Where.ge June/July #9 by Georgia Today Group

Photo: Tourism and Resorts Department of Adjara A. R.

Explore Batumi, Adjara Driving to Batumi? 10 Things Not to Miss on the Way

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

● 12 lane professional bowling

2 Lane professional bowling

● Pool and Russian Billiard tables

Pool and Russian Billiard tables

● Conceptual American café-restaurant

Conceptual American café-restaurant

● Billiard Private Room “Comfort Zone”

Billiard Private Room “Comfort Zone”

WORKING HOURS:

working Hours: MONDAY-THURSDAY, SUNDAY: Monday-Thursday, sunday: 11:00-02:00 Friday-saturday: 11:00-03:00 FRIDAY-SATURDAY: 11:00-03:00

T e l: 5 9 1 5 0 1 0 1 0

11:00-02:00

| w w w . le b o w s k i. g e | f b : le b o w s k ib o w lc lu b

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#9 Jun-July 2017 Publisher: George Sharashidze Editor in Chief: Katie Ruth Davies Executive Editor: Maka Bibilashvili Contributors: Katie Ruth Davies Manuela Kosch Tony Hanmer Nino Gugunishvili Sofia Bochoidze Mariam Karroum Vazha Tavberidze Ana Lominadze Photographers: Tony Hanmer Irakli Dolidze Designer: Ani Loladze Logo & Design Concept: Kevin Loftus Marketing Manager: Maia Tsereteli Sales: Salome Vashalomidze Mariam Giorgadze Mano Kutchukhidze Sofia Bochoidze

Do you think summer in Georgia is just about sea and sun? Wrong! In Georgia, you get this AND skiing! Check out the recently opened ski resorts in Svaneti and get your skis on, even in the hot summer months. Don’t believe us? Look at our report from Mestia in the WHERE to Go section and get ready for a bonanza summer skiing experience. New summer ski resorts are not the only thing to read about Svaneti in this issue, as our Svaneti-based reporter Tony Hanmer suggests an exclusive tour of the Holy Icons. Exploring ancient religious art kept protected for centuries in the heights of that region is yet another reason for you, our respected reader, to visit Georgia’s stunning landscape in the sky.

George Sharashidze Publisher

No doubt most of you will visit Adjara and its capital city Batumi this season. Get ready with our exclusive recommendations on exploring this fantastic Black Sea city and check out the top things to do on your drive there from Tbilisi as provided by our editor Katie Davies. It’s time to mark the most interesting festivals, exhibitions and concerts in your summer calendar- use the WHERE event calendar to do it, with suggestions for every taste and preference. For shopping lovers, in addition to our regular fantastic WHERE to Buy tips, Sofie Bochoidze tells you more about the best shopping malls in Dubai, where our beloved WHERE magazine can be found in an increasing number of locations, thanks to our partner, Ramada Chelsea Hotel. Enjoy your summer in beautiful Georgia! To close this welcome letter, here is the ‘Publisher’s Choice’ for the WHERE June-July issue:

Georgia Today Address:1 Melikishvili Ave. TEL 229 59 19 www.georgiatoday.ge

In partnership with the Georgian National Tourism Administration

Mestia Svaneti

Castello Mare Hotel and Wellness Resort, Tsikhisdziri

Rustaveli Café & Restaurant 4 Freedom sq.

8000 Vintages 26 S. Tsintsadze Str.

Batumi Mall 88 Gorgiladze Str., Batumi

8 Sulkhan Ghlonti Head, Tourism and Resorts Department of Adjara

44 Mariam Kedeladze Head of Sales & Marketing Department, Castello Mare Hotel & Wellness Resort

68 Giorgi Merkviladze General Manager, Gallery Palace

88 George Kazarashvili Business Development Manager, 8000 Vintages

100

Sopho Barnabishvili GM, Sales and Marketing, Batumi Mall

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to go

COMPLETED ЗАВЕРШЕНЫ

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

Sulkhan Ghlonti Head of Tourism and Resorts Department of Adjara A. R.

Shatili The place where you find yourself transported back to Medieval times â&#x20AC;&#x201C; far away from modern life, communications, infrastructure and work. The perfect pace for contemplation and finding harmony for mind and soul.

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Goderdzi

Mtirala

Impressive nature, fresh air, beautiful landscape, well equipped ski lanes, unforgettable memories and snow â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whiter than ever and anywhere. A must-see place throughout the year.

Mtirala National Park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the place where you can have fun and rest at the same time - whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s zip line, hiking, horse riding adventures or taking time to relax surrounded by the breathtaking nature and warm Georgian hospitality.

GoMi Mountain

BakhMaro

Gomis Mta, located in Guria region over 2000 m above sea level, is a place untouched by human beings and still maintaining its authenticity. Nowhere else you can find such stupendous dawns and miraculous twilights.

Bakhmaro is one of the unique climatic resorts of Georgia which has a freeskiing potential with ungroomed terrains and without the set course in winter time. Being 130 km away from the coastline, you can still admire the sun set into the Black Sea from 2505 m high. The spring of beauty, the annual horse race, unique fresh air, sunrise and sunset hills, mix of hospitality with unbelievable humour - all these are worth your experiencing.

