bed for the night- this is just their hospitable nature, for which you shouldn’t offer to pay (they will take it as an offense): if you have small souvenirs or postcards from your own country to give them, or can sing a song or recite a poem for them, that will be considered gift enough! One hitch-hiker suggested making it clear before you get

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Discover the real Pankisi by camping there in the midst of mountains and river, cooking on an open fire and dipping your toes in the ice-cold water nearby.

The owners of this beautiful piece of wild land, bordered by a forest on one side and a river on the other, aim to ensure a pleasant stay in the depths of nature- at 10

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

This tourist camp is located in the Juta village, at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level. At nearly 200 kilometers from Tbilisi, you’ll need a minibus, taxi and a pair of sturdy boots to get there.

Minibuses travel from Tbilisi to Kazbegi daily (10 GEL per person) then take a taxi from Kazbegi to Juta village. The last kilometer to the campsite is on-foot only!

GEL pp and 10 GEL for breakfast/lunch making it a bargain!

Services include tours in Pankisi Gorge, rental of hiking equipment, horse rental and riding lessons, rental of mountain bikes, nature photography tours and culinary tours with a focus on local dishes.

TEL 555 70 10 57 www.zeta.ge www.fb.com/zetacamping

TEL 551 38 80 00 https://www.facebook.com/pankisicamping/

zEta-Camping

a stylized ‘eco camp’ made for relaxation, meditation and creativity. You can sleep in a ‘treehouse’ cabin or hire a tent. The site offers toilets, showers with hot water, Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, open and closed spaces for yoga, water from mountain springs and food fresh from the farm.

Various classes are also available- from cooking to pottery, healing herbs and woodwork.

adjara

The staff speaks English, Russian, Armenian, and Slovenian. You will need hiking boots, a rain jacket and sleeping bag.

Zeta-Camping, near Kazbegi and at the foot of the Caucasian Mountains, is open late May to the end of September and offers a variety of off-the-beaten track accommodation options- from cabins to large and small tents (your own or those provided by Zeta). Prices vary from 10-45 GEL per person per night. Hiking, climbing and scientific tours are available when booked in advance and a cafe is ready to serve if you didn’t bring your gas stove.

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La Belle Verte campsite is located in the Mtirala National Park a 20-minute drive from Batumi and the Black Sea and is serviced by minibus 141a which stops in Korolistavi village some 300m from the site entrance.

Perched on the edge of the mountain to capture the sea breezes, with a sub-tropical forest as a backdrop, La Belle Verte is

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TEL 568 79 69 90 Email: labelleverte.mtirala@gmail.com

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Stay (and Invest in) an Aparthotel!

By shawn wayne

If you’re looking to invest in Georgia, property might be a good start, and with values on the rise it would be no mistake.

Or, if you’re simply looking for a nice place to stay in Georgia, here are some of the best options money wise.

orbi group

rEd-Co

financing, constructing, operating and owning a growing network of apart-hotels, residential blocks, hotels and complementary infrastructure. Individual investors will profit from purchasing hotel rooms and suites.

Red-co is known for projects like Batumi Tower, The Valley in Bukariani, and the Monte Carlo aparthotel and Le Meidien, a five star hotel.

The Orbi Group is the largest constructiondevelopment holding in Georgia, and the first company in the region to have started building high-rise hotel complexes.

After several decades, Orbi Group has grown to become the largest holding to include construction, design, tourism, and Production Company in the region, running Orbi Betoni, the biggest concrete plant in Georgia, Orbi Design - design bureau, Orbi 24 - Management Company, and more.

Well known projects like the Sea Towers, Orbi Residence and Orbi Plaza in Batumi, which significantly changed the city’s landscape, and various hotels in the Bakuriani resort area, make the Orbi Group a very wise choice if you’re looking to invest.

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Red-Co is also a good option if you’re looking to invest, or if you are looking for an apartment to stay in while on a long-term vacation. Specializing in the aparthotel business, you can get great investment value or a place to stay for a while.

Established in 2012, the company manages the entire process of designing,

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onlinE

If you’re looking for a place to stay long-term and want to look online, MyHome.ge and Place.ge are the best sites to check out, with tons of apartments to rent and buy for all price ranges, you’re sure to find something to your taste and budget.

Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi is the only Hotels Preference Hualing is the only 5* Hotel& among Georgia with Tbilisi a unique Chinese 5* Hotel among Georgia with unique Restaurant – “ENSEMBLE”, wherea you can Chinese admire Restaurant – “ENSEMBLE”, where you can admire authentic Chinese dishes from various areas of authentic Chinese dishes from various areas of China. For private dining sessions “ENSEMBLE” offers China.

For private dining sessions offers 5 VIP rooms, providing extra feeling“ENSEMBLE” and comfort.

5 VIP rooms, providing extra feeling and comfort.

Operation hours Operation hoursPM 12:00 AM - 11:00 12:00 AM - 11:00 PM Hualing. Tbilisi Sea New City Tel: +995 32 2 50 50 25 Fax: 32 2 50 50 26 Hualing.

Tbilisi Sea +995 New City www.hotelspreference.ge www.hotelspreference.com Tel: +995 32info@hotelspreference.ge 2 50 50 25 Fax: +995 32 2 50 50 26 www.hotelspreference.ge www.hotelspreference.com info@hotelspreference.ge

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

New & Upcoming Hotels in Georgia By anna zhvania

Still planning your trip to Georgia? Check out WHERE.ge’s recommendations for new and upcoming hotels and select your dream getaway!

radisson park inn tbilisi Radisson is one of the world’s best-recognized international chains. Park Inn offers a vibrant, friendly environment that provides both business and leisure travelers with the hotel experience they desire. The Park Inn by Radisson will be located on Rustaveli Avenue, 200m from the former Georgian House of Parliament. The hotel will boast 200 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant for 120 guests, lobby lounge, 250 m2 meeting space and a surface parking space for 40 cars. The Park Inn by Radisson is expected to open in 2018.

hilton gardEn inn Set to open late 2018, the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn will be included in the CH64 complex in the heart of Tbilisi’s financial district, on Chavchavadze Avenue. The neighborhood is characterized as among the hippest locations, where celebrities, ambassadors, and people of art and culture live. The 14-storey hotel will be operated by Hilton Hotels & Resorts and will feature a total of 165 rooms. In addition, it will include restaurants, a business center, a fitness complex featuring an indoor swimming pool, and parking facilities.

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

EClECtiC rEsidEnCE tbilisi Located in Vake near Round Garden, Eclectic Residence is an upscale hotel hosting explorers from around the world. The residence embodies a fusion of different Georgian periods and styles. The fact that it is located next to the former Residence of Eduard Shevardnadze and the water fountain of the ‘Little Prince’ makes the residence a truly historic place. Just down the road, you will discover cafes, restaurants, bars and more.

twin towEr batumi Batumi will welcome a new hotel complex, Twin Tower, expected to feature up to 5,000 rooms. The 45-floor skyscrapers are said to be the 6th biggest hotels in the world. Featuring all sea-view rooms, the hotel will also include several restaurants and cafes, retail and entertainment areas, indoor and outdoor pools, a wellness center, medical center, spa center, garden, children’s playground, conference halls and parking places. The complex will be located on Khimsiashvili Street, only 700 meters from the beach.

ChEmodann hotEl kazbEgi Chemodann Hotel is a recently opened hotel located in Kazbegi. The hotel offers a shared lounge, free Wi-Fi and balconies in some rooms. Here, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains, sip hot coffee or tea on the balcony and taste the local cuisine.

glamping gEorgia Glamping is a new direction in the hospitality industry and comprises two words: Glamour and Camping. With the idea that luxury and comfort should not be sacrificed while enjoying the outdoors, Glamping Georgia is the one-of-a-kind getaway you’ve been dreaming of. Located in Krikhi, Ambrolauri, Glamping Georgia offers two tents that can accommodate up to 8 people and is equipped with a number of utensils, a toilet, free internet, mini-cinema, air-conditioning system and terrace. The tents are marquee style and all units come with a balcony with mountain views.

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Family Guest Houses in the Regions By katie ruth davies

Traveling with your kids in Georgia can be as stressful and fun as anywhere. But children are very well tolerated (and adored!) here, so wherever you go, you’ll likely find the owners of the guest house you’re staying in whisking them away to play with them or feeding them organic, homemade goodies.

Here are our top picks from various guest houses that are great for families with children.

guEst housE lago & winE CEllar (kakhEti)

This converted family home offers clean, spacious rooms with bathroom accessories, free Wi-Fi and access to the fullyequipped kitchen. The owners are welcoming and friendly and will happily take you on a wine tasting tour of their small family wine cellar while your kids run around the extensive shady garden or play pool or table-tennis.

Aside from the huge garden, the bonus here is a fresh-water pool, just over a meter deep- ideal for cooling off in after a morning walking the trails.

You can get your meals cooked here on request (and at extra charge of $4-8 per person) and all dishes are delicious!

Breakfast is filling, setting you and the kids

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up for a day of hiking in the nearby woods/ mountains, or relaxing in the garden.

Nearby attractions include the entire Alazani Valley and all the monuments, cellars and churches your heart could desire, and the Lagodekhi National Reserve with its five breathtaking, safe and informative tourist trails: the Grouse waterfall, Ninoskhevi waterfall, Machi castle, Black Rock Lake and Knowledge of nature trail.

63 Zakatala Str., Lagodekhi, Kakheti TEL 577 10 18 34

urEki housE (urEki)

to the beach with only the narrow pedestrianized boulevard between you. It also means you get amazing sunset views (beach-view rooms only).

The two-level sea-side garden offers flowers and a well with drinking water, and space for your little ones to play safely. The rear garden is shaded by pine trees and offers a parking space and a dining area with two kitchens and tables, chairs and a wall-mounted TV. You can order meals separately for an extra charge or cook your own.

Rooms are simply furnished with comfortable wooden beds and a chest of drawers, and come ensuite or with shared bathrooms.

The owners are friendly, and while English is limited, they’ll do everything in their power to make your stay memorable.

80 Takaishvili Str., Ureki, Guria TEL 593 11 27 75

hanmEr guEst housE (svanEti) A cozy three-floor guest house on the shores of the Black Sea, with stunning views of the boulevard and the sea. This is on the ‘first line,’ meaning you can step from the house

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Guaranteed to make you want to stay longer (or at least come back for more!), this guest house is the ideal place to rest

Tel.: +995 557 672 020 sales@banguriani.ge www.banguriani.com R. Margiani Street, Mestia 3200, Georgia Facebook:bangurianimestia

4x4 car and driver available for pickup/ drop off and tours anywhere in the region, the only village shop is theirs and offers most needed supplies, and they’ll teach you to cook Georgian speacialties, too!

your head after long days hiking and exploring the local area, with those stunning mountain views right on your doorstep (and out of your window!).

Renovated, hot showers and a filling breakfast are yours to enjoy. Try the homemade bread and cheese and be sure not to miss Tony’s fascinating stories and photos about Svaneti.

Iskari, Etseri, Mestia, Svaneti TEL 599 62 97 89 https://www.faceboo k.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/

nana’s homE (kutaisi) This cozy guesthouse near Kutaisi Park should be at the top of your list for a family stay. Nana’s Home has a beautiful garden and barbecue facilities, washing machines, and a shared kitchen. The

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rooms are fresh and newly decorated and come ensuite or with shared bathrooms.

The owner is friendly and will welcome you as a true Georgian host does- making you feel part of the family (which includes getting fed to bursting).

7 J. Gogebashvili Str., Kutaisi, Imereti TEL 579 90 74 50

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Listing: 4 & 5 Star Hotels in Tbilisi The Tbilisi hotel market reflects the city’s image as the corporate briefcase of the region and it comes well equipped with five-star offerings, as well as with a new breed of lower priced options for travelers on a budget. Offering 24-hour service and modern standards, the best hotels are most commonly located in the heart of the city. Hotels list their prices in Euros, Dollars or Lari, though in most cases your bill will be calculated in the local currency using the current exchange rate and payment is possible by credit card (VISA or MasterCard). The majority of Tbilisi hotels can arrange transportation services to and from the airport for their clients on the basis of prior agreement.

There are several world brands operating in Georgia including Marriott, Sheraton, Radisson Blu and Holiday Inn which play host to thousands of guests throughout the year. All are distinguished by their remarkable architecture and interiors. A variety of exhibitions, conferences and official events are often held in the hotels and, over the next four years, six more global brands are expected to enter the Georgian market. High-end hotels usually host guests participating in the cultural, business and political life of the country. Tbilisi is a business city and occupancy rates reflect that. The average price for a night in such a hotel costs around $120-250.

thE biltmorE hotEl tbilisi Address: 29 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 272 72 72

gallEry inn Address: 20 G. Tsereteli Str. Tbilisi TEL 591 10 00 03 Info@hotelgalleryinn.com www.hotelgalleryinn.com

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Expect services of international standards, modern, comfortable and fully equipped rooms and a conference space. Their rooftop terrace bar offers spectacular panoramic views and the menu in the breakfast restaurant guarantees guests everything they need to start the day well.

A team composed of highly qualified and attentive personnel is always on hand to ensure on guest satisfaction.

Gallery Inn is an ideal place for tourism visits, business trips and business meetings, romantic evenings and various types of events.

Courtyard tbilisi The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi is ideally situated within the historic and cultural district of the Georgia’s capital city. Close to the east bank of the Mtkvari River, this hotel is suitable for both business and leisure travellers. The immaculately restored grand lobby echoes the nostalgia of a bygone era, resonating the glamor and prestige of the social elite.

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The 4-floor boutique Hotel Gallery Inn is located in the historical center of Old Tbilisi in Avlabari.

The interior is a combination of classic and modern design elements, with calm colors and simplicity creating a pleasant environment and a synthesis of modernity and cultural elements emphasizing the concept of the hotel.

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Address: 4 Freedom Sq. TEL 277 91 00 Perfectly located in Freedom Square in the heart of the city center, this hotel is within walking distance of the Georgian National Museum, Rustaveli Theater, and the State Opera House - not to mention a host of galleries, gardens, and other attractions. Modern and comfortable hotel

HOTEL PORTA CAUCASIA KAZBEGI Feel at home in Caucasus

The name of the hotel “Porta Caucasia� has great significance, meaning 'Gate of the Caucasus.' This newly-established 4 star hotel in the heart of Kazbegi offers alpine style sophistication and elegance. The hotel stands out for its exquisite tasteful interior and creates a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for guests. A combination of earthy materials and ecofriendly manufacturing makes this beautiful hotel ideal for all tastes.

The hoTel offers: * 33 Deluxe and suite rooms with excellent panoramic views over the Mkinvartsveri and Kuro Mountain * World Class service * Georgian and european restaurants with unique and delightful cuisine * spa & Beauty salon and sauna * Wine shop by Winery Khareba

ou to host y gi d r a w r fo e looking Caucasia Kazb at Por ta

Address: 2 Tergdaleulebi St., Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia Tel: +995 322 25 77 70 Mail: info@portacaucasia.com FB: @PortaCaucasiaKazbegi

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

rooms feature plush bedding, high-speed Internet access, climate control, and other amenities; many offer views of Tbilisi city center. Additional hotel perks include a fitness center and Jacuzzi, and a heated indoor pool. You can visit the hotel restaurant, Brasserie Freedom, for all-day dining. and Freedom Square views.

shardEn villa

tional channels. The private bathrooms include free toiletries, slippers, bathrobes and a hairdryer, a bath tub and separate shower cabin.

radisson blu ivEria hotEl Address: 1 Rose Revolution Sq. TEL 240 22 00

Address: 42 K. Apkhazi Str. TEL 272 46 14, 275 44 95 www.shardenvilla.ge Hotel Sharden Villa is a modern boutique style Hotel located in the historical center of Tbilisi near Meidan. You will find it surrounded by the top sightseeing spots of Old Tbilisi: the ruins of Narikala, Metechi Church and Sioni temples, Abanotubani, a mosque, synagogue, cable car and more.

There are many cafes, bars, restaurants and other fun and relaxing places nearby.

The Hotel has 22 classic modern and classic rooms. A number of the rooms have balconies, wonderful views on Narikala, the Temple of Metechi and the River Mtkvari. All the rooms are ensuite and offer hairdryers, flatscreen TVs, a safe, a telephone and a mini bar.

hotEls & prEfErEnCE hualing tbilisi Address: Tbilisi Sea District TEL 250 50 25 The hotel is only a five-minute drive from the East Point Shopping Mall while Tbilisi Saint Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a 48-inch flat-screen TV with interna-

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Whether you’ve come for business or pleasure, you’ll leave with a sense of the beauty that surrounds the city’s central hotel, Radisson Blu Iveria, Tbilisi. The hotel offers a variety of dining options, an open terrace and outdoor pool, a topfloor bar and pool and a Spa. Travel anywhere you want to go in Tbilisi from the metro station which is just 300 meters from the hotel.

Metro station - 300 m.; Tbilisi Railway Station - 5 km.; Tbilisi International Airport - 19 km

tbilisi marriott hotEl Address: 13 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 277 92 00 www.marriott.com Once you enter its grand atrium-style lobby adorned with crystal chandeliers, you’re greeted with renowned Georgian hospitality. Overlooking the Main Avenue

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or patio, the 127 luxury hotel rooms and suites feature a safe, mini-bar, individual climate control and broadband internet.

Whether your trip entails business or leisure, enjoy galleries and theaters all within walking distance of the hotel.

Marriott Hotel in Tbilisi is well-known as a spacious event venue. Offering first-class catering, there are 6 meeting rooms and a ballroom able to accommodate 200 guests. Dine in Parnas Restaurant for an elegant meal or have a light snack at Parnas Café & Lounge. Visit the Fitness Gym for a workout or relax in the sauna.

mErCurE tbilisi old town Address: 9 V. Gorgasali Str. TEL 200 60 60 Showcasing a sun terrace and views of the city, Mercure Tbilisi Old Town offers a spa center and sauna, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.

Each room in the hotel is air conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms include a lounge area to relax in after a busy day and each room comes with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Freedom Square is 1.1 km from Mercure Tbilisi, and Rustaveli Theater is 1.8 km away, while the airport is 12.9 km from the hotel.

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

CitadinEs tbilisi Address: 4a Freedom Sq. TEL 254 70 30 www.citadines.com Your stay in the Caucasus will be extraordinary and timeless if you stay at the Apart’hotel Citadines Freedom Square Tbilisi. Situated near the National Museum and the Georgian Chancellery, it will be your ideal base for heading off to explore the countless and priceless, yet little-known treasures of Georgia’s re-emergent capital.

rustavEli boutiquE hotEl Address: 4. Freedom Sq., Tbilisi info@rbh.ge www.rbh.ge @RustaveliBoutiqueHotel TEL 288 00 14 gian artists, available to view and buy.

The hotel is famous for its elegant restaurant with a rare combination of delicious and healthy food.

vinotEl

holiday inn

Address: 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent TEL 255 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

Address: 26 May Sq. TEL 230 00 99 www.hi-tbilisi.com Rustaveli boutique hotel is designed to make your stay in Tbilisi a unique experience, whether you’re here for business or for pleasure. The hotel is located just a few steps away from the Old Town.

This magnificent 21-storey glass building used to be the symbol of the city during the Soviet era. Following its transformation, Holiday Inn Tbilisi can accommodate guests in 270 Standard, Business and Executive guest rooms. Inside every guest room, elegant interiors detailed with many original features offer comfortable living.

The spacious feel is enhanced by high ceilings and tall windows, in keeping with the original architecture of the former Adjara hotel. The outstanding living and dining area, with elegant designer wallpaper and rich African wood flooring, provide a sanctuary in which to relax and entertain.

