Where.ge #19 Feb-March Issue by Georgia Today Group

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#19 February-March 2019 Publisher: George Sharashidze Editor in Chief: Katie Ruth Davies Executive Editor: Maka Bibilashvili Contributors: Katie Ruth Davies Maka Bibilashvili Sofia Bochoidze Samantha Guthrie Ketevan Kvaratskheliya Amy Jones Thea Morrison Photographers: Irakli Dolidze Designer: Ani Loladze Logo & Design Concept: Kevin Loftus Sales: Sofia Bochoidze Maia Tsereteli Mano Kutchukhidze Anuka Poladishvili Georgia Today Address:1 Melikishvili Ave. TEL 229 59 19 www.georgiatoday.ge

Sheraton is back! After a lengthy closure for renovation, Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, Georgia’s first and most well-established international 5-star hotel, is set to reopen in March 2019 with a brand-new design, 220 contemporary rooms and suites, 2,000 sq m of meeting and event facilities, exquisite dining outlets and much more. WHERE.ge congratulates the team of Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, headed by General Manager Andreas Heidingsfelder, on receiving the George Sharashidze brand’s esteemed ‘Grand’ designation - recognition Publisher, WHERE.ge of its iconic location, distinguished design, excellence in service and guest experience, exemplary dining concepts and exquisite SPA experience. Although the winter is almost over, Georgia’s fast-growing ski resorts are still in demand amongst tourists and locals, and will be until mid-April. That’s why this issue of WHERE.ge has some tips for its readers on the best ski accommodation options for every budget, focusing on innovative developments to make your stay in a Georgian winter wonderland even more special. As spring is on its way, our American journalist Samantha Guthrie decided to give the low-down on Georgia’s phenomenon ‘agaraki’ country houses, where the majority of Georgians spend their summer holidays and an ideal option for those looking for authenticity in their accommodation. Our WHERE to Eat section is full of exciting news about unique Georgian food recognized by prominent international organizations and famous media leaders. The khachapuri, boat-shaped bread filled with cheese, has now been listed as culturally intangible and recently received global recognition after being featured as one of TasteAtlas’s Top 100 Dishes. In the same section, you can also find out about the growing selection of vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Tbilisi. This issue of WHERE.ge, as per tradition, hosts famous Georgians and expats, giving them the opportunity to share their best recommendations in each of the WHERE.ge sections Go, Stay, Eat, Drink and Buy. Here, you can also find my personal choice for each:

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Sahar Harb CO-Founder of Smartman I’ve been in Georgia for over three years and it’s become my second home. I worked really hard to get the franchise of UCMAS, a non-formal, educational brain development program for kids age 4-14, and bring it to Georgia. I believe every child, no matter where and when, deserves the opportunity to have a more knowledgeable and quality life. I committed to helping children in Georgia get the skills they need to excel in life. At UCMAS, our vision is to create more confident and capable future generations. I have already visited many places in Georgia, but I think I still have more to see as three years is not enough to discover a country so rich in culture and history as Georgia is. As I have many tourists as guests, I already have a list of must-see places to suggest- these, I’m happy to share with Where.ge readers too.

Kazbegi Kazbegi – A must-visit region approximately 2 hours’ drive from the capital city Tbilisi. You’ll enjoy even the road and can take some great pictures of the stunning views. There is nothing more beautiful than watching Mount Kazbek any time of the year. Also, it is very close to Gudauri ski resort, around 30 minutes’ drive or 15 minutes from new cable route from Kobi to Gudauri.

lopota Another must-visit region for me in Georgia is Kakheti with numerous amazing places to see. I would certainly recommend Lopota Lake and a stay at the resort and SPA there. It has all sorts of entertainment and makes a perfect place for families too.

Radisson blU iveRia/UMaMi Sushi is an exotic dish for Georgians and is definitely not something they offer tourists, however, if you still decide to try something apart from the delicious Georgian cuisine and if you’re a sushi lover, I recommend trying it at the Radisson BLU Iveria (Umami) restaurant as they serve truly the best sushi in town.

Café staMba If you want to enjoy your day with friends, chat with them in a cozy and special environment, I suggest visiting Café Stamba on Kostava Street. They serve modern local dishes and have international cuisine too.

dalood Dalood is a Georgian brand that designs clothes and accessories of high quality. It is famous for its handmade embroidery and craftsmanship. So if you want to wear something special, stylish, different and fashionable that was made in Georgia, I recommend you choose Dalood.

Best Travel Destinations in Georgia sataplia Sataplia will surprise you with its unique sightseeing. Discover historical-cultural places, see dinosaur footprint and karst cave. After visiting the territory, unique colchic forest and glass panoramic view, you will realize that it is a must-go destination. There are arranged 2 tourist trails on place, thus enjoy hiking, museum, and exhibition hall as well. Sataplia was discovered by Petre Chabukiani in 20th century. It offers you unforgettable and memorable trip. Sataplia awaits you to have a great time during week-end and to discover hidden secrets of nature.

pRoMetheUs Cave Prometheus Cave may regard as the visit card of Georgia. Magic cave is full with stunning curtains of stalactites and stalagmites. While visiting, once again it will convince you about existence of fairy world. Prometheus Cave is located in Tskaltubo municipality, village Kumistavi. River. There are 22 halls found, where just 6 halls are open for tourists. It is possible to walk through the length of 1420 meters in the caveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s territory visit the halls and enjoy boat tour by walking the river. Discover real masterpieces of nature - stalactites and stalagmites at Prometheus Cave, which are the most beautiful forms created by nature. While visiting the cave, hanging waterfalls are waiting for you. Be more adventurous and spend your week-end in beautiful and special area.

oKatse Canyon We have a surprise for extreme lovers. Enjoy Hanging trail called Okatse Canyon and have a feeling as if you are walking 2-3 hours directly in the sky. Pedestrian trail passes through Dadiani historic forests, thus enjoy hiking and 780 meters length hanging trail. The last destination is a panoramic view, where visitors have chance to take photos by smart camera installed on the area. Okatse Canyon located in the village of Gordi, Khoni municipality is the best destination for week-end. Travel at Okatse Canyon and make your vacations more special

of Abasha and enjoy the beautiful views of the mountain river canyon. Here you have a great chance to enjoy diving and explore beautiful places under the water. Canyon welcomes visitors during weekend periods as well, thus put hiking clothes into the backpack and enjoy the vacations in Western Georgia.

Come and see how dolphins enjoy their day in Black Sea, and do not forget to take a boat tour on “Georgian Amazon,” – Paliastomi Lake and Pichori River awaits you! Do you love kayaking or boat tour? Come and discover Kolkheti National Park then.

KolKheti national paRK

You are able to have a tour in Colchic forest and visit unique wetlands. After a long day enjoy picnic. Do not postpone, and spend week-end in Kolkheti National Park. All you need is grabbing your backpack and enjoy vacations in Kolkheti National Park.

Kolkheti National Park - the first natural site in Georgia, is nominated on the UNESCO World Heritage List, for its Colchic forests and wetland.

MaRtvili Canyon Destination – Martvili Canyon! Are you planning your trip to the Black Sea? Just remember that Martvili Canyon is 45 km away from Kutaisi, and before discovering Black Sea, experience a part of Georgia, which used to be a bath place of Dadiani. Visitor Centre of Martvili Canyon is located in the village Inchkhuri. The 700-mile circular hiking trail starts from the visitors’ centre and passes through Dadiani’s historic walkway. There are 2 bridges, 3 viewing platforms, and 30-step historic staircase that is built from limestone staircase. Here you have the opportunity to take a trip by boat. 300 meters (one way) section

From Museums to Ruins: The Fate of Stalin’s Residences in Georgia By amy Jones

Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, was perhaps Georgia’s most prolific historical figure. Despite spending much of his life in Russia, he would spend long periods of time in Georgia until his death in 1952. Dotted around the country, Stalin’s residences, from his birthplace to summer retreats and grand retirement homes, serve as an interesting insight into the life of the notorious Soviet leader. However, controversy surrounds the handling of his turbulent era of history as his residences are turned into museums or left to rot and decay.

18 December 1878. Although Gori was then part of the Russian Empire, he was ethnically Georgian and grew up speaking the Georgian language. He spent the majority of his childhood in the town, until moving to Tbilisi in 1894. Visiting the museum, it is easy to forget the atrocities that occurred during Soviet rule. The building houses many personal items belonging to Stalin, including gifts, uniforms, and paintings. The only room hinting to his war crimes is small and hidden away in the reception area. There isn’t even a sign. Joseph Stalin Museum, Gori

WheRe it all began - stalin’s biRthplaCe The cramped brick house where Stalin was born stands in stark contrast to the grandeur of the Stalin Museum in Gori, a little town in Imereti. It was here that Stalin, originally named Ioseb Besarionisdze Jughashvili, was born to a poor family on

holiday daChas pReseRved in abKahzia Nestled in the mountains surrounding Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia, Georgia’s occupied territory, Stalin’s residences also hide a dark past. The beautiful views of the calm lake are far removed from the reality of the brutalities committed under Stalin’s orders. Built in 1947, the green dacha has been well-preserved by the de-facto Abkhaz

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authorities. It houses a billiards room, three grand bedrooms, a huge library, and reception rooms where Stalin would host prominent Soviet figures. Abkhazia was once so popular among the Soviet establishment that it was dubbed the Soviet Riveria. Stalin had five dachas constructed in the region. As the region is illegally occupied by Russia, the residences are inaccessible to Georgians.

Soviet history,” he said in an interview with The Guardian newspaper. Although at least 30,000 Georgians were either executed or imprisoned during his rule, some still celebrate the story of a poor boy from tiny Georgia who became Russia’s

mighty leader. The lacking portrayal of the negative sides of Stalin has allowed the Stalin museum to become somewhat of a place of pilgrimage. Georgia must face its past, both good and bad, so that history is remembered in the right way.

RetiReMent hoMe left to Rot Towards the end of his life, Stalin built another luxurious retreat among the mountains of Racha. With its fresh mountain air and unique Khvanchkara red wine, he chose Shovi to be the region for his retirement. The mansion’s pale pink wooden walls house decaying rooms, left to rot, abandoned, for decades. Rubble carpets the floor of many of the rooms whilst kitchen appliances rust in the kitchen. The unhappy fate of such a beautiful building could be considered a shame, or perhaps it is a worthy reflection of the history of the Soviet Union and the destruction it caused.

Stalin’s dacha near Sochi

the issUe of stalin as a toURist attRaCtion Visiting Stalin’s residences and the Stalin museum, it’s easy to forget the many evils ordered by Stalin. Historian Lasha Bakradze believes that the positive portrayal of Stalin in the Stalin museum is a sign that Georgia is still struggling to come to terms with its past, even as it seeks closer ties with the West. “We still don’t know how to deal with Stalin, or with our

Stalin’s holiday resort in Shovi

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Georgia Abroad: Monasteries on Mount Athos By samantha guthrie

Georgian Orthodox Church- Iviron on Mount Athos

Mount Athos, located on a finger of Greece stretching into the Aegean Sea, has been an important center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism since 800 A.D. There has been an unbroken line of Christian worship on the site for nearly 1,800 years.

Mount Athos, the name for the peninsula as well as the mountain itself, has 20 monasteries that are under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople – one of the 15 Eastern Orthodox jurisdictional units.

The site is important for Georgia and the country’s majority Orthodox population. 17 of 20 monasteries at Mount Athos are Greek Orthodox – one is Serbian, one Bulgarian and one Russian. Until the late 19th century, the Georgian Orthodox Church also operated a monastery, Iviron

(or Iveron), which is now operated by the Greek Orthodox Church. Iviron Monastery was built between 980-983 by two Georgian monks – John the Iberian (Iberia or Iveria being what part of modern-day Georgia’s territory was called at the time) and Prince Tornike Eristavi. The monastery is the third oldest standing on Mount Athos today, and third in ecumenical importance. The monastery’s thousand-year history has been eventful. In the 14th century, it was damaged by Catalan pirates and religious reformers who sought unity with the Western Church. It was damaged by fires in 1740 and 1845, and burned to the ground by a fire in 1865. The last Georgian monk to call the monastery home died in 1955. The Iviron Monastery today is the home of Mount Athos’ protection icon – Our Lady Portaitissa. It is famous for a silver sevenbranched lamp called ‘the lemon tree’ and an internal door made of silver and ebony. The Iviron museum also houses many Georgian artefacts, including a suit of armor owned by Tornike Eristavi. Iviron’s library is one of the richest in Mount Athos,

with more than 2,000 codices, 15 liturgical scrolls, 100 manuscripts and 15,000 printed books. The monastery features a total of 26 chapels, cared for and prayed in by a monastic community of approximately 30 monks – none of whom are Georgian. The original Georgian inscriptions on the frescoes in Iviron Monastery are barely legible today. Georgian artist and carpenter Nikoloz Badurashvili has worked at several of Mount Athos’ monasteries, replicating historic pieces that are moved to museums. He carved two iconostases at Zografou Bulgarian Monastery, replicated a moving statue that is part of a clock tower at Vatipedi Monastery, and constructed a replacement for a 500-year-old door at Dionysiou Monastery. In 2013, non-stop Georgian worship was restarted on Mount Athos after an 80-year absence. Unceasing services were last held by Georgian monks in 1932, at St. Panteleimon Monastery in the cell of St. Stephen. That year, there was a fire that killed several monks and destroyed a library.

Mount Athos is about 150 km from the city of Thessaloniki – which is connected to Georgia by Wizz Air with direct flights from Kutaisi, but don’t book your tickets just yet. The territory is governed as an autonomous unit within Greece, and is even exempt from the European Union’s rules of free movement of people and goods. Only men are allowed to enter Mount Athos, and yes, the rumors are true, even female animals are barred (with the exception of female cats, birds, and insects, unsurprisingly)! Even for men, entrance is not easy – all visitors must have a special permit. Each day 100 Orthodox Christians and 15 men of other faiths are allowed to enter. It’s also worth noting that in Georgia’s Abkhazia region, one of the most notable landmarks is the late 19th-century New Athos Monastery, a stunning silver-domed neo-Byzantine style confection that is an official Cultural Heritage Monument of Georgia. Although there are no specific gender-based restrictions for visiting this monastery, access to Abkhazia is currently prohibited by the Georgian government while the territory is occupied by Russia.

Guide to a Georgian Country House By samantha guthrie

A country house, or agaraki, is a special phenomenon in Georgia. Many Georgians have an ancestral village with a house that their family frequents in the warmer months. Sometimes, if families live now in Tbilisi and their house is in a far region – Guria, Racha – they may only visit once a year or so, or perhaps even less. Those who maintain their country homes, however, may visit every weekend. People see them as escapes from busy city life, a step back in time, nostalgia-filled memory charms from a childhood with grandparents, spent outside. A country house usually means a garden, and collecting jars of jams, pickles, sauces, relishes, wine, and anything else preserve-able in a cellar, or satavso. Any storage space is also commonly called a marani. Many families make homemade wine in the autumn and need a space to store it. Some even use traditional clay vessels to ferment the grape juice called qvevris – or churi in Western Georgia. To scoop wine out of the narrow-necked, amphorae, which are buried underground, a special tool called an orshimo is used. In a marani, or nearby, you might also find a satsnakheli – a trough used to press grapes with your feet. Traditional homes in western Georgia, called odas, were made of wood and built on low stilts, elevated away from the ground to avoid damp and animals. An oda is generally one story, with a lightly sloped roof and ornate carvings on the

Oda- traditional home in western Georgia

Satsnakheli

railings and eves of the large front porch. Another common design is a two-story house with each floor connected by an outdoor staircase, with a large balcony running the length of the second floor. Most older country homes lack indoor plumbing. In this case, there would be a small outbuilding called a chechma – traditionally equipped with a squat toilet and a sink in the garden to wash up, but many houses nowadays keep the outhouse building but install a modern porcelain toilet with plumbing. A traditional Georgian house might have a nalia in the yard – an elevated shed for drying produce, and maybe a kandara – a chicken coop. A property, particularly of a family that owns agricultural land where they grow wheat, might also feature a begheli – a storage shed near the main house, where people keep corn and grains. The most important food derived from wheat, of course, is bread, which is traditionally baked in a tone oven. A tone is a large, round clay oven. Raw dough is slapped onto the sides where it slowly bakes evenly, leaving a slightly crispy crust. Many country houses have a tone somewhere in the yard. There are many variations of traditional and modern country houses throughout the regions of Georgia. The Imereti region is known for its elaborate outdoor staircases, houses in Samregrelo are known for their pristine yards; homes in Racha-Lechkhumi are elevated to keep out dampness in the humid climate; in Samtskhe-Javakheti there are some houses built into hill sides with grass roofs, fueled by burning acrid-smelling bricks of animal dung; western Georgian mountain homes often have sharp slanted roofs to help the snow roll

off. To experience the full diversity of Georgian architecture, there is nothing better than a road trip through the country. For a close second, though, visit Tbilisi’s Ethnographic Museum, near Turtle Lake,

Nalia

where a variety of traditional architecture styles are on display with plenty of historical information and knowledgeable guides to talk with.

Churi (Qvevri)

Tone

Famous Georgians Abroad By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

You may recognize some of the names below. Maybe you didn’t realize they were Georgian. From sports and film to music and design- Georgians are doing well everywhere!

MeRab ninidze Merab Ninidze is a famous Georgian actor who has gone beyond the limits of his motherland and strongly established himself in the arena of world cinematography. The most memorable characters he has played were seen in the works ‘Repentance’, ‘Roots’, ‘My Happy Family’, ‘Hostages’, ‘Nowhere in Africa’ and ‘Paper Soldier’. He is also known for his roles in the British-American TV series ‘McMafia’ and the drama ‘Jupiter’s Moon’ by Kornél Mundruczó. ‘Nowhere in Africa’, where Ninidze played Walter Redlich, was awarded an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2002. Merab Ninidze will soon join a cast of prominent cinema stars in a forthcoming drama by Dominic Cooke called ‘Ironbark’, where he’ll be playing alongside Academy Award-nominated Benedict Cumberbatch, Golden Globe winner Rachel Brosnahan and BAFTA nominee Jessie Buckley.

geoRge KaRdava George Kardava is a Moscow-based Georgian photographer. He moved to Russia at a very young age, and, now in his 30s, has managed to prove himself in the busy celebrity world of the country. Currently, Kardava is successfully collaborating with some of the world’s most famous magazines, including GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Grazia, OK and other Russian publications. He has worked with such world-renowned figures as Robert de Niro, Vincent Cassel and Gérard Depardieu. Interestingly enough, photography is not Kardava’s profession, as he started out in the field as an amateur in 2009. However, on the 10th anniversary of his work as a photographer, Kardava can claim an impressive portfolio and interesting experience, which he shares with young photographers in master-classes. Even though the Georgian photographer lives far from his motherland, he always makes time to come to Georgia and work with famous Georgian personalities too.

levan goRgadze (toChinoshin tsUyoshi) Aged 31, Levan Gorgadze, also known as Tochinoshin, is a Georgian sumo wrestler who has brought huge fame to his homeland by gaining enormous success in the field. Tochinoshin is renowned for defeating the sumo legend Hakuho Sho. He also obtained the status of Champion of the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament in January 2018, thus becoming the first Georgian athlete to win the Emperorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup. Levan Gorgadze began his career as a sumo wrestler in 2006, and since then has competed in 71 professional sumo tournaments. Despite the current brilliant career, Tochinoshin had to go through a very complicated path on the way to success, dealing with homesickness, learning Japanese and adapting to the lifestyle of his host country.

goCha abUladze Born in Georgia in 1985, the famous Georgian Baritone Gocha Abuladze has managed to fascinate opera lovers worldwide. His path to world recognition took him from the Georgian cities Kutaisi and Tbilisi to the land of Italy. After acquiring knowledge at the Tbilisi State Conservatory, Abuladze continued studying at the Osimo Academy. Along with his classes, Abuladze also participated in various master-classes. His career started in 2005 with performances at the Conservatory Opera Studio. His first major appearance happened in 2009, when he took to the stage at the Z. Paliashvili Tbilisi State Opera Theater for the first time. Since then, Abuladze has been working with the most important figures in the field and mesmerizing audiences in various opera theaters around the globe. He has also obtained a number of significant awards.