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Reflecting the real soul of Georgia, the main design concept came from the most popular and amazing Georgian poem “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin,” written by medieval poet Shota Rustaveli.

The charming, unique design of each room, guest-oriented staff and service will make you feel special. Rustaveli boutique hotel offers breakfast at any hour, Jazz evenings and free Wi-Fi.

gallEry palaCE Address: 5 Ingorokva Str. TEL 244 04 40 www.gallerypalace.ge Perfectly located in the heart of Tbilisi within walking distance of the city’s famous historical sights, this hotel offers guests a unique comfortable and sophisticated environment surrounded by the artwork of contemporary famous Geor-

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Where.ge is glad to introduce very special hotel in its Stay section this issue. Vinotel is a boutique hotel located in the old town, on the left embankment of Mtkvari River, 10 minutes from freedom square, near Sameba cathedral and the Presidential residence. World Luxury Awards recently awarded the hotel in two categories: ‘The Best Small Hotel in Eastern Europe’ and ‘The Best Boutique Hotel in Georgia’. It offers small quantity of rooms, including luxury suites featuring a hamam and fireplace, unique superior rooms, stylish semi-mansard rooms and a cozy top-view room. The location is superb for travelers interested in local food, city walks and old-town exploring.

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

hotEl winE palaCE Address: 31, B. Kvernadze Str. Tbilisi TEL 233 88 08, 555 35 55 55 www.winepalace.ge Email: info@winepalace.ge Facebook: #HotelWinePalace

City CEntEr

Address: Queen Tamar Ave. 24 TEL 224 43 42 www.citycenter.ge Email: info@citycenter.ge

and the bars and restaurants of the hotel have been made as prominent as the first restaurant was back in the day.

sairmE hotEls & rEsort TEL 240 45 45 45/46/47 www.sairme.com.ge

ambassadori hotEl Hotel “Wine Palace” is located in the center of Tbilisi, behind the Sports Palace, only 2.3 km from Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater. The nearest metro station is just a 3-minute walk.

The hotel fully meets the highest European standards. 33 comfortable rooms- standard and deluxe – come decorated in the highest artistic style (hand-painted walls, a delightful combination of classic and romantic styles) and are equipped with Free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, an international phone and safes.

“Wine Palace” provides guests with breakfast served in a nice dining room, while delicious Georgian and European dishes can be ordered for dinner.

The hotel also offers a fully equipped conference room for 70 people.

Hotel “Wine Palace” has a unique wine cellar which stores about 100 brands of Georgian wine, as well as home-made wine. For hotel guests, wine tastings and national dishes are arranged. Guests can also book a tour to the regions through the hotel.

Address: 17 Shavteli Str. TEL 243 94 94 Sairme is a resort town where you can give life a new chance and bring into your everyday life more greenery, positivity and calm, and become healthier both physically and mentally.

The story of the first ever Georgian hotel brand Ambassadori Tbilisi began in 2004 with the construction of a 7-room hotel.

Demand for more rooms increased by the day. In 2013 a new building was added to the old one. Then we decided to expand again and a high class hotel was built with the projects of Italian architects and designers, next to the old “Ambassadori.”

The new five star Ambassadori hotel, with 121 rooms, beautiful terraces, magnificent views, comfortable rooms and service with high standards creates an unforgettable experience for guests

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Health resort Sairme is located south of Kutaisi, in the Baghdadi municipality, at 950 m above sea level. Located in a mountainous subtropical zone, it is distinguished for its unique location, healing springs, ecologically clear environment and beautiful nature. It also represents the biggest resort in Europe and Caucasia. With green coverage of 60 hectares, is the only resort able to offer springs of six different treatment abilities, said to be able to cure 64 kinds of disease.

There are five conference halls and meeting rooms in the hotel. And once work is done, head to the Italian and Georgian restaurants and enjoy the services of the rehabilitation center, billiard/training halls, ponds, and bike tracks.

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

borjomi likani Address: 16 Meskheti Str., Borjomi TEL 229 22 92

health recovery by means of the famous Borjomi mineral waters and relaxing SPA procedures.

musEum hotEl Address: 8/10 Vakhtang Orbeliani Str. TEL 224 49 99

goldEn tulip borjomi hotEl Address: 48, 9 April Str. Borjomi TEL 288 02 02, 591 02 80 82 E-mail: info@goldentulipborjomipalace.com www.goldentulipborjomipalace.com You can enjoy the highest standards of Rixos, one of the most rapidly growing luxury hotel chains in the world, in the town of Borjomi, situated as little as 177 km from Tbilisi Airport. Rixos Hotel Borjomi awaits you in the homeland of the renowned Borjomi mineral water, in the very center of a coniferous park.

Superior rooms face the spectacular surroundings, individual wellness programs are drawn up for you by the specialists of Rixos Borjomi Medical Center, as beauty and relaxation procedures are provided by the hotel’s SPA Center.

At Rixos restaurants you can treat yourself to various dishes of Georgian and European cuisine, and live music will make your evenings even more unforgettable.

Rixos Borjomi is a perfect place for a family rest; your children will be happy to visit the 5D cinema or play games provided by Rixy Club’s professional animators, while the adults can practice horse-riding, archery, volleyball, basketball, rafting or visit, astride an ATV, the Romanovs’ Summer Palace located within the hotel territory.

Rixos Borjomi offers its guests a rest to benefit their health. What could be better than combining a luxurious rest with

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Museum Hotel Orbeliani is an appealing name, suggesting the hotel’s history as it is located in a historical residence of an old noble family Orbeliani, well known in high society of old Georgia.

Golden Tulip Borjomi Hotel is managed by French International hotel chain “Golden Tulip,” which belongs to “Louvre Hotels Group”.

Golden Tulip Borjomi is one of the most attractive historical buildings in Borjomi, located just steps away from the popular Borjomi Mineral Waters Park. It was built in 1892 by the Consular of Iran in Russia, Mirza-Reza Khan, as a house with Spa Treatment and is nowadays considered a Unique Cultural Monument of the 19th Century.

Golden Tulip Borjomi Hotel features 17 comfortable guest rooms including 2 Suites, 2 Classic singles and 13 Deluxe Double Rooms.

Hotel services include Restaurant “Arfaye”, the Garden Café, Lobby Bar, brand new Fitness Room, Spa: Steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Bucket Shower and 1 exclusive treatment room.

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The architecture and interior design of the boutique hotel are unique, as is its service.

The hotel is distinguished for its intimate atmosphere and idiosyncratic style; always upscale and combining historic 19th century details with chic elegance.

Museum Hotel Orbeliani is located in the heart of Tbilisi, just 100m from the Dry Bridge Flea Market and within a walking distance of Rustaveli Avenue, Narikala Fortress and the ancient sulphur baths.

Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater is 600 m and Freedom Square is 700 m away.

Tbilisi International Airport is only 18 km from the hotel. The Hotel offers car hire and provides transfer services.

Enjoy on-site gourmet Georgian-Persian restaurant ‘’Sirajkhana,’, a roof top lounge bar Mixology 810 with an incredible city view and café ‘’Museum’’ with a beautiful, cozy terrace on the ground floor.

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

City avEnuE hotEl Address: Agmashenebeli Ave.140B TEL 224 41 44 www.cityavenue.ge

Hotel City Avenue is a premium class boutique hotel located in the center of the old city. Close to many business centers and company head offices, it is surrounded by shops, restaurants, theaters and many other entertainment and sightseeing places. What’s more, D. Agmashenebeli Avenue is one of the most beautiful streets in Tbilisi.

The hotel’s modern interior design and classic exterior decor offers you a very special atmosphere and positive aura. The fully equipped rooms and friendly staff will make your holidays both comfortable and unforgettable.

The Café features a good choice of Georgian and international food with a relaxing atmosphere and chill-out terrace. Our professional staff is ready to serve with the spirit of Georgian hospitality.

The hotel offers a great conference facility with modern technology and convenient services.

Hotel City Avenue is a 5-minute walk from Marjanishvili metro station, 5 minutes’ drive from Station Square and 20 minutes’ from the airport.

thE tErraCE boutiquE hotEl Address: 7 P. Kakabadze Str. TEL 299 90 01

enhanced by high ceilings and tall windows with original architecture overlooking one of the best views in the city for an authentic local experience.

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There are 26 rooms, a meeting room and rooftop restaurant with 360 degree views of Tbilisi. The restaurant offers Georgian & European cuisine.

hotEl king gorgasali The exquisite design and timeless elegance of The Terrace boutique hotel can be found in the heart of Tbilisi’s historical center. Providing a unique blend of personalized attention and essential elements for an unforgettable city break, the Terrace Hotel’s team is committed to providing an exceptional experience to each and every guest. The spacious feel is

Address: 3 V. Gorgasali Str. TEL 222 50 80

King Gorgasali offers elegantly decorated rooms with memorable views and modern decor.

Stay in the Heart of Tbilisi City.

Ideally located in Old Tbilisi, King Gorgasali is few steps from Shardeni Street, where you will find the top cafes, bars and restaurants. You’ll be just a 4-minute walk from Europe Square and Metekhi St. Virgin Church.

The property also boasts a Georgian restaurant, Sormoni, a wine spot with sommelier service, khinkhali show room and a terrace with an amazing view. Enjoy the cozy lobby bar and memorable historical exterior to make your stay extra special.

to stay

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

no12 boutiquE hotEl Address: 12 Khodasheni Str. (near Leselidze), Tbilisi www.No12hotel.com @no12hotel TEL 255 22 12

If you’re planning to visit Tbilisi for pleasure or business and want to enjoy the quiet neighborhood of the charming Old Town, this 12-room hotel is the place for you. The comfortable, air-conditioned rooms offer warm-colored interiors with traditional elements of decor. The personalized service is what the hotel is all about.

No12 Boutique Hotel offes: • Excellent location – in the heart of the Old Town but on a calm back street; nice design reflecting country-specific architecture • Comfortable, cozy, clean rooms, most with magnificent views • Buffet breakfast with a ‘Modern Georgian’ menu • Friendly and helpful hosts happy to advise you where to eat, what to see, how to get there.

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tiflis palaCE Address: 3 Gorgasali Str. TEL 200 02 45 www.tiflispalace.ge Email: reservation@tiflispalace.ge

Attentive professionals with a passion for hospitality are always ready to assist our guests, guaranteeing you the best experience of Tbilisi.

bEtsy’s hotEl Address: 32-34 Makashvili Str., Tbilisi,Georgia TEL 293 14 04 info@betsyshotel.com www.betsyshotel.com

Tiflis Palace is a luxurious boutique hotel, located in a very heart of Tbilisi, in the legendary place of the city’s foundation. It is surrounded by the best picturesque and breathtaking views available in Tbilisi as well as in the immediate vicinity of the most popular tourist attractions and the widest choice of restaurants, cafes and galleries.

The hotel’s architecture reflects the ancient style, traditions and history of Old Tiflis and Maidan Square, emphasizing its unique location.

The interior of Tiflis Palace is a perfect combination of discreet luxury, calm colors and modernity, with a light touch of oriental style characteristic of the old town.

Tiflis Palace meets the modern requirements of international hospitality standards and features elegantly designed rooms and suites equipped with all necessary facilities; comfortable beds with antiallergy linen and orthopedic mattress, conference and banqueting facilities, and the best culinary venue.

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Betsy’s Hotel is an exquisitely decorated boutique hotel overlooking the center of Tbilisi. Our hotel’s stylish and inspirational character comes from twenty years of opening the doors to many visitors from across Georgia and abroad. The staff makes every stay unique with Georgian warmth and intimacy. The atmosphere is quiet and comfortable. Once you set foot in Betsy’s lobby and take in the spectacular view of Tbilisi, you’ll find yourself in a different world.

The exceptional combination of the hotel’s Georgian and foreign identity has produced a lively and graceful atmosphere in a unique environment. Betsy’s Hotel is a center of Tbilisi social and business life.

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

rooms hotEls tbilisi Address: 14 M. Kostava Str. TEL 202 00 99 www.roomshotels.com

Rooms Hotels is a young and independent lifestyle hotel brand based in Georgia that has quickly emerged as the premier leader of distinctive hospitality experiences in the region.

The first Rooms Hotel opened its doors in summer 2012, in Georgia’s remote region, Kazbegi. This was followed by the Rooms Hotel Tbilisi in autumn 2014.

Located in Vera, a charming and historic quarter of the capital which has long been associated with artists and intellectuals.

The former publishing house has been refurbished into a modern innovative design hotel infusing the old cultural and visual heritage of its environs. It’s now a hotspot for local and international creatives in search of inspiration.

The hotel proudly lives up to all earned appraisals. Rooms Hotel Tbilisi has breathed new life into the bohemian neighborhood of Vera, attracting creatives and artists with its unique brand of design-led hospitality. The aesthetics are chic and comfortable, defined by rich tones, natural materials, and plush textures. The Bar Room and the Kitchen restaurant draw in guests and visitors for handcrafted cocktails and modern casual dining with

contemporary dishes, creating a social meeting space that defies the standard hotel definition. Elegant and inviting, the eight categories of guest rooms are spread over five floors, fully booked during significant city events, including the Tbilisi and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks.

Located on the fifth floor, the Terrace Queen and Terrace King rooms stream in all the sunlight through their floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ll be fascinated by their cozy private terraces overlooking the hotel’s courtyard garden.

Best Western Kutaisi as a place to stay.

We also recommend tasting Imeretian cuisine in the on-site restaurant!

fabrika Address: 8 Ninoshvili Str. TEL 202 03 99

bEst wEstErn kutaisi Address: 11 Grishashvili Str. TEL 219 71 00 www.bwkutaisi.com

Until 2016, Kutaisi couldn’t boast any well-known names in its list of hotels. But quite recently one of the oldest cities in Georgia, an important transport hub and home of UNESCO Heritage Site, got its first brand hotel: a Best Western. Overlooking the white waters of Rioni River and the locally famous White Bridge, the hotel is located very centrally. Old Town, with its choice of traditional restaurants, can be reached on foot, and the famous Gelati and Bagrati monasteries are reachable by car in 15-20 minutes. The other attractions of Imereti region are within a 1 or 2-hour drive. A classic design, international level of comfort and Georgian level of sincere hospitality are the main reason to choose

to stay

The big cultural success since 2016, Fabrika is a perfect example of gentrification on the left bank of Mtkvari River.

Hostel and suites, co-working space, shops and ateliers, food joints and bars are united in a conceptual space that used to be a sewing factory in the Soviet period.

Every night, even on Mondays, the inner yard is full of people hanging out, drinking beer or wine, and chatting into the small hours. On the weekends, there are usually concerts or DJ sets of local musicians in one of the resident bars or even in the yard. Such events usually bring together crowds of hundreds from all over.

marionn hotEl Address: 9 Al. Tsurtsumia Str. TEL 224 26 26 www.hotelmarionn.com Hotel Marionn is located in the heart of Tbilisi’s old Avlabari district. The modern building blends in perfectly with the historical features of the area. The hotel offers fully equipped rooms with flat-screen TV, a minibar, a desk, a safe and a wardrobe. Free Wi-Fi and 24/7 video security throughout the hotel.

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

hotEl porta CauCasia kazbEgi Address: 2 Tergdaleulebi Str., Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia TEL 225 77 70 Mail: info@portacaucasia.com FB: @PortaCaucasiaKazbegi Feel at home in Caucasus

are wine tours inside the hotel on the ground floor.

The hotel has Georgian and European cuisine represented in two restaurants within the hotal, featuring delicious dishes, made using locally produced products. The wine is something particularly worth mentioning, as Khareba Winery presents varieties of wine in both restaurants. There is also a terrace and lounge on the top floor.

Porta Caucasia is ideal for couples, families, leisure holidays, business trips.

Kazbegi is close to Gudauri resort and the hotel offers affordable transfer services.

Porta Caucasia, meaning ‘Gate to the Caucasus’ is a freshly launched four-star hotel located in the heart of Kazbegi.

Porta Caucasia is the perfect place to stay if you’re interested in visiting this region. It is unusual to find such comfort and support high in mountains, but you will be amazed to discover the high-quality service this hotel provides.

The hotel stands out for numerous reasons.

Paying attention to detail, the interior is manufactured by Villeroy & Boch, as is the furniture, which is wooden and ecofriendly. Luxury and taste merge to create a great sense of ambiance. Each room is well equipped, offering all the important facilities. Private bathrooms come with top-of-the-range toiletries.

Porta Caucasia has pioneered the creation of a private online platform for bookings and reservations, allowing ease of contact with hotel staff.

World-famous Georgian Winery Khareba is the founder of Porta Caucasia and there

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Rooms 28 Standard (14 front & rear view) 2 Deluxe (1 front & 1 rear view) 1 Standard Triple (corner view) 2 Junior Suites (front/corner view) Connecting Rooms (for families) Meeting room Room with Disabled Access • Spa & Beauty Salon • Sauna • Wine Shop by Khareba Winery • Terrace & Lounge • 24/7 Transfer service • Alpinism Tours • Cultural Tours

mErCurE tbilisi old town Address: 9 Gorgasali Str., Tbilisi old city TEL 200 60 60 The 4-star Hotel Mercure Tbilisi Old Town is managed by Accor Hotels Group, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe. The hotel features

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conference room, gym & spa, The Old Town Restaurant & Garden and Sky7 Terrace & Lounge Bar which offer a perfect combination of international and Georgian cuisine. Hotel is located in the very heart of the

ibis stylEs tbilisi CEntEr Address: 4 G. Tabidze Str. TEL 200 24 24

ibis styles Tbilisi center is the second hotel in Tbilisi managed by Accor Hotels Group.

Hotel has 119 rooms in total, lobby business corner and The City Roof Bar on the fifth floor which offers variety of Asian and Georgian dishes. ibis styles located in the city center is a non-standardized economy and design brand aimed at all those who are looking for “the best of the best”.

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

tbilisi laErton hotEl

service. The unique advantages of the hotel are a near perfect central Tbilisi location in an increasingly popular area, some exceptional views from the hotel over the hills around Tbilisi, very high specification rooms and facilities, and a focus upon hospitality, especially for making guests feel at home, for which Georgia is famous.

Address: 14 I. Kurkhuli Str., 0103 Tbilisi, Georgia.

TEL 255 66 55 Email: info@laerton-hotel.com

TBILISI LAERTON HOTEL is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of old Tbilisi. The mission of Tbilisi Laerton Hotel is to provide international and local clientele in Tbilisi high quality hotel accommodation, together with exceptional

A: 48, 9 Aprili street Borjomi, A: 48, 9 Aprili street Borjomi,Georgia Georgia E: info@goldentulipborjomipalace.com E: info@goldentulipborjomipalace.com P: +995 322880202 P: +995 322880202 M: +995 591028082 M: +995 591028082 W: W: www.goldentulipborjomipalace.com www.goldentulipborjomipalace.com

The top floor “Elioni Veranda” has a stunning view and there are indoor and outdoor terrace areas to sit down and relax in. The Lobby Bar is a large bar and dining area with the high-quality leather sofas, comfy chairs and marble-topped tables, along with a decorative fireplace area. Guests are sure to find some their taste on thee international menu with Georgian delicacies and a wide selection of Georgian wines.