Events Calendar Giorgi Alexi-Meskhishvili Choreographer- Iliko Sukhishvili Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-150 GEL

theateR tbilisi opeRa and ballet theateR 25 Rustaveli Ave. February 23, 24 Premiere DON CARLO Giusepe Verdi Conductor: Zaza Azmaiparashvili Director: Cesare Lievi Set and Costume Designer: Maurizio Balo Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-200 GEL

February 21 Concert dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the premiere of ABESALOM AND ETERI Featuring: Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 15-150 GEL February 27, March 2 LAURENCIA Alexander Krein The performance is dedicated to Vakhtang Chabukiani’s 109th birth anniversary Ballet in Two Acts

gabRiadze theateR 14 Shavteli Str. Based on Lope de Vega’s novel Fuente Ovejuna Choreography- Vakhtang Chabukiani Libretto, new choreographic version and Staging by Nina Ananiashvili Conductor: David Mukeria Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-100 GEL

February 22, Animated documentary film REZO Directed by Leo Gabriadze Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL

March 9, 10 BALLET GALA Raymonda, Symphony in C Ballet divertissement Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-150 GEL March 15, 16, 17 KETO AND KOTE

Victor Dolidze’s opera Tbilisi State Opera and Ballet Theater Music Director of the Production- Revaz Takidze Director- Ioane (Vano) Khutsishvili Set, Costume and Lighting Designer-

February 23, 24 RAMONA Revaz Gabriadze Directed by Revaz Gabriadze English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20, 30 GEL

“A FASCINATING SHOW TO SEE IN TBILISI!” “A FASCINATING SHOW TO SEE IN TBILISI!”

MARCH: 12, 19, 26 MARCH: 12, 19, 26 MARCH:2, 12, APRIL: 16,19, 2326 APRIL: 16, APRIL:2,2, 16,2323 MAY: 7, 14, 21, 28 MAY: 14, 21, MAY:7, 7, 14, 21,28 28 JUNE: 4, 11 JUNE: 1111 JUNE:4,4,

INFO &&TICKETS: TICKETS: INFO & INFO TICKETS: WWW.MUSICAL.GE WWW.MUSICAL.GE WWW.MUSICAL.GE +995 551 56 00 33 +995 +995551 55156 5600 0033 33

20:00 20:00 20:00 AT MUSIC AND DRAMA

AT AND ATMUSIC MUSICTHEATRE AND DRAMA DRAMA STATE STATE STATETHEATRE THEATRE 182 AGHMASHENEBELI AVENUE 182 182AGHMASHENEBELI AGHMASHENEBELI AVENUE AVENUE

shaliKashvili theateR

MoveMent theateR 182 Agmashenebeli Ave.

37 Rustaveli Ave. February 22, 23 Premiere AUGUST 8 A story of the wars in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Directed by Davit Shalikashvili Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL March 1, 2 KRIMANCHUILI A comedy performance based on novels of Georgian national motives. Pantomime Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL

March 29, 30 HOST AND GUEST Based on Vazha Pshavela’s poem Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20 GEL

February 23, March 14 THE TEMPEST Base on William Shakespeare Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Composer: Sandro Nikoladze Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-15 GEL

MUsiC & dRaMa state theateR 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. March 19, 26 WELCOME TO GEORGIA

February 28 LABYRINTH Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-15 GEL March 1, 16 ASTIGMATISTS Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-15 GEL

March 8, 9 LIKE THIS A comedy performance based on novels of Georgian national motives. Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL

The Musical 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. Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 50-80 GEL

March 7 INTRO Sandro Nikoladze’s Musical Allegry Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-15 GEL

Co-organizer

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Co-organizer

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Official Supporters

Complete Hotel Equipping

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Hotel Partners

www.awards-tourism.com | info@awards-tourism.com +995 558 84 20 60

MUseUM of soviet oCCUpation 3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave.

March 8 THE STORY OF A MURDERER Directed by Kakha Bakuradze Music: Sandro Nikoladze, Davit Kakulia Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-15 GEL

MUseUMs geoRgian national MUseUM siMon Janashia MUseUM

Exhibition RED TERROR AND GEORGIAN ARTISTS The exhibition showcases artworks by Dimitri Shevardnadze, Petre Otskheli, Henryk Hryniewski, Richard Sommer, Kiril Zdanevich, Vasily Shukhaev, Elene Akhvlediani, Lado Gudiashvili, David Kakabadze, Ucha Japharidze, Aleksandre BajbeukMelikov, Korneli Sanadze and more.

the national galleRy 11 Shota Rustaveli Ave.

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

Untill October 5 EXHIBITION MASTERS OF GEORGIAN ART Paintings of Kirill Zdanevich, Shalva Kikodze, Ketevan Magalashvili and Elene

FELIX VARLAMISHVILI (VARLA) SOLO EXHIBITION For the first time, enjoy more than 60 artworks by the author from the Georgian National Museum and private collections.

galleRy

3 Sh. Rustaveli Ave.

In the framework of the celebrations of the European Year of Cultural Heritage in Georgia the Georgian National Museum presents the exhibition WISDOM TRANSFORMED INTO GOLD

Akhvlediani together with Lado Gudiashvili’s and David Kakabadze, giving a comprehensive picture of the diversity and aesthetics of Georgian Art.

MUsiC tbilisi state ConseRvatoiRe 8 Griboedov Str. February 22 CLASSICAL MUSIC COGNITIVE PROGRAM ‘Walking and drums’ Leader- Irakli Evstapishvili Start time: 16:00 Ticket: 10-50 GEL

February 28 TBILISI BIG-BAND FEATURING NEW JAZZ GENERATION Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10-20 GEL

and presentation of CD ‘Pregnancy Music’ with the masterpieces of Bach, Handel, Mozart, Schubert, Tchaikovsky and Chopin. Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 25-100 GEL

March 15 CLASSICAL MUSIC COGNITIVE PROGRAM ‘String Instruments’ Leader- Koka Nikoladze Start time: 16:00 Ticket: 10-50 GEL

Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 60 GEL

ColleCtive K7b67

1 Melikishvili Ave.

spaCehal

tbilisi ConCeRt hall

Monk Gabriel Salosi I Turn 2 February 23 COLLECTIVE K7B67 OPENING NIGHT French producer and DJ- AIROD, Georgian producer- DREAD Georgian Techno pioneerA.Tabukashvili Start time: 00:00 Ticket: 20-30 GEL

March 2 TBILISI JAZZ FESTIVAL PAT METHENY AND TBILISI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The project– Missouri Skies and More Conductor: Vakhtang Kakhidze Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 50-100 GEL

1 Tsereteli Ave. March 1 TREEBAL: ASTRIX Line up: ASTRIX, WEGHA, ACIDWAVE, OOGWAY ANCIENT OM, MARCUSS Start time: 23:00 Ticket: 30-60 GEL

March 8 NIAZ DIASAMIDZE & 33A Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20-50 GEL March 7 DECODER: AMELIE LENS, NUR JABER, NICOLE Start time: 23:30 Ticket: 40 GEL

tbilisi event hall 1 Melikishvili Ave. March 1 TBILISI JAZZ FESTIVAL PAT METHENY’S TRIO: PAT METHENY’S , DEREK OLESZKIEWICZ AND JONATHAN BARBER

RooMs hotel tbilisi 14 Kostava Str. March 13 VALERIAN SHIUKASHVILI’S PIANO RECITAL

March 29 DECODER: PEGGY GOU, NINASUPSA, COSMIC LOVE ROTATION Start time: 23:30 Ticket: 40-50 GEL

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

Tripplanner.ge is a new C-90; M-35; Y-95; 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 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

voyage toURs geoRgia 8 G. Kartozia Str. TEL 229 95 55 Fax: +995 32 2299444 Web: http://voyagetours.ge Email: Tbs@voyagetours.net

villages to the local people of Ushguli, 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’ 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

34 I. Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 577 03 05 44, 243 143 incoming@yourgroup.ge

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 12b A. Kazbegi Ave. TEL 200 04 45 www.georgiaholiday.com info@georgiaholiday.com

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visit geoRgia 4a Ingorokva Str. TEL 292 22 46 www.visitgeorgia.ge vg@visitgeorgia.ge

inteRCo tRavel 14 I. Abashidze Str. TEL 229 43 43 www.interco.travel info@interco.travel

CaUCasUs tRavel 22 Peritsvaleba Str. TEL 298 74 00 www.caucasustravel.com Georgia@caucasustravel.com

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

veCtoR tRavel geoRgia 47 Kostava Str. TEL 595 48 22 33 www.vector.travel info@vectorge.com

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

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Listing: Casinos pRinCess Casino batUMi 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.

eURope-bet 12 Melikishvili Ave. TEL 247 14 71

aMbassadoRi 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

gRand 48 Vaja-Pshavela Ave. TEL 239 96 52 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

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

shangRi la Casino tbilisi River Mtkvari Right Embankment, Near the Bridge of Peace TEL 220 07 01

Casino iveRia

Republic (Rose Revolution) Sq. TEL 240 22 45

1 Ninoshvili Str., Batumi TEL +995 4222 25 362, +995 4222 25 363

Casino JeWel 29 Shota Rustaveli Ave. TEL 260 00 00

gaming industry in Georgia. Offering 35 gaming tables, including all the traditional and modern casino games, it also boasts 295 slot machines and 80 electronic Roulette stations. With an average crowd of around 2,000 guests a night, many coming from the surrounding states, the Casino Adjara gambling halls create a unique gaming atmosphere that cannot be felt in many other Casinos in Europe.

Casino inteRnational 40 Rustaveli Str., Batumi TEL +995 422 23 00 23

WelMond Casino 2/4 Shavsheti Str., Batumi TEL +995 422 242 020

To grasp the full feel and essence of Casino Jewel, you will be greeted by its dedicated hostesses, who will show you around and get you into the vibe of the place. First and foremost, Casino Jewel prides itself on personalized service, which means giving personal attention to everyone who enters to explore the Casino.

Casino adJaRa 26 May Sq. TEL 233 55 19 Casino Adjara opened its doors in 1998 and became an immediate hit in the

eClipse Casino 1 Lech and Maria Kaczynski Str., Batumi TEL 557 11 00 00

peaCe Casino 2/21 Vazha Pshavela/Ninoshvili Str., Hotel Sheraton, Batumi TEL +995 557 77 00 00

to stay

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

Shalva Alaverdashvili Director of the Borjomi Likani Hotel

hotel sno Kazbegi Kazbegi, located in the region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti, has gained a lot of popularity among domestic and international tourists in recent years. In this region, I would certainly recommend the 4-star Hotel Sno Kazbegi, as it is a most serene and tranquil place, tucked into the mountains and seeped in magnificent nature. Here, guests have a chance to enjoy a stay in a peaceful atmosphere, far from the urban noise and enjoy some truly stunning views.

to stay

CitRUs hotel Modern and stylish, Citrus hotel, with its sophisticated décor, is located in the center of Tbilisi and makes the best choice for tourists interested in exploring the top sights of the capital and those who enjoy city walks. One of the most important features of the hotel is the conference hall, which makes the stay especially comfortable for those here on business.

aMeRi plaza My advice for business travelers it to choose Ameri Plaza Hotel for their stay, as it offers a most comfortable environ for fruitful work. For a full-day of energy, they have the ideal buffet breakfast to set you up. The hotel also caters to people with disabilities with specially designed apartments.

galleRy palaCe Located on the hillside, in one of the oldest and most beautiful districts of Tbilisi, Sololaki, Gallery Palace Hotel offers vacationers luxury and a pleasant visit. Guests can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the city. Delicious dishes from Georgian and European cuisine are also provided in the restaurant there.

old Meidan If you enjoy history or want to explore the most interesting and ancient sights of Tbilisi, Old Meidan Hotel is the place to stay, located at the foot of Narikala Fortress. Guests will find themselves absorbed by the location’s mélange of cultures and religions seen in the Georgian and Armenian churches, Jewish synagogues, Zoroastrian temple and Muslim mosque coexisting peacefully, all close by the hotel. And don’t miss the incredible views from the hotel balconies!

to stay

The Best of Borjomi Can Be Found in the Borjomi Likani Hotel Surrounded by captivating mountains, renowned for the unique mineral waters of volcanic origin, sprawled arcoss the magnificent hills of the South Caucasus, the Borjomi Gorge has been one of the best-loved tourist destinations for many a year. However, there is an especially wonderful area within the Gorge which is enriched with a unique healing climate and flora: the Likani Park. It was discovered by Grand Duke Nicholas Mikhailovich Romanov in the west of Borjomi and he decided to build his summer palace on the territory. Today, the 5-star Borjomi Likani Hotel is located exactly within that very same territory. The site was renowned for the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sanatorium of the 4th Department,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; with guests coming from all over the USSR to gather here with family and friends and receive the benefits and curative effects of the waters and procedures offered by the Sanatorium. Located just 177km from the capital city Tbilisi, Borjomi Likani Hotel is honorably continuing this wonderful story. Stretched across a unique territory of 43 hectares and offering a multiplicity of procedures based on the mineral waters, the medical center of the hotel is its best treasure. Borjomi Likani makes for an ideal vacation with health benefits. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all about the water, as the hotel also offers:

to stay

• 151 rooms of different categories with captivating views; • Two restaurants and a bar serving a variety of international dishes which can

be enjoyed on the terraces with wonderful panoramic views; • Modern conference halls- the ideal venues for holding meetings, seminars or other events, which can be equipped to your requirements; • A Spa and Health Center where, along with wonderful massages and various spa procedures, you can make use of the large swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fitness center, beauty salon, Russian and Finnish saunas, steam room and Turkish Hamman. The Borjomi Likani Hotel Medical Center

boasts professional doctors who work with each guest individually, launching a personal medical program for them and having numerous years’ experience. Procedures are based on the mineral

activities, 43 hectares of territory offer visitors the chance to try archery, shooting, volleyball or basketball, or to visit the famous Romanov Palace in the depths of the park.

waters of Borjomi. Borjomi Likani also offers guests a professional rehabilitation and diagnostic center which is equipped with the modern equipment of leading companies.

What could be better than to spend your day horse riding or cycling? Extreme sports lovers can also enjoy rafting under professional supervision. A 10 km river route ends just in front of the hotel. A hiking tour is yet another way to enjoy the Borjomi Likani Hotel territory.

Borjomi Likani is an ideal destination for family holidays. There is a children’s club on the territory which comprises enclosed areas, as well as a special playground, where children are given an opportunity to have fun and get plenty of fresh air, watched over by professional entertainers. Borjomi Likani aims to make each guest’s stay fun. Aside from numerous indoor

to stay

The aim of the hotel is to create a flawless location with a mélange of experience, traditions and modern standards, where guests are able to combine comfort, fun and health to make the perfect vacation.

Translated by Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

Rooftop Skiing – Just What You Need When the Ground is Not Enough! By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

It’s difficult to imagine something truly innovative in rooftop design. We can already enjoy cocktails and a breathtaking view from up high, and sunbathe beside an infinity pool over the city, sea or mountains. However, the new residential complex offered by the Dux Development Company in Bakuriani is set to beat your wildest imagination and shock both locals and visitors in the very best way.

The jaw-dropping new project of Dux Development, called Landmark Bakuriani, is set to boast an incredible rooftop ski slope, the first of its kind in Georgia! In the 21st century, security and comfort are of paramount importance. With the help of experienced and creative architects and partner companies, Dux Development guarantees maximum safety and a cozy atmosphere for the residents of Landmark Bakuriani.

to stay

Located just 600 meters from the Didveli piste, Landmark Bakuriani will be an ideal destination for mountain resort lovers. However, guests may just forget all about Didveli once they discover the treasure of Landmark Bakuriani: the 102-meter secure ski zone! The complex will allow residents to ski in the comfort of their own building, and you won’t have to be a Red Bull Extreme Rider to enjoy the rooftop ski zone, as it will be

made suitable for all age groups and levels. The complex will also feature a ski gym and two indoor ski slopes, making the stay even more of a pleasure. In fact, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ideal for the whole family as the resort of Bakuriani is well known for amateur skiing and family holidays. Landmark Bakuriani will be an excellent place to spend valuable time with your loved ones. For maximum safety, Dux Development has entrusted the construction process of the ski slopes to one of the most experienced companies: SKIWORLD-PRO. Even though the rooftop is the most distinguished element of Landmark Bakuriani, it would be unfair not to point out some of its other wonderful features. Take the hotel-type apartments, for example- coming in two categories (suites and junior suites) which will all come fully furnished, and that includes electrical appliances! A 5-star hotel service and 24/7 security with concierge will also be available. Landmark Bakuriani will also boast indoor and outdoor parking spaces for 30 and 100 vehicles, respectively.

tion zones for children and their parentsall to guarantee you unforgettable holidays. The outdoor space will be open to benefit all visitors to the resort. The residential project was designed by Georgian architect Sebo&Dito Studio and

is set for completion in December 2020. Landmark Bakuriani represents a wonderful chance to spend your holidays in a pleasant atmosphere and enjoy the stunning nature of the Bakuriani mountain resort.

The spacious lobby and bar will make the perfect space for family and friends to gather and will help make your stay all the more delightful. Parents will be able to keep an eye on their children skiing while enjoying a drink or two in the Skybar. A restaurant with delicious dishes will also be ready to serve in the complex. The creators of Landmark Bakuriani had families very much in mind when they designed the complex. It is surrounded by a whopping 10 acres of woodland, incredible entertainment facilities, a magnificent adventure park and relaxa-

to stay

Lifferent Hotel & Spa: Your Comfort Zone in Tbilisi A prestigious Georgian brand ‘Lifferent Hotel & Spa’ has been launched in one of the capital city’s top districts- Vake. The boutique hotel has an outstanding location on the 10th floor of a multifunctional building and comprises six rooms, all with private elevators. Soak up the French atmosphere as soon as you enter, with the distinguished and sophisticated design and ultra-modern interior. The incredible synthesis of dark grey walls and violet sofas makes the environment feel even more luxurious. As well as rooms, the hotel also offers spacious two-room apartments designed in a similar style, ideal for family stays. All guests at the Lifferent Hotel & Spa can make use of the hotel’s sauna, gym and swimming pool. There is an incredibly cozy and warm aura in the hotel, set off by the fact that the décor and furniture is Georgian-made, as per the wishes of the owner, who wanted to show off the ability of local production to meet European standards. The interior of all six rooms will remind you of Paris: low white bedside tables, a dark ivory carpeted floor, fancy beds the color of mustard, spacious, classic wardrobes with exceptional design, wonderful lamp brackets and ceiling-tofloor pastel curtains – all of this has been created to guarantee a true European stay for tourists and locals alike.

to stay

All rooms are bright, featuring wide private balconies furnished with a wonderful fan-shaped chair and a table reminiscent of an upturned wine glass. The breathtaking panoramic view of the city is equally impressive, especially at night time when the entire city is lit up. The unique landscape of Vake Park sprawls to the right of the hotel, while the remarkable recreation zone of Kus Tba (Turtle Lake), which plays host to multiple cultural events and concerts, is just 10 minutes’ walk away. One of the most interesting tourist destinations, the Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography, the largest ‘store’ of Georgian folk culture, is located to the west of Kus Tba.