For mind and soul to unwind as well as the body, a visit to our spa is the optimum way

to relax. Swimming pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi, relaxation and treatment rooms are at every guest’s service.

hotEl old tbilisi Address: 27 K. Tsamebuli Ave., Tbilisi TEL 277 38 40 www.hoteloldtbilisi.ge

Hotel “Old Tbilisi” is a renovated 4-star hotel within walking distance of the old town. This is an extremely characteristic, quite and lively area a short walk from all

Hotel is one one of of the themost mostimportant importanthistorical historicalbuildings buildings HotelGolden GoldenTulip Tulip Borjomi Borjomi is ininBorjomi, steps away awayfrom fromthe thepopular popularBorjomi BorjomiMineral Mineral Waters Borjomi,located located just just few few steps Waters Park. is very veryconvenient convenientand andattractive attractiveforforallall types Park.The Thehotel hotelwith with its its location is types of of the travelers,families, families,etc. etc.ItItwas wasbuilt builtinin1892 1892 theguests: guests:tourists, tourists, business business travelers, byby thethe consular Khanas asaahouse housewith withSpa SpaTreatment Treatment consularof ofIran Iran inin Russia Russia Mirza-Reza Mirza-Reza Khan Elementsand andisis the the unique unique Cultural is is Elements Cultural Monument.

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

sights is surrounded by the extraordinary beauty of churches, buildings, shops and monuments.

The hotel has 37 comfortable and well-equipped rooms which provide lovely views of the old part of Tbilisi, overlooking the River Mtkvari. It also boasts a cozy restaurant with open terrace offering Halal, Georgian and European cuisine.

There is a conference hall with high quality equipment.

Hotel “Old Tbilisi” is perfect for business, leisure or romantic breaks. It offers you high standard 24/7 room and concierge service.

tropical plants on the territory of Tsikhisdziri, 17 kilometers from Batumi, the capital of Adjara, Georgia. Directly on the Black Sea coast, this place is familiar to many visitors as the resort Tsikhisdziri, where, until 1991, it functioned as the hugely popular sanatorium “Nauka”.

CastEllo marE hotEl & wEllnEss rEsort, tsikhisdziri Address: TsiIkhisdziri, Ajaria, Georgia TEL 0422 21 28 28

Hotel and wellness resort Castello Mare is located in a magnificent place with

Address: 3/9 Grishashvili Str. TEL 231 99 99

hotEl khokhobi Address: 7 Abano Turn Tbilisi, Georgia TEL +995 706 130 130

nEw

Enjoy high quality service, a comfortable and cozy environment, hospitable staff, 24/7 reception and security service, free parking, transfers and tours throughout Georgia.

The restaurant, conference hall and almost all rooms have terraces with fabulous view over the river and Tbilisi city, making your stay in hotel “Old Tbilisi” magical year-round.

old tiflis boutiquE hotEl

Located in the very heart of Old Tbilisi, in one of the most beautiful and ancient districts called Abanotubani, Hotel Khokhobi can be found right next to the famous Sulphur Baths.

With its fully equipped 24 rooms overlooking the city and the small streets of old town, you will feel the heartbeat of Tbilisi city.

Its smiling and welcoming staff stand ready to help you anytime, as representatives of the world-renowned Georgian hospitality.

The variety of views from our beautiful balconies and windows underlines the diversity of our city: small streets with historical buildings, churches, mosques, and tiny houses with beautiful colorful balconies- you are guaranteed lasting and beautiful memories.

Though it is the most-visited district, guests will not be disturbed as they enjoy the relaxing and quiet atmosphere of the hotel.

Come and feel the heartbeat of Old Tbilisi!

to stay

Located in the city center, a 2-minute walk from the Sulfur Spring Baths and a 5-minute walk from Shardeni Street, Old Tiflis Boutique Hotel features contemporary rooms in a historical building with an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi access.

Rooms here provide guests with a minibar, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a seating area with a sofa, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Narikala Castle is a 4-minute walk, Sioni Church an 8-minute walk, and Freedom Square is 2 km from the hotel.

Old Tiflis is a 10-minute walk from Avlabari Metro Station, 4.5 km from Tbilisi Train Station, and 17 km from Tbilisi Airport.

marionn hotEl Address: 9 Al. Tsurtsumia Str. TEL 224 26 26 www.hotelmarionn.com Hotel Marionn is located in the heart of Tbilisi’s old Avlabari district. The modern building blends in perfectly with the historical features of the area. The hotel offers fully equipped rooms with flat-screen TV, a minibar, a desk, a safe and a wardrobe. Free Wi-Fi and 24/7 video security throughout the hotel.

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Listing: Family Hotels Travelling on a budget or fancy something more personal than the usual luxurious offerings? Check out the list below.

thE family hotEl Address: 41a Mnatobi Str., Tbilisi TEL 291 00 09, 577 763685 www.hotelthefamily.ge

Room; Studio Double Room; Family Suite each air conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms include a seating area for your convenience. The rooms have a private bathroom, slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer.

There is a 24-hour front desk, a shared lounge and a gift shop on the property.

The hostel sells its own snacks and provides packed lunches for day trips, but guests are also free to prepare their own food in the shared kitchenette.

no12 apart’hotEl Address: 9 Zichi Str., Tbilisi www.no12hotel.com @no12aparthotel TEL 255 22 12

The hotel also provides tours around the Georgia.

hostEl konka The Family, an elegant and conceptual hotel with a perfect combination of modern design and Georgian tradition, is located in the ecologically clean and cozy district of Svanetisubani, 1.9 km from Rustaveli Theater.

The Family Hotel has its own restaurant and garden with an open kitchen available for guests to learn more about Georgian cuisine.

The Family features three fully equipped modern room types - Standard Double

Address: 14 Nishnianidze Str. TEL 558 36 37 90 Located along the old city wall, this cozy hostel’s location could not be better.

Everything in central Tbilisi is within walking distance, while Baratashvili Street (a central hub of bus and minibus transport) sits in front of the building.

Freedom Square and its metro station are five minutes away.

The hostel provides beds in rooms accommodating eight, six and four respectively.

hostEl shark Address: 144/2 Aghmashenebeli Str. TEL 599 18 47 07 This hostel has a reputation for excellent food and friendly service. Situated on a renovated avenue, its low prices are uncommon in this upmarket part of the city.

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to stay

No12 Apart’Hotel is serviced apartments by the old Parliament building. Each apartment is 50 sqm, ideal for family or friends, or for a longer stay for business travelers.

The apartments provide the finest comfort with warm-colored interiors with traditional elements of decor, including all modern conveniences: satellite TV, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and more.

Each apartment can accommodate two couples. A baby crib is provided free of charge.

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 +995 32 229 59 19

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

apart hotEl mx Address: Javakheti Str. 24a, Tbilisi TEL 215 83 00, 574 30 08 00 Email: info@aparthotelmx.ge Web: www.aparthotelmx.ge

Apart Hotel MX is 4-star comfortable apart hotel, located between the city centre and airport – 10 minutes from airport, 10 minutes from Freedom Square and 1 minutes from metro station. Staff offer an attentive, personalized service and are always available to offer any help to you.

Our two-bedroom apartments are designed and decorated to make sure that your stay will be comfortable, memorable and feel like at home.

What about our huge sunny terrace with wonderful views, you have to come to us to feel it.

orangE inn Address: 8 Trialeti Str. TEL 555 00 05 73 Located between the airport and the city center, this charming five-room guest house offers private accommodation on a budget. Guests will truly be made to feel at home when they see this friendly family-run business. Although the prices are similar to those of Tbilisi’s many hostels, each room has its own private bathroom. Car hire is also available.

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CornEr hostEl Address: Gudiashvli Garden TEL 598 23 28 95

Corner Hostel is located in central Tbilisi, 400 m. from Freedom Square and 1.1 km. from Rustaveli Theater. The property features free Wi-Fi throughout. Some units include a seating area where the guests can relax. Each room includes a shared bathroom and there is a shared kitchen with a coffee machine.

hotEl my housE Address: 16 Sevani Str. TEL 274 72 60, 274 75 13, 599 14 00 94 Hotel My House has nine rooms (1 Luxe).

Price includes breakfast. Free Wi-Fi.

guEst housE zEmEli Address: 24 8 Marti Str./24 S. Zaldastanishvili Str. TEL 577 44 01 80 Featuring free Wi-Fi and a barbecue, Guest House Zemeli offers pet-friendly accommodation in Tbilisi, 600 m. from Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater. Certain rooms feature a seating area where you can relax, and some have views of the garden or city. All rooms have a shared bathroom, free toiletries and a hairdryer.

A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is available, as is a 24-hour front desk.

to stay

guEst housE 15 in kazbEgi Address: 76 Vaja Pshavela Str., Kazbegi, Georgia TEL 595 92 07 01

Featuring free WiFi and a sun terrace, Guest House 15 offers accommodations in Kazbegi, just 24.1 km from Gudauri.

You will find a shared kitchen at the property and you can play ping-pong at the guesthouse. A flat-screen TV is featured. The guest house has recently added gym as well for the guests comfort.

This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Kazbegi and is also rated for the best value in this region.

There are 9 fully equipped rooms in total.

The property has big and beautiful garden. They also provide driver and guide services if needed.

Guest House 15 is ideal place not only for the tourists but as well for the locals going to Kazbegi for a weekend as well as celebrating events such as birthdays, weddings, etc.

33, Memed Abashidze Street, Batumi, Adjara 6000, Georgia Call 0422 22 22 00 info@wyndhambatumi.com www.wyndhambatumi.com

to eat

Exclusive Restaurant Guide . . . e c i o h C My

Neli Melitauri Head of Marketing and Sales Department at Hotel Dreamland Oasis

sunsEt loungE – drEamland oasis Grab an amazing sunset with an uninterrupted view of the changing pink-to-red-to-purple sky and enjoy the varied shades of green together with colorful flowers all around. Don’t miss their delicious cheesecake and cocktail, prepared exclusively for you. It’s not a dream -- this place exists!

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to eat

fanfan This Batumi restaurant offers a cozy environment, and a varied and delicious menu. It’s a great place to eat during your trip to Batumi. Try their shrimp soup!

EntrEE I would definitely recommend Entree bakery chain for those who value time and quality. These cozy cafes open at 8 AM every morning and you can enjoy handcrafted viennoiserie, sandwiches, salads, hot dishes and coffee- eat in or take away.

kEto & kotE One of the best locations in Tbilisi for its breathtaking view and ambience. Its menu is unique for its traditional Georgian cuisine with a modern twist and you’ll come away feeling you’ve experienced something truly unique.

ChatEau mErE As you enter this the Chateau, you’ll discover a warm and beautiful ambience. As you are served by friendly staff, grab the chance to try their special Kakhetian dishes, an exclusive mix by Chateau Mere of Georgian and European cultures.

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Ushguli Eats By tony hanmer

Europe’s highest village, about 2200m above sea level, has come quite a long way since I lived there for the winters of 2007-9 teaching English, when there was hardly any public café, bar or restaurant available at all, even in summer. Not everyone likes all of the changes (you can’t please all the people all the time); but the choices for the village’s many visitors and tourists have grown considerably, to suit a wide range of budgets,

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tastes and interests, from just eating to learning how the food is made in professional hands-on lessons. As there are no addresses in the village of 4 hamlets, it may be best to ask for directions to a particular place, and also to double-check when you arrive that it is the place you were looking for! The hamlets, in ascending order from the bottom coming from Mestia, are: Murqmeli, Chazhashi, Chvibiani and Zhibiani.

to eat

Note, these are generally eateries which are separate from guest houses or hotels, although they may also be part of such; but every place offering somewhere to stay will also feed you to some degree or another, either as part of the price or negotiably for more. Also, not all of these places have online reviews or even contact information yet, but the available information is presented here for one’s choosing.

Café Koshki, Chvibiani hamlet Good food, not high prices, Wi-Fi, a general and souvenir shop next door, and some amazing carved wood, including the traditional Svan chair for the man of the house, as you’ve never seen it before.

TEL +995 596 11 98 61 Café Bar Enguri, Chvibiani hamlet, near the main bridge and the school.

A large new wooden building with good local food and drinks, Wi-Fi, well located. www.facebook.com/EnguriBar TEL +995 592 11 01 79 Café Ushguli Maspindzeli, Chvibiani hamlet, near Koshki (see above) TEL +995 599 97 48 73

expect to pay perhaps more to stay and to eat in Ushguli than at comparable places anywhere else in Georgia, because… it’s the end of a rather long and winding road. All that infrastructure must be taken painstakingly up, up, up, and simply getting it there is more costly in fuel and time than to anywhere else in the whole country. Also, it’s a good idea to stay in the village for more than just a few hours.

There IS enough to occupy you, what with hiking, museums, towers, meeting the locals, and even comparing eateries in order to decide which is your favorite. Let it all sink in; you won’t regret the opportunity to get to know the place a bit better than an afternoon will give you.

It’s also worth reviewing the places you tried online, and encouraging the proprietors to put up at least a Facebook page if they don’t have an online presence yet. Constructive criticism may also be well received, if offered in the right spirit.

Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with over 1900 members, at www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

Beqnu Bar & Café, Chvibiani hamlet Enguri Hotel Café, Chvibiani hamlet Villa Lileo, Zhibiani hamlet (Full disclosure: I lived here in my two Ushguli winters, before the current building was made. It has expanded much from then, both in size and in diversity of offerings to the visitor).

Dato Ratiani and his wife Nanuli Chelidze run this place, arguably Ushguli’s best, which boasts a magnificent locally styled dining hall able to seat and feed 80 (the village’s largest). The cooking uses local and organic ingredients, can be scaled to any budget and dietary need, and can also include tailor-made lessons for individuals or groups. Wi-Fi, of course; a big fireplace and bar too. They stand out. www.facebook.com/Ushguli-Hotel-VillaLiLeo-160595187339077/?ref=br_rs Tel. +995 599 912256 Just a sampling! Please note, one should

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top 6

rEstaurants in adjara By katie ruth davies

Most people vacate the capital in summer and head west to the Black Sea resorts. Adjara, and its capital Batumi, is the most popular destination, offering both wild mountain nature and a full selection of entertainment. Check out our top dining choices for the region below, as always noting that there are many, many more to excite your taste-buds than this!

Café rEtro Tucked away on a small side-street off of Batumi’s Piazza Square, this traditional Georgian café is said to serve the best khachapuri in town. Lovers of the famous eggy cheese-boat gather here and enjoy it hot, steamy and crispy.

It can be a challenge finding a seat due to its popularity, but it is one that reaps reward. Staff are attentive, fast, and always on-hand to help you with whatever you might need.

Other traditional Georgian foods are available, and should you need something to wash the artery-clogging cheese and dough bomb down, a range of home-made Georgian wine, cha-cha and beers are available.

10 Takaishvili, Batumi TEL 599 51 17 22 OPEN 9AM-11PM

bk rEstaurant BK was once a bookshop and it has keep the two-level gallery style as well as the bookshelves and has since become a must-go place for fine European dining and cocktails with friends or family. Fast and friendly service guarantees a pleasant break from the rain. Our top recommendation- the seafood soup! It serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks.

25 M. Abashidze Ave., Batumi TEL 514 81 13 13 OPEN 9 AM – 4 AM

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to eat

grill town

bEllissimo

Boasting large windows and a terrace facing the picturesque ‘6 May Park’, this contemporary eatery is a favorite of many travelers in Batumi. The menu offers a range of European cuisine and traditional Georgian food.

Three levels (one below ground) of style, comfort and excellent food and drink, an oasis in an otherwise dull urban environment. You can sit out at street level and people-watch or head upstairs to the balconies. If it’s air-con you’re after, choose from the contemporary wooden tables inside.

Come for a quick meal and you may end up staying the whole evening! You’ll enjoy an ambient atmosphere with staff who will endeavor to make your meal out the best in Batumi.

Just two minutes from the New Boulevard and beach, this makes the perfect spot to grab a classy and worth-the-money lunch, or dinner and drinks after a day of sunbathing.

24 Rustaveli Str., Batumi TEL 574 00 77 64 OPEN 10AM - 1AM

Where.ge recommends their pasta carbonara followed by a sumptuous lava cake! And on a hot day, grab a vanilla milkshake to cool you down!

14 Kobaladze Str., Batumi TEL 555 11 77 33 OPEN 8.30 AM - 2 AM

gold fish Traveling to the seaside and not eating fish is almost a crime. One of the best places to do that is located on the highway on the way to Batumi. A simple interior – red and white brick walls, minimalistic furniture, huge windows greet you, but the view over the Black Sea and iconic Batumi skyline is fantastic.

ajarian winE housE 15 minutes inland from the sea is the Ajarian Wine House, offering a full display of true Georgia- from a fullystocked wine cellar to tables laden with the best of Georgian cuisine. You can also smoke hand-rolled Georgian tobacco should you so wish.

Even more fantastic is the freshly prepared fish. Of course, the menu is seasonal, and if the catch was good, you get a full plate of mullet or anchovy for a laughable price.

The local seafood plate is indescribably big and tastes unbelievably good: the best dish to share with your friends over a draft beer or house wine.

The ideal place to take a breath of nature and relax with friends and family in incredible scenic surroundings. Booking is recommended as it is very popular, especially in summer.

5 Tamar Mepe Highway, Batumi TEL 597 86 00 22 OPEN 11 AM - Midnight

1 Adjaristskali, Khelvachauri, Adjara TEL 577 21 40 02 OPEN 10 AM - 12 AM

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Reinventing Georgian Cuisine By samantha guthrie

Sampling Georgia’s cuisine is one of the best parts of visiting the country, but even the most avid khachapuri or khinkali lover can sometimes crave something new. There is a growing wave of Georgian-fusion and innovative takes on traditional dishes.

Some of the country’s top chefs are playing with classic flavors and digging into the archives, rediscovering nearly-lost culinary delights. With a focus on local and natural foods, here is a list of some of Tbilisi’s most innovative Georgian restaurants.

book at a flea market, published in 1914. ‘Georgian Cuisine and Tried Housekeeping Notes,’ is a comprehensive guide to hosting guests, etiquette, and culinary art, and includes several hundred recipes from the late-19th century Georgian aristocracy. The book was written by the Duchess Barbare Eristavi Jorjadze. In Barbarestan’s own words, Jorjadze “combined the traditional Georgian cuisine recipes with personal experience and gastronomy knowledge in one cookbook, and added western Europeanrecipes, popular at that time, which inspired the local 19th century aristocratic Georgian housewives.”

barbarEstan This concept restaurant boldly excels at its mission “to rediscover true ancient Georgian cuisine by applying modern gastronomy standards in a lovely, cozy, family atmosphere with friendly and professional service.”

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Levan Kokiashvili, founder and co-owner of culinary consulting firm Gastronaut, partnered with world famous chef Levan Kobiashvili and the owners of Barbarestan, the Qurasbediani family, to create a concept restaurant, unique on the Georgian scene. The concept was developed after Kokiashvili discovered a small, worn

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132 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave., Tbilisi TEL 294 37 79 Web: https://www.facebook.com/barbarestan/ OPEN10 AM - 11.30 PM Note: Reservations required for dinner.

Live music Saturdays 8 PM - 10 PM.

mEama Meama is one of Tbilisi’s newest restaurants, but walking in the door takes visitors back in time 100 years with its old-world Georgia atmosphere. It is spread over three floors of a former private home in Old Tbilisi, with views overlooking the city’s best historic architecture. The restaurant, a combination of European standards and that exotic European-Asianunique Georgian mix, delights guests with dishes prepared with love and a respect for the historical significance of the setting.