If you wish to spend time with your friends and loved ones and are looking for a cozy, calm and sophisticated environ, you should certainly visit Lifferent Hotel & Spa. Relax and rejuvenate in the same space, fitted to your requirements. Your comfort

and satisfaction are the main aspirations of this truly high-quality boutique hotel. Lifferent Hotel & Spa 29 Chavchavadze Avenue, Tbilisi

For those who enjoy brand shops and checking out the latest trends in fashion, there are numerous shops and boutiques in the surroundings of the hotel. Lifferent Hotel & Spa has a unique Spa center which guarantees a magical journey in the world of face and body care. It is the only boutique hotel where it is possible to enjoy a wide range of treatments of exclusive, premium-level Korean brand products. All guests are given an opportunity to test cosmetology therapies such as: ‘Coconut Line’, which contributes to the PH balance and reduction of wrinkle depth; ‘Golden Ritual’ – RF lifting of face and neck areas, mesotherapy around the eyes, and ‘Anti-age Therapy’, which uses the substitutes of stem-cells and delivers active chemicals to the deepest layers of the skin, fills the wrinkles and cryo-lifts the facial and low-neck line. Try face ‘Hydration’, ‘Cleansing’ and ‘Peeling’ with the unique Ronas line, the very therapies which have substituted Bio revitalization treatment. Only the guests of our Spa center have a chance to prevent aging while avoiding injections and extra damage to the face.

to stay

top 5

lUxURy hotels in tbilisi By Katie Ruth davies

Here for a city break or business and want to be sure of comfort and luxury in your accommodation (which includes top-class cuisine and spa services as a minimum)? Treating yourself or simply want the best the capital has to offer? Then check out our recommendations below and enjoy your stay!

the biltMoRe hotel tbilisi

With distinct lifestyle venues, a sensational spa and a one-of-a-kind entertainment arena, The Biltmore Hotel is the a preferred place to stay in Tbilisi. Take in the nearby main city sights and explore some art and history at the Georgian National Opera Theater, Rustaveli National Theater, Dimitry Shevardnadze National Gallery and the incredible sulfur baths of Abanotubani. Discover Xeme Restaurant, which serves the best sushi in town, Sonnet Restaurant and Bar, offering a wide variety of cuisine created at live cooking stations, and The Parlour with its famously generous servings of cake. For drinks and light bites, there are Xeme Bar, Azura and The Club Lounge, each boasting a unique ambiance to suit your mood.

You can’t beat (or miss!) the 7* Biltmore! The building on Tbilisi’s central thoroughfare, Rustaveli Avenue, is a huge glass tower fronted by a stone façade that once housed the Institute of Marxism in Soviet times. Such a grand entrance, with splendid chandeliers and a fine display of deservedly expensive artwork by contemporary Georgian artists, is but a taste of the luxury you can expect when staying here.

The hotel is a highly in-demand venue for conducting conferences, meetings and summits of the very top level. The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi is an urban retreat for those in-the-know or the ideal partner for those conducting business in the city - the ultimate address for discerning travelers.

You can be sure that the view from your window will be mesmerizing, as is the view of the city from the top of the tower. The hotel’s 214 luxury rooms and suites provide free Wi-Fi and upscale bathroom amenities, serviced by friendly and highly-professional staff.

29 Shota Rustaveli Ave. 272 72 72 www.millenniumhotels.com

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staMba hotel The renovated building of a Soviet-era printing house combines a 1920s and 1930s design as well as a mix of contemporary art. There are 150 rooms to choose from, each featuring super-king size beds, personal McIntosh hi-fi systems, and gilded freestanding brass bathtubs and showers. You room looks out into the lush, rambling courtyard gardens of both Stamba and Rooms Hotels, while the corner suites feature a stunning glass wall overlooking the hotel’s flora centerpiece which extends to the lower ground floor. The five-level lobby atrium, dominated by trees and foliage, delights the senses at the highest level. Opening out from it is the Café Stamba restaurant and the sophisticated Stamba Chocolaterie selling high quality artisan chocolate and coffee, compleing the hotel’s gourmet edit on the ground floor. At the core of the entertainment program is the Aviator Casino, set to be the most distinctive and elegant casino in the region, introducing a modern interpretation of the glamorous era of gaming to guests, including an exclusive dining room and bar with dedicated cocktail service. On November 19, 2018, ‘Stamba’ Hotel won the award of ‘the New Concept of the Year’ at the AHEAD Awards Europe official ceremony in London. Following its success at the AHEAD Awards, Stamba Hotel obtained victory a second time by receiving the People’s Choice Award at the AHEAD Global Awards, held in London, UK. In 2018, Time magazine released its first annual list of ‘100 of the World’s Greatest Places,’ in which one Georgian hotel had earned a place: Stamba. 14 M. Kostava Str. 202 11 99 www.facebook.com/StambaHotel/

RooMs hotel tbilisi This hotel deserves all the praise it has gained: one of the most stylish places in Georgia, it is luxury and hip at the same time. Frequented by locals who enjoy spending time in the inner garden and lobby drinking coffee or sipping cocktails, it is also a marvelous place to stay for people who appreciate comfort and tasteful design. It is almost impossible to book a room there during Tbilisi Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, as all the fashionistas who come to Tbilisi want to stay there. Numerous fashion shows and parties take place in its venues. So if you want to get closer to the fancy crowd, take care of your accommodation in advance.

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You will be fascinated by the interior of the rooms, especially Terrace Queen and Terrace King. Waking up to the morning sunlight, looking out over the city and being hidden from the whole world feels simply incredible! 14 Merab Kostava Str. 202 00 99 www.roomshotels.com/tbilisi

Radisson blU iveRia hotel Towering above Rebublic Square, the modern building of the Radisson Blu Iveria hotel is impossible to miss. The luxurious hotel offers 249 rooms and suites for guests to enjoy a break in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. With views of the surrounding mountains and Mtkvari River, the hotel offers scenic views despite its central location. Rooms are stylish and comfortable. They include a flat-screen TV, hot drinks facilities and Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a fully equipped gym, sauna, on-site casino, business center, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants and sky bar. After relaxing at the spa and enjoying a meal at its Umami Asian fusion restaurant, guests can walk just a few hundred meters to the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater. The Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel is consistently rated highly by visitors and it won the Tripadvisor 2018 Travellers’ Choice Award. Republic Square 240 22 00

aMbassadoRi hotel - tbilisi The Hotel Ambasadori is a luxury hotel in Tbilisi, located in the heart of Tbilisi’s historic center on the right bank of the Mtkvari River between the Anchiskhati Church and the Marionette Theater near the commercial center of the city. The hotel boasts 121 comfortable rooms, beautiful terraces and magnificent views. Choose from modern rooms and suites or opt for a classic stay in the older part of the hotel, while being guaranteed high-standard service throughout. Enjoy the spa services and fine dining in the café and restaurant. And don’t miss out on the Ambassadori Casino, targeted at the professional segment of gambling. Offering everything from classic table games to modern slot-machines, the club works in the best casino traditions and is appealing to maximum stake lovers from all over the world. 17 Shavteli Str. 243 94 94 www.ambassadori.com

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

LM Club Hotel By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. In addition to this, they are equipped with a special air-conditioning system which allows visitors to regulate the room temperature the way they want. Slippers, bathrobes, hairdryers and free toiletries are present in every room. Safes, located in the wardrobe, make the stay more secure for guests. There are three types of smoking and non-smoking rooms in the LM Club Hotel: Double room, Small Double room and Twin room. Smoking rooms feature spacious balconies. You can add an extra bed upon request in some rooms. From December, the hotel is offering interconnecting rooms, which will be especially comfortable for a family stay. The prices of rooms at the LM Club Hotel are moderate and accessible for budget visitors. • Double and Twin room: $120 per night • Small Double room: $110 per night • Extra bed: $40 per night

LM Club Hotel is the perfect choice for visitors who are searching for a combination of healthy and relaxing vacations in the center of Tbilisi. It is a small and comfortable hotel, which first opened its doors to visitors just a year ago, on October 20, 2017. Despite quite a short time in existence, LM Club Hotel has managed to gain a lot of popularity.

Modest at first glance, it offers a great variety of sport and relaxing facilities. The hotel comprises 18 spacious and elegant rooms with simple décor. 13 of them started functioning in 2017, 5 are under construction and will be ready to welcome the guests from December. All rooms come with private bathroom,

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LM Club hotel is the only hotel in Tbilisi with private tennis courts, including both, 4 clay and 4 hard courts. A mini football pitch is also available. Visitors have the possibility to enjoy a year-round heated swimming pool and sauna with chill-out areas and free beverages, with modern and clean fitted rooms. A well-equipped gym and fitness

room are also present in the hotel for those guests who want to keep fit or take classes of Zumba or Pilates. All the classes and the assistance of a personal trainer in the gym are available for an extra charge. There are two extensive terraces where visitors can spend sunny days and sunbathe. The hotel offers the following SPA services: solarium, cosmetologist and massage. The beauty salon in the hotel is incredibly pleasant and useful, as guests have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of beauty treatments in one area. Another outstanding feature of the LM Club Hotel is the sport store located in it. Visitors need not have worry if they lack any sport equipment, as in case of need, the hotel guarantees its availability, thus making the stay super comfortable and relaxing. Tennis racquets are available for free use. A conference hall serving 24 people is present in the hotel for those who want to discuss business issues. In case of a request in advance, LM Club Hotel can provide an airport transfer service to any number of guests. This service comes at an extra charge. The outstanding and professional staff of the hotel, with a friendly and warm attitude to guests, do their best to make every visitor feel at home there. At the front desk they can provide guidance 24/7. Aside from all the abovementioned outstanding features, LM Club Hotel is also distinguished for its location. It is situated in the city center, 100 meters from Marjanishvili Square. A great variety of bars, restaurants and shops can be found a very short distance from the hotel.

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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.

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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

Apart-Hotels in Tbilisi It is the fashion to rent yourself an entire apartment for your trip away these days, which often comes at a similar price to a simple ensuite in a hotel, if not cheaper, and with as personal a service as you could get in some hotels. Aware of this boom, Tbilisi has its own share of apart-hotels available. We’ve picked out our favorites for you.

Citadines Building 2a, 4 Liberty (Freedom) Square 254 70 30 Centrally located on Liberty (Freedom) Square, but tucked in a courtyard away from the noise, you can’t find a better option for your business or tourism stay. The new Galleria Mall is seconds away, and the top cultural sights and nightlife are minutes from your door- including the Opera House and Rustaveli Theater. The accommodation offers a chic living space with high-speed internet, a fully equipped kitchenette and a living room, so you can invite friends over or recharge after a hard day’s work. At Citadines, you will meet friendly staff who will be delighted to share their local knowledge to help you settle in quickly and integrate with the local culture.

david’s apaRtMent 7/7 Mikheili Tsinamdzghvrishvili Str., Chugureti district 577 40 06 02 Walking distance from the city center, David’s Apartment offers a quiet

retreat away from the urban bustle. This apartment is a true luxury to stay in- with cool, calming colors, fresh and modern décor and a brilliant view out the window. Everything is new and stylish. Expect Wi-Fi throughout, a fully-equipped kitchen and a comfortable living area.

5 RooMs hotel 6th floor, 64-66 K. Tsamebuli Ave. 599 55 02 20 This apartment comes on the 6th floor of a modern apartment building in a residential area. Furniture is modern and colors are fresh. The kitchen and living areas are shared and there is Wi-Fi throughout the property. A large balcony gives you somewhere to sit after a hard day’s work or exploration and look over the city, with plenty of green to see amongst the urban sprawl. Ideally located near a metro which can whisk you to the city center in minutes.

lUxURy tWobedRooM apaRtMent 4 I. Tarkhnishvili Cul-de-sac, Vera district

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Vera is one of our favorite locations in the city, stretched up the hillside from the central thoroughfare between Vake and Rustaveli, minutes from the main tourist attractions and a short taxi or public transport ride to the main nightlife of the capital. This fresh and light open-plan living apartment will make your busy trip here a pure pleasure. It comes air-conditioned and includes a seating area, a flat-screen TV and a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area. A dishwasher and kettle are also provided and the host is friendly and helpful.

MaRJanishvili apaRtMent D. Aghmashenebeli Ave. A clean, fresh and ultra-modern apartment choice close to Marjanishvili Metro on a newly-renovated city street. Nearby, you’ll find restaurants, nightlife options and theaters. Each unit includes a very comfortable seating area with a fireplace and a flat-screen TV, a kitchen with a dining area, a balcony overlooking an internal garden, and a private bathroom.

Where to Stay in Abastumani Abastumani is a former glory waiting for its revival, with plans already in the making to build a posh new hotel there. At present, the resort itself (a little past the official ‘town’ of Abastumani) is now a bit run down. Once touted as one of the best anti-tuberculosis resorts in Georgia, it is now a shadow of its former grandeur. That said, it is interesting to see the ornate woodwork on dilapidated buildings constructed by German Prisoners of War, the stone building of the old baths ordered by the Romanov royal family in the 19th century, the ruins of Tamar’s Fortress and the surrounding deep green forest. Take a dip in the 40-degree mineral pool (follow signs to the Sulphur Baths), and drive or walk up to the Space Observatory (well-signposted) which overlooks the resort. Once there, not only are you promised an incredible view and some of the best air in Georgia, you can also mooch around the 14 telescopes, mounted between 1934 and 1978, most of which still function today, and take a tour of the museum. A stay is often prescribed for those seeking the benefits of air and pine, so we’ve picked out three of the options available- modern, homely and “authentic”. Don’t expect luxury just yet, but these hotels will provide the hospitality, warmth and comfort you need as you take in the local nature.

gReen hotel 14 Asatiani Street Ideal for families, this 3-star hotel comes with a big garden with a grassy equipped play area for little ones and a shelter for picnicking in the sunshine. In colder climes, snuggle up next to the fire in the living room. The interior is freshly renovated, with chandeliers and rustic elements. There is a spacious dining room serving fresh, local dishes and a continental breakfast. Bedrooms come with comfortable wooden beds/bunkbeds, PVC windows, private bathrooms, TVs and balconies/

garden access. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout. For a friendly, hospitable and modern stay in an authentic Georgian health resort, choose Green Hotel.

gUli’s flat in abastUMani Arazindo For forest surroundings, wonderful views, and a friendly, welcoming service, you can’t beat Guli’s. The facilities are not new and are simple, but you’ll find everything you need for a good night’s sleep and contact with a local who can tell you some stories about the area.

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Facilities: 35 m² room, bathroom, kitchen, balcony, washing machine, Wi-Fi.

abastUMani apaRtMent 4 Asatiani Street This sunny, old 75m2 house with wooden floors promises an authentic stay in the mountains. You’ll have two bedrooms with a garden, loggia (enclosed balcony), bathroom, TV, washing machine and kitchen. There’s no internet, so this house makes for a true escape from urban stress! Photo: Maka Bibilashvili

Winter Wonderland: innovative Accommodation in the Mountains by amy Jones

Georgia is fast becoming a popular ski destination with more and more visitors drawn to the snow-covered peaks of the mighty Caucasus Mountains every year. To match the increase in guests, innovative developments and hotels have sprung up in and around Georgia’s favorite ski resorts, making a stay in winter wonderland even more special. Whether you’re looking to buy a unique apartment in Bakuriani, or stay in a dreamy hotel amongst snow-capped peaks, we’ve found your new favorite accommodation in the mountains.

landMaRK baKURiani A PiSTE ON THE ROOF

leaving the development, which is especially attractive for families with children. The complex, set in 10-hectares of recreation zone, consists of hotel-style

The project will be completed in December 2020.

the CloUdbase A COTTAGE AT 2300 METERS If relaxing by an open fire in a wood cabin perched atop a mountain in Svaneti sounds like a dream to you, The Cloudbase will make it your reality. Built at 2300 meters, the cottage offers stunning panoramic views of layers and layers of white-toothed mountains. Niko Paliani, a young Georgian tour guide, built the cottage to resemble his grandfather’s mountain hut and fulfil a childhood dream. The basic but friendly accommodation can fit up to 15 people. Guests should bring their own sleeping bags or bedding.

Nestled among alpine forests, Bakuriani offers some of Georgia’s best winter sports opportunities. It even hosts the Olympic ski team every winter. Dux developers have chosen the area for a new apartment building development with one amazing feature - a piste of the roof. The roof will allow residents and visitors to ski without

apartments, relaxation zones, parking facilities, and even an extreme adventure park. Guests and residents can also enjoy an on-site restaurant, bar and 5-star hotel service. Its close proximity to the Didveli piste makes it an ideal investment for keen skiers or those looking to generate additional income through holiday rentals.

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Rixos boRJoMi RELAx iN A SPA The winner of the Best Wellness & Spa Resort Award 2017 in the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards, Rixos Borjomi is the perfect destination for a relaxing escape. Guests can enjoy a variety of spa treatments as well as the on-site restaurant and indoor and outdoor

QUadRUM sKi and yoga ResoRt A SPiRiTuAL RETREAT A stone’s throw from Gudauri’s slopes, Quadrum Ski and Yoga Resort is a stunning boutique hotel. A stay in the minimalistic stacked cabins resting on stilts is truly unique. The hotel not only caters for the physical desires of keen skiers but also spiritual needs by offering yoga classes. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool, sauna and fitness studio.

offers incredible accommodation. From their modern rooms to the welcoming lobby area, the design of Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is first-class. The real wow factor is the swimming pool with floor to ceiling glass windows, allowing guests to gaze upon the Caucasus mountains as they swim. Rooms Hotel Kazbegi has gained a well-deserved reputation of being one of Georgia’s most stylish hotels.

entertainment. The hotel, part of the global Rixos hotel chain, is a modern mountain retreat with added luxury. So, where are you spending your next winter holidays? With reasonable prices and world-class design, Georgia’s unique accommodation is waiting for you. The vast Caucasus Mountains provide an impressive backdrop yearround, especially when painted white.

RooMs hotel Kazbegi SWiMMiNG WiTH A MOuNTAiN ViEW Kazbegi is one of Georgia’s most popular destinations in the mountains. To make your stay extra special, Rooms Kazbegi

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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 29 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 272 72 72

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.