8 Dzmebi Zdanevichebi Str., Tbilisi TEL 558 31 11 33

qalaqi Qalaqi is an ultra-luxe, high-end restaurant relatively new to Tbilisi’s restaurant scene, located in a specially built three-storey building near Vera Park. Although the lead chef, David Tavernier, is French, he has focused his creative energy on Georgian classics, twisting and tweaking them to elevate the flavors. Qalaqi offers Georgian and European cuisine on the first two floors in a high-quality brasserie format, and the third floor features a one Michelin star standard fine dining French restaurant, ‘Bronze by Nicolas Isnard,’ with all dishes signed off by Isnard and a maximum of 35 seats for an intimate feel. “It is completely different from anything else in Georgia; the way of service, the style of cooking: everything is revolutionary,” says Tavernier.

45b Kostava Str., Tbilisi TEL 255 10 30 Web: https://www.facebook.com/ restaurantqalaqi/ OPEN 1 PM – Midnight

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Vietnamese Cooking Classes in Tbilisi

By Sofia Bochoidze

It is nice to try the local food of the country where you travel, however it is also nice to discover your hometown cuisine during your travel, therefore this article is useful and interesting for the Vietnamese tourists visiting Georgia as well as for the locals and expats too living in Tbilisi.

Trang Regner – amazing lady from Vietnam, who lives in Tbilisi since 2016 with her wonderful family spoke to where. ge about herself, the cooking classes that she provides and her plans: “I studied ethnology and always wish to explore different cultures. Since my family moved to Georgia in 2016, we learned a lot about the country´s local culture and we fell in love with Georgian food. I love

to eat Khachapuri and Georgian BBQ, my husband and daughter´s favorites are Khinkali. I started to compare traditional Vietnamese meals to these Georgian dishes and we say: ‘’We love KHINKALI, as we love PHO, we eat KHACHAPURI, as we eat RICE’’. Their importance for the food habits and cultures in both countries are tremendous.

In my view, the strong family ties and many cultural features between Georgia and Vietnam are similar. For the Georgians the family is very important and family members take care as much of each other than in Vietnam, where the historical base of all community lies in the villages and the families. In Vietnam, everyone perceives cousins as brothers or sisters and this seems similar to me in Georgia. Also, the affection between neighbours is strong.

Here, in Tbilisi our neighbours join us frequently and are almost part of the family, like in Vietnam. Here, our HOME seems to be bigger than our apartment …

When we visited Tbilisi the first time in September 2015, I was impressed with Georgian spices which are sold by old ladies on the streets nearby Rustaveli and Freedom Square. Being a cooking enthusiast, I went curious and wanted to know more about Georgian spices and all these fresh aromatic herbs. Excited of my first days in Georgia I visited a lot of bazar style local markets in Tbilisi. For example, I went to the Didube vegetable and fresh food wholesale bazar and the living animals

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market in Digomi. I found out that a lot of fresh aromatic herbs which Georgians use for their dishes are similar to usages of the Vietnamese. Just takemint leaves, coriander, lettuce or cinnamon as examples. These are important to cook Vietnamese fresh or fried spring rolls or to give the traditional Vietnamese soup PHO its distinct taste.

Other important ingredients of Vietnamese cuisine like fish sauce, rice paper and rice noodles I buy in Carrefour which fortunately has some Asian supplies. Thus, although being almost the only Vietnamese in Tbilisi, I am so glad that I can get ingredients for my traditional food here.

First, I cooked Vietnamese for my family but then I more and more invited local friends and expats to try the food which was appreciated by them very much.

Profiting from my experience of one of my former jobs in Vietnam as Vietnamese teacher also running cooking classes at

Hanoi Institute of LanguageDevelopment I started to open Vietnamese cooking classes in Tbilisi to teach how to cook Vietnamese food and prepare a Vietnamese table, introducing about Vietnamese cuisine and culinary arts. There are more than 40 delicious dishes to be taught about, which includes fresh Vietnamese salads, Vietnamese soups and beef or chicken noodles, main dishes with pork, beef, fish, chicken and seafood, as well as Vietnamese desserts. The participants of Vietnamese cooking classes can choose between different packages, like an everyday cooking class with four dishes to learn or a Master cooking class with a full 35 Vietnamese favorite dishes or a reduced one with just 15 dishes. Our participants come from a great variety of places, many from Tbilisi but also expats and tourists from the US, Russia and Europe. I have a lot of fun together with them and we are very proud when enjoying the results of the lectures.

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There were also combined events like tasting Vietnamese food in frame of the event ‘’The Silk road and the variety of cities in Vietnam- Stories of silk products’’ at the State Silk Museum of Georgia or an authentic Vietnamese evening at Demi Hotel in Tbilisi. Nevertheless, my first Vietnamese cooking class in Tbilisi took place at Kama Café and we had also several ones at home in Sololaki old town of Tbilisi. Recently, I am cooperating with Demi Catering Service - one of the most famous of such service providers in Tbilisi working a lot for Embassies and international organizations.

We are preparing now for a new project of a Georgian-Vietnamese center in Tbilisi, being a meeting place for people who are interested in Vietnamese culture and cuisine and wishing to share their experiences within a decent place with food and exhibits”.

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TripAdvisor Names Meama #1 Georgian Restaurant Restaurant Meama 135 reviews #1 of 22 Results $$$$, Georgian, Eastern European, Vegetarian Friendly ‘‘Fantastic View’’ 08/21/2018 ‘‘Perfect place in old Tbilisi’’ 08/21/2018 Meama restaurant in Tbilisi is the latest Travelers’ Choice. According to the most authoritative tourist portal TripAdvisor, Meama is the #1 Georgian restaurant in the Fine Dining category. Check out what previous guests at the establishment had to say about their dining experiences.

Widi from Switzerland

Safran from Frankfurt, Germany

Andrey from St. Petersburg, Russia

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Listing: Georgian & Mixed Cuisine g.vino

tashrE

tiflis vEranda

Address: 6 Erekle II g.vinotbilisi TEL 293 21 21

Address: 88 Beliashvili Str. TEL 514 15 55 88

Address: 3 Gorgasali Str. TEL 200 02 45 www.tiflispalace.ge Email: tiflisveranda@tiflispalace.ge

Inspired by wine and tapas bars in Europe with their casual setup, delicious local food, diverse local natural wine offer and happy staff, g.Vino aims to support small local wine producers and help them save some rare Georgian grapes. All our staff are new to the industry. Take the example of our cooking team, with a lady who used to prepare amazing food only for her family Check out how home-made food really tastes.

mEgruli sakhli Address: 13 Mosashvili Str., 13 Atoneli Str. (Dry Bridge) TEL 591 03 43 43 Megruli Sakhli offers a wide range of Megrelian dishes including Gebjalia, Bujenina, Elarji, Ghomi, Kuchmachi and Kupati.

Restaurant Tashre is a place where the best, natural dishes of Megrelian cuisine, prepared by a high-class chef, meet the true spirit of a feast.

la bohEmE Address: 34-36 Irakli Abashidze Str. TEL 555 66 11 66 Open: 12:00PM - 2:00AM

Restaurant Tiflis Veranda is a combination of classic restaurant and lounge style summer terraces.

Brand new restaurant La Boheme, in the center of the prestigious Vake district, offers unique, Mediterranean-inspired fusion/cuisine served by Italian chef Enzo.

For the lovers of fusion and experiments, this is a perfect place to dine. At “La Boheme”, you can try bold authentic flavors presented in a fresh and contemporary way. This restaurant gives guests the chance to try various dishes in a North African setting with Arabic touches. Here, you will be served by professionals and enjoy your time to the fullest.

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It offers exquisite dishes of local and international cuisine, exclusive deserts and brand cocktails, and high-quality service against a background of great music.

Only here, surrounded by breathtaking views of the city’s most important historical and cultural monuments, can one feel the real spirit of Tbilisi.

Tiflis Veranda is ready to serve its guests daily from 11AM to 2AM.

mEgruli oda Address: 2nd km., Marshal Gelovani Ave. TEL 251 73 27, 599 18 38 97 The restaurant offers delicious Megrelian cuisine. Megruli Oda is available for banquets, wedding parties, birthday celebrations and other events.

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ankara stylE rEstaurant Address: 116 D. Agmashenebeli Ave. +995 555 51 51 34

Going up the stairs to the first floor, you will find a cozy lounge with traditional Georgian food such as khachapuri.

Freshly baked on the first floor of Ankara, this is a simple dish enjoyed by many.

That’s not all; they also make a big selection of pizza on this floor! Sitting and enjoying Turkish coffee with such a mix of culture around you is a must-have experience.

Going to the top floor you will be greeted by the robust aroma of meat being grilled and spices being used as they make their famous succulent kebabs. With many other meats also being barbequed to your taste with perfection.

A Turkish restaurant with four floors of flavor, a main dining hall, a whole floor dedicated to children, a floor for traditional Georgian food and a floor where the tastiest meats are barbequed to perfection.

Ankara Style Restaurant serves Halal food.

Starting off, you walk into a beautiful building with a big selection of food to your left and a selection of treats and sweets to your right, all for a very reasonable price. The main courses are served in the main hall but can be enjoyed on any of the four floors. One level down from the ground floor is where you’ll find a dedicated space for the children: leave them and be sure they will be safe having fun (TVs with live CCTV footage of the play area can be found on all floors). A variety of children’s meals can also be bought on this floor, such as burgers.

The ground floor or main hall is where you can buy the main courses, prepared freshevery day, with selections changing throughout the week, but grounded in the roots of Turkish cuisine. On the sweet side there is a lot to choose from, from the most delectable chocolate to hazelnut desserts.

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amazing view of Tbilisi.Evenings can be spent enjoying Georgian national dance and songs and delicious Georgian food.

kEto and kotE Address: D. Toradzis Str. TEL 555 53 01 26 Keto & Kote is one of the most charming restaurants in Tbilisi, named after a famous 20th century Georgian movie. Ask for a table on the terrace or in the garden under the grapevines and enjoy a view of Tbilisi at night and tasty Georgian cuisine.

old mEtEkhi Address: 3 Metekhi Slope TEL 274 74 07, 593 23 07 88 Overlooking the River Mtkvari and a city panorama, here you can experience a unique synthesis of Georgian history, traditions and fine taste.

samEpo marani 1878 Address: Chateau Mukhrani, Mukhrani TEL 595 99 13 14/15/16 Samepo Marani 1878 has restored the royal dishes which Ivane Mukhranbatoni proudly presented his Georgian and foreign guests- made using natural products produced in Mukhrani and each coming with its own unique wine pairing.

in thE shadow of mEtEkhi Address: 29a K. Tsamebuli Ave. TEL 230 30 30 A genuine Georgian restaurant with an

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Café lEila Address: 18 Shavteli Str. TEL 555 94 94 20 Cafe Leila is a pescetarian (some fish options available on the menu) and a healthy dining experience in Tbilisi that serves only village-grown, non-GMO and seasonal products.

Ankara Style Restaurant Ankara Style Restaurant serves Halal Food

A Turkish restaurant with four floors of flavor: • Main Dining Hall • Kids Zone • A Floor for Traditional Georgian Food • A Floor where meats are barbecued to perfection

Address: #116 D. Agmashenebeli Ave. Tbilisi Tel: +995 555 51 51 34 F: @ankararestauranttbilisi

tiflis mEidani

aripana

kharCho

Address: 6 Rkinis Rigi Str., Tbilisi TEL 599 25 06 25, 322 75 10 38 Open: 11:00 am – 12:00 amFacebook: / tiflismeidani Mail: tiflismeidani@gmail.com

Address: 34 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 599 10 25 25

Address: 18 L. Gudiashvili Str. TEL 544 44 45 44

A fabulous place for dining, with a cozy atmosphere and great Georgian cuisine right in the heart of Tbilisi. Enjoy a wide choice of wine and regional Georgian dishes.

brassEriE buvEttE Address: 18 L. Gudiashvili Str. TEL 544 44 45 44

Tiflis Meidani Wine Restaurant offers a unique atmosphere to drink and dine in in the very heart of the Old Tbilisi. The restaurant menu aims to preserve the distinctiveness of the Georgian recipes, its tastes and spicy flavors, creating a fusion of a contemporary approach and breathing new life into often ancient Georgian dishes.

Although Tiflis Meidani restaurant can accommodate 120 guests, it is equally able to offer a cozy dining experience for a small group of friends. There are nightly Georgian song performances every day and traditional Georgian dance shows five days a week from Tuesday to Saturday.

housE on madatovi Address: 25 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 555 85 92 92 For an authentic Georgian taste, beautifully served.

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Brasserie Buvette is a contemporary French restaurant, known for its chic Brasserie cuisine. The menu features updated Brasserie classics with a market-driven modern twist, the dishes showcasing Georgia’s finest produce.

Restaurant Kharcho is the first restaurant of its kind in Georgia with a small menu mainly focused on simple Georgian appetizers and Kharcho dishes and traditional desserts. Restaurant Kharcho gives a nod to the old Georgian traditional recipes while giving them a modern twist.

The cuisine there expresses the purity, freshness and simplicity associated with the regions of Georgia.

Art House OPEN 12 pm – 12 am

abkhazura

Art House OPEN 6 pm – 12 am

Address: 14a Ksani Str. TEL 243 04 50, 597 03 77 11

funiCular Address: Mtatsminda Plateau TEL 298 00 00 The Funicular Restaurant offers a classic Georgian accent where you can enjoy the limitless talents of the creative local chef.

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The menu offers city and Megrelian cuisine. The restaurant has 3 halls, Megrelian Oda (small house-type compartment for 50 persons), European Hall, accommodating 450 persons, European hall (for 100 persons) and one compartment (for 30 persons).

publiCa Address: 18 L. Gudiashvili Str. TEL 544 44 45 44

Tavern Dzveleburi Rachuli offers delicious Rachuli cuisine: Rachuli Lori, Lobiani, Shkmeruli and more.

ria 20 vinotEl

l’ EClair dE géniE Address: 12 Taktakishvili Str., Tbilisi TEL 551 99 11 55 Fb: L’ Eclair de Génie/Georgia

Address: 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent TEL 2 55 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

PUBLICA is the latest hip place in Tbilisi for delicious New American food, great cocktails and a convivial New York Americana atmosphere. Breaking with convention, the restaurant was designed to be lively, inclusive and approachable.

Publica is the ideal spot for any occasion.

Art House OPEN 12 pm – 2 am

kakhElEbi Address: 2 Saknavtobi Str. TEL 294 33 00 Restaurant-Tavern-Bakery Kakhelebi offers Georgian national cuisine made from organic and healthy products. It owns a vineyard, fruit orchard and farm of goats, and poultry. The interior concept and menu all originate from Kakheti.

tavErn dzvElEburi raChuli Address: 65 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 295 18 85, 599 11 24 80

Vinotel Restaurant is one of the most popular eateries in the city. The place is exceptional for its great menu with Georgian raw material prepared in a European style. Whether you’re into fine dining or want a romantic date, this is the place for you.

Every evening the classical Fazioli piano and a professional Georgian live trio entertain our guests in the restaurant. There is a space for 40 inside and 30 on the spacious terrace, with heating and cooling systems, a 20-seat historic hall, Georgian wine cellar, with a professional tasting table for 20 guests hosted by Vinotel’s wine expert.

A classic business hall is available for meetings and business lunches for 20 people, equipped with all modern technologies. The restaurant features several chambers each with a different style where you can sample exceptional wines with Georgian cuisine.

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Nestled on a quiet and charming street of Taktakishvili, find yourself in eclair paradise! With cozy surroundings and industrial architecture, L’Eclair de Genie is a combination of French and Georgian tastes, offering lots of classical flavors and savory tastes. Legendary Chef Christophe Adam is not just a confectioner, but also a Createur Gastronomique, combining his artistic powers to make both sweet and savory products. The character of his dishes, the simplicity and the effectivity are sure to make this a “must-visit” place.

thE kitChEn rEstaurant Address: 14 M. Kostava Str. TEL 240 00 99 Rooms Hotels Tbilisi’s culinary vision is driven by a deep respect for the country’s national bounty, combined with a passionate interest in worldwide gastronomic trends. The contemporary dishes with a classic twist have quickly become a favorite amongst the local foodies. At ‘The Kitchen,’ every dining experience is a

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khashEria Address: 23 Abano Str. TEL 272 11 57

modern retelling of diverse culinary traditions, as told by the new guard of Georgian chefs. Local farm-to-table style draws inspiration from New American cuisine.

barbarEstan Address: 132 D. Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 294 37 79 Barbarestan is a cozy restaurant with 70 seats in two halls and 2 private

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rooms for 10 people in the wine cellar.

In Barbarestan you can enjoy homestyle cuisine, the distinctive feature of which is the fact that many items on the menu are unfamiliar to metropolitan gourmets!

Of course, the basis of the menu is made up of traditional dishes, but the taste of even the classic, local, authentic foods is markedly different from that to which we are accustomed in Tbilisi. The chef uses only Georgian bio or village products and all food is prepared using old family recipes borrowed from renowned feminist Barbare Jorjadze’s cook book.

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Khasheria is the perfect place to cure your hangover with the best Georgian antihangover cuisine.

100% All-Natural Freeze-Dried Fruits Retains up to 98% of the vitamins No additives No preservatives No sugar www.gemuani.com

(+995) 596 600 020

www.easywine.ge

info@easywine.ge

easywinetbilisi

Address: Bambis rigi N7,

Easy Wine Tbilisi

Tbilisi, Georgia (0105)

easywinetbilisi

Everything you need in order to find the taste of YOUR WINE!

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My

Exclusive Drinks Guide . . . e c i o Ch

Jaba Dzimistarishvili Georgian Sommelier Association accredited and restaurant ‘Meama’s’ Chef-Sommelier

mEama The authentic restaurant ‘Meama’ is located in the heart of Old Tbilisi at 8 Zdanevich Street. It boasts unique dishes, breathtaking views, high standard services and, most importantly, the best wine menu, presenting wine from harvesting stock reserved exclusively for Meama guests, who will be able to select and taste it upon their visit.

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winEgrad Found on Kolmeurneoba Square, 1 Baratashvili Street, this is a traditional Georgian restaurant where guests can taste typical local cuisine and a European-Asian mix of wines from the cellar.

vinEria A place with a huge choice of wine along with small, tasty dishes and a big conference-museum space. In addition, you have the opportunity to view the bread baking process and attend master classes on how to make Georgian sweets like ‘churchkhela.’

gvino This venue is distinguished for the great comfort of a wide range of wines offered by small wine cellars.

8000 vintagEs This is a space where, together with an exhaustive choice of wine, the sommeliers will serve you professionally. Apart from the high-quality beverages, you will learn many interesting facts about Georgian wine.

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Go Mineral!

By katie ruth davies

I have to admit, I wasn’t much of a fan of Georgia’s famed mineral water until about three years in of my being here. I knew the locals swore by it, forcing it down their gullets on a daily basis as a “cure for all,“ especially hangovers. I tried the warm slick Borjomi from the source, the cold metallic juice of Utsera which stained the rocks bright orange, and the sought-after trio pouring out in a park in Tsaghveri, trying to focus on the health of it all, not the taste. Just couldn’t do it. I still struggle with the natural ‘from the source’ water, but I have become totally addicted to the bottled varieties- each and every one of them. I recognize I’m a child of the commercial ‘factory food’ culture, but there are worse things one could be addicted to than mineral water, right? Oh, and you can readily bathe in most of these because they’re good for your skin, too! Check them out, and note this list is just scratching the surface of Georgia’s offerings- keep your eyes open as you’re travelling as there’s guaranteed to be a tap or font spurting mountain or spring water somewhere nearby!

borjomi, samskhE-javakhEti

above sea level. In the town of Borjomi, you can pay 2 GEL to enter the Borjomi Park and taste the water direct from its source, though be warned, it is quite unrecognizable from the bottled water you may be used to! It comes out warm and flat and tasting strongly of minerals. But Georgians (and Russians) swear by it to treat various ills of the stomach.

nabEghlavi, guria

Best known, best exported, this brand’s source water is a water of volcanic origin which is over 1,500 years old. It is pushed up to the surface from 1500m below ground by natural carbon dioxide pressure. Borjomi does not cool down before it reaches the surface and comes out at a temperature of 38–41 °C (100–106 °F). The Borjomi springs are located in the gorge of Borjomi at an altitude of 760–920 m (2,490–3,020 ft)

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The source of this biting mineral water is located on the territory of health resort Nabeghlavi, in Guria, western Georgia, and was first discovered in 1905.