CoURtyaRd tbilisi 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 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.

tbilisi MaRRiott hotel 13 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 277 92 00 www.marriott.com Once you enter its grand atrium-style lobby adorned with crystal chandeliers,

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you’re greeted with renowned Georgian hospitality. Overlooking the Main Avenue 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.

Radisson blU iveRia hotel

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.

1 Rose Revolution Sq. TEL 240 22 00

mosque, synagogue, cable car and more. There are many cafes, bars, restaurants and other fun and relaxing places nearby.

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

holiday inn 26 May Sq. TEL 230 00 99 www.hi-tbilisi.com

hotels & pRefeRenCe hUaling tbilisi 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.

42 K. Apkhazi Str. TEL 272 46 14, 275 44 95 www.shardenvilla.ge

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

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.

shaRden villa

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

City avenUe hotel

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

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All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a 48-inch flat-screen TV with international channels. The private bathrooms include free toiletries, slippers, bathrobes and a hairdryer, a bath tub and separate shower cabin.

HOTEL PORTA CAUCASIA KAZBEGI Feel at home in Caucasus

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

The name of the hotel “Porta Caucasia” has great

Kazbegi and its surroundings have been attracting a lot of visitors of late; people drawn there by a love of nature, exotic and historical newly-established 4 star hotel in the heart of Kazbegi sights, and the magnificent views of Mount Kazbegi found in the offers alpine style sophistication and elegance.DarialiGorge. The

hotel stands out for its exquisite tasteful interior and creates a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for Porta Caucasia is the perfect place to stay if you’re interested in guests. A combination of earthy materials and visiting eco- this region. It is unusual to find such comfort and support highideal in mountains, but you will be amazed to discover the highfriendly manufacturing makes this beautiful hotel quality service this hotel provides. for all tastes.

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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.

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

World-famous Georgian Winery Khareba is the founder of Porta Caucasia and there are wine tours inside the hotel on the ground floor. The hotel has Georgian and European cuisine represented in two ou made using restaurants within the hotal, featuringhdelicious ost ydishes, to is something d wine r a w locally produced products. The r o f e b giparticularly worth g ia Kazvarieties LookinasKharebaWinery spresents a mentioning, of wine in both c u a C r ta is also a terrace and lounge on the top floor. at PoThere restaurants. Porta Caucasia is ideal for couples, families, leisure holidays,

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

The staff can plan trips according to your personal interests: try their Alpine Tour on Mount Kazbegi, with equipment and personal guide provided. If you are more into history and culture, take advantage of their Culture Tour, which includes a visit to various historical sites, including Gergeti Church and several Chateaus. Kazbegi is close to Gudauri resort and the hotel offers affordable transfer services.

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

best WesteRn tbilisi City CenteR

hotel Wine palaCe

92 Barnovi Str. TEL 234 47 47

31, B. Kvernadze Str. TEL 233 88 08, 555 35 55 55 www.winepalace.ge Email: info@winepalace.ge Facebook: #HotelWinePalace gian artists, available to view and buy. The hotel is famous for its elegant restaurant with a rare combination of delicious and healthy food.

Best Western Tbilisi City Center is located in the heart of the most prestigious part of the city, ensuring the utmost convenience and ease of access to all that Tbilisi has to offer, to the standards you would expect of the brand.

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

It comes surrounded by many of Tbilisi’s most popular restaurants and shops as well as business centers. With the business traveler’s needs in mind, all 44 rooms are perfectly equipped for guest comfort. While maintaining minimalist elegance, the rooms feature all the essentials: excellent quality mattresses, crisp linen and towels, hairdryer, complimentary coffee and tea facilities, bathroom amenities, free wireless internet access in all rooms and public areas.

galleRy palaCe 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-

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.

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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.

boRJoMi liKani hotel 16 Meskheti Str., Borjomi, Georgia Tel 229 22 92 Website: www.borjomilikani.com E: info@borjomilikani.com

Luxury 5 star Hotel Borjomi Likani is located 177 km away from Tbilisi (the capital of Georgia) in the middle of the coniferous park in Borjomi city, famous of its naturally carbonated mineral water from springs in the Borjomi Gorge of central Georgia. Hotel Borjomi Likani is located on the former territory of once popular Sanatorium of 4th deparment in Likani. Guests from all over the USSR used to gather here to spend time with family and friends and receive the benefits of the Health procedures offered, due to the curative effect of the Borjomi water. The famous Summer Palace of Russian royal Romanovs’ Family resided on the territory of the hotel is another reason for the guests to visit Borjomi Likani complex. The palace is under renovation today and soon will open its doors to all the guests. The Borjomi Likani Hotel features 151 comfortable rooms with stupendous view to the surroundings and modern amenities. Additional services: Spa & health Center, bars and restaurants, conference hall, kids club, weddings and entertainments.

golden tUlip boRJoMi hotel 48, 9 April Str. Borjomi TEL 288 02 02, 591 02 80 82 E-mail: info@goldentulipborjomipalace.com www.goldentulipborjomipalace.com

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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MUseUM hotel 8/10 Vakhtang Orbeliani Str. TEL 224 49 99

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. 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.

the teRRaCe boUtiQUe hotel 7 P. Kakabadze Str. TEL 299 90 01

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

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

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.

tbilisi laeRton hotel 14 I. Kurkhuli Str. TEL 255 66 55 Email: info@laerton-hotel.com

hotel King goRgasali

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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.

aRt boUtiQUe hotel 33 Tabukashvili Str. TEL 255 22 55 arthoteltbilisi@gmail.com

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

3 V. Gorgasali Str. TEL 222 50 80

hospitality, especially for making guests feel at home, for which Georgia is famous.

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 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

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Art Boutique Hotel is a 4 star hotel, located in the heart of city Tbilisi with 30 modern different type of rooms with balcony and beautiful views of the city. Rooms equipped with a mini bar, coffee and tea facilities, safety deposit box and TV with cable and satellite channels. Hotel has the bar-restaurant, free Wi-Fi. Transfers and tours are provided upon request. Art Boutique Hotel’s main priority is to make guests feel comfortable and safe for 24 hours. Art Boutique it is not just a 4 star hotel, it is a symbol of Georgian hospitality.

no12 boUtiQUe hotel 12 Khodasheni Str. (near Leselidze) www.No12hotel.com @no12hotel TEL 255 22 12

tiflis palaCe 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 32-34 Makashvili Str. TEL 293 14 04 info@betsyshotel.com www.betsyshotel.com

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.

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.

RooMs hotels tbilisi 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 8 Ninoshvili Str. TEL 202 03 99

best WesteRn KUtaisi 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

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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 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.

hotel poRta CaUCasia Kazbegi 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

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 9 Gorgasali Str., Tbilisi Old Town 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 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”.

The Family ConCierge 24/7 - your personal Travel manager!

Beyond georgian hospiTaliTy

Exclusive complimentary services provided for The Family guests: Recommendations on tested travel destinations, where to stay and what to eat ● Not the typical tours but exclusive places for extraordinary experiences Oriented on people with special interests in Georgian culture and ethnic traditions ●

●

Find out more about The Family Concierge: www.thefamily.ge +995 577 76 36 85

hotel old tbilisi 27 K. Tsamebuli Ave. TEL 277 38 40 www.hoteloldtbilisi.ge

Castello MaRe hotel & Wellness ResoRt, tsiKhisdziRi TsiIkhisdziri, Adjara TEL 0422 21 28 28

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

hotel KhoKhobi 7 Abano Turn TEL +995 706 130 130

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

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.

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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!

aMbassadoRi hotel 17 Shavteli Str. TEL 243 94 94 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 and the bars and restaurants of the hotel have been made as prominent as the first restaurant was back in the day.

Listing: Ski resort Hotels - Bakuriani, Gudauri, Svaneti, Zemo Adjara BORJOMI

CRoWne plaza boRJoMi 9 Baratashvili Str. TEL 222 12 21

the Tsars’ times for the curing quality of its waters. The hotel resides in the beautiful pre-alpine area, carrying the name of the well-known mineral waters of Georgia. The hotel offers outstanding comfort and luxury to its guests, in one of the most famous cities of Georgia. You will have a holiday experience beyond your expectations in our Deluxe rooms and Design Suites, with stupendous view to the surroundings

boRJoMi palaCe 17 Gamsakhurdia Str. TEL 243 00 31, 243 00 32 The Crowne Plaza Borjomi is situated in the heart of Borjomi, a picturesque Georgian spa and resort town well known for its artesian natural springs. The hotel is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance to the famous Borjomi Park, very well placed to welcome both leisure and corporate travellers and represents a haven for those looking to relax, rejuvenate or have a quiet meeting. The architecture of the building outside ideally fits the surroundings and blends in with the nature around it.

boRJoMi liKani hotel, spa and health CentRe 16 Meskheti Str. TEL 229 22 92 Borjomi Likani Hotel, SPA and Health Centre is the best luxury retreat in this famous area of Georgia, known from

Featuring a shared kitchen and dining area, Alma-Ata Hotel is located in Borjomi’s city center. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout. The property is a 10-minute walk from both the Mineral Water Park and Borjomi Plateau. Each room comes wth a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and satellite channels. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also feature a hairdryer and free toiletries.

natali 20 R. Vepkhvadze Str. TEL 591 00 25 85 Natali Hotel is located just a minute’s walk from Romanov Palace. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Each elegant room provides guests a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a fridge. Featuring a shower, the private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer. The on-site restaurant serves home-style Georgian cuisine.

BAKURIANI The Hotel has all the necessary equipment to make you feel comfortable and rejuvinated. Excellent room service and broadband internet is available in each room. There is a swimming pool for free use, a breakfast buffet included in the price and a full range of Spa treatments at an extra charge. Enjoy dinner in the roof-top restaurant.

alMa-ata hotel 6 9 April Str. TEL 599 48 77 92

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villa palaCe 1 Tsakadze Str. TEL 597 90 11 44 A deluxe hotel located in the heart of Bakuriani, close to ski jumps and chair lifts. Featuring comfortable accommodation and convenient facilities, excellent service and serving the best Georgian and European cuisine, it is guaranteed to make your holiday unforgettable any season of the year!

hotel CRystal Near Didveli Funicular Railway TEL 595 46 14 61 Hotel Crystal is located within walking distance of Didveli funicular railway outside the village and is surrounded by mountains and forests. This is one of the most beautiful gorges in Bakuriani. The hotel is done out in modern style, the wood and stone completely in tune with the character of the mountain resort, creating a luxury and magnificent atmosphere.

center and hires out ski equipment hire as the area is popular for skiing and horse riding. You can also engage in cycling and hiking.

MgzavRebi Near Mitarbi turn TEL 599 89 51 51

Crystal has a large protected yard with a playground and parking space for 30 cars.

villa Mtashi 23 K. Tsakadze Str. TEL 599 20 24 52 This hotel offers a children’s playground and a ski school, free private parking on site, and rooms with balconies and satellite flat-screen TV. There is also a kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, microwave, toaster, refrigerator and kettle. Villa Mtashi features free Wi-Fi. Towels are provided. Ski equipment hire is available at the property and the area is popular for skiing. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including horse riding and hiking.

oRbi palaCe Near Didveli TEL 597 50 51 34 These air-conditioned apartments feature a balcony with mountains views and a flat-screen TV. Orbi Palace has a Spa

The hotel is suitable not only for recreation for families, but also for young people who love sports and enjoy being close to nature.

eURope hotel baKURiani 62 Kostava Str. TEL 593 98 60 33 Europe Hotel Bakuriani is located 500 m. from Kokhtagora Hill, and the closest ski ropes are 100 m. away. Free Wi-Fi and free private parking are provided. All bright rooms feature a flat-screen TV and come with private bathrooms that have showers, a hairdryer and free toiletries. The on-site restaurant serves various Georgian and European dishes. Guests can have a drink or a snack at the bar. The Hotel offers a sauna and horse riding tours. Other facilities include a 24-hour reception and a tour desk.

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neW didveli Didveli TEL 593 79 44 22 Located in a quiet green area of Bakuriani village, surrounded by mountains and forests, Didveli offers ski-to-door access and ski storage. Didveli ski slopes are 200 m. away. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and neutrally decorated, air-conditioned rooms that come with a flat-screen cable TV and balcony. The private bathrooms offer a bath or shower and a hairdryer. Didveli has a bar and café serving local cuisine and a breakfast buffet. There is also billiards, a shared lounge area and free parking.

aRt villa 12 April 9 Str. TEL 593 30 44 55 Art Villa Bakuriani is located in a historic building in a quiet green area close to the winter ski resort. It offers ski-to-door access, ski storage and full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Free Wi-Fi is available. The simply decorated rooms come with satellite TV and DVD player. The private bathrooms offer a shower and free toiletries. Some rooms have balconies.

edelWeiss 19 Mta Str. TEL 599 50 63 49 Edelweiss is a 5-minute walk from the Bakuriani Train Station and offers a café serving Russian cuisine and a free shuttle service to the Bedveli ski slope, 3 km. away. Free Wi-Fi and wooden floors are standard in all rooms and suites at The Edelweiss. All accommodation types are spacious and come with a private bathroom stocked with bathrobes and slippers.

KAZBEGI DISTRICT

hotel poRta CaUCasia Kazbegi 2 Tergdaleulebi Str. TEL 225 77 70

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is a stunning timber-clad retreat perched high in the spectacular Caucasus Mountains. The former Soviet resort has received an innovative restoration that provides a distinctive hospitality experience in the breathtaking setting of the mountain range that divides two continents.

GUDAURI

hotel gUdaURi MaRCo polo

Porta Caucasia Kazbegi is located in Kazbegi, 24.1 km from Gudauri and 40.2 km from Vladikavkaz. The hotel has a terrace and views of the mountains, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. All rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some rooms feature a seating area. Every room comes with a private bathroom equipped with a shower, bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. There is a 24-hour front desk, hairdresserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and gift shop at the property.

RooMs hotel Kazbegi V. Gorgasali Str., Kazbegi TEL 271 00 99, 240 00 99

views feature central heating, a flat screen TV, toiletries and other modern amenities.

hotel good aURa Gudauri TEL 577 50 30 11 Hotel Good Aura is situated in 10 minutes from the first ropeway and features large windows framing the surrounding views. Its modern design provides for maximum comfort and a pleasant relaxation.

Gudauri TEL 220 29 00, 591 11 19 00, 220 29 01

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Featuring a fitness center and a spa area with an indoor pool, this hotel is situated in the Gudauri ski resort. Each room has a flat-screen TV and ski equipment hire is available. The rooms at Hotel Gudauri are decorated in neutral colors, and come with a minibar and a work desk. Bathrobes and toiletries are provided in the private bathroom.

With a mid-mountain location in the newly developed part of Gudauri ski resort, the New Gudauri apart-hotel offers a true click-n-go access to the new ski lift.

hotel CaRpe dieM gUdaURi Gudauri TEL 577 21 07 70 Hotel Carpe Diem Gudauri represents a modern and elegant hotel centrally located 100 m. from the central ski lift. The 52 comfortable guest rooms with beautiful

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Vartsla Mountain TEL 577 24 52 45, 577 24 20 12

SVANETI

lileo hotel 9 Z. Phaliani Str. TEL 599 55 03 66 Lileo Hotel is surrounded by ancient towers, picturesque mountains and local attractions such as the Museum of Mikheil Khergiani and medieval Svanetian house. Lileo hotel is not just a hotel, it is converted and fully renovated Svanetian house which belonged to the ancient family of Niguriani, whose descendants are now the

owners and the managers of the hotel. That’s why every visitor immediately feels himself to be the most welcomed guest here, who is met and hosted with the legendary hospitality of Svanetian people.

your convenience and come with a private bathroom with a bath or shower, with slippers, free toiletries and a hair dryer provided. Views of the mountains, garden or town are featured.

RiveRside Mestia hotel

hotel tetnUldi

22 B. Kakhiani Str. TEL 599 41 46 10

9 Margiani Str. TEL 599 73 25 25

Riverside Mestia boasts a sun terrace and ski storage space. Free private parking is available on site.

Hotel Hatsvali offers accommodation 8 km. from Mestia, next to a ski lift. The hotel has a sun terrace and ski-to-door access, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Certain rooms include a seating area for your convenience. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. Each room has a private bathroom fitted with a shower.

bangURiani

ChUbU hotel Mestia

10 R. Margiani Str. TEL 596 11 26 26

17 E. Parjiani Str. TEL 599 80 00 27

Hotel Banguriani is surrounded with ancient Svanetian Towers, castles and historical sights. An ancient Orthodox Church and the renovated Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography are near the hotel and from each room you can enjoy wonderful views, beautiful landscapes, towers built of medieval age stone and the mountain Banguriani after which the hotel is named. Guests are provided a comfortable environment by polite, hospitable and qualified personnel.

This hotel is located 300 meters from Mestia center and overlooks the picturesque Caucasus Mountains. Free parking is provided.

old seti hotel 11 Japaridze Str. TEL 551 31 91 94 Located in the city center of Mestia, next to Seti Square, Old Seti Hotel features a garden, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk. Mestia Museum is a 10-minute walk away.

hotel daeli 2 Betlemi Str. TEL 551 20 73 23 The hotel offers a terrace and ski storage space and guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms include a seating area for

Renovated to suit the modern tourist, this hotel is the largest in Svaneti, with stunning views of Ushba’s twin peaks side by side, and out over Mestia. It has its own large restaurant, fireplace and bar, standard and deluxe rooms in single and double sizes, and offers many kinds of cultural and sports activities in any season.

hotel svaneti 5 Queen Tamari Str. TEL 599 57 28 50 Hotel Svaneti is a three-floor building with a remarkable façade design, a combination of traditional Svan architecture with modern elements. Hotel Svaneti combines comfort, a cozy atmosphere, dramatic views of the Greater Caucasus and medieval towers of Mestia. Here you can find a perfect mix of European standards and traditional Georgian hospitality.

hatsvali Mountain Hatsvali TEL 598 18 85 55, 595 05 49 39

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gUesthoUse david zhoRzholiani 3 Seti Deadlock, next to Str. George Church TEL 599 34 49 48, 591 926 723. The guesthouse of the Zhorzholiani family Seti in the center of Mestia offers clean and cozy rooms in a quiet environment. Guests will be treated to traditional dishes and offered lunch boxes for trekking tours. The hosts will do their best to make you feel truly at home.

gUesthoUse data 26 Ushba Str. (TEL 591 71 11 74, 595 63 51 61 Guesthouse Data is located 100 meters from the center of Mestia. The hotel has a beautiful view of the old towers, snowy peaks and all the important places and cultural monuments of the town.

gUesthoUse Ushba 7 Queen Tamari Str. TEL599 55 52 17 A guesthouse with terrace, Ushba offers pet-friendly accommodation in Ushkhvanari. The inn has ski-to-door access and a ski pass sales point, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. A flatscreen TV, as well as a laptop or computer, are provided. Certain rooms include views of the mountains or garden.

gUesthoUse dodo JapaRidze 12a G. Japaridze Str. TEL 599 19 06 82 Our guesthouse is located in the heart of the town from which you get amazing views to the center. It offers transfers to Mestia from different points of Georgia. In addition, a variety of tours can be organized throughout Mestia either by car or by horse.

sana

desk, BBQ facilities, a garden, and luggage storage.

svan hoUse 15a V. Goshteliani Str. TEL 595 15 15 89 Svan House offers free private parking on site. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. All rooms include a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

Caucasus. Located in the heart of Mestia, the capital of Upper Svaneti, this friendly family-run hotel provides comfortable accommodation.”