According to legend, local inhabitants of the region noticed that buffalos were especially attracted to one of the water sources; the very same source that offered water of a special taste and curative properties. Nabeghlavi water is formed at a depth of 2000–3000 meters. The infiltrated waters travel through various layers of substrate and rocks, absorbing a specific combination of minerals and trace elements. It is naturally sparkling as it is infused with natural carbon dioxide (CO2). The “resort” is a village up a steep hill, but you’ll want to pass both left turnings to it and cross the bridge at the shining new Nabeghlavi bottling factory.

Nestled amongst remnants of the Soviet past is a small park and a large building housing a tap. Fill up a bottle, then sit and enjoy the roaring river nearby!

utsEra, raCha

The resort of Utsera is located in Upper Racha, 15 km from Oni. The name of the village is linked with the Georgian queen, Tamar:when she was in Racha, she visited Utsera, was enchanted with its beauty and said: “Oh, what unspeakable beauty.”

Legend claims that over the course of time, the word ‘unspeakable’ changed and the settlement became known as ‘Utsera’ (‘un-writable’ in Georgian). The water is in one place Borjomi-like, in another magnesium-calcium, with a general mineralization of 1,8-2,0 g/dm3. 50 thousand liters pump out of the ground per day of the Borjomi-type and 500,000 of the magnesium-calcium. Both sources can be found by the road- one on the river side down some steps (we dare you to put your feet in those icy depths!), the other on the left-hand side spouting out from a purposemade stone font.

shovi, raCha

nervous systems, gynecologic disorders, and skin and endocrine diseases.

The spa of Shovi located in Racha is 1520 meters above sea level and features several flowing springs of mineral water (hydrocarbon sodium and potassium) which are known among the local residents as “sour waters,” effectively used to treat bile and urine duct illnesses.

tskhaltubo, imErEti

Our top recommendations are bath houses #1 and #6, which are built directly on the springs. The biggest in the town, bathhouse #6 was built for Stalin in 1951, though his death in 1953 meant he only got to visit once. The frieze above the entrance shows lines of simple Georgian folk lining up to greet Stalin, who stands in the center shaking hands with his adoring followers, and the interior is grandiosemarble, gold and cooling blues. This bath house offers a variety of private treatments, from showers, massages, and “irrigation” to underwater “spine stretching” and 40 degree mud massages. The water flows constantly, meaning that the temperature and chemical properties remain stable.

Bath house #1 offers separate communal pools for men and women, the best I’ve (so far) seen in Georgia- with water bubbling straight out of the stones. Pay your 6 GEL, strip down in the modern changing room, shower, and then head in for a luxurious soak. Outside Bath-house #1 is the public free-of-charge “Beauty Water” flowing from a four-way marble plinth. The water is lukewarm and tasteless, but soaking your face and hands daily is said to help preserve youthfulness.

Worth a try!

The resort’s fame was won by its unique mineral water, well-known even in ancient times. The water offers stable-chemical properties, belonging to the class of “weak radon, chloride-hydrocarbonated-sulphate” and “sodium-calcium-magnesium” waters, rising from the earth at a steady temperature of 33-35 °C. The waters are said to help treat illnesses of the locomotor, heart-blood vessel, and

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british bloggEr: gEorgia is Country of winEmakErs By thea morrison Famous British blogger Steve Slatcher, who travels and tastes wines around the world, has visited Georgia, underlining that it is not just a country of wine drinkers but a country of wine makers.

“From listening to other wine lovers, and from personal experience, there really is something special about the country of Georgia and its wine,” the blogger says.

Slatcher believes that Georgia’s authenticity is very important.

hospitality, love of food and wine, and other ways of having a good time, like song and dance.

home-made product accounts for around two-thirds of all wine consumption in Georgia.

“Their love of wine is so closely integrated into their culture… Georgia is not just a country of wine drinkers; it is a country of wine makers,” he said. He also noted that

“To me, it is the cultural roots that make Georgian wines interesting and authentic – they are more than mere fashion that could disappear as quickly as it arrives on the scene,” the blog reads, explaining the unique Georgian winemaking tradition in a special vessel named Qvevri.

“Georgia makes me feel at home in a strange sort of way. Even if the people and countryside can be very different from their British counterparts, I feel a shared humanity, and even the soft greens of the landscape feel familiar. Somehow, I belong,” Slatcher says.

“Somehow, the place is very real and true when compared with the artifice, spin and posturing in the world I am more used to,” he added. In his blog, the traveler writes that Georgians are distinguished with their

gEorgia sEnds 55 qvEvris to Canada By thea morrison 55 Georgian winemaking vessels (Qvevri) have been sent from Georgia to Canada, to be exhibited in Vancouver.

The information was released by the National Wine Agency (NWA) of Georgia who state that winemaker Sandro Milorava helped the Canadian restaurant owner Pascal Roy to transport the Qvevris from Georgia.

The Qvevris were made in western Georgia and arrived in Canada at the end of June. The capacity of each Qvevri is 50 - 1000 liters. The Qvevris were made in Chiatura Municipality by Qvevri-maker Imeda Gogoladze.

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Pascal Roy visited Georgia in autumn last year, hosted by wine company Marani Milorauli in Kakheti, where the Canadian guest participated in the harvesting process. As reported by the NWA, he plans to make local grape wine.

Qvevri is a large earthenware vessel used for the fermentation, storage and ageing of traditional Georgian wine. Resembling large, egg-shaped amphorae without handles, they are either buried below ground or set into the floors of large wine cellars. Qvevris vary in size: volumes range from 20 liters to around 10,000.

The 800 liter qvevri is the most common.

Qvevri and the tradition of wine-making in

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the vessel were inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Georgia registry in 2011. In 2013, UNESCO added the traditional Georgian method of making wine in Qvevris to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

us magazinE to publish artiClE about gEorgian winE By thea morrison One of America’s most popular magazines, Food and Wine, is set to publish a comprehensive article about Georgian wine culture and traditions in October.

The information was released by Georgia’s National Wine Agency (NWA), which noted that the executive editor of Food and Wine magazine Ray Isle and the photographers visited Georgia for a week.

The NWA says the creative team of Food and Wine magazine visited small and large wine cellars in Kartli and Kakheti and discovered the Georgian wine culture, traditions and Georgian cuisine.

Isle said of particular interested was Georgia’s ancient winemaking tradition using Qvevri.

“There has been a lot of interest in

Georgian wine in the past 4-5 years in the US, particularly in the sommelier restaurant community… I’ve never been to the country or met winemakers before…

When we publish the article, I hope people will become aware of Georgian wine and Georgian cuisine and realize how wonderful it is,” he stated.

Georgia’s NWA stated that the publishing of an article about Georgian wine in Food and Wine magazine is very important for increasing popularization and awareness of Georgian wine worldwide, as the print edition of the magazine has a readership of up to 925 thousand and the followers on the social media exceed 2.3 million.

“I think the biggest discovery is the people; the culture here is so warm and inviting, open to visitors coming in and learning about Georgia, this is the reason for the pride of Georgia. One thing I’ve learnt is how fun it is to be here. You see that in the toast the tradition of caring about guests, something that does not exist the same way in the US, and it’s great to be a part of it,” Isle said.

wondErlust travEl: gEorgia on my mind By anna zhvania and traditional winemaking methods. He specifically emphasizes ‘Qvevri’ winemaking methods throughout the article.

“Georgia has been making wine for around 8000 years. They’re really good at it, and the country is a spectacular place to visit,” says Alex, who was impressed with Georgia’s hospitality, traditional food and exquisite taste of wine.

Wonderlust Travel published an article ‘Georgia on My Mind’ dedicated to Georgian winemaking culture and history.

The author, Alex Alan, personally visited Georgia and was exposed to the classical

“Ghvino, the word for ‘wine’ in the Republic of Georgia, is as much a part of their national heritage as Flamenco is to Spain, or spice to India. Unlike the colder temperatures of Russia (Georgia’s neighbor to the north) the comfortable climate here

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feels more like northern California.

Grape cultivation is performed across the country and winemaking is a family-based tradition that has been passed down over generations for 8,000 years. This ancient date was affirmed by the discovery of a single grape seed found in an ancient clay pot used to make wine carbon-dated to around 6,000 BC and now proudly displayed in the Georgian National Museum,” he adds.

Wonderlust Travel is an online luxury and aspirational travel publication known for its sophisticated, expert, fun, smart and imaginative articles.

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Wine Walks Tbilisi By daria kholodilina

WHaT iS a WiNE WaLK? When I came up with the idea of Wine Walks, I wanted to combine a classical walking tour with an introduction to the wine scene of Georgia.

There are hotspots in Tbilisi where the rarest and most uncommon wines are collected. I see my mission in showing them to you during a long pleasant walk around the city, offering you the most intriguing wines and tasting little typical snacks with you. I want you to get the taste of modern Tbilisi and understand how the city developed during the ages.

The premium version of the Wine Walk

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includes a dinner with wine in one of those places that are very central, but not obvious.

DETaiLS During both versions of a Wine Walk we see the area that used to be within city walls (Old Tbilisi), the area that grew outside in the XVIII – XX centuries (Sololaki, Mtatsminda, Garetubani), ride the funicular to Mtatsminda Mount to see the city from above, taste wines and eat tasty local things.

Coffee break: 1 Snacks: typical Georgian candy made using the recipe of a noble family, fresh energy bar churchkhela and the best khachapuri in town.

Premium Wine Walk Length: 6 hours + dinner time Walking + cable car + funicular Wine spots: 5 Coffee breaks: 1 Snacks: typical Georgian candy made using the recipe of a noble family, fresh energy bar churchkhela and the best khachapuri in town.

Classic Wine Walk Length: 5 hours Walking + funicular Wine spots: 3

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One of the products I offer to the guests of Tbilisi is Wine Walks – a whole day walking tour that combines wine tasting with storytelling. I want to introduce Georgian wines, especially the ones made in qvevri to the wider audience, and I’m glad to do it in such an entertaining way.

Café volvEr

dadi bar

One of the places to thank for its decent wines during a long walk or after a long day is Wine Station (9 Aghmashenebeli Ave.). This huge, deep cellar doesn’t look like a fancy place, and I like it for this feeling of being in your uncle’s cellar, where you’ll always get a big glass of something that suits your mood and a piece of wisdom from the host.

ambEr bar Café Volver (56 Asatiani Str.) has many interesting wines to offer. Lika, the owner, has only qvevri wines in stock, the ones that spent months under the ground and have a distinctive aftertaste.

Dadi Bar (4 Sh. Dadiani Str.) is a treasury, managed by two people that are deeply in love with good food and wine, Alexander (Sasha) and Dina.

All the winemakers represented in the bar are marked on the huge map of Georgia that dominates the interior. Sasha is really picky about the wines he gets for the stock.

He became friends with many winemakers from various corners of Georgia, and he knows not only what’s in the bottle, but who’s behind it.

One of those wines that are served by glass and not by bottle are from TEMI Community, a little Kakhetian settlement for socially vulnerable people. The residents do basic farming, look after the domestic animals, make wine and produce wooden furniture and souvenirs.

Buying wine from TEMI helps the community thrive and develop. That’s why by having a glass of organic Rkatsiteli or Saperavi you are also helping people in need!

The name of Amber Bar (49 Aghmashenebeli Ave.) says it all – the qvevri wines are in focus. During the Standard Wine Walk I prefer to finish there with a glass of something seasonal. After so much walking around, around, it’s good to sit on the terrace, watch people and sip the wine.

winE station

Also, the menu of Amber is very wine-oriented. I love their bruschettas with blue cheese combined with a glass of liquid magic (also known as Khikhvi from Kakha Tchotiashvili).

My Wine Walk starts in Dadi with the first glass of wine and an introduction to the world of Georgian winemaking.

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4 New Wine Sellers By katie ruth davies

No, that wasn’t a spelling mistake in the title- what you’ll find below are the latest in a long list of wine stores, restaurants and bars offering that beloved (and ancient) Georgian juice, famed worldwide for being the first of its kind at 8,000 years old.

2winE Bright and modern with plenty of tables for

A combination wine shop (and we’re talking bottles stacked floor to ceiling here!) and restaurant, this locale is a new kid guaranteed to please your taste buds!

58 Tsintsadze Str., Tbilisi TEL 555 31 37 71 OPEN 11 AM – 12 AM

37.39 Kostava Str., Tbilisi TEL 595 88 33 00 OPEN 10 AM – 11.45 PM

knoCk knoCk

tErrawinE 2WINE Bright and modern with plenty of tables for seating couples. This makes the perfect place to go with a loved one or close friend and take a break from the bustle of the city while sipping on Georgian wine or cocktails. The bonus comes with the good music, food and friendly atmosphere.

1 Petriashvili Str., Tbilisi TEL 599 43 00 77 OPEN 5 PM - 1 AM

winE and dinE tbilisi

Enjoy modern elegance at this wining and dining locale. A relaxed atmosphere greets you, as does a vast selection of European and fusion cuisine to complement your choice of Georgian wine.

This courtyard bar edged by numerous doors (hence the name) is made for good weather and offers an open space for drinking with friends while moving to the beats of the DJ set.

Enjoy unique, Georgian, bio-organic and family wines gathered from around Georgia and meet interesting people as you mingle.

1 Melikishvili /Petriashvili Strs., Tbilisi

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Wine Tours Around Georgia By daria kholodilina http://www.wine-tours.eu/guides/daria/

kakhEti privatE winE tour The eastern reaches of Georgia are fully-encapsulated by the Kakheti region.

It’s a land boxed in by dramatic mountains at its edges and the river valley that sits between them is home to a wealth of Georgian vineyards and cellars. The Georgians know it to be a land of hearty dishes such as mtsvadi (grilled meats) or khashlama (boiled beef) with wines that are more than equal to standing up to and pairing excellently for their delicious stomach-pummeling feasts.

included in the tour price • Pre-tour communication and customized design with special requests taken into account • All tasting & winery visit fees • Translation from Georgian to English, German, Russian, or Ukrainian • Complimentary copies of the author & guide’s Georgian wine book • Traditional lunch at a local restaurant with wine included (vegetarians welcome!)

• Pick up & return to the center of Tbilisi and transportation throughout the day • Time permitting, additional, regional-specific gastronomic/ cultural activities

kartli & mtskhEta privatE winE tour

Tour program • Departure from Tbilisi • Overview of Georgian history, wine, & food • Winery visit, tasting, & light lunch • Visit to Alaverdi Monastery and Gremi Fortress • Second wine tasting, a talk with the winemaker • Return to Tbilisi

Sandwiched between the booming Kakheti and the burgeoning Imereti, this region of the two Kartlis and Mtskheta is something of an underdog, yet is one of the most accessible places to visit given that Tbilisi, the navel of Georgia’s universe, sits at the center. It’s also the home of the Jvari Monastery, one of the most visited in Georgia due to its proximity to Tbilisi and being included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List together with Svetitskhoveli Cathedral on the other side of the river.

Tour program • Departure from Tbilisi • Overview of Georgian history, wine, & food

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• Visit to Jvari Monastery • Wine tasting and lunch at a local winery • Excursion to the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe • Afternoon winery visit • Return to Tbilisi included in the tour price • Pre-tour communication and customized design with special requests taken into account • All tasting & winery visit fees • Translation from Georgian to English, German, Russian, or Ukrainian • Complimentary copies of the author & guide’s Georgian wine book • Traditional lunch at a local restaurant with wine included (vegetarians welcome!)

• Pick up & return to the center of Tbilisi and transportation throughout the day • Time permitting, additional, regional-specific gastronomic/ cultural activities

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Listing: Drink Spots Easy winE Address: 7 Bambis Rigi, Tbilisi TEL 596 60 00 20 E-mail: info@easywine.ge OPEN 12 PM - 00:00 AM

EASY WINE is a wine bar-restaurant located in the historic part of Old Tbilisi.

Everything is at your disposal for you to discover your taste: • Wine from every corner of Georgia • Tasting Dispenser • Sommelier • EASY BOOK (Alcohol Handbook of Georgian Production) • Apparatus Testers When you want to: know more about Georgian wine, introduce your foreign guests to the great diversity of Georgian wine, discover your taste in drinks, be aware of your drink’s chosen and which food creates the right blend of taste, have a cozy atmosphere for meetings and gatherings, you know exactly where to go – EASY WINE is waiting for you!

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la bohEmE

Address: 34-36 I. Abashidze Str. TEL: 555 66 11 66 Open: 12 pm – 2 am

Love a good cocktail and a rich, cozy atmosphere? Then “La Boheme” is a must-visit place for you. It serves cocktails with an exquisite touch served by professional bartender Igor Boriskin. We all get tired and want to escape reality from time to time. At “La Boheme” you do just that with a nice drink and modern music in an environment styled like the center of fashionable Marrakech. Being one of the few places serving signature cocktails in Tbilisi, you’re sure to enjoy the unique tastes you’ll be offered there.

tarts. Pin Pon aims to provide fresh, delicious and healthy options in a creative way. Fancy something other than tea or coffee? No problem. What about some Melon Vodka? Their lemonades are made freshly and change each season. Right now, they are offering Gluhwein and cocktails based on champagne- like French 75 or apperol - spritz. We should admire their Saperavi from Kakheti and Georgian craft beer. The interior is sweet and cozy, painted by the owner himself.

hard roCk CafE Address: 1 Petriashvili Str. TEL 240 14 01

pin pon Café Address: 22 I. Chavchavadze Ave., 13 L. Asatiani Str. TEL 599 98 77 40 Pin Pon is a paradise for coffee lovers. If you are fond of Flat white, Filter, Aeropress or cold brew coffee, otherwise hard to find in Tbilisi, then Pin Pon is the perfect spot for you. Hot drinks come with delicious homemade cookies- cocoa balls or lemon

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Located in the heart of Tbilisi city. Take in our unique interior design, which features classic memorabilia from music’s greatest talents, while you discover your favorite menu item and sip on one of our refreshing signature drinks. Stop into The Rock Shop® before you go to pick up a commemorative Hard Rock Cafe souvenir.

thE woland’s spEakEasy Address: 2 I. Machabeli Str. TEL 596 30 94 94

Escape reality and travel back to a time when people sat and chatted in a classy ambiance, sipping Manhattans. Start your journey at Begemot café, an elegant choice for literature, tea and coffee lovers.

An international book swap event is held there twice a month.

Join the already-regular customers and members of this age-old classy society.

The place has a designated smoking area.

g.vino Address: 6 Erekle II Str. TEL 293 21 21 If you are looking for something exceptionally mysterious in Tbilisi, then we invite you to one of the classiest you can find: the first Georgian Speakeasy. Woland’s Speakeasy, with its distinct 1920s Prohibition vibe, is tucked away at 2 Ivane Machabeli Street,

Located in the heart of Tbilisi Old Town, g.Vino represents all that inspires us from our travels to the wine bars, tapas bars and restaurants of Spain, Italy and France.

We aim to provide friendly and knowledgeable service, serve great tasting

eco-friendly wine from small local producers and offer a selection of wine-friendly local food. Most of the wines you will find at our bar are made using unique and ancient Georgian traditional technology which counts over 8000 years and has been included in UNESCO as a world heritage. A meal here might be a board of artisan cheese and cold cuts, one or two small plates for one person or several items shared with friends or your neighbor at the bar, always with bread and a great wine.

Babaneuris Marani

Babaneuris Marani is a vineyard, winery and boutique hotel, nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, within sight of the major historic and cultural sites of Kakheti. The vineyard is granted all necessary conditions for the production of a unique and an exquisite wine, ideal in its soil, elevation (550 meters above the sea level), environment and climate.

They make and keep wines inspired by the ancient Georgian traditional method of wine-making which takes its roots from early 5000 BC, in the same way it has been done in Georgia for over 8,000 years.

Wine is their life and work at Babaneuri.

“We planted the vine, watched it grow and mature,” they say. “Each phase of wine lifecycle is important for us and we are involved in all stages, from initial care, continuing with pressing and sharing the result with our guests.”

They use handpicked grapes from their own vineyards and produce a limited quantity of wine. Their vineyards are cultivated on 10 hectares along the Babaneuri Strict Nature Reserve. They produce natural and unfiltered wines from four Georgian grape varietals: Rkatsiteli, Kakhetian Mtsvane, Kisi and Saperavi. The place of origin of Kisi is Babaneuri, one of just three villages in Kakheti region where exclusive quantities of wine are produced.

They planted the vine in 2005 and since 2009 have been producing their own wine.

Their wine is sold in France, Germany, the Netherlands, in London and United States.

To taste very limited verities of Babaneuri wine, visit their cellar.

In 2017, Babaneuri opened boutique hotel Babaneuris Marani with 13 rooms, located in the middle of their vineyards and nestled on the slopes just under the Babaneuri Strict Nature Reserve. The hotel overlooks the whole of Kakheti and welcomes guests with delicious traditional wines, amazing food, beautiful walks through the forests, and a warm family welcome.

Babaneuri village, Akhmeta, Georgia TEL 551 43 35 51, 555 77 65 51

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Wine Route in Georgia Drive out into the regions and you’ll be sure to see the brown road signs marking the way to the nearest Wine Route features- from small family holdings to large Chateaux; don’t miss out on your chance to delve deeper into Georgia’s 8,000 year tradition of winemaking.

ChatEau zEgaani Address: 1 Al. Chavchavadze Str, Zegaani TEL 0322 10 30 44, 595 225 552 E-mail: info@chateau-zegaani.com Online Shop: www.chateau-zegaani.com

pool, horses, dogs, music, a billiards room, wine cellar, and tone oven.

tEliani vallEy winivEria ChâtEau mErE Address: Village Vardisubani, Telavi, TEL 595 99 03 99, 595 99 03 90, 595 99 03 94 A wine cellar, restaurant and hotel, Château Mere is very popular in Georgia and wine cellar Winiveria is the part of the unified concept. This is one of the best small wine cellars in Georgia, producing high-quality wines: Rkatsiteli, Kindzmarauli, Kisi, Khikhvi and Mtsvane Kakhuri.

Tourists can pick and press grapes, taste wine, make Churchkhela, barbeque meat, make Khinkali, and bake bread in a ‘tone’ oven. Sightseeing visits around Kakheti are also available. The hotel also offers a

Address: 3 Tbilisi Highway, Telavi, TEL 577 50 02 57 One of Georgia’s largest wine producers, Teliani Valley’s wine factory is located along the right-hand side of the main road to Telavi. The factory is equipped with everything needed to welcome guests -

from modern machinery to a traditional wine cellar, tasting hall and a small hotel.

The company produces PDO wines: Tsinandali, Manavi, Mukuzani, Khvanchkara, Kindzmarauli, Tvishi, etc. as well as red, pink and white table wines, traditional Qvevri wines, chacha (Georgian grappa) and brandy. Various types of tours are available throughout the year.

You can visit the factory and taste five types of wine at any time of the year, and in autumn, guests have the opportunity to participate in the harvest.

sChuChmann winEs gEorgia Address: Village Kisiskhevi, Telavi, TEL 593 48 73 74

Schuchmann Wines Georgia is located in the village of Kisiskhevi, on a hill 1.5 km from the main road. The company owns a hotel and a wine cellar built to resemble a medieval castle and featuring a large

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veranda and tasting and conference rooms. A traditional wine cellar, equipped with Qvevri, stands next to a modern wine factory. This company is one of the country’s most experienced and successful in terms of wine tourism. It was founded by a German wine enthusiast infatuated with Georgia, Mr. Schuchmann, who brought together one convenient infrastructure: the wine cellar, restaurant and hotel.

Schuchmann Wines produces high-class white and red wines according to Kathetian and European methods.

kindzmarauli winE CEllar Address: Kvareli TEL 249 74 77

Kindzmarauli Wine Cellar is located in the heart of extensive vineyards in the micro-zone of famous Kindzmarauli. The factory was built in 2003 and is one of the leading companies, equipped with the state-of-the-art technologies where visitors can see the production process, harvest area planted with more than 420 ancient Georgian grape varieties, taste both new and aged wines, and visit a Chacha distillery plant. Kindzmarauli Wine Cellar’s assortment includes 23 brands of premium quality wine, of which three - red dry ‘Kakheti Kingdom,’ dry white Kakheti Kingdom and red naturally semi-sweet ‘Kindzmarauli Original’ are the exclusive brands of the company.

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twins winE housE Address: Village Napareuli, Telavi TEL 2424042, 551 74 74 74

Twin brothers Gamtkitsulashvili founded “Twins Wine House” in 1997 on the basis of their family-run wine cellar, hotel and restaurant. The company produces several varieties of wine – Rkatsiteli, Kakhuri Mtsvane and Saperavi according to the traditional Kakhetian method – in Qvevri.

They offer a variety of services to their visitors including wine tours and museum excursions. Guests can visit the old wine cellar and new production, the Qvevri and wine museum, take part in grape picking during harvest, attend the grape pressing process in the 18th century winepress, see the process of vodka distillation from Chacha, bake bread in a ’tone’ oven, make Churchkhela and taste wines directly from Qvevri: red wine – “Sun of Qvevri” Saperavi and amber wine – “Sun of Qvevri” European.

ChâtEau mukhrani Address: Village Mukhrani, Mtskheta TEL 595 99 13 14/16 Château Mukhrani is located 25 minutes’ drive from Tbilisi and occupies the estate of Prince Mukhran-Batoni’s Palace. Basic sightseeing of the palace and its cellars, with a main tunnel connecting the palace to the winery. The cellars of Mukhrani Palace have been completely renovated.

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The Tourism Department of Château Mukhrani offers diverse wine tours to guests – from walking in the vineyards to visiting the historical palace of MukhranBatoni and modern winery. Château Mukhrani produces classic white, rosé, red and fortified wines as well as Chacha from following varieties: Goruli Mtsvane, Chinuri, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rkatsiteli, Muscat, Tavkveri, Shavkapito, Saperavi and Cabernet.

winE CEllar lagvinari Address: Village Bakurtsikhe, Gurjaani TEL 577 54 60 06 This wine cellar is located in the village of Bakurtsikhe and has been producing wine since 2011 by local traditional method in Qvevri from different grape varieties, including grapes from Kartli and western Georgia - Tsitska, Tsolikouri, Krakhuna, Aladasturi, Otskhanuri Sapere, Goruli Mtsvane, Chinuri, Rkatsiteli and Saperavi.

Saperavi and Rkatsiteli vineyards are grown approximately two kilometers from the wine cellar over 4 ha of land. A beautiful view of the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus Mountain range can be enjoyed from the wine cellar. Traditional Georgian dishes are available on advance request.

winE CEllar kakhuri Address: 1 Tbilisi Highway, 2200 Telavi, Georgia TEL 599 10 70 35 Kakhuri is located on the main road of Telavi on a territory housing a demonstration vineyard, a wine-tasting room and an ethnographic corner. Visitors will be able to participate in the grape harvest, bake bread, and make wine and Churchkhela.

The company produces several varieties of PDO and table wines: Tsinandali, Mukuzani, Kindzmarauli, Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhetian, etc., as well as Chacha.

kharEba Address: Kvareli, Georgia TEL 293 50 73, 599 80 85 39

Gvirabi (which means tunnel in English) is carved in the rock of the Caucasus Mountain Range. The tunnel was opened in 1962 for the World Wine Congress. In the beginning, it belonged to the government and wine from the entire Kakheti region was stored here. Nowadays, it is the Winery Khareba cellar, used to age wine. The constant temperature - 12-14 degrees, with around 70% humidity all year round, creates the ideal, natural conditions for wine to age in French oak barrels, as well as to store bottled wines for extended periods.

The tunnel consists of two main parallel tunnels and 13 smaller perpendicular ones.

The total length of the entire tunnel is 7.7 km.

The entrances to the long parallel tunnels have their own functions: the first is for tourists and is used for wine tours, while the second belongs to the industrial part, where the company stores and ages its finest wines in French oak barrels and steel tanks.

In 2011, special tour facilities were created around the wine tunnel: a big recreational park, which includes the river and old Qvevries, as well as a Georgian water mill, traditional Georgian bakery Tone, a Chacha (grappa) distilling facility, a traditional Georgian marani (wine cellar) with the Satsnakheli (Georgian traditional wooden grape press) and other cultural sites.

The tourism complex also includes wine tasting for more than 30 varieties of the best wines produced by Winery Khareba, as well as many other activities tourists can take part in: distilling Chacha, baking Georgian bread, making Chuchkhela, grilling meat (Georgian barbeque), and harvesting and pressing grapes in the Satsnakheli.

alavErdi monastEry Address: Village Alaverdi, Akhmeta TEL 596 10 04 34

The wine cellar of Alaverdi Monastery is one of Kakheti’s most distinctive cellars.

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Located within the monastery territory, on the site of the historical wine cellar (8th-10th centuries), it was recently rebuilt.

The cellar includes a classical wine hall, a large 6th century Qvevri warehouse, an ethnographic corner, a tasting room, and a souvenir shop. Traditional white and red Qvevri wines produced in the Alaverdi Monastery wine cellar include Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Kisi, Khikhvi, Saperavi and Chacha.

vinotEl Address: 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent TEL 2 55 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

Wine-curious visitors can order a special wine tasting from Vinotel’s wine expert, who will give you a tour of their in-house redbrick wine cellar and a solid introduction to the Georgian wine culture.

The historical arched, brick wine cellar offers an exceptional selection of the best Georgian wines, including natural wines from small exclusive artisan wineries and industry leaders. Wines are kept at optimum conditions thanks to the natural properties of the cellar, combined with the recently added cutting-edge German technology.

“Dear Beno, on behalf of the group of Masters of Wine who visited Georgia, and for myself, I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude for the kindness…”

Lisa Granik, Master of Wine

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100% Fall

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Fall looks for men

Exclusive Tips for Shopping Lovers

. . . e c i o My Ch

George Keburia Designer

Chaos ConCEpt storE This loft-like cool concept store offers designs from buzzy Georgian designers as well as more established international brands. The atmosphere and design of the store is totally unique- go enjoy and buy!

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Fall looks for women

l’aromE boutiquE The place to go to choose from among a great selection of perfumes and niche brands such as M.Micallef and Histoires de Parfums.

mrkt This new kid on the block is located on the first floor of the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, and offers a huge variety of accessories from Georgian designers.

buyErs storE This store has a nice selection of cool designers, hip artists and quality products for sale online for your convenience. Check out their summer collection of swinwear and sunglasses and keep an eye on their facebook page for regular special offers.

flabour batumi Take a break from the beach and head over to the Flabour concept store. Created by Janashia, one of Georgia’s fashion pioneers, this concept store is a platform for established and up-and-coming Georgian designers to show off their latest fashion products.

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Touch of fall for home

Where to Buy Organic Produce By katie ruth davies

Want to buy delicious fruit, vegetables, spices and sauces which have come straight from the villages but are made carefully, with love and following hygiene norms? Want to help support farming communities and do your bit for Georgia?

Check out some of the options below.

agrohub

thE gEmovani wEEkly agromarkEt The perfect place to taste and buy traditional Georgian food, homemade and produced by more than 70 local farmers.

Organizers say, “We want to take advantage of the local market and, more importantly, to support the restoration of Georgian traditional methods of production as well as the popularization of genetically Georgian products. Products

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produced under the ‘Gemovani’ label are unique and should be recognized worldwide. That is why, after establishing ourselves on the local market, the number one plan is to enter the international markets,” the Gemovani director said.

Grab the moment and get organic shopping this Saturday!

8 Sioni Str., Tbilisi, Near Karvasla (Shardeni) TEL 591 49 00 00 www.fb.com/Gemovani/ OPEN Every Saturday 3 PM to 10 PM

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AgroHub guarantees high quality and natural products in a civilized environment not so dissimilar to your familiar supermarket. The staff are friendly and the service great and the food, as you may well imagine, organically delicious!

M. Gelovani Ave., Tbilisi TEL 244 07 07 OPEN 9 AM - 10 PM

soplidan.gE A popular website offering you the chance to order straight from the village and have the organic produce delivered straight to your door! A bit pricey, but well worth the effort of pressing ‘Enter’!

Tips for velvet season

Beach Accessories By katie ruth davies

This time of year, you’ll find everything you need for sun, sand and relaxation on most streets throughout the capital, and no less on the coast itself. Here are some tips to help you if you’re heading out from Tbilisi or just plan to play in the capital’s lakes!

CostumEs & trunks There’s no better guarantee of quality and comfort than the Malls, though you’ll see a variety of cheaper versions on many stalls in underpasses and in the mass-importer shops.

rings & things

sun CrEams & oils

For a quick inflatable that you’re happy to use and throw away when it pops, go for something from a toy shop or stall in an underpass. If you have money to spend and want quality, go for the toy stores in the Malls, such as ‘Super’. We also spied some cute foam floaters in Biblus Gallery the other day…

The pharmacies are your best bet for keeping your skin protected and supple this summer, and they offer the full assortment, including Factor 50 for kids.

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How to choose the best

Street Shopping: A Guide to Tbilisi’s Bazaars By samantha guthrie

One of Georgia’s most charming and attractive qualities is its east-meets-west character. The tradition of the bazaar comes from the east, and in Tbilisi’s streets, it mingles with European and Soviet traditions to create a unique phenomenon. You can learn a lot about Georgian life and culture by visiting the bazaars – and also find some great deals!

A reality of all the bazaars is this: if you are a foreigner (even if you speak passable Georgian), you will be charged more.

The best strategy is to choose a price you are willing to pay, and negotiate down to that, not worrying whether or not you paid $0.25 more than the locals pay. If you’re insistent on getting the lowest prices or have a passion for bargaining, try asking around at different sellers to gauge prices or, better yet, ask a local shopper what a normal price is for a kilo of carrots or sulguni cheese.

Produce in Georgia is very seasonal and what you find in the bazaar is what is in season, so don’t be surprised that there are no peaches in September or asparagus in July (thankfully, potatoes are available year round!)

The word ‘bazroba’ also refers to open markets in Georgia and is used practically interchangeably with ‘bazaar.’

dEzErtirEbis (dEzErtEr) bazaar A massive, twisting maze located near the city center at Dinamo Arena, Dezerter’s Bazaar gets its name from its historical start as the place where army deserters gathered to sell their weapons in the 1920s. You can find everything here – produce driven in from villages that morning, fresh and frozen meat (I wouldn’t recommend buying meat here unless you have a strong eye, and nose, for quality), household appliances, dishes, decorations, towels and sheets, clothing (custom made jeans!), coffee beans ground to order, children’s toys – all guarded by shriveled octogenarians who look like sweet grandmothers but have a negotiating fist like a hammer.

It’s not pretty or particularly photogenic, but it’s easily accessible by public transport, has almost everything you need, and the prices can’t be beat by any formal stores.

There are many stands set up outside around the area, but the ‘real’ bazaar is inside. Prices can often be significantly cheaper inside, especially on produce, but you can get lost easily in the chaos.

Dezertirebis, Dezerter, Deserters’, or ‘Vagzali’ (train station) are all names for this bazaar.

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Of the best fall products

didubE Didube is a massive marshrutka (minibus) and bus station, also called “Okriba,” and metro station. The transportation hub is interspersed with stalls, crowded in on every piece of open land, where sellers offer produce, prepared foods, clothing, and toys. There is one section of corrugated metal stalls, covered with a metal roof – watch out – there are only entrances and exits at each end of the row, so you can quickly get lost and stuck inside!

The best part about Didube is seeing all the marshrutkas labeled with far off destinations, and hearing the drivers yelling out the names of cities – maybe you will get inspired to take a trip!

navtlughi Navtlughi bazaar is located between Isani and Samgori metro stations. Sellers there offer mainly fresh produce, churchkhela (a snack made of sweet, dried grape juice and nuts), tklapi (fruit leather), and dried fruits. You can also find fresh caught fish and many other random items, from small car parts to tobacco to cheap jewelry. Prices are very affordable here, and, as always, negotiation is expected.

lilo The sheer scale of Lilo is overwhelming. In recent years, the Tbilisi government has tried to clean up what was once a sprawling, chaotic field with everything from sheep to furniture.

In fact, you can still see the occasional sheep at Lilo, but it is much more navigable today than it used to be, having been given the name “Lilo Mall,” a formal parking area, and, most transformative, a organizational system inside complete with signs and maps.

Lilo is located at the very eastern edge of the city, on the road to Kakheti. It is a semi-open structure, with a mix of formally built shops and casual stalls, with tarps covering the inside walkways to protect shoppers from the sun but not the rain, so beware of the mud pit Lilo can quickly become.

Lilo has food for sale, but comparatively less than Dezertirebis or Navtlughi. Its specialty is clothes, shoes, and large items – furniture, light fixtures and carpets. The cheapest prices in Tbilisi are found at Lilo – rugs straight from Turkish factories and trinkets from Chinese cargo trucks with none of the markup that sellers further into the country will add. I once saw a pretty factory-made carpet for sale in Sighnaghi for 50 GEL, that I ended up buying for 20 GEL at Lilo!

to buy

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What’s new

The Summer’s Top Books about Georgia By katie ruth davies

There are a surprising number of books about or based in Georgia, printed in English and other languages: some for hikers, some for history-lovers, some for aspiring politicians, some for those who love to experiment in the kitchen and some, pure fiction and just for fun.

Each will, in its own unique way, give you an insight into what makes Georgia so magical, so well-positioned between ‘East’ and ‘West,’ so welcoming to guests, so proud of its heritage and so cautious in its relations with Russia.

These books can usually be found in English in Prospero’s Bookstore in Tbilisi, or ordered online via Mta Publications or amazon. Other such books can be found in other bookstores in the main towns/cities around the country, though often in limited supply.

hungEr: a CollECtion of short storiEs on war, faminE, and starvation

By Shawn Basey

the World Wars, more modern stories from the Caucasus, and a post-apocalyptic nightmare of a family finding their way from Prague. All of them will leave you questioning your humanity.

This new edition of Bradt’s Georgia, the only dedicated guide to the country, has been thoroughly updated throughout, with greatly expanded coverage of Batumi, Adjara and Svaneti.

gEorgia (bradt travEl guidEs)

The capital, Tbilisi, has seen huge changes in the past decade with some conspicuous new projects such as the Peace Bridge, the Opera House and the Presidential Palace.