Roza’s gUest hoUse 17 Vittorio Sella Str. TEL 599 64 14 55

hanMeR gUest hoUse Iskari, Etseri TEL 599 62 97 89 Guaranteed to make you want to stay longer (or at least come back for more!), this guest house is the ideal place to rest 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. 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 specialties, too!

6 Ushba Str. TEL 599 85 55 27, 591 71 15 16

nino Ratiani’s gUest hoUse

Hotel Sana features a shared kitchen, a shared lounge area, free private parking, and free Wi-Fi in the rooms. Rooms come with towels and linens, heating and a private bathroom with a shower. Other property facilities include a 24-hour front

Rated the best in Mestia by Lonely Planet, it describes itself as “the ideal base for exploring the ancient culture, stunning landscapes and untouched nature of the

1 J. Khaptani Str. TEL 599 18 35 55

to stay

Roza Shukvani and her family are the souls of kindness, and in a few years her guest house has shot up the charts to become one of the best from a wide range in Mestia. Great food, lots of space, help with everything which Mestia and its environs have to offer as far as culture, tours and sports go, including their own ancient Svan watchtower for exploration.

dato Ratiani’s gUest hoUse ‘villa lileo’ Ushguli TEL 599 91 22 56 Dato and his wife Nanuli and family have years of experience hosting guests from all over the world and looking after them superbly in comfort with great food. They are able to offer tours on horse-back, vehicle help or guides on foot for the many trails in and around Ushguli, as well as running its amazing main museum and hosting their own Svan tower, too.

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

to eat

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

Helena Bedwell Caucasus Correspondent for Bloomberg Helene is a graduate of the London School of Journalism. Her early career saw her working as a television reporter for several Georgian broadcasters and, after leaving the country in 1997, she also tried her hand at languages, teaching and translation, regularly dabbling in the culinary arts. She currently works as the Caucasus Correspondent for Bloomberg and is the author of a new book ‘Georgian Flavors from Helena’, on sale across Georgia and soon in London. Check out her top choices for dining in Tbilisi!

baRbaRestan RestaURant Barbarestan Restaurant has been an important inspiration for my book and cooking, offering dishes made using recipes from the 1875 cookbook of Barbare Jorjadze, which are served in a deliciously cozy, vintage atmosphere. The family which runs the place are dedicated to their work and aim to promote genuine Georgian tastes and flavors, with a menu that is ever-changing and very colorful (meaning it’s impossible for me to pick just one dish as my favorite because I have so many!)

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blaCK lion I recommend every guest go to Black Lion, a wonderful place in concept and colorful cuisine. Chef Meriko Gubeladze is a good friend of mine and a genius, having created numerous dishes that at first glance appear a little unorthodox, but whose incredible taste guarantees they are unforgettable. My top choice from the menu is the Green Gomi. ‘Black Lion’ is a famous painting and true Georgian masterpiece by Pirosmani. The restaurant of the same name can be easily be considered a masterpiece of equal measure.

Keto and Kote People go to Keto and Kote to enjoy the stunning design and gorgeous architecture. This wonderful tourist destination is also the right choice for those who want to spend a romantic evening with their loved ones tasting a variety of delicious dishes. Keto and Kote is the Georgian version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, but with a happy ending! Those who can’t resist the allure of wonderful pastries and enjoy super fascinating serving skills should certainly spend some time dining in Keto and Kote.

salobie MtsKheta Sometimes you just want to go simple, not dress up and not splash out on a fancy restaurant. At such times, we go to Salobie in Mtskheta. This is a restaurant with a notorious and unchanged authentic taste and environment. Along with a wide range of dishes, lobio (beans) prepared in traditional Georgian clay pots cannot be recreated in any other place. Most importantly, Salobie in Mtkheta is easy on the pocket, giving tourists on a budget a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a huge assortment of marvelous Georgian dishes.

viCeveRsa I’m a big coffee lover. My morning routine always starts with a cup of Turkish coffee or Espresso. Those who like to see a true dedication to the art of coffeemaking should visit ViceVersa on Abashidze Street in Tbilisi. This is no typical ‘take away’ coffee, and to fully understand its taste, it is important you observe the way in which the barista makes your coffee. It is also necessary to pick out a delicious hand-made chocolate, also made at ViceVersa, to accompany your coffee. You will also enjoy the electric copper vintage-looking coffee machine on display there.

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News geoRgia’s KhaChapURi listed aMong top 100 dishes By thea Morrison common additions include traditional Georgian Sulguni or Imeretian cheese. TasteAtlas says khachapuri is shaped into different forms and, depending on the baking procedure and its form, can be consumed individually or shared.

TasteAtlas has included Georgian traditional dish Khachapuri in the list of top 100 dishes of the world.

in Georgia. The pastry is traditionally topped with melted cheese, eggs and butter,” the website says.

“Two of the most common varieties include the Imeretian khachapuri, shaped into a circular form, and Adjaran khachapuri, the open-faced version topped with butter and a raw egg on top. Although it is considered a snack, khachapuri can often be consumed as a full meal. It can also be bought at numerous kiosks located alongside Georgian roads, however, it is also served at specialized restaurants, known as khachapurnayas,” the article reads.

“This simple cheese bread known as ‘khachapuri’ is the most famous dish

The article reads that there are different types of khachapuri, adding the most

The website also listed other famous Georgian traditional dishes.

KhaChapURi gRanted CUltURal heRitage statUs By amy Jones Khachapuri is one of the most popular dishes in Georgia, especially among visitors. It recently received worldwide recognition after being featured as one of TasteAtlas’s top 100 dishes.

The traditional method of making khachapuri has been granted the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Georgia. The boat-shaped bread filled with cheese has been made in regions across Georgia for centuries. The National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation, which seeks to protect and develop the cultural heritage of Georgia, has now listed khachapuri as culturally intangible.

Khachapuri joins other traditional food-making methods on the list, such as dambal khatcho, a dish made from curd from the Pshavi highland region and ajika, a spicy sauce from Megrelia and Abkhazia.

to eat

eateR.CoM pUblishes tbilisi RestaURant gUide By amy Jones for a quiet cafe with excellent coffee, she suggests Memo Cafe in Vake.

Popular food website Eater.com published an article on the best restaurants in Tbilisi in December. Titled ‘The 18 Essential Restaurants in Tbilisi, Georgia’, the article features popular restaurants such as Keto and Kote, famed for its traditional food with a modern twist, as well as Sofia Melnikova’s Fantastiuiri Duqani. Author Natalie Shafrir recommends Vino Underground, Tbilisi’s first natural-wine bar, for a glass of wine. For those looking

Her full list of recommended restaurants is: • Kakhelebi for excellent Khinkali • Oniashvili Bakery for delicious khachapuri, lobiani and chukbureki. • Amra for its Abkazian cuisine • Retro for its khachapuri ajaruli • Mapshalia for its Megrelian dishes • Fabrika for its diverse selection • Memo cafe for its good coffee • Stamba hotel for its cocktails • Keto and Kote for its traditional food with a modern twist • Sofia Melnikovas for its pelmeni • Racha for its affordable classics • Vino underground for its natural wines • Salobie Bia for its lobio • 41 Art of Drinks for its creative cocktails • Cafe Littera for its internationalstyle fine dining • Poliphonia for its celebration of local tradition

• Samgori railway station market for its fresh produce • Alubali for its Megrelian cuisine The article is just one of many articles to come out in international press about visiting Georgia in recent months, reflecting the increasing interest in Georgia as a tourist destination. Photo: Eater.com

geoRgian food naMed as CUisine of the yeaR by af&Co By amy Jones Af&Co has named Georgian food as Cuisine of the Year and Khachapuri as its dish of the year in its 2019 Trends Report. Based in San Francisco, af&co is a leading restaurant and hospitality consulting firm. Their report identifies the hottest key trends in restaurants, food and beverage, and hospitality marketing. The Ajarian khachapuri was awarded the title Dish of the Year thanks to its tasty combination of cheese and egg, and its

instagramability. It’s already being served in some restaurants in the US, including Supra in Washington DC, Cheeseboat in Brooklyn and Barbounia in New York.

and embrace forward-thinking ideas.”

The Trends Report was the eleventh edition published by af&co. Founder Andrew Freeman noted that “the hospitality industry is leading the charge in creating the world we want to live in. Restaurants and hotels are gathering places for people to connect, creating the perfect grounds for people to come together, get personal,

to eat

top 5

tbilisi vegetaRian RestaURants Georgians are well-known as a nation of meat-lovers- barbecued pork, khinkali and kebabs being at the top of the list. But veganism and vegetarianism are growing trends in Georgia as much as worldwide, seeing more restaurants offering options to please a wider culinary audience, and in some cases becoming entirely dedicated to their vegan-oriented clientele. Check out our top vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Tbilisi.

KiWi vegan Cafe Ideal for backpackers, those on a budget and those who love vegan food. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a simply-furnished affair with walls painted with animal-loving images and messages to encourage the best in human nature. You get a good mix of locals and foreigners going there and the atmosphere is hostel-style laid-back and welcoming. The staff are friendly and multi-lingual and the food is cheap and filling: we recommend the Tofu Sandwich & Fries, Falafel Wrap, and large Vegan Pizza! And there is a wide choice of teas and reasonably priced wines and cocktails. They also offer a book-swap service and a space for meetings and charitable events, usually related to helping animals. 6 Ivane Machabeli Str. 514 00 01 75 OPEN 12:00PM - 11:00PM

Cafe leila Located in a truly charming part of Tbilisi with fairytale streets and architecture, Cafe Leilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stunning Georgian-Persian interior fits comfortably with its exterior surroundings. Snug and colorful, Cafe Leila serves a large number of vegetarian twists on traditional Georgian cuisine as well as foreign dishes such as hummus, suitable for those observing religious fasts and vegetarians alike. Sitting outside in a quiet scenic street during the summer, or inside in the warmth of the small dining hall in winter, feels equally cozy. Prices are relatively high (especially alcoholic drinks) due to the specialized nature of much of Cafe Leilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu, but this is excused by the high quality of the food. A must for any vegetarian, or those looking for a unique take on familiar Georgian dishes. 18 Erekle II Str. 555 94 94 20

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MaMa teRRa Mama Terra caters to a small, niche audience, but offers food that even a carnivore could love. Their juices and smoothies are particularly good (and very healthy!). Located in the Sololaki neighborhood, the clientele is mostly tourists and expats and so prices are on the higher end but as to be expected for central Tbilisi. Hidden in the back behind a bookcase is Woland’s Speakeasy, an underground brick-lined bar famous for its Tuesday trivia nights and cocktails. 2 I. Machabeli Str. 555 99 45 17 OPEN 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

zeRo effeCt Zero Effect is a café and store built around the concept of zero waste. “The aim of creating Zero Effect is to create a space in Georgia where people will join other countries of the world in beginning to think about their negative impact on the environment,” the owners say. The business aims to introduce the idea of a zero-waste lifestyle and expose customers to natural, eco-friendly products. It is located in central Tbilisi’s Vera neighborhood, near Rustaveli metro station. The prices at the café are quite affordable, particularly considering the rarity of a plantbased foods café in Tbilisi. Zero Effect surprises guests with creative dishes like acai bowls and vegan fried “eggs.” It is one of very few vegan restaurants in the city and really fills a niche in its neighborhood. The shop sells many local, handmade products like cosmetics and textiles, along with a popular ‘takeaway kit’ with reusable cutlery for when you order meals to-go! 26 S. Janashia Str. TEL 551 37 43 43 OPEN 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

hUMMUsbaR Hummusbar is a Mediterranean restaurant in central Tbilisi. It calls itself “borderline vegetarian / vegan” because much of the menu is plant based. All the dishes are fresh and made to order. It caters to a very international crowd – sometimes the staff don’t even speak Georgian. They specialize in popular Middle Eastern dishes, like hummus, msabaha, shakshuka, baba ganoush, and tabouleh salad. It is a trick to find the place, on the second floor of an old house right at the corner where Kostava and Akhvlediani (formerly Perovskaya) streets split. The interior is simple, recalling traditional Tbilisi homes – painted wood, long tables crowded into a narrow dining hall. The good food, friendly owners, and comfortable environment will keep you coming back for more! They also offer a popular (and rare) brunch on Saturday mornings. 3 M. Kostava Str. 599 10 77 69 12 PM – 10:30 PM, Tuesday-Saturday

to eat

See Sea Food! By Katie ruth davies

While seafood is quite low on the list of Georgian specialties, with river fish far more commonly seen, the country does front the Black Sea and so has a portion of fishy income from it. That said, if you’re in the capital and want something from oceans beyond, be prepared to pay high prices! Sushi has been booming in recent years, too, and there are now numerous sushi bars and takeaways dotting the city. If you’re in the mood for seafood, check out what Tbilisi has to offer below.

andRopov’s eaRs seafood RestaURant

& Boissier, a French Interior Design Company, the restaurant’s design is a mix of cosmopolitan flair and local elements. In high summer the terrace plays hosts

Russian and Georgia, the site offers set meals and individual dishes, salads, soups, drinks and more. Register and be sure to check out their daily special offers when you next get the sushi munchies! Sushi24.ge 205 05 05

sUshiRooM Head up in the lift of the glass-enveloped Republic building to discover an incredible fine-dining experience in the sky overlooking the capital city.

to a spectacular buzz. The bar, with its panoramic views over the city, serves the best classic cocktails and comprehensive collection of Tsinandali Estate wine.

The menu of the Andropov’s Ears Seafood Restaurant is truly special, with an extravagant choice of fresh fish ranging from luxe king crabs, fresh oysters, lobster, red prawns and the finest aged prime beef for the biggest beef connoisseurs. Created by Gilles

1 Republic Sq. 591 08 71 72

sUshi 24 This online delivery service is taking the sushi sector by storm! Available in English,

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Sushi is a favorite with many. Whether you’re a veteran sushi connoisseur or want to try it out for the first time, SushiRoom is a good place to head to! SushiRoom offers a vibrant fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine. They have expert sushi chefs with 10 years’ experience in the art of making sushi all over Europe, and will offer you the best in Tbilisi, without breaking your budget. They have a great variety of Sushi, like sashimi, nigiri, traditional Japanese and non-traditional American

MoChi Mochi is a cute, modern cafe in the hip Vake neighborhood serving up modern Asian cuisine. There are a few tables inside and a counter to sit at and slurp down a bowl of noodles, but Mochi’s main business is takeout and delivery. Mochi specializes in sushi, and has a large variety on offer, along with soups, rice, and noodle dishes. The prices are what you would expect from a trendy

sushi restaurant in Tbilisi’s trendiest neighborhood, but not much higher than other sushi places in the city. The quality is usually very good, and the service is speedy, even for delivery. 65 Paliashvili Str. 247 00 88 www.mochi.ge www.facebook.com/mochiasiankitchen/ 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

rolls. If you’re a first-timer looking for new tastes, contrary to popular belief, not all sushi contains fish and it is not always raw- just ask the hostess, who will be happy to discuss all the different sushi they offer and help you choose. The sushi masters here take pride in their skills as they were trained under master Japanese chefs and will effortlessly prepare an amazing and great variety of sushi you’ll be sure to enjoy. SushiRoom has a total of 4 restaurants in Tbilisi, so choose one nearest to you and enjoy! 1 P. Kavtaradze Str. (11:00 AM – 11:30 PM) 1 King Parnavaz Ave. (12:00 PM – 10:00 PM) 3 I. Mosashvili Str. (12:00 PM – 11:00 PM) 10/12 I. Abashidze Str. (12:00 PM - 11:00 PM)

In Batumi? Try

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, and the view over the Black Sea and iconic Batumi skyline is fantastic. Even more fantastic is the freshly prepared fish. If the catch was good, you’ll get a full plate of mullet or anchovy for a laughable price. The local seafood dish is

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indescribably big and tastes unbelievably good: the best dish to share with your friends over a draft beer or house wine. Big celebrations and group dinners are also common here. Who doesn’t want to enjoy fresh fish and see the sun drowning in the sea and coloring the horizon in red and purple? 5 Tamar Mepe Highway, Batumi 597 86 00 22 11:00 - 00:00

Listing: Georgian & Mixed Cuisine in Tbilisi ladURée geoRgia

salobie bia

veRiKo

21a I. Abashidze Str. TEL 577 38 00 00, 2 22 83 83 info@laduree.ge

14 Machabeli Str. TEL 299 79 77

1 Petriashvili Str. TEL 591 33 22 77

Ladurée, the legendary Parisian tea salon, with a history of more than 150 years, has finally opened its doors in Tbilisi. Located in one of the most prestigious districts of the city, Ladurée gives true sweet-lovers a chance to discover various delicious pastries from the French ‘boulangerie’ and enjoy a full assortment of exclusive macaron flavors, prepared in only one place in the world according to a secret recipe.

Salobie Bia offers traditional Georgian meals. It’s a beautifully decorated place, surrounded by paintings, old furniture and modern objects.

Chveni 8 Tchorokhi Str. TEL 555 71 00 67, 555 67 03 09

Veriko restaurant is a new project in Wine Factory#1 offering Georgian cuisine under the leadership of talented chefs. Comfortable terrace overlooking the garden of the Wine Factory and a large room with soft armchairs and air conditioning. A compact menu with traditional dishes of Georgian cuisine.

veRis dUQani 1 Petriashvili Str. TEL 595 92 59 15, 591 39 32 32

Step into the bakery and emerge yourself in a luxury Parisian atmosphere that is both cozy and pleasant. Ladurée has made a dream come true for all macaron lovers in Georgia. Go and enjoy delicious, soft macarons, pastries, viennoiseries as well as other delights from a French menu!

A Georgian kitchen and cozy atmosphere, Chef’s room (multifunctional), open space hostel, Japanese style. Cheni is open from 12:00-01:00.

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Veris Duqani with Geogrian cuisine is a unique establishment from Tbilisi-based restaurateur and TV presenter Keti Bakradze boasts a menu masquerading as one you’d find in a classic duqani. (Duqani is traditional Georgian eateries).

tbili sio

MegRUli oda

tiflis veRanda

1 Petriashvili Str. TEL 599 63 38 11

2nd km., Marshal Gelovani Ave. TEL 251 73 27, 599 18 38 97

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

The restaurant offers delicious Megrelian cuisine. Megruli Oda is available for banquets, wedding parties, birthday celebrations and other events.

g.vino Description: Tbili sio is a unique wine bar/ Cafe located in the center of Tbilisi, in the old, ‘secret garden’ It has both options for sitting: inside - cozy and beautiful winter garden setting and outside beautiful old trees and special table swings; The general atmosphere is very calm, with soft background music and relaxing setting; The menu options are suited for everyone: vegetarians, wine lovers, and craft beer enthusiasts.

aRt hoUse tbilisi Rike Park TEL 557 51 50 52

6 Erekle II g.vinotbilisi TEL 293 21 21

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

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.

tashRe Art House Tbilisi has a special, cosy atmosphere, with a harmonic music, interesting art interior and friendly staff. Beautiful terrace, where you can enjoy an amazing panoramic views of Tbilisi is perfect for a romantic date or even for a family happy hours.