Much of the country can be visited in day-trips from the luxury hotels of Tbilisi and Batumi; the remotest areas such as Svaneti and the Pankisi Valley can also now be visited. Mestia, the capital of Svaneti, has an airport and a ski resort.

The Georgian wine industry is covered, as is the Black Sea resort of Batumi, near the Turkish border.

by Tim Burford

quEEn tamar: hEr signifiCanCE

A collection of short stories of famine, war, and spiritual starvation. The only difference between man and animal is hunger; how we deal with it, and if we let it control us. This collection of 6 haunting stories follows that theme: historical fiction from

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by Sargis Kakabadze (Author), Michael P. Willis (Translator)

to buy

To learn about Georgia

This isn’t a work of great literature - it’s a tad YA in writing style, as our feisty heroine succeeds her father and faces marauding Turkomen, noblemen who won’t accept a female ruler, invading Seljuks and an overbearing aunt. And her love for valiant young soldier Soslani, but an unhappy first marriage to a swine of a Russian...

vinologuE guidE to gEorgia A translation of a short 1912 lecture by the great Georgian historian Sargis Kakabadze (1886-1967), it concisely evaluates the role and importance of the legendary Queen Tamar of Georgia, and her struggle with the villainous and impertinent aristocracy during the Georgian Golden Age.

By Daria Kholodilina

Like Vinologue’s previous award-winning and highly-referenced titles, this is an in-depth guide to the wines and wineries of the country. Given how tightly connected Georgian food and wine are, there is also a significant section about the local dishes as well. The book also talks about the history of the country in terms of wine, how winemaking with a Qvevri works, the various native Georgian grapes being used in production, as well as a lengthy chapter on the Georgian language and alphabet.

The overall theme of the book is to make Georgian wine as accessible, understandable, and enjoyable to the visitor as possible. To this end, all wine region sections are accompanied by a selection of additional wine-related places to visit including restaurants with excellent wine lists, wine bars, wine museums, and of course wine shops. Wherever possible, the Georgian script is given alongside the Latin so that people unfamiliar with the language can orient themselves or ask locals for assistance.

thE girl king

by Meg Clothier

[From a Review] There aren’t too many books about the country of Georgia, so this novel on the life of 12th century Queen Tamar, a national heroine and warrior queen, is interesting.

this book is an initial section on Tbilisi with recommended restaurants for wine, and wine shops.

This wine guide includes individual winery profiles with original photos, maps, appellations, regional information for lodging and restaurants, Georgia food, and the history of wine. Also specific to

to buy

Distribution in Georgia: Dadi Wine Bar, Café Volver, Amber Bar, Wine Station Tbilisi It is also possible to order the book online.

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Georgian designers

Georgian Designers Abroad By anna zhvania

The importance of fashion among the Georgian community cannot be understated. Georgian designers have made a renowned name for themselves producing high-end labels that have contributed to the shape of style not only in Georgia, but worldwide.

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to buy

Occupy fall catwalks

dEmna gvasalia

style. Inspired by Georgian landscapes, Irakli Nasidze displays ground-breaking fashion shows and showrooms, fusing traditional cultural elements into haute couture.

david koma David Koma became synonymous with sculptural party dresses that have been worn by celebrities like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Adriana Lima, Kendell Jenner and many more. Based in the UK, he emerged in the fashion scene as one of the most promising talented Georgian designers.

He is known for statement dresses that flatter the feminine form, empowering women to wear futuristic shapes, strong designs and body-contouring silhouettes.

Demna Gvasalia, a Georgian fashion designer, became known worldwide when he took over as Creative Director of Balenciaga and Head Designer of Vetements. Translating to “Clothes”, Vetements is a luxury French brand specializing in premium collections for both men and women. Deviating from typical notion of high-end brands, Vetements embraced the philosophy to harmonize real clothes with bold attitude and unique style. Inspired by his Georgian roots, Demna Gvasalia imprinted the Soviet regime, wars, religious attitudes and fight for freedom on his new Spring 2019 collection.

Eloshi

irakli nasidzE

Designer Lela Eloshvili of the label Eloshi, modernizes traditional heritage into exclusive prints and fabrics, creating eye-catching clothes for those seeking high-quality. Combining a variety of colors with asymmetric pieces, Eloshi promotes the concept of confidence among women.

Eloshi is known for its accessories and

Paris-based fashion designer Irakli Nasidze is known for his sleek and feminine pieces evoking a sense of surrealism and sensuality. With pastel and light-colors, his collections are elegant and delicate, with elements of a true Parisian

footwear. Every piece is made with love, incorporating unique and fierce personalities.

simon maChabEli Simon Machabeli, a Georgian designer, simultaneously works in the field of performing arts, including theater, film and fashion. His collection has an eccentric disregard for rules, transforming the conventional catwalk shows into individual presentations. Machabeli is exuberant in the use of color and energy and embraces the world of fashion, creating non-seasonal garments guaranteed to turn heads.

gEorgE shagashvili Based in Denmark, George Shagashvili is unquestionably one of the leading names in the new generation of Georgian brands, with bold and dark contemporary style. His collection often mixes black with white and grey, establishing a distinctive aesthetic masculine look that fits a woman’s silhouette ideally.

to buy

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Seasonal trends

Made in Georgia By anna zhvania

Many Georgian players have created a world that often feels impossible to grasp from the outside. Perhaps you know the names, but not their stories. Or maybe you are unfamiliar with the brands. With that in mind, here is a guide to essential Georgian brands and products, made with love.

in tiflis

inside, you will find funky jewelry, retro accessories, vintage toys, glamorous home décor items and more.

Address: 34 L. Asatiani Str., Tbilisi TEL 595 03 33 41 OPEN: 11 AM - 8.30 PM F: @inTiflis

company producing chocolates and sweets.

The buttery, sweet taste of Barambo chocolate bars provides a new way for consumers to enjoy the local brand. You can indulge in Barambo chocolate treatments like chocolate bars, sticks, sweets, caramel sweets, ice-cream, wafers and wafer cakes.

shota saganElidzE an.ba.ni The history of the Georgian blue tablecloth has evolvied over centuries and according to the etiquette of the royal court, the traditional Blue tablecloth was a necessary attribute of the royal feast and courtier regale. As cloth bags are in fashion, Nikoloz Nutsubidze imprints the traditional blue tablecloth for the brand An. Ba.Ni, popularizing the Georgian culture and tradition of hospitality.

Are you visiting Tbilisi and looking for a unique gift to take home? Explore the temple of good taste to find the perfect present – and it’s guaranteed you’ll want to treat yourself as well.

You know those shops that you enter on a whim and end up staying for hours? This is exactly what happens when you visit ‘In Tiflis’. Nestled on a cozy street in the Old Town, in a lively neighborhood, ‘In Tiflis’ is a cozy boutique gift shop waiting for your spending power!

Each carefully curated item in the store has its own story and history, inspired from the local culture. The fitting name serves to let customers know that all items are produced or handmade in Georgia.

Once inside, it’s hard to know where to start – hunting along the shelves, flipping through pieces hung on the walls or going through piles of accessories. In Tiflis is the latest concept shopping sensation and

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Taking the Georgian alphabet to the next level, the famous musician and composer Shota Saganelidze transform the heritage of Georgia into portraits. His work reflects the local history, portraying Shota Rustaveli, Queen Tamar, actress Sopiko Chiaureli, poet and actor Niko Gomelauri in a distinctive, lively style. All of his works are drawn using the old, as well as the new Georgian writing style, making it truly unique and exquisite.

barambo swEEts Make any day sweeter with your favorite treat – Barambo. Founded in 2009, Barambo is a Georgian confectionary

to buy

natvris khE – thE wishing trEE Directed by Tengiz Abuladze, Natvris Khe is a Georgian movie based on a story written by Giorgi Leonidze. Taking place in a Georgia village, the story focuses on a tragic love story between two lovers who were denied marriage by village elders.

From a simpleton searching for a tree to fulfill his dreams to a fortune-teller promising herself the return of a lost love, the characters are eccentric. The film serves to indulge viewers in a magical fantasy that imitates the mentality and social changes needed in that period.

tips for fashionistas

Listing: Georgian Designers Chubika

mariam gvasalia

dalood tbilisi

Address: 3a Abakelia Str. TEL 579 43 13 19 https://www.chubika.com/

Address: 19 Kobuleti Str., Tbilisi TEL 592 13 00 00

Address: 23 Kostava Str., Tbilisi TEL 577 14 99 12, 599 33 78 74

fashion housE matEria

avtandil

Address: 22 K. Apkhazi Str., Tbilisi TEL 299 68 18, 247 58 07 www.materia.ge

dots giga tavdgiridzE – gt handmadE Facebook: GT handmade TEL 577447178

sofio gongli Enamel buyers.ge

Address: 22 K. Apkhazi Str., Tbilisi 2/4 Rustaveli Ave., Galleria Tbilisi, 40 Rustaveli Str., Hilton Batumi TEL 299 95 30 www.dotstbilisi.com

tamuna ingorokva Address: 13a Tamarashvili Str., Tbilisi TEL 291 28 72, 577 15 99 55 http://ingorokva.com/

anuka kEburia

Eloshi

Address: 81 I. Abashidze Str., Tbilisi TEL 599 28 88 85

Address: 108 T. Tabidze Str., Tbilisi TEL 591 19 79 10

fashion housE aka nanitashvili Address: 43 Paliashvili Str., Tbilisi 7 Bambis Rigi Str., Tbilisi 19 Mazniashvili Str., Batumi TEL 590 99 55 99, 577 73 99 77 www.akananita.com

anouki Address: 2 Tarkhnishvili Str., Tbilisi 6 M. Abashidze Ave., Batumi TEL 292 22 32, 0 422 22 32 12 www.anouki.com

Address: 29 K. Apkhazi Str., Tbilisi, 2/4 Rustaveli Ave., Galleria Tbilisi, D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, 88 Gorgiladze Str., Batumi Mall TEL 291 33 29, 298 90 10 www.avtandil.com

gEorgE shagashvili tinatin magalashvili wEdding drEssEs Address: 28/1 Al. Kazbegi Ave., Tbilisi TEL 218 13 21, 599 51 34 04

to buy

Address: 3 Tamarashvili Str., Tbilisi TEL 222 62 28, 593 31 61 77, 593 30 25 45

salomE gviniashvili Address: 42 Abashidze Str., Tbilisi TEL 592 13 48 48

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Tips for fall accessories

Listing: Where to Buy Accessories kapa habitat 4 Miminoshvili Str. Tbilisi, Georgia +995 32 2148282 www.kapahabitat.com

Kapa Habitat – Located in the heart of Tbilisi, close to Rustaveli Ave. 4 Miminoshvili Str. Place, where you can get everything to make your living space special, original and interesting. Since 2010 Kapa Habitat offers unique handmade home interior accessories, furniture, textile, hand painted ceramics, tableware, home décor, jewelry, etc. These unique products are brought from Bali Island, Indonesia. Each item is hand-made, exotic materials, different, original and exclusive. At Kapa Habitat you get the things that highlight your individuality and encourages you to be different. Kapa habitat is always trying to be against dullness. They always strive to make their “different views” available for everyone.

The shop is a great place for buying the gifts for families, friends, guests, etc.

The shop is opened daily from 11:30 20:30 You can also visit www.kapahabitat.com and shop online.

Kapa – your interesting habitat

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montE Address: 3 King Erekle ll Str., Tbilisi, 12 Bambis Rigi Str ., Tbilisi, 13 Abano Str., Tbilisi, 2 kipshidze Str., Tbilisi 38 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta, 40 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta, 42 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta, 44 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta, 46 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta TEL 55 50 89 54, 555 31 13 76 www.asmonte.ge

Chronograph Address: 2 Freedom Sq. TEL 250 50 00

arttimE Address: Heroes Sq. TEL 233 27 35 Address: Freedom Sq. TEL 577 02 30 60 Address: D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., TEL 272 55 96 Address: City Mall Saburtalo, TEL 230 97 14 Address: 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, TEL 577 12 70 10 Address: 24 K. Gamsakhurdia Str., Batumi TEL 422 22 48 08

Address:1 Parnavaz Mepe Str., TEL 570 70 65 28 Address: D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, TEL 230 73 90 Address: 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point

vandomE Address: 23 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 292 33 66

Crystal Address: 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, Near Akhmeteli Metro Station, Gldani Mall, D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, 9 Pekini Ave. TEL 595 58 22 32

da vinCi Address: D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, 42 Rustaveli Ave., Shopping Gallery Merani TEL 243 43 50

dElfos

Address: Heroes Sq. TEL 233 07 02

Address: 19 Pekini Ave., 1 Kavtaradze Str., IG Mall, 34 Chavchavadze Ave. 108/110 Agmashenebeli Ave. 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, Near Akhmeteli Metro Station, Gldani Mall, 7 Dadiani Ave., Shopping Center Karvasla, 88 Gorgiladze, Batumi TEL 790 12 15 55

baCCarat

diadEma

swatCh

Address: 1 Kavtaradze Str., IG Mall, TEL 229 55 20 Address:1 Khizabavra Str, TEL 230 62 02

to buy

Address: 18 Marjanishvili Str. TEL 295 76 71

“Every person should wear the perfume that suits them best and uncovers their personality “ With L`Arome boutique you can plunge into the atmosphere of beautiful fragrances, luxury and exceptional service. There you can find the best world-known brands such as: M.Micallef, Amouage, MDCI, Montale, Carner Barcelona, Histoires de Parfums, Pantheon Roma and many others.

Discover

Listing: Where to Buy Wine ChatEau nElkarisi

Nelkarisi Estate offers a variety of tours and activities tailored to everyone’s requirements and tastes:

rEsErvE Address: 3, 9 April Str., Tbilisi TEL 599 31 33 44

A tour to the ancient city of Nelkarisi; Georgian cuisine workshop and tour; wine tasting tour and wine-friendly dinner tour.

vinotEl Address: Shilda village, Kakheti region TEL: 571 15 32 07, 599 02 62 82 info@friendscellar.com The Friends’ Cellar is an endeavor of a group of friends united by their love and appreciation of Georgian wine. Preserving the uniqueness of Georgian winemaking traditions and keeping pace with the swiftly developing tendencies in the field is the company’s major goal. Friend’s Cellar has developed two brands: IKANO – a combination of local and international traditions, and NELKARISI - classic Georgian wines made in full compliance with Georgian wine traditions.

Nelkarisi Estate, home of Friends’ Cellar JSC, is located in the valley between Telavi and the foothills of the Caucasus, next to the ancient city of Nelkarisi, with a view of the Nekresi Monastery. The estate includes a modern winery and tasting room offering degustation of wines produced by the company, a Qvevri cellar where visitors can visualize the ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri wine-making method, and a restaurant offering delicious contemporary Georgian food.

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Address: 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent TEL 2 55 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

A new wine shop behind Parliament building offering more than 300 names of wines from small producers. Taste 48 wines and beverages stored at a constant temperature. Professional consultants will help you choose. Bring friends or associates for private degustation in our tasting room.

Daily: 11.00-20.00

ChElti winEry Vinotel wine cellar shop is definitely worth a visit. You’ll find the widest selection of varietals from different regions. They carefully select only the best of the artisan and mainstream wines from around Georgia.

62/18 Vazha Pshavela Str. Wine plant ‘Chelti’: Shilda, Kakheti region TEL 577 44 44 55

The Cellar is oriented on natural family professional winemakers. It also offers its own wine production from vineyards at affordable prices, other professional small wine and cellar products, and exclusive offerings with tax free service.

All the wine is kept at 13-15 degrees

to buy

Wine Company Chelti was founded in 2001. Located in the Kakheti region, in

The best Georgian wines

Shilda village near Kvareli, the winery offers a 7m-deep wine cellar with a temperature that does not exceed 12-16 degrees throughout the year- ideal for wine storage.

Chelti wine is produced from grapes harvested from sandy-gravel soil, and Gunashauri grapes grown in clay-loam soil. The wine company also produces Dry White Wine, Saperavi Rose and Kindzmarauli Red Semi Sweet made from the Rkatsiteli variety. The company Chelti also produces premium quality Qvevri Wine.

Wine is produced according to classical and traditional methods as well as with advanced technologies which make it possible to control the wine quality at any stage of its making.

The hotel offers five rooms to guests, while the new wine cellar provides tours in Gomi Mountain and to the coast, on request. The sea shore is approximately 30 minutes away and Gomi Mountain is about a 60-minute drive.

Near Eniseli village and Gremi, Kakheti.

TEL 598 11 12 88

shilda winEry Vake-Saburtalo District, 106 T. Tabidze Str., Tbilisi, Georgia TEL 297 17 16

Chateau Aznauri is a first-class complex located in the vineyards of Kakheti.

It manufactures wines using the traditional Kakhetian method, in clay amphora (Qvevri) buried deep in the earth, where the wine ferments over several months at soil temperature. Chateau Aznauri boasts 14 Qvevri of a total 25 tons.

mEnabdE winEry Shemokmedi, Ozurgeti, Guria TEL 593 33 23 17

The cellar is located on 2.5 hectares of land, where you’ll also find a Gurian house “Oda” (traditional house in Guria), cellar “Nalia” (traditional building for corn harvesting), Gurian barn, verandas, special places for rest (cabana, bonfire, playing places for children), fruit and nut orchards, and high and low hanging grape vines.

ChatEau aznauri

Shilda Winery was founded in 2015, but the story began many years before that. A great love and respect for wine encouraged the company founders to expand their family winery and to bring winemaking traditions to a new level, passing this living heritage from generation to generation. Shilda wine is created through a harmonious combination of carefully selected traditional local grape varieties and modern technology. Currently, Shilda Winery produces 17 varieties of wine, brandy and grape vodka. Shilda factory, located on 6 hectares, is equipped with modern Italian and French equipment. The company’s main goal is to maintain highest quality through a harmonious blend of centuries-long tradition and innovations.

to buy

javakhishvili CEllar Akhalsopeli, Kvareli, Kakheti TEL 577 06 89 40

The Javakhishvili wine cellar is the best place for family wine degustation and to get a taste of traditional Georgian dishes.

Here, you can enjoy a large wine cellar, two gazebos and a large wine shop. The cellar is big enough to host events.

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SERVICE HALL 9 APRIL PARK

RIKE

Tbilisi Map. Designed at the request of the Georgian National Tourism Administration for non-commercial purposes.

9 MARCH PARK

DEDAENA PARK

PUBLIC SERVICE HALL 9 APRIL PARK

RIKE

BOTANIC GARDEN

Dubai

Best of Dubai: Chic Beach Hot Spots By anna zhvania

Those who live in Dubai know that the city is unparalleled in terms of glitz, glamor and luxury. For those who are new to the city, travelling through, or are looking for a place to relax, sunbathe or party in the hot summer days, some ideal beach clubs might pass under the radar.

Dubai has undergone a beach club revolution in recent years with some of the most exclusive beach venues opening in the city.

Whether you seek a luxury experience or a homey atmosphere, you are guaranteed to find something to accommodate your tastes. Read on for WHERE.ge’s suggestions for the best of Dubai.

El Chiringuito Located on one of Dubai’s finest palms, El Chiringuito has a large pool, stylish sun loungers and a club that turns into a weekly house night. The layout and sophisticated decoration gives the beach club elegance and class. On weekdays, El Chiringuito offers an atmosphere full of ambience with brunch served in the restaurant along with drinks on the sandy beach.

Photo: El Chiringuiti, Rixos the Palm

nikki bEaCh This luxury beachside destination provides a lavish and unique beach club experience throughout the year. Located on Pearl Jumeirah, Nikki Beach is the ideal chill-out destination for an afternoon and evening in the sun. With a stunning beachfront location, fantastic pool and white beds, the club hosts glamorous events with dancers, musicians and resident DJs. You can expect Jacuzzis, pumping music, gourmet dining and lavish service all day long.