88 Beliashvili Str. TEL 514 15 55 88 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.

to eat

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 saKhli 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.

anKaRa style RestaURant 116 D. Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 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.

Keto & Kote

healthy dining experience in Tbilisi that serves only village-grown, non-GMO and seasonal products.

dinehall 28 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 200 16 16

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.

Café leila 18 Shavteli Str. TEL 555 94 94 20 Cafe Leila is a pescetarian (some fish options available on the menu) and a

to eat

At Dinehall, there is high quality delicious fresh food on the menu as well as hospital service. Dinehall combines five venues in one – cafe, restaurant, bar, wine cellar, patisserie, and art gallery. Dinehall believes that less is more. To be able to serve the best of the best, they offer a limited and unique menu of fine international dishes prepared with a twist. In Dinehall Art area, they host various famous painters and art exhibitions. Conveniently located on Rustaveli Avenue, Dinehall is a modern and trendy venue with lots to offer.

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tiflis Meidani

aRipana

KhaRCho

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

34 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 599 10 25 25

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 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 25 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 555 85 92 92 For an authentic Georgian taste, beautifully served.

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

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

fUniCUlaR 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 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 12 Taktakishvili Str., Tbilisi TEL 551 99 11 55 Fb: L’ Eclair de Génie/Georgia

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 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 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 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

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

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 Jorjadzeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cook book.

to eat

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

to drink

Exclusive Drinks Guide

. . . e c i o h My C

Baia Abuladze CEO of Baiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wine

g.vino g.Vino wine bar is a place where customers have an opportunity to enjoy a great variety of the rarest and most precious wines found in Georgia. While having a glass or two, guests can also taste multiple Georgian and international dishes and an assortment of local cheeses. Most interestingly, they offer Spanish and Georgian fusion cuisine in the form of Georgian tapas. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an ideal place to enjoy a drink whilst taking in the pleasant atmosphere.

to drink

vino UndeRgRoUnd This charming cellar bar and restaurant only showcases organic and bio-wines. The staff is always welcoming and ready to help you choose wine that is suited to your palate and taste. Vino Underground also offers a selection of cheese and delicious courses.

dadi Wine baR A must-visit destination for those who would like to enjoy a great wine selection and exceptional service in a modern atmosphere. The blackboard menu is ever-changing, thus representing a chance to grasp a new taste of fresh meals every visit. It offers the ideal ambience to spend time with friends or with loved ones.

satsnaKheli Wine baR Located in Kutaisiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic city center, this wine bar and shop offers a large selection of the Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest wines and dishes. Friendly members of staff host local and international guests and provide excellent service. Live music makes the degustation process even more pleasant and joyful. A recommended place for obtaining unforgettable impressions of Georgia.

sapeRe Sapere wine bar and boutique restaurant in Kutaisi offers a wide range of mesmerizing Imeretian wines and Georgian dishes. Sapere is a beautiful place to spend an evening in a cozy atmosphere, having a drink or two and accompanied by stunning Georgian polyphonic traditional music.

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Where to Relax with a Book & a Coffee By Katie Ruth davies

When I first came to Tbilisi some 12 years ago, there were only two places where you could comfortably sit and read a book or newspaper as you sipped on a coffee or tea, and one of those required fluency in the local language. Now, the western trend has caught on and there is choice aplenty for your coffee-and-book pleasure in a multitude of languages. Check out some of the Where.ge team’s favorites below.

– there will be always good coffee, with beans imported from as far away as Colombia, Kenya and Indonesia, delicious tea and tasty cakes. Prospero’s is very comfy as a place to write, read and do some work, too, if you’re a freelancer. The atmosphere is usually relaxed and inspiring. 34 Shota Rustaveli Ave.; 1 Vaja-Pshavela Avenue (in the building of National Archive Center); 32-34 Makhashvili Str. (inside of the building of Betsy’s Hotel) 292 35 92 www.prosperosbookshop.com 9:30 AM – 8 PM

pRospeRo’s booKs & Caliban’s Coffee Top of the list, this cafe-bookshop is as colorful as its name. One of the oldest foreign-owned hangouts in Tbilisi, Prospero’s Books remains popular with both tourists and expatriate residents. Founded by Peter Nasmyth, a Brit who came to Georgia in the 1980s and knows the country from A to Z, Prospero’s

Bookshop and Caliban’s Coffee is well-known and loved for its great choice of books about Georgia and the Caucasus in different languages, a lot of different literature in Georgian, English, Russian and German, guidebooks and study books, board games and photo albums… And of course, a cozy coffee shop. In all the branches of Prospero’s – be it the first, original one, in a green backyard on Rustaveli Avenue, or two newer ones in the National Archive and near Betsy’s Hotel

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piatto in biblUs Among the king of the crop for book offerings (though Prospero’s beats them in

usually chatting nearby – just like a local’s living room. Choose a table against a window for excellent people-watching, or tucked under one of the many bookshelves for a more intimate afternoon. quality English options), Biblus can be found countrywide, and in terms of Russian and English, offers a good couple of shelves of modern and classical literature for all ages. The branches of Biblus Gallery also boast an Italian café serving delicious pizza, pasta, omelets, sandwiches and coffee all day. They have Wi-Fi and a calm and cozy setting with wood and low lighting- ideal for lunch with colleagues or an early dinner with friends . 7 Chavchavadze Ave; More locations here: http://biblusi.ge/ info/map/

booK CoRneR Cafe

This one-of-a-kind art café is hidden away in a quiet old street in the heart of Tbilisi. Stepping inside, you will be welcomed by a calm and comfortable atmosphere that is complimented by paintings by young Georgian artists. The paintings are all for sale and should you wish to take one of them home, do not hesitate to ask the friendly and approachable staff for the price.

31 Pekini Ave. 237 89 02 10 AM - 10 PM

Whether you drop in for a coffee or stay for a meal, this café is an ideal place to escape from the noise of the capital city. 13b Tarkhnishvili Lane, 223 24 30 www.bookcorner.ge 11 AM til late

liteRatURUli Cafe Books, coffee, breakfast and light lunch foods – this cozy, sunlit cafe is located on the corner of two popular shopping avenues. Many people sit here and read or work on laptops, others come for lunch or coffee with friends. The owners are

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booK hoUse at baKhtRioni This bright, spacious-yet-cozy book café is done out in classic wooden furniture with big cozy armchairs to snuggle into next to floor-to-ceiling bookshelves as you enjoy a coffee or tea. The venue often hosts various presentations, literary meetings with authors and exhibitions. 11b Bakhtrioni Str. 233 28 18 11 AM – 9 PM

Best Bars in Tbilisi: Guide By amy Jones

Dimly lit bars in Tbilisi, hidden in the first floor of townhouses and carparks, form part of the underbelly of Georgian alternative culture. The best bars in Tbilisi come in different shapes and sizes: sultry gay bars and swanky hotel lounges to open-air venues. Scratch beyond the surface of Tbilisi’s bar scene and you will begin to understand the transformation the city is experiencing at lightning speed. Our guide to the best bars in Tbilisi

aMbavi

The bartender jigs around to disco, braids piled on top of his head, wearing a vintage DHL sweater. Ambavi’s atmosphere is relaxed and trendy. Tucked just off Liberty (Freedom) Square on the first floor of a townhouse, it is quickly becoming one of the best bars in Tbilisi among many of the city’s cooler residents. With dimmed lights and a collision of decorations, Ambavi likes to be cool. 12 Galaktion Tabidze Str. 6 PM – 2 AM

RooMs hotel Influencers strike poses reclining on bar stalls. Office workers in suits and pencil

dresses, who haunt the swankier bars of Tbilisi, discuss the weekly happenings sipping whiskey and cocktails on sofas in the lounge area. Rooms Hotel is chic and it wants you to know it. The cocktails are some of the pricier in Tbilisi, but it’s worth it for a night of luxury. The porn star martini is especially good.

in small gender-balanced groups and look hip. The door policy is partly to protect the regulars, many of whom are part of the LGBTQ community, from unwanted attention.

14 Merab Kostava Str. Until 2 AM

fabRiKa

37 Shota Rustaveli Ave. 9 PM – 3 AM

dRaMa baR Drama Bar is a popular pre-party venue before heading to Bassiani, Khidi, or Mtkvari. Dancers pack its outside terrace and dancefloor during the weekend. The bar-turned-club has a similar layout to a flat, even with a double bed in one of the rooms. Drama Bar is trying hard to earn the reputation of being Tbilisi’s hippest bar. Walking up the two flights of tiled stairs, you’re greeted by a bouncer wearing a pink bomber jacket and an earpiece. He instructs you to look into the camera, after which you will be allowed to enter or turned away. There is no rhyme or reason to its face-control, but it helps to go

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The courtyard at Fabrika comes alive in the evenings, especially during the summer months. Tourists and locals fill the entire space drinking beers and wine from some of the liveliest bars in Tbilisi. DiveX is popular for its dark chacha, aged in oak barrels for 3 years before hitting the lips of

its victims. They also do a hoppy IPA or dark stout for 5 GEL. Tone has decent house Saparavi whilst Tsibakha Game Club serves tasty beer for 3 GEL and has plenty of board games, including cards against humanity. 8 Egnate Ninoshvili Until 2 AM

sUCCess baR

10 Galaktion Tabidze Str. 9 AM – 2 PM

baUhaUs

place. But fear not, tucked away in a ramshackle house is Dive Bar, one of the homeliest bars in Tbilisi. A log fire crackles in the corner as regulars enjoy many pints of beer. The beer pong is also especially popular in the summer. Towards the end of a night, the atmosphere can unfortunately sometimes turn a bit sour. Nonetheless, the beer is good. 12 Revaz Laghidze Str. 9 PM – late

9 Mta Dark, red, desire. Success Bar is Georgia’s only official gay bar with one rule: Guests are required to treat others with respect, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual characteristics, gender expressions or otherwise. The quality of music ranges from pumping electronic beats to staff playing a youtube barrage of Madonna and Abba. One thing is clear, this is a special bar in Tbilisi that bravely stands out from Georgian conservatism. And it’s a whole lot of fun, darling! Vashlovani Str. 9 PM – late (sometimes 4 AM)

dive baR Walking into this dimly lit car park with stray dogs barking from the shadows, it’s easy to think you’ve come to the wrong

There is a corner of Deane Park that transforms after dark. People dance on tables and breakdance on the floor. The slopes and steps surrounding the bar become a wave of movement pulsating in time to techno or hiphop. Bauhaus is the perfect outdoor party in summer, when many clubs in Tbilisi shut their doors and the idea of dancing to dingy techno becomes less appealing. It also remains open in winter with an indoor bar. Open 6pm – 2am. Find it: Dedaena Park

politiKa

9 MTA may have some of the priciest beer of any bar in Tbilisi, but it also serves some of the best. They offer over 20 craft beers from all over the world such as Brewdog from the UK and White Ghost from Berlin. The industrially designed restaurant is especially popular with expats who sink their favorite craft beers for less money than in their home country. Board games, table football, and screens showing live sports keep guests entertained.

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Bauhaus’ more mature little sister run by the same parents, Politika is both swanky and cool. The modern interior makes a stark contrast to the grey austere exterior of the building. On weekends, its event space hosts live music events. Here, the cocktails are good and the spirits are strong. 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. 11 AM - 2 AM Find more posts about Georgia on www.whilstingeorgia.com

Washington Post: Georgian Scientists to Find the Perfect Grape for Mars By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

David Lordkipanidze, director of the National Museum of Georgia, poses by the Neolithic clay jar discovered in 2017. The vessels contain wine residue from 8000 years ago in what is now Georgia. (Amie Ferris-Rotman/The Washington Post)

For thousands of years and a number of centuries, Earth has been explored in depth and numerous discoveries have been made about it. However, with the voracious need in human nature to seek out novelties, the investigation process of another planet, Mars, is now well underway. The Washington Post dedicated a thorough article, titled “White Wine on the Red Planet? Scientists in Georgia are Hunting for the Perfect Martian Grape”, to the study carried out to launch agriculture on Mars. As Georgia is considered to be

the ‘cradle’ of viniculture and the world’s birthplace of wine, a consortium comprising Georgian scientists and entrepreneurs has commenced studies for developing grapevines that could be assimilated on Mars. The given research will be valuable for

understanding more about radiation, dust and other challenges for sustaining agriculture on Mars. “And after all, who wouldn’t want a glass of Martian wine to welcome a new year (687 Earth days long) on a new planet?”- the Washington Post asks. The Georgian team plans to embark on experiments on vine selections planted in

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Mars-like soil, and aims to launch an initial “vertical” farming lab in one of the hotels in the capital city of Georgia – Tbilisi. The final answer about which type of grape will be the most suitable for cultivation on Mars is expected to be revealed in 2022. However, there are already a number of suggestions circulating, with Georgian scientists claiming white grapes will grow best in Martian soil. “Whites tend to be more resistant to viruses, so I’d imagine they’d do well against radiation, too. Their skin could reflect it,” Levan Ujmajuridze, director of the country’s Vineyard Laboratory, told the Washington Post. Rkatsiteli is being considered as one of the candidate grapes for Mars.

Listing: Where to Drink in Tbilisi easy Wine 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!

g.vino 6 Erekle II Str. TEL 293 21 21 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 ecofriendly 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.

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 1 Petriashvili Str. TEL 240 14 01

pin pon Café 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.

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 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 Vardisubani village, 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

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 Kisiskhevi village, 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 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.

tWins Wine hoUse Napareuli village, 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 Mukhrani village, 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 Bakurtsikhe village, 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 1 Tbilisi Highway, Telavi 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 Kvareli 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 Alaverdi village, 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 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent, Tbilisi 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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Exclusive Tips for Shopping Lovers

. . . e c i o My Ch

Khatia Shamugia Head of Marketing and PR Department at Ici Paris

goodWill I love this supermarket chain because, even if it is a bit more expensive than the others, it offers a huge variety of supplies. There are also a lot of imported products from European cuisine.

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gpC Whenever I need to go to the pharmacy, I always go to GPC, as they always stock everything. The pharmacists are very welcoming and always ready to advise customers.

iCi paRis What could be better than a French name for a perfume store? I personally love the variety of brands presented, and how Ici Paris is never slow in offering the latest products from brands all around the world. This is the same for cosmetics, as the store stocks a wide range of beauty products.

yaMaMay It is so great that we have a true Italian lingerie shop here in Tbilisi! Yamamay offers the best lingerie and swimsuit collection, both for men and women, at very affordable prices.

RoniKo A good pair of sunglasses is essential if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re to be ready for summer, and Roniko is the place to go to get them. The opticians will help you choose a pair adapted to your vision and your look.

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Pick up a Georgian Brand By Katie Ruth davies

Georgia may be small, but its list of internationally popular brands is growing by the year. From water to fashion and everything in between- this is but a small taster of what Georgians have to offer the world.

and is transported by pipe to two bottling plants in the town of Borjomi. The Borjomi springs were discovered by the Imperial Russian military in the 1820s and were made famous throughout the Russian Empire, making Borjomi a popular tourist destination and laying the grounds for export success!

saRaJishvili bRandy

boRJoMi WateR This bottled mineral water is exported to over 40 countries worldwide, where it is gaining more and more popularity. But what do we actually know about the origins of this famous drink? Borjomi water comes from the town of Borjomi in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of south-central Georgia. The artesian springs in the nearby valley are fed by water that filters from glaciers covering the peaks of the Bakuriani mountains at altitudes of up to 2,300 m (7,500 ft). The water rises to the surface without pumping

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The first Georgian wine brandy was created thanks to the tireless efforts of philanthropist David Sarajishvili, who not only introduced European winemaking technologies in Georgia, but also conducted a study of the Georgian climate and soil for choosing the right Georgian grape species and creating the best micro-zones for vineyards. Established in 1884, the company produced its first product in 1887.

international exhibitions, including six super grand prizes, 35 grand prizes, 1 double gold, 1 big gold and 155 gold medals. Thanks to these awards, ‘Sarajishvili House’ has been recognized not only at the local, but also at the international market. Nowadays, Sarajishvili brandy is exported to approximately 20 countries on four continents.

saMoseli piRveli

Sarajishvili has a classic and vintage line, the former having its own concept. All drinks are created from a blend of one-year-old spirits.

This legendary Georgian atelier was founded in 2008 and was the one to make the national costume great again, balancing on the edge between reviving old garments and adapting them to modernity.

The production of Sarajishvili House has been awarded more than 250 prizes at

The majority of Samoseli Pirveli’s clientele orders dresses and chokhas (traditional

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men’s attire) for occasions like weddings, but there are also people who feel like adding the traditional elements to their daily wear so they order jackets, blouses, trousers and skirts, or even children’s clothes detailed with fine, exquisite patterns.

offering leather bags and accessories, is to add both a men’s and women’s clothing line to its production. 1.2 million GEL has been invested in the Gepherrini project, and it now boasts 48 local sales points, eight of which are brand shops. Many of the products are created for the non-Georgian markets, however, with 38 stores worldwide currently offering the Georgian brand.

gepheRRini bags

geMUani dRied fRUit

Following four years of success, the family business ‘Gepherrini,’ a Georgian brand

Gemuani Georgian dried fruit will soon be delivered to European markets. The

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product appeared on the domestic market in 2017, led by Nona Tordia within the state program ‘United AgroProject.’ Built on 1,300 sq.m. with a 5 mln GEL investment, the fruit plant is based in the Samegrelo region. 60% of production, in which the original health properties of fruit are preserved, is exported to The Netherlands and America. Belgium, Luxembourg and France are also to be added to the list of importers in spring 2019.