Photo: booking.com

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dubai

drift bEaCh Club, onE & only royal miragE Drift Beach Clb, located in One&Only Royal Mirage, showcases the best of a luxurious and chic VIP appeal.

Synonymous with modern style, the beach club boasts an infinity pool and 1km of prime beachfront real estate where you can relax, lounge and dance in bottle-popping fashion.

The rustic and tasty Provencal cuisine is excellent, and the tables, sofas and daybeds all have magnificent views.

If you want a luxury experience, Drift Beach Club should definitely be on your bucket list!

Photo: Dubeach

bluE marlin ibiza uaE

Photo: Time Out Dubai

In an idyllic setting, nestled between Dubai and Abu-Dhabi, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE is renowned for its parties. This is the ultimate place to have a full day-to-night beach club experience. Only an hour’s drive from Dubai, the beach club is a great place to spend a day and evening away from the city noise, where you can chill on the luxury day beds, order excellent food from the extensive menu and enjoy the sophisticated beach club setting. Music cranks up as the afternoon wears on and the party scene moves in front of the DJ booth, with sets from famous international DJs.

soho bEaCh Soho Beach, a contemporary, chic, day-to-night beach club, gleams with experience in its prime location overlooking Dubai’s skyline. The recently opened venue boasts 15,000 in capacity and is adjacent to its sister concept, Soho Garden. Its huge open-air dance floor lets you embrace the day with inventive cocktails, tasteful music from international talent and majestic sunsets.

Photo: Insydo

dubai

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5 Designers Based in Dubai You Should Know About By anna zhvania

From ready-to-wear to haute couture, these designers based in Dubai have taken the city’s innovation and creativity to the next level. In the city where simple, feminine style meets top-notch designs, emerging labels strive to continue to develop their own unique, established looks, shifting their brand in entirely new directions.

Here’s WHERE.ge’s pick of fashion stars to keep an eye on this season and beyond!

rami al ali Rami Al Ali is a Syrian designer based in Dubai who established his own line in Dubai in 2001. After his launch, he boldly entered the fashion world and received quick international recognition. Stars like Beyoncé Knowles, Kerry Washington and Chanel Iman wear his lavish, fairy-tale like creations ideal for the Hollywood Red Carpet. Ram Al Ali is renowned for his whimsical design, sleek and delicate style. Inspired by a blend of Western and Eastern influences, each collection is a blend of radiant, natural and modern femininity.

Photo: The National

nathaliE trad Since the launch of her Dubai-based fashion brand, Nathalie Trad has achieved international recognition and has gained celebrity fans, such as Solange Knowles, Olivia Palermo and Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz. The impeccable feel and timeless shape of each bag never loses charm, admirable qualities and values. Every woman should have at least one Nathalie Trad classic bag in their collection.

Photo: Amara Loves

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dubai

housE of nomad Known for elevating collections, Dubai-based Ahmed El Saye and Saleh Al-Banna have built an entire lifestyle around sophisticated, neutral colored dressings. The two designers united with a passion for travelling and a strong curiosity, hence the name ‘House of Nomad’, based on the premise of a nomad – a wanderer with no geographic boundaries, living in perpetual motion. The rich, opulent colors and textures hallmark the brand, ideal for anyone who likes to make a lasting impression.

Photo: Buro 24/7

tallEr marmo

Photo: Buro 24/7

Ricardo Audisio and Yaho Goicoecha, two Italian designers, launched their brand in Dubai’s dynamic fashion world. Their style is reflected in the strong, sharply tailored collections, modernizing any color or silhouette. Their collection ranges from ambitious, bold prints on denim jeans and jackets to harmonious, light colored dresses. The brand provides a unique and luxurious wardrobe experience that makes each piece a fashion statement.

nafsika skourti Nafsika Skourti needs a proper introduction – her edgy yet trendsetting designs are stocked in the UAE, available for anyone who loves to stand out in the crowd. The sculptural silhouettes breathe a feminine attitude in a fashion forward style. Skourti was a part of Burberry’s Art of the Trench project and should definitely be on your look-out list in Dubai.

Photo: POPSUGAR Middle East

bouguEssa Faiza Bouguessa brings the life of traditional abaya to the world of fashion, incorporating innovative designs and fabrics. The luxury ready-to-wear brand fuses classic and contemporary elegant dressings. The beautifully suited silhouette-like dresses glorify a woman’s personality. Her designs are so sophisticated that even Beyoncé Knowles is a fan.

Photo: Saudi Gazette

l’afshar The regional “It” girl, Lilian Afshar, has taken Dubai by storm with her famous marble box clutches.

She acquired worldwide recognition with the launch of whimsical clutches, each named after a character in a Wes Anderson film. The clutches are eye catching, with pearl effects detailing color contrasts. The L’Afshar box clutch will capture plenty of attention and is sure to be a conversation starter at your next evening event!

Photo: ShirinHosseinWorld

dubai

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Business Listing BANKS

bank of gEorgia

tErabank

Address: 29a Gagarin Str.

Address: 3 Queen Ketevan Ave.

pasha bank

TEL 244 44 44

TEL 255 00 00

Address: 15 Rustaveli Ave., Tbilisi

www.bankofgeorgia.ge

www.terabank.ge

TEL 226 50 00

libErty bank Address: 74 Chavchavadze Ave.

finCa bank gEorgia

TEL 255 55 00

Address: 71 Vazha-Pshavela Ave.

www.libertybank.ge

TEL 224 49 49

www.pashabank.ge

basisbank Address: 1 K. Tsamebuli Ave. TEL 2921 921, 292 29 22 www.basisbank.ge

vtb bank gEorgia Address: 14 G. Tchanturia Str. TEL 250 55 05 www.vtb.com.ge PASHA Bank is a Baku-based financial institution operating in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, providing corporate

tbC bank

www. nca.ge

FUEL COMPANIES gulf Address: 34 Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 249 64 4 4 www.gulf.ge

wissol Address: Opposite side of Tbilisi International Airport

Address: 7 Marjanishvili Str.

TEL 218 46 28

and investment banking services to large

TEL 227 27 27

www.wissol.ge

and medium-sized enterprises.

www.tbcbank.com.ge

PASHA Bank has been operating in Georgia since 2013 and during the short

rompEtrol gEorgia Address: 3 Vl. Vekua Str.

time of operation it has received positive

TEL 291 07 27

feedback from its customers due to the

www.rompetrol.ge

high-quality service and exclusive business approach.

proCrEdit bank Address: 21 Al. Kazbegi Ave. TEL 220 22 22 www.procreditbank.ge

150

halyk bank Address: 74 Kostava Str. TEL 224 07 07 www.hbg.ge

soCar gEorgia pEtrolium Address: 24 300 Aragveli Str. TEL 243 92 75, 243 97 77 www.sgp.ge

PHARMACIES

gEoCEll

orbi group

Address: 3 Gotua Str.

Address: 12a Kazbegi Ave.

EvEx mEdiCal Corporation

TEL 277 01 77

TEL 555 35 00 00, 555 31 00 00

Address: 40 Vazha-Pshavela Ave.

CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE COMPANIES TBILISI

TEL 255 05 05 www.evex.ge

psp group Address: 148/3 D. Agmashenebeli Ave.

www.geocell.ge

TEL 240 20 20, 218 51 11

sEu dEvElopmEnt

www.psp.ge

Address: 12 Jikia Str.

avErsi

TEL 596 70 70 70, 596 70 00 07

tErrassa group Address: 7a B. Zgenti Str. TEL 551 56 11 00, 204 40 44

Address: 148 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 298 78 60 www.aversi.ge

gpC Address: 6 Sanapiro Str.

axis

TEL 294 07 40

Address: 24 Al. Kazbegi Ave.

www.gpc.ge

TEL 224 17 17/18

COMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES magtiCom Address: 7 A. Politkovskaya Str. TEL 217 00 00

dirsi Address: 24 Sh. Nadirashvili Str. TEL 274 04 04

dux dEvElopmEnt

arChi group

Address: 23 Paliashvili Str.

Address: 15 Kipshidze Str. TEL 260 26 02

bEElinE

www.archi.ge

Address: 8 Gorgasali Str.

maqro ConstruCtion

TEL 220 06 06 www.beeline.ge

TEL 250 00 32

Address: 22 Panjikidze Str. TEL 200 10 10 www.maqro.ge

151

rEdCo TEL 577 22 02 20

amEriCan ChambEr of CommErCE in gEorgia

www.redco.ge

Address: 36a L. Asatiani Str.

Address: 1 T. Abuladze Str.

lisi dEvElopmEnt Address: 2 Tiripebi Str. TEL 200 27 27 www.lisi.ge

rEdix Address: 71 Vazha-Pshavela Ave. TEL 220 11 22

TEL 222 69 07 www.amcham.ge

israEl-gEorgia ChambEr of businEss Address: 4 Freedom Sq. TEL 299 70 35, 299 70 36

Address: 29 Chavchavadze Str

thE ChambEr of CommErCE and industry franCE-gEorgia

TEL 244 41 11

Address: 61 Agmashenebli Ave.

www.m2.ge

TEL 222 69 40

www.redix.ge

m2

mEtra dEvElopmEnt Address: 6 Z. Sakandelidze Str. TEL 260 44 45 www.metra.ge

hausart Address: 11b Vazha-Pshavela Ave. TEL 222 00 88 www.hausart.ge

CHAMBERS IN TBILISI iCC

www.ccifg.ge

gEorgian ChambEr of CommErCE and industry Address: 29 N. Shataidze Str. TEL 269 47 47 www.gcci.ge

thE british gEorgian ChambEr of CommErCE Address: 1 Tabidze 1 Building,

Address: 3/29 P. Kakabadze Str.

2 Leonidze Str., Regus office

TEL 298 81 76

TEL 599 465 364

www.icc.ge

152

contact@bgcc.org.uk www.bgcc.org.uk

INSURANCE COMPANIES global bEnEfit gEorgia Address: 7a P. Kakabadzr Str. TEL 250 00 01

aldagi Address: 3 Pushkin Str. TEL 244 49 99 www.aldagi.ge

ardi Address: 3 Vazha-Pshavela Ave. TEL 210 10 10 www.ardi.ge

gpi holding Address: 67 Kostava Str. TEL 250 51 11 www.gpih.ge

iC group Address: 24 Mosashvili Str. TEL 220 88 88 www.icgroup.ge

imEdi l Address: 9 Anna Politkovskaia Str. TEL 292 22 22 www.imedil.ge

gidmEdi plus Address: 3 R. Chkheidze Str. TEL 220 25 15, 291 32 19

Advanced Pediatric Care

The right pediatrician for your child!

nEw hospitals Address: 12 Krtsanisi Str. TEL 219 01 90

todua CliniC Comprehensive healthcare for infants, children and adolescents

Address: 12. Krtsanisi Str.

Routine checkups, Immunizations, ะกounseling and Healthcare Packages

amC tbilisi

TEL 234 81 19, 234 28 30

Address: 11 D. Arakishvili Str. Hotline: 250 00 20

24/7 On-Call Pediatrician and Home Visits

kuzanov CliniC Address: 5 Pekini Str. TEL 242 40 05, 555 40 20 20 Call today for a free phone consultation or schedule your visit:

gEorgian-gErman CliniC mEdhousE

+995 (32) 250 00 20 www.amcenters.com

Address: 7 M. Abashidze Str. Kyiv Odessa Lviv Tbilisi Batumi Almaty Astana

TEL 570 10 22 66, 568 05 03 03

Caraps mEdlinE Address: 48 Ljubljana Str.

CLINICS IN TBILISI

david tatishvili mEdiCal CEntEr

mEdiCal CEntrE Extra

Address: 7 Abuladze Str.

mEdihElp

TEL 291 31 19, 291 32 42

Address: 39 Chavchavadze Ave.

Address: 68 Chubinashvili Str.

TEL 251 60 60

TEL 243 43 10, 596 11 43 43

TEL 222 21 55

gEoswiss mEdiCal CEntEr

ChaChava CliniC

mEdinvEst

Address: 5 Pekini Str.

Address: 38 Kostava Str.

TEL 236 33 64, 225 08 38, 225 18 90

TEL 295 33 11, 298 73 39

Address: 44/5 Paliashvili Str. TEL 225 19 60

153

TOURISM INFORMATION CENTERS tbilisi tourism information CEntEr Address: Pushkin Sq. TEL (+995 595) 215 86 97 Working days: Every day Working hours: 9:00 – 21:00

tbilisi tourism information CEntEr (tbilisi intErnational airport) Address: Tbilisi International Airport TEL (+995 32) 231 00 07 Working days: Every day / 24/7

mEstia tourism information CEntEr Address: 7 Seti Sq. TEL (+995 5 51) 08 08 94 Working days: Every day Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 9:00 – 18:00 (summer)

kutaisi tourism information CEntEr Address: 8a Rustaveli Str. TEL (+995 431) 241103 Working days: Every day

Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 9:00 – 18:00 (summer)

gori tourism information CEntEr Address: 23a Kutaisi Str. TEL (+995 370) 270776 Working days: Every day Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 10:00 – 18:00 (summer)

mtskhEta tourism information CEntEr Address: 3 Arsukidze Str. TEL (+995 32) 2512128 Working days: Every day Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 10:00 – 18:00 (summer)

kvarEli tourism information CEntEr Address: 8 Rustaveli Str. TEL (+995 352) 221340 Working days: Every day Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 10:00 – 18:00 (summer)

sighnaghi tourism

information CEntEr Address: 10 Kostava Str. TEL (+995 355) 232414 Working days: Every day Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 9:00 – 18:00 (summer)

tElavi tourism information CEntEr Address: 9 Erekle II Str. TEL (+995 350) 275317 Working days: Every day Working hours: 9:00 – 18:00

borjomi tourism information CEntEr Address: Rustaveli Str. TEL (+995 367) 221397 Working days: E very day Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter), 9:00 – 18:00 (summer)

akhaltsikhE tourism information CEntEr Address: 1 Kharischirashvili Str. TEL (+995 365) 22 50 28 Working days: Every day Working hours: 09:00 - 18:00

154

ambrolauri tourism information CEntrE

batumi tourism information CEntEr

Address: 17 Vazha-Pshavela Str.

(Central entrance of Boulevard)

TEL (+995 439) 22 16 18

TEL (0422) 29 44 12, 577 90 90 91

Working days: Every day

Working days: Every day

Working hours: 10:00 - 18:00

bolnisi tourism information CEntEr

Address: 2 Ninoshvili Str., Batumi,

batumi tourism information CEntEr Address: Ski-lift surrounding area TEL (0422) 29 44 10, 577 90 90 93

TEL (+995 358) 22 23 19

Working days: Every day

Working hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (winter),

TIME ZONE gmt + 4 CurrEnCy Georgian Lari (GEL). One Lari is divided

Address: 115 Sulkhan-Saba Str. Working days: Every day

ESSENTIALS

sarpi tourism information CEntEr

into 100 Tetris.

EmErgEnCy - 112 112 can be dialed free of charge from most mobile telephones and landline telephones in order to reach emergency services (ambulance, re and rescue, police).

Address: Sarpi Custom House

tbilisi intErnational airport

TEL (+995 577) 90 90 93

TEL 231 03 41

TEL (+995 5 95) 08 82 19

kobulEti tourism information CEntEr

kutaisi intErnational airport

Working days: Schedule determined

Address: 1 Agmashenebeli Str.

by flights

TEL 0422 29 44 13

9:00 - 18:00 (summer)

kutaisi tourism information CEntEr (kutaisi airport) Address: Kopitnari settlement

batumi tourism information CEntEr (batumi intErnational airport)

Working days: Every day

TEL 0431 23 70 00

gEorgian railway TEL 1331, 219 90 10

khulo tourism information CEntEr

gEorgian national tourism administration

Address: 29 M. Abashidze Str.

ADDRESS: 4 SANAPIRO STR.

Address: Batumi International Airport

TEL (+995 577) 90 90 15

TEL 243 69 99

TEL (0422) 29 44 14

Working days: Every day

Working days: Schedule determined

dialing CodE:

by flights

+995 32

155

ორბი ჯგუფი ORBI GROUP THE WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION OF ORBI GROUP!

The "Twin Tower" aparthotel named as the World’s best project for investment!

Only the best projects on the planet deserve “The Real Estate Oscar” – Prix d'Excellence Award by FIABCI International Real Estate Federation. And ORBI GROUP won that award: the committee, consisting of 70 most competent experts from over than 40 countries, recognized ORBI Twin Tower as the World's Best Project for Investment of 2016 (www.orbi.ge).

During the promotional sales, it is possible to acquire the apartment for GEL 65 500. Price includes the interior works, furniture, and home appliances. It is possible to get an instant mortgage for citizens of any country: down payment amounts starts from 10%! All apartments have the stunning sea view.

Apartments are your real estate property and a protable business at the same time. ORBI GROUP is offering a stable income for the apartment owners. On demand, ORBI GROUP is operating the apartment for the owner, while he has access to the exclusive online system to control his property. The income is enough to have a full investment payback within four years.

ORBI Twin Tower is an amazing project, located in the touristic center of Batumi only 50 meters from the sea. It will have an outstanding infrastructure and service: џ Services: reception, security, concierge, cleaning, CCTV, 24/7 tech., personnel, parking, etc. џ Infrastructure: swimming pools, SPA, casino, tness, playgrounds, restaurants and cafes, relaxation areas, medical center, market, shopping mall, etc. - everything in one space!

Международное признание ORBI GROUP!

Проект грузинской компании “ORBI GROUP” — ORBI Twin Tower признан лучшим в мире!

“Оскар в сфере недвижимости” — так называют приз Prix d’Ecxellence, который вручается на ежегодном конкурсе международной федерации недвижимости FIABCI. Его удостаиваются только лучшие проекты в мире! ORBI GROUP получила данный приз за проект ORBI Twin Tower, который был признан лучшим инвестиционным проектом! Апартаменты «под ключ» можно приобрести за 65 500 лари. Первоначальный взнос составляет от 10%! Апартаменты сдаются с евроремонтом, мебелью и бытовой техникой. Это ваша собственность и бизнес, приносящий прибыль. В апартаментах вы можете не только жить и отдыхать, но и через ORBI GROUP обеспечить их сдачу, получая гарантированный доход и отслеживая процесс сдачи в онлайн-режиме. Срок возврата инвестиций составляет до 4 лет!

ORBI Twin Tower — это грандиозный проект в туристической зоне Батуми в 50 м от моря с разветвлённой инфраструктурой и высококлассным обслуживанием: • Пакет услуг: КРУГЛОСУТОЧНО — ресепшн, охрана, консьерж-сервис, уборка общественных пространств, система видеонаблюдения, технический персонал, парковка и т.д.

• Инфраструктура: бассейн, СПА, фитнес-центр, казино, рестораны, кафе, детские досуговые центры, террасы для отдыха, магазины, медицинский центр, торгово-развлекательные объекты — всё в одном комплексе.

Sales ofces: Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, USA, Germany, Israel

Офисы продаж: Грузия, Россия, Украина, США, Германия, Израиль

ORBI Twin Tower Batumi, Georgia

FIABCI Prix d’Excellence

WORLD GOLD WINNER

ÀÏÀÐÒÀÌÅÍÒÛ ÏÎÄ ÊËÞ×

65 500 ₾ TURN-KEY APARTMENTS

✆ +995 555 31 00 00

www.orbi.ge