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Georgian Maecenas by Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

countries. Geronti Kikodze, writer and politician, Shalva Amirejibi, a poet and public figure, and Pavle Ingorokva, a literary critic and historian, where among the beneficiaries who had the Zubalashvili brothers contribute to their successful careers. The Zubalashvilis also financially supported Ilia Chavchavadze and helped him to establish the Society for the Spreading of Literacy among Georgians, and the Bank of the Nobility.

the zUbalashvili bRotheRs The Zubalashvili brothers were Georgian entrepreneurs and Maecenas. Their family gained prominence in the 17th century as prosperous merchants. The brothers

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dedicated their lives to the restoration and development of Georgian culture and economy. The brothers, Stepan, Petre and Jacob, successfully conducted business in a number of countries and used their wealth for charitable purposes throughout Georgia. They launched scholarships for students which enabled a great number of youngsters to obtain an education in the Russian Empire and various European

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A number of important and well-loved buildings in the capital city are also connected with the names of the Zubalashvili brothers, who made impressive donations for their construction. Among these historical buildings are the Marjanishvili Theater, Tbilisi State Uni versity and Tbilisi State Conservatoire. The brothers also financed the opening of the first pediatric hospital in Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital as well as a care home for the elderly. The medical equipment for the hospital was brought from Europe. The Zubalashvili brothers went beyond the borders of their homeland and also made donations in European countries, namely to the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The Zubalashvili brothers left an unforgettable legacy for the Georgian nation and strongly established themselves in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history.

david saRaJishvili Born in 1848 to the family of a wealthy merchant and landowner, David Sarajish-

vili was one of the most outstanding public figures of Georgia. Sarajishvili was able to gain a brilliant education in philosophy and the sciences in various countries, including the Russian Empire, France and Germany, and to explore viniculture and winemaking in Europe, having achieved a Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Philosophy and Chemistry. David Sarajishvili represents one of those brilliant personas who devoted his life to his homeland. After returning to Georgia, the young philanthropist started making

Georgian cognac using French technologies. While realizing his initiative, Sarajishvili was supported by his friend Jean-Baptiste Camus, already an expert in the field. Prior to Sarajishvili, no-one in the Russian Empire had tried to determine the active balance of wine materials for cognac spirit, distilling cognac using French technology and aging it in oak barrels. Despite possessing excellent theoretical knowledge, Sarajishvili chose to invite liqueur and cognac specialists from France to guarantee the high quality of the products, which went on to win numerous

tor who used his heritage and gained wealth to develop Georgia. He supported young students, regardless of their ethnicity, to acquire education in the best establishments of Europe. A great number of Georgian public figures were his beneficiaries. David Sarajishvili materially assisted the construction and preservation of numerous churches, monasteries and theaters throughout the country. He also donated 60,000 Manats for the construction of Tbilisi State University.

awards. Today, Sarajishvili is a prominent Georgian cognac-making company, named after its founder. David Sarajishvili is not famous only for his successful in business. He left his name in Georgian history as a benefac-

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Discover the Georgian Alphabet by Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

Spring 2019 Vetements collection

Want to discover more about Georgia? Then let’s start by taking a look at its unusual (but beautiful) alphabet! Georgian is written from left to right, its alphabet is made up of 33 letters, and it has no upper case. It is one among the world’s 14 original writing systems. Among the languages of the globe, it is part of the special ‘Kartvelian Group’ and has a linguistic system with a unique structure. The Georgian alphabet represents one of the most ancient, exceptional and valuable heritages of Georgia and was added to the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016.

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Niaz Diasamidze’s exhibition ‘Georgian Alphabeth”

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The Georgian written language has gone through a long and interesting path of evolution, in three stages: the Asomtavruli alphabet, Nuskhuri and Mkhedruli. The oldest known traces of Georgian script date back to the 5th century. The script you see on the street signs and menus around you today is Mkhedruli and it dates back to the 10th century. Asomtavruli and Nushkhuri are used particularly for ecclesiastical writings and you can see examples on the walls and icons within the churches you visit. The alphabets coexist thanks to their different cultural and social functions, reflecting an aspect of Georgia’s diversity and identity.

decorate a wall at the Street Art Festival in Kharkov. ‘Georgia Made by Characters’ was a major project launched in 2017, which saw the introduction of the long history and unique features of the country through the 33 characters of the alphabet. The initiative was hugely successful, shining some well-deserved light on this small, little-known country. ‘Georgia Made by Characters’ was also the main concept for the country when it presented itself as Guest of Honor at the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair.

And, while exploring the Georgian alphabet, it is vital to mention an initiative commenced by TBC Bank in 2015 called #წერექართულად - ‘Write in Georgian’. The desire to preserve and promote the Georgian script and language was the main catalyst of the given project, as, with the accelerated trend of globalization, language also experiences changes. To combat the widespread use of writing Georgian words in the Latin script rather than in its own alphabet, the #წერექართულად campaign has become one of the most successful projects in recent times, appealing to the pride of the Georgian nation in is history and unity.

Along with its historical meaning for the nation as a symbol of the country’s eternal essence, today, the ‘modern life’ of the Georgian alphabet is also an interesting theme to discuss, as it is often found in both fashion and art. Georgian letters are being placed on a wide range of clothing and accessories created by Georgian designers. Interestingly, ‘wearing the script’ is as popular abroad as it is locally. World-renowned Georgian fashion designer Demna Gvasalia, the Creative Director of Balenciaga and Head Designer of Vetments, was also inspired by the Georgian alphabet and used it in his previous collections. Shota Saganelidze, a Georgian calligraphy artist, creates stunning pieces of jewelry and other accessories using the Georgian alphabet. The Georgian alphabet has also become a constituent of street art and was used to

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Georgia’s Real Estate Market by Colliers International Georgia offiCe MaRKet Tbilisi’s office market is undergoing major changes, with an increased supply of A Class business centers. The share of high-quality leasable office area in modern business centers is expected to reach 23% in 2020, compared to 6% in 2016. The rapid increase of supply in Class A has shifted the bargaining power to tenants, leading to better quality-to-price value in the sector. New demand for A Class office space is mainly driven by relocations of international companies already represented on the market. The highest share of demand in the class is generated by international professional service companies. The prospects for the Tbilisi office market look positive, as the Georgian government is focused on improving the business environment. Free trade agreements with major economies, significant tax cuts for transnational companies, the construction of a deep-sea port in Anaklia and major infrastructural investments are aimed at transforming Georgia into the regional economic hub. If realized, these initiatives are expected to further increase the demand for office space.

hospitality tbilisi With the rise in the number of international tourist trips to Georgia, the country’s

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hospitality industry has been growing steadily over the last couple of years. The capital Tbilisi is an attractive tourist destination year-round. Currently, Tbilisi offers 8,803 accommodation units, 7% of which is international upscale hotel rooms and 16% - international midscale. International upscale brands enjoy around 70% annual occupancy rates. There are fourteen hotels in Tbilisi’s pipeline, the majority of which is upscale. Some of the hotels ahead for Tbilisi are Wyndham Garden, Hilton Garden Inn, and Hyatt Regency.

growth in retail revenue. GDP growth is estimated at 4.8% in 2018. We expect continued growth of retail revenues for 2019, supported by both higher tourist and household spending. Looking forward, as Tbilisi’s shopping malls have been built in different neighborhoods, local customers have started to value the ability to walk to shopping and dining. An expansion of the city mall Saburtalo is going to enhance the pattern of malls becoming more community-based, allowing people to work, live and shop in the same neighborhood.

batumi Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Batumi is a major leisure destination for both local and regional tourists. The global online booking company Airbnb named the city as a trending destination in 2019. Batumi is growing its popularity amongst the holidaymakers from CEE & EU countries. It also attracts a large number of gambling tourists from neighboring countries. Currently, there are five international upscale branded hotels in Batumi including Radisson, Hilton, and Wyndham. In the summer of 2018, they enjoyed 88% occupancy rate and an ADR of $114. Courtyard by Marriott, Le Meridien, and Pullman Hotels & Resorts are expected to enter Batumi’s hotel market in the coming years.

Retail MaRKet The macroeconomic environment in Georgia remains stable, supporting further

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Galleria Tbilisi has positioned itself as the destination place for both locals and tourists. Although the anchor tenant H&M is attracting large number of customers, many people also visit Galleria for entertainment. East Point is also attracting more and more families, as it provides a range of kids’ entertainment options. Since 98,500 sq m of leasable floorspace is expected to be added to the city’s supply in 2019, the vacancy rate will likely increase in the short term.

fRoM Retail to expeRienCe Both local and international consumers expect more and more service, experience, and entertainment. As shopping centers are attracting more customers in Tbilisi, retail streets need to continue to

innovate in addition to a balanced offer of retail, cafes and entertainment.

Residential MaRKet The residential market in Georgia continues to see stable growth, mainly represented by the capital city Tbilisi. In Tbilisi, total market size amounted to $1,598 mln, which represents a growth of

40% compared to 2017. The number of transactions during 2018 increased by 36% compared to the previous period, reaching a total of 36,143 transactions. Flats in new projects have outsold flats in old projects. Prices on new projects amounted to $690/ square meter at the end of 2018. Prices in old projects have remained stable since 2016, amounting to $620/square meter. Customers show high interest in new flats with an area of 51 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 70 sq m. In 2019,

residential area is planned to increase by 1.4 mln square meters. In Batumi, demand on flats continues to grow too. In total, in 2018, residential market size grew by 7% year-onr-year. The total transacted value of flats sold in new projects accounts for 55% of the total market. The weighted average prices outperform Tbilisi, amounting to $728 per sq m.

OFFICE RENTS BY CLASS (USd PER SQ M)

35 30 25 20 15 10 5 -

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Where to Buy Properties in Georgia MaCRo ConstRUCtion Complex area: Digomi Edu-Experimental Agriculture; (next to Olimpic facilities), Tbilisi TEL 200 10 10

Real Palace company was founded in 2011. It has the necessary resources and experience for the implementation of construction works, from project development to commissioning. It is also an importer of high-quality building materials, guaranteeing a high-quality and affordable apartment.

dUx ddevelopMent 23 Paliashvili Str. TEL 250 00 32 Built to the highest standards in European residential developments, MAQRO Constructionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Diamond complex on the edge of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic capital Tbilisi combines both luxury and affordability for the discerning homeowner, or indeed investor.

pReMiUM batUMi 36 M. Abashidze Str., Batumi TEL 568 33 00 00

Premium Batumi is a construction development company operating in Batumi. We offer exclusive, premium class residential hotel type apartments.

Real palaCe 18 Pirosmani Str., Batumi TEL 514 67 47 47

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White sails

3 Lech and Maria Kaczynski Str. TEL 598 05 00 00 WHITE SAILS is a unique multifunctional complex with outstanding design and architecture. The complex is distinguished by an unbeatable location on the seaside in Batumi New Boulevard and offers modern, diverse and well-developed infrastructure. The project includes two high-class hotels and five 16, 18 and 20-storey aparthotels and is one of the biggest investments in Georgia.

eMeRald gRoUp 85 Paliashvili Str. TEL 555 20 00 02 Dux Development is the subsidiary of the Azeri Investment Company - ORI Group and is based on the experience of partners who have successfully implemented multiple development projects in the territory of Azerbaijan since 2007. The mission of Dux Development is to implement development projects across the country and establish new standards in the field of construction, based on the requirements of the client and investor. Over the years, Dux Development has established partnerships with companies representing leading European brands in the field of construction materials. In order to meet the right standards and achieve top quality, the Company employees are regularly trained and introduced to new trends in the field.

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Emerald Group is a Georgian investment development company that builds residential apartments, hotels and multifunctional complexes. The company is established by a professional team that has excellent experience in investment development, building houses where people can live in an aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and safe environment. Emerald Group aims to become a leader in the Georgian development market by introducing an entirely new standard of living, where projects are distinguished by original architecture and elegant design.

REAL PALACE BLACK SEA TOWERS

Brand new, satisfying all the modern standards, hotel-residential complex, is located at Jiuli Shartava Str. 16 in Batumi

‘Black Sea Towers’ consists of two 37-floor buildings, each of them coming with 556 apartments with modern design and distinguished architecture. The residential complex will have a 4-level parking area and advanced infrastructure, including: lounge café, fitness center, SPA, swimming pool, children’s playground and etc. The construction is scheduled to be completed in 2021 Installment conditions: interest-free installment from 2 to 3 years; the first payment worth of 30% of the total price

PRICES FROM 1 400 GEL

Office: Pirsomani Str. 18, Batumi, Georgia Tel: +995 514 67 47 47; +995 514 65 47 47; +995 577 22 47 47 Email: realpalace2012@gmail.com www.realpalace.ge

Where.ge Feature Book: Georgian Flavors from Helena By Katie Ruth davies

Exclusive Interview

economic reporter, especially during tough, war-torn 1990s Georgia.”

It was her Aunty Medea that inspired well-known journalist Helena Bedwell to step into the magical world of cooking. Her writing career may have put it on hold, but her heart was forever charged with the desire to create dishes, and at last she has chosen to share some of that magic with other Georgian food lovers by publishing a cookery book: ‘Georgian Flavours from Helena.’ “I always wanted to become a writer, so I became a journalist, which is close enough! My parents always thought I would become an actress, but when I was 15, I changed my mind and started writing small articles on current events. My dad knew an editor at the Tbilisi Newspaper and asked him to have a look at my work. When I walked into the publishing house (currently the hotel and restaurant Stamba), and smelled that freshly printed paper, I knew I was in the right place.”

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In 1997, she left Georgia with her newly-created family and began to travel the world. And it was while discovering the various countries of Asia, the EU and the Middle East that her desire to cook was reignited. “I became fascinated with new flavors,” she tells us. “And I started to remember the skills Aunty Medea had taught me even as I kept working and raising my son.” She notes that Georgia, the ancient land of wine and bread, was practically unknown to people outside the country, and in answering people’s questions about her homeland, and with the eagerness of her UK family to try her Georgian dishes, Helena found further This is how her first articles appeared, followed by TV reportage, and how her cooking skills were put on the back burner. “It’s hard,” she notes, “to pop into the kitchen when you’re a young political and

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inspiration. “I really wanted them to know my country, my history and even my aunt’s main inspiration: Barbare Jorjadze, a 19th

century noble woman who started cooking and creating the ‘ideal household,’ despite having servants, and who became a writer herself. I also felt that Georgia, a sort of forgotten gem in this world, needed some attention, as our flavors are little known and nothing can compare to them.” We asked her to tell us about the motivation behind her publishing a cookery book, something not everyone was supportive of (they didn’t want her to reveal her secrets to the world!). “My target audience is people who travel, those seeking adventures and new flavors; people who have worked or lived in Georgia for a while, or who simply visited and never forgot how wonderfully that walnut sauce tasted or how unforgettable khachapuri was. I personally never met anyone who was not impressed by at least one specific dish or who even became obsessed with it. My audience also includes those wanting to impress their guests with something unusual or who might buy my book as a gift to give others.” She notes that in the book, she aimed to make the dishes as easy as possible to create. “If something sounds difficult, it’s difficult to make, so why put people under stress?” she asks. “The kitchen is and always was the best place for us to meet, have fun, and talk to our children, friends, and family members. Let’s keep it that way.” Helena tells us that choosing just what dishes to put in her book was “a struggle.” “Let’s get it straight: many of the most popular Georgian dishes we eat today are not Georgian at all, and were adopted from other cuisines and cultures,” she says.

“Let’s take mushrooms on ketsi with cheesenot Georgian at all, but this is perfectly normal for Georgia, which lays at the crossroads of several cultures.” She names the desire to offer something truly Georgian in her choice of which dishes to present. “I had to hunt down the ingredients, measurements, perfect kitchenware and wooden utensils most used in Georgia. It took me some 20 years to hone my skills, and then I decided it was time to share. All my dishes are easy to make anywhere in the world: in the UK or Taiwan, Dubai or New York.” And she’s included some tricks in the book to help cooking enthusiasts, wherever they may be. We asked her about her favorite and least favorite dishes to make. “Mchadi and cheese wins hands down every time for me,” she tells us. “If I have Georgian cheese at home, or any cheese for that matter, together with this wonderful cornflour creation mchadi, I’m happy. The combo is irreplaceable for me as it goes with every sauce, dip or spread, all over the world.” Her least favorite is the New Year whole fried piglet. “I’m not even sure it’s very Georgian, but the vision of it makes me feel uncomfortable. Thankfully, it’s only put on the table once a year!” In the past decade, more and more restaurants have sprung up, particularly in the capital city, offering fusion cuisineGeorgian plus something different, in part to experiment and take pleasure in the freedom the influx of new or re-discovered “foreign” ingredients brings; in part to entice both visitors and locals to take a

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chance and try something new. We asked Helena what she thought of the trend. “I adore it. It’s the perfect opportunity for many Georgians to abandon the soviet style eating habits and go back to our European roots. When I was a soviet kid, I had no idea what cinnamon or ginger was, or the ingredients I had only seen in foreign magazines or old Georgian books. In soviet times, there were only three kinds of cheese available, while our ancestors used to make 60 varieties! Fusion allows you to taste the dish as it is, without the avalanche of other flavors beside it. But at the same time, I am totally for the simplicity of many traditional Georgian restaurants, such as Mstkheta Salobie.” [a restaurant specializing in bean dishes in Mtskheta] We rounded off our interview by asking Helena what her biggest take-away was in creating her cookery book. “The best memory from creating this book was meeting my photographer Emma Matevsyan, my beautiful and equally talented magician in the kitchen. And I was very fortunate to meet Lali Papashvili and Levan Qoqiashvili, the couple behind an amazing company called Gastronaut, who made this book happen through their vision and advice. Emma and I will definitely continue to work together for many future projects. We also have some new ideas in the pipeline. I have learnt so much from this project!” Helena Bedwell’s book ‘Georgian Flavours from Helena’ can be purchased in the bookstores of Bakur Sulakauri Publishing House, Santa Esperanza and Prospero’s Books, as well as bookstores countrywide.

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Listing: Where to Buy Wine ChateaU nelKaRisi

Nelkarisi Estate offers a variety of tours and activities tailored to everyone’s requirements and tastes:

ReseRve 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 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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4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent, Tbilisi 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

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Wine Company Chelti was founded in 2001. Located in the Kakheti region, in

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.

Menabde WineRy Shemokmedi, Ozurgeti, Guria TEL 593 33 23 17

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.

ChateaU aznaURi Near Eniseli village and Gremi, Kakheti TEL 598 11 12 88

alaveRdi MonasteRy Village Alaverdi, Akhmeta TEL 596 10 04 34 The wine cellar of Alaverdi Monastery is one of Kakheti’s most distinctive cellars. 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.

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.

JavaKhishvili CellaR Akhalsopeli, Kvareli, Kakheti TEL 577 06 89 40

Wine CellaR KaKhURi 1 Tbilisi Highway, Telavi TEL 599 10 70 35

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.

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 can 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.

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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

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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

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BOTANIC GARDEN

Dubai

under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Annual investment Forum 2019 Announces Launch of its 9th Edition in April Al-Mansouri : A global investment platform that keeps pace with the latest developments and trends in foreign investments

The ninth edition of the Annual Investment Meeting, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading FDI platform, will be held on 8-10 April at the Dubai World Trade Center with the theme â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mapping the Future of FDI: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. AIM 2019 is being organized by the UAE Ministry of Economy under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. AIM 2019 will focus on the impact of digital globalization and how to draw policies that will create an investment climate. It will also discuss the need to create long-term investment opportunities, in addition to attracting and developing

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talent and skills from all over the world. It will also take into account how to enrich global economies through digital globalization by exploring possible ways in which technology can help better facilitate in attaining sustainable development goals with the right policy framework. The global economic event anticipates leaders, government officials, decision makers, businessmen, senior regional and international investors, major international companies, entrepreneurs, leading academics, and delegates from the public and private sectors. Exhibitors and experts from all over the world will also bring the latest developments and information about the economies of the world, as well as the

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latest strategies and techniques to attract foreign direct investment. AIM 2019 participants can review investment projects and exchange ideas, or form partnerships and collaborations by identifying economic trends that are mutually beneficial to both parties. Further, at AIM 2019, current economic conditions, investment projects, and identification of capital trends will be discussed and matched with opportunities to attract FDI inflows. AIM 2019 anticipates over 20,000 attendees and delegations from 150 countries. A number of high-level discussions will take place during the event and

there will be numerous B2B and B2G networking opportunities. Finance and business experts will also share their insights via workshops and lectures which will be attended by entrepreneurs, economic and investment professionals. HE Engineer Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, said, “The Annual Investment Meeting is playing a vital role in supporting the development of the State. It also stands as a global investment platform to keep pace with developments of foreign investments which have become more open to the Middle East markets and North Africa. AIM works to promote international dialogue concerning the development of investment opportunities and to meet the challenges facing this vital sector as well as to exchange information on best practices in successful development between the public and private sectors. The Minister added that the UAE has succeeded in establishing policies to diversify its economy to tap the global markets. It has also encouraged and attracted investments through establishing ease of doing business and the most conducive investment environment, which contributed to the consistency of positive growth rates despite global economic challenges. This has transformed the State into the first destination for FDIs in the region and a major trading hub. Al Mansouri further mentioned that, “The global investment scene has witnessed rapid changes over the past years in light of the technological developments and their resulting challenges and investment opportunities. The governments realized the need to keep abreast of these developments through changing policies and

developing institutional systems, drafting legislations, developing strategic plans in line with those variables, and in this regard, the UAE is leading the region in taking many of the procedures and legislations needed to create business and investment environment in line with those technological advances and the development of advanced and safe business environment.” Over the years, AIM was able to impose its presence on the regional and international arenas, as one of the leading investment platforms in the world. It enjoys the international participation of decision makers, senior officials, economic experts, academics, and high-level government leaders. AIM has succeeded in providing the ideal platform for knowledge transfer and exchange, latest information in the field of investment and related issues, exchange of experiences, exploring business and investment opportunities, and signing cooperation agreements and partnerships. ABOUT AIM 2019 • Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), the premier event in foreign direct investment in the Middle East and North Africa, holds its 9th edition on April 8-10, 2019 at Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. • Under the theme ‘Mapping the Future of

dubai

FDI: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalization’, AIM 2019 addresses the global challenges in the flow of foreign direct investment. The event remains the most relevant and the biggest FDI platform in the world. • Part of its milestone in its previous staging had been putting under one roof 1,000 experts and FDI specialists and 20,000 attendees from over 140 countries, where 1,200 conference delegates benefitted from FDI dealings and strategic networking. • AIM 2019 is an initiative of the UAE Ministry of Economy and is under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

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Vida Downtown By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

Dubai is one of the best and most luxurious tourist destinations in the world, always managing to mesmerize visitors with its great variety of stunning attractions, among them numerous deluxe hotels. Vida Downtown is a must-stay-at boutique hotel located in the heart of Dubai, just 10 minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; walk from the iconic Burj Khalifa. It is ideal for the discerning business

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traveler, as well as for those who just want to have an unforgettable time in a pleasant atmosphere. After holding a meeting in the business center of Vida Downtown, guests can strip away the stresses of the day and re-energize in the hotel gym, which is equipped to high standards, or cool down in the outdoor swimming pool.

dubai

Contemporary chic restaurants and bars allure guests with a colorful menu and a wide range of delicious dishes from different cuisines, including French pastry and Japanese specialties. Visitors can grab the chance to have a drink or two at the hotel bars which feature a wonderful terrace overlooking the outdoor pool. The six-floor modern hotel features a

number of spacious and stylish rooms with traditional Arabian touches of different category, all coming with distinguished bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Vida Downtown is also a perfect choice for shopaholics, as it is situated close to the major malls of Dubai. The hotel offers all the amenities necessary for re-charging

after an exhausting but fulfilling shopping adventure.

3in1 RestaURant

The hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welcoming team is strongly focused on the needs of guests and they will do their utmost to offer a wide range of interesting and entertaining packages. Vida Downtown is an excellent destination for unforgettable memories and enjoying a stay in a comfortable and cozy atmosphere.

3in1 is a contemporary modern restaurant popular for its award-winning brunches. It serves international and Mediterranean inspired cuisine, along with seating on a large open-air terrace, adjacent to the pool. Open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 3in1 offers both indoor and al fresco dining, as well as private cabanas

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la seRRe

for those who enjoy a little more privacy. Children up to the age of 5 years - Complimentary dining. Children between the age of 6 years and 11 years - 50% off dining. Dress code: Smart Casual. Seating capacity: 116 indoor, 44 outdoor terrace.

stage 2 RestaURant Being a relaxed lounge with an intimate terrace overlooking the pool, Stage2 is in a central location for those looking for an eclectic light lunch, or a late evening dinner with mocktails and beverages, with a menu that features a selection of Mediterranean and British options. This experience is complemented by a setting that is pristine and relaxing. Children up to the age of 5 years - Complimentary dining. Children between the age of 6 years and 11 years - 50% off dining. Dress code: Casual. Seating capacity: 60 indoor lounge, 24 outdoor terrace.

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The Boulangerie is a neighbourhood hub combining the charm of a Parisian street café with the electricity of a Downtown Dubai hotspot, which hums from sunrise to late evening. It boasts some of the freshest bread and pastries in the city combined with a shaded terrace perfect for people watching, whilst a grandiose staircase leads upstairs to the Bistro, a chic room overlooking the Boulevard below. The Bistro houses the piece de resistance of La Serre - the Chef’s Table, a beautiful room seating 12 and adjoining the kitchen for the ultimate guest experience. The Chef’s Table allows guests an intimate insight into the electric buzz and theatre of the kitchen. Offering a Mediterranean menu, the Bistro is open for lunch and dinner. Children up to the age of 5 years - Complimentary dining. Children between the age of 6 years and 11 years - 50% off dining. Dress code: Smart casual. Seating capacity: Bistro - 140 guests, Boulangerie including terrace – 200 guests.

doWntoWn toKo Downtown Toko offers an incredible new menu for excellent value featuring tasty Chinese and Japanese street food with a

wide variety of dim sums, delicious wok dishes, and an exclusive signature mouth-watering Peking duck delicacy in a casual intimate Dubai restaurant and lounge setting complemented with an expansive garden and terrace. Admired for the presentation style, Downtown Toko’s menu has no boundaries and offers diners a modern, yet authentic interpretation of Pan-Asian cuisine. Children up to the age of 5 years - Complimentary dining. Children between the age of 6 years and 11 years - 50% off dining. Dress code: Smart casual. Seating capacity: Indoor - 150 guests, Outdoor Garden - 150 guests, Terrace – 80 guests.

vida food tRUCK The Vida Food Truck is a 1960’s Airstream that is a ground-up restoration, offering a gourmet twist on the everyday classics. Airstreams are synonymous with a carefree, laid back lifestyle and it is this attitude that has been reflected in the menu offered. The Vida Food Truck offers meals served on the go or if you prefer, boutique event catering starting from 30 people; don’t worry we bring the beach chairs and picnic tables as well. Children up to the age of 5 years - Complimentary dining. Children between the age of 6 years and 11 years - 50% off dining. Dress code: Casual. Seating capacity: On the go. Source of the images: www.vidahotels.com

dubai

Germany

Ambiente for Future Trends By sopho bochoidze

Messe Frankfurt GmbH - Jacquemin

Frankfurt is a city where new trends and innovations perfectly meet culture and traditions. Even the architecture that still has the smell of old times stands with pride in harmony with newly built high glass buildings. Frankfurt is a cosmopolitan city that is always moving forward, yet doesn’t forget its traditions. Frankfurt has lot to offer tourists and locals alike, with exciting exhibitions, sports events, festivals, and more. We won’t waste your time by suggesting where to go or which museum to visit, which you can find on any website or in any Frankfurt guide, but we will tell you about one of the greatest fairs you can go to in Frankfurt: Ambiente – the biggest international consumer goods trade fair; a place where everyone and everything has a story; a

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place that is more than just a fair; a place where you can go not only for business but to discover unique products from 4,451 exhibitors from 92 countries and connect with more than 136,000 buyers from 166 countries. There is no better place to explore new trends, to feel the futuristic ambience, to initiate new business connections, increase knowledge and exchange information. 41% of the exhibitors are self-employed entrepreneurs. Ambiente gives you the opportunity to see and know how professionals care about their brand identity and at the same time how they manage to stay ahead and integrate into the modern world, how their products tell stories that inspire you, how important it is to stay connected in a digital world.

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As Messe Frankfurt has a great location and is easily accessible by any transport, it is not difficult to find, occupying total of 400,237 sq.m of hall area, 59,506 sq.m of outdoor areas and more than 90 congress and conference halls. The Frankfurt exhibition grounds are a “city within a city” with first-aid stations, a 24-hour Operation & Security centre, more than 1,000 WiFi Access Points, restaurants, bars, cafés and food stands. Ambiente’s super professional team takes care of everything - easy accessible corridors, hall to hall connection signs, informative materials, stunning decorations, beautiful music, a wide choice of cafes and relaxation points, convenient services, interactive performances, digital brochures and most importantly – well organized exclusive guided tours! This last offers in-depth glimpses into Ambiente trends and gives you the chance to meet in person the representatives of global brands, entrepreneurs and artisans, to see how their opinions vary and what their story is. The press guided tour of the special exhibition “From Point of Sale to Point of Experience” with Wolfgang Gruschwitz was truly an inspiration. The tour started with Gruschwitz sharing his professional views and experiences how his company (Waketo Marketing Consulting) helps each retailer to successfully sell their products and interact with buyers. “You need to go deeper because you are not only a seller,

but a consultant. This should be the main point in your mind when you sell. Digitalization in stores is the same, now retailers can make a whole performance in front of buyers such as cooking masterclasses, beauty trials and so on. So, they are not only deliverers of goods, but also advisors. You are not selling products, you are selling your advice. They can find any product through the internet, anywhere in the world, so you need to offer them special approaches, interaction, connection,” Gruschwitz told us. “In future, very soon, from two to five years cash desks will vanish, people will go fully digital in payments, so you need to stay connected with buyers. Make a theme, make a story, and you will sell your product. The only real wealth in the world is not money but human relationships. We have to be connected, even in retail business”. The WHERE.GE team explored the world of future trends on three platforms: dining, living and giving at Ambiente 2019. Check out our top picks from Messe Frankfurt below.

Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH by Jean-Luc Valentin

production since 1653, a contemporary look and feel, Royal Delft presents ‘Proud Mary,’ named after Mary Stuart II, the wife of Stadholder William III. Mary II was a great admirer and collector of Delft Blue in the Dutch Golden Age. The name Proud Mary is not a coincidence, it is the company’s wish that Proud Mary become a modern-day collector’s item, a contemporary icon of the Delft Blue by Royal

Delft. Proud Mary is composed of four different elements: the skirt, body, the collar and the head. She is available in both the hand painted collection and the transfer collection. Blue and white ceramics is the identity of the Dutch: they were proud to have them in the 17th century. Buyers can create their own identity; choosing from the various elements

After browsing through the numerous pavilions, you can already predict some of the future inspirational trends, such as minimalism in design, warm color palettes, objects without function, interactive goods that allows consumers to create their own stories. However, each retailer has their own concept and each of their products has a story. Here are some of the highlights:

Royal delft Inspired by the Dutch Golden Age theme year and driven by the desire to give the iconic Delft Blue by Royal Delft, in

Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH by Jean-Luc Valentin.

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and creating a Proud Mary that best suit his/her taste. Most of the ornaments on the skirt are from the 17th century. Visitors had the opportunity to see the artist of Royal Delft at Ambiente and the process of painting a huge EUR 8000 vase.

nUde 20 different international designers work for the Turkish brand Nude – the third biggest glasswork company in the world, whose identity is Simple is Beautiful. Their glass works aim to simplify consumers lives, with simple forms but with life within when you touch them. Nude glass work includes many different items, among them transparent vases with original forms that you can combine for an optical illusion. The designers’ inspiration comes from Iris Apfel (97), an iconic figure in fashion and lifestyle.

sKaza The Slovenian brand presented their innovative product at Ambiente – a beautiful and efficient kitchen composter of the next generation, the Bokashi Organko 2. With this composter, your kitchen becomes a place of green thinking. Using powdered compost accelerator with beneficial microorganisms, the composter will transform biological waste into a: a) quality compost for your plants b) fermentation liquid for plants c) a biological cleaner for drains. Due to the wonderful design, instead of hiding it, you might well want to place the composter in the center of your kitchen.

aMy MaCKle This young designer from Germany creates artworks from objects that are

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Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH by Pietro Sutera

otherwise seen as trash. You can’t tell what material has been used until you touch it, but each piece is inspired by something and that alone is an inspiration.

style of Japan A new brand based in Obama city, Japan, is known for its varieties of chopsticks. They presented an intercultural dining set which includes the whole set of chopsticks and spoons for all courses. Normally, Japanese eat their food with only one chopstick and they don’t use different kinds for different courses, therefore this dining culture is revolutionary for Japan, too.

KoCKUMs A welcome return! In the late 18th century in Ronneby, Sweden, the Kockums family started to manufacture pots, buckets and hospital utensils. In 1893, the company

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launched a whole new product line – enamelled cookware in several different colors, though it was the soft yellow with the dark green edge the Swedish people fell in love with. But then the 1960s brought Tupperware and production at Kockums Jernverk had to stop. Today’s turn-around sees a phasing out of plastic wares in Swedish households, making room for quality. Kockums has updated its color palette and reintroduced the brand with a new collection where traditional perfectly meets new. The things seen at Ambiente 2019, topics discussed at the WFTO press conference during the fair, the artworks by refugees from all over the world introduced at the MADE51 conference, even the topic of speed dating with an ethical style: everything said clearly that there is a story behind each product. Recycled products, waste issues, products made by refugees and people who connect them with local

artisans, social enterprises, brand “good&mojo’s” motto: you buy light, you give light to people in need, the topics chosen by Prof. Mark Braun on the designers’ guided tours about keeping DNA and brand identities – all these together showed without doubt that Ambiente is far more than just a fair. Over the last few years, eight partner countries have successfully showcased themselves at Ambiente. As India was the partner country at Ambiente this year, you could see lots of beautiful wooden handcrafted items, textiles, lamps and lighting, ceramics, the fascinating Bollywood style and even Bollywood stars too, as guests. More than 500 Indian companies participated in the show, including eco-friendly “Made in India” bamboo craft. For the first time in 2020, the Dining area will be expanded to include a dedicated hall for exhibitors from the hotel, restaurant and catering industry (HoReCa). In this way, the world’s leading trade fair for consumer goods will underline its position as an important international HoReCa trading platform for everything that matters in the hospitality industry. Moreover, in 2020, it will give this segment more space in the form of the new HoReCa Forum in Hall 6.0. In 2020, we can also look forward to the exciting subject of “The world comes to Ambiente”, as the world’s leading trade fair will be presenting a program in a new look and exceptional design. The next Ambiente will be held from 7 to 11 February 2020. The expectations are truly promising.

Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH by Jean-Luc Valentin..

Messe Frankfurt Exhibition Gmbh by Petra Welzel

For further information please contact: Zaira Soloeva Senior Project Manager Official Representative of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH in Georgia and Armenia Deutsche Wirtschaftsvereinigung (DWV) Or visit the following website: zaira.soloeva@georgien.ahk.de http://www.georgien.ahk.de

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Business Listing BANKS

libeRty banK 74 Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 255 55 00 www.libertybank.ge

basisbanK

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vtb banK geoRgia pRoCRedit banK 21 Al. Kazbegi Ave.

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FUEL COMPANIES

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gUlf 34 Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 249 64 4 4

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teRabanK 3 Queen Ketevan Ave. TEL 255 00 00 www.terabank.ge

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Wissol Opposite side of Tbilisi

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CHAMBERS IN TBILISI iCC 3/29 P. Kakabadze Str. TEL 298 81 76 www.icc.ge

geoRgian ChaMbeR global benefit of CoMMeRCe and geoRgia indUstRy 7a P. Kakabadzr Str. 29 N. Shataidze Str. TEL 269 47 47 www.gcci.ge

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aMeRiCan ChaMbeR the bRitish of CoMMeRCe geoRgian in geoRgia ChaMbeR of 36a L. Asatiani Str. CoMMeRCe TEL 222 69 07 www.amcham.ge

1 Tabidze 1 Building, 2 Leonidze Str., Regus office TEL 599 465 364 contact@bgcc.org.uk www.bgcc.org.uk

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gpi holding 67 Kostava Str. TEL 250 51 11

INSURANCE COMPANIES iMedi l 9 Anna Politkovskaia Str. TEL 292 22 22 www.imedil.ge

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iC gRoUp 24 Mosashvili Str. TEL 220 88 88 www.icgroup.ge

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3 Vazha-Pshavela Ave.

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the ChaMbeR of CoMMeRCe and indUstRy fRanCe-geoRgia www.ccifg.ge

aRdi

gidMedi plUs 3 R. Chkheidze Str. TEL 220 25 15, 291 32 19

Advanced Pediatric Care

The Right Pediatrician for your Child!

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Tbilisi:* +995 (32) 250 00 20 Batumi: +995 (32) 250 00 77

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TOURISM INFORMATION CENTERS tbilisi toURisM infoRMation CenteR 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) Tbilisi International Airport TEL (+995 32) 231 00 07 Working days: Every day / 24/7

Mestia toURisM infoRMation CenteR 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 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 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 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 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 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 9 Erekle II Str. TEL (+995 350) 275317 Working days: Every day Working hours: 9:00 – 18:00

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aKhaltsiKhe toURisM infoRMation CenteR 1 Kharischirashvili Str. TEL (+995 365) 22 50 28 Working days: Every day Working hours: 09:00 - 18:00

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aMbRolaURi toURisM infoRMation CentRe

batUMi toURisM infoRMation CenteR

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(Central entrance of Boulevard)

TEL (+995 439) 22 16 18

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Working days: Every day

Working hours: 10:00 - 18:00

bolnisi toURisM infoRMation CenteR

2 Ninoshvili Str., Batumi,

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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

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).

Sarpi Custom House

tbilisi inteRnational aiRpoRt

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TEL 231 03 41

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Working days: Schedule determined

1 Agmashenebeli Str.

by flights

TEL 0422 29 44 13

9:00 - 18:00 (summer)

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batUMi toURisM infoRMation CenteR (batUMi inteRnational aiRpoRt)

Working days: Every day

TEL 0431 23 70 00

geoRgian RailWay TEL 1331, 219 90 10

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29 M. Abashidze Str.

4 SANAPIRO STR.

Batumi International Airport

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TEL 243 69 99

TEL (0422) 29 44 14

Working days: Every day

Working days: Schedule determined

dialing Code:

by flights

+995 32

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Emerald Group In an era of developments and modernization, where there is a multiplicity of innovative companies carrying out important infrastructure projects, Emerald Group, a relatively new Investment Development Company launched in Georgia, plans to strongly establish itself on the Georgian market and even beyond its borders. Emerald Group, a company which builds residential apartments, hotels and other multifunctional complexes, was established on June 26, 2018, and has the ambitious strategy to introduce unorthodox living standards and first develop in the capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi, then assimilate into the market of the entire country, followed by the markets of other Eastern European countries. Emerald Group is the only Georgian company comprising of only luxury projects, targeted to high-budget clientele. It aims to carry out premium-class projects where the residents will feel secure and be able to enjoy a stay in an aesthetic and comfortable environ. Fulfilling the needs of clients is of paramount importance for the professional team of Emerald Group, which puts much effort into exploring them, and takes the responsibility to meet the requirements of the most pretentious customers in the very best way. It also promises to enable them to feel part of something exclusive and totally distinguished. Emerald Group represents exclusive projects with original design and architecture. All the apartments of the present and upcoming constructions are designed to meet the highest standards and offer 5-star hotel services.