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BATUMI, GEORGIA

The multi-seasonal destination where you can find your own way to spend any of four seasons - whether that’s unforgettable spring with blooming and sprouting fragrance brought down from the mountains or hot and crowdy summer cooled by the Black Sea breeze, or maybe you seek to enjoy the colourfullness of the autumn and the flutter of the falling leaves, followed by the whiteness and calmness of the chilly winter untimely enchanting you to fall in love with this place? … Explore Batumi and share IT! Autonomous Republic of Adjara is one of the most attractive regions of Georgia, it’s becoming very popular among the tourists due to its beautiful places and permanently

developing resorts, high class hotels and diverse cultural-entertaining events. According to the international researches Georgia is in the top 10 Safest Country list and Batumi has historically been one of the most tolerant cities in the Caucasus region. Black sea coastal city of Batumi is distinguished by both European and Asian architecture, it combines old squares with modern buildings. Batumi traditionally hosts various cultural and entertaining events like Black Sea Jazz Festival, Checkin Georgia, Biaff, Batumi International Bird Festival, Homemade Wine Festival, Autumn Festival and etc. Various museums and art galleries present their visitors not only ancient artefacts but also

masterpieces of the modern art. The worldwide luxury hotels together with the middle and low class hotels are ready to accept and host the guests with different financial and personal demands. Batumi is rich with historic places like Batumi Boulevard - all along the Black Sea coast it is one of the most visited places of the city along with so-called ,,Black Sea Pearl’’ - Batumi Botanical Garden with the richest collection and history. Gonio Fortress is a unique monument being reigned by Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans at different times; Petra Fortress overlooks the Black Sea coast and once served as a military-strategic and tradeeconomic centre.

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Adjara offers its guests to get in touch with endemic and relict wealth of protected areas of Mtirala, Kintrishi, Machakhela and Kobuleti and be sure, to reach the Harmony between the pure nature, mind and soul. On the other hand, test the up-to-date ski resort of international level Goderdzi – open 6 months in a year with the 8 km long ski run and with the highest peak at 2390 m from sea level. And everywhere you go, anywhere you are – you will be welcomed by Georgian hospitality and exquisite Adjarian cousine. As for the novelties of the city, Batumi Cable Car gives you an opportunity to get close to the sky and have a perfect, impressive view of the city, Europe Square has hosted a myriad of international concerts and has become a central location for New Year’s celebrations; Piazza Square is a beautiful place with one-of-a-kind mosaic and stained-glass art blend where you can enjoy the live music; Come to Batumi Dolphinarium and witness the breathtaking show and the grace of these incredible sea creatures; Ali and Nino statue is a symbol of eternal love and the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Come and join, be a part of a rural reality, make your own dinner or pour a glass of homemade wine. Georgia is fairly confessed to be the cradle of the wine - an 8,000 year history and over 500 species of continuous wine making tradition evidenced by numerous archaeological discoveries and Traditional Georgian Wine enlisted in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, accompanied by the masterpieces of the Georgian Polyphonic Singing - also ensured by UNESCO. Now you know why Explore Batumi and share IT!

SVANETI - Open Air Museum

The mystical Mestia is located 1500 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains and Svanetian towers. Svaneti is a four-season destination offering summer and summer adventures. The Georgian National Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia officially celebrated the opening of the summer season in Svaneti. Several events were held in the center of the city to promote Mestia as a tourist destination. Events included a theatrical performance, culinary masterclasses, exhibitions, and concerts. It should be noted that many tourists were fascinated by the Georgian dance and the associated masterclass,

where locals taught foreigners how to dance â&#x20AC;&#x153;Svanuriâ&#x20AC;?. WINTER IN THE SUMMER Mestia is distinguished from other world resorts by the fact that you can catch two seasons here at the same time, with winter and summer just a few kilometers from each other. On June 10, we opened the summer season and closed the winter season- on the same day! The Boris Kakhiani ski competition was held on Tetnuldi as part of the celebrations.

Do not miss out: Mestia is waiting for you!

Bioli – Georgian Innovation in World Wellness Industry

The medical wellness resort Bioli is located in the recreation area of Kojori, 15km from the center of Tbilisi, at an altitude of 1200 meters. The ideology and concept of the resort is built not on psychological comfort and pleasure, but on a controlled and measurable recovery process based on medical scientific theories. According to modern scientific views, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant forces in the body cells, called oxidative stress, is the trigger for the emergence and development of many diseases and early ageing.

This imbalance may be caused by the impact of five main stress factors on the organism: • Malnutrition • Incorrect physical activity • Psychological overload • Chronic intoxication • Sleep disorders Our task is to fight stress factors in order to restore the balance, and as a result, provide the early prevention of possible diseases. With innovative methods of diagnosis, we assess the oxidative stress at the level of the

life unit–cell and the impact of stress factors on the body. We also examine the quantity of micro elements in the cells, including toxic ones, study the structure of the body (by 50 different parameters), perform fitness and wellness testing, diagnosis of the autonomic nervous system, genetic diagnostics and other studies. Based on these parameters, we build a science-based algorithm of a guest’s stay in our eco-friendly resort, the conditions which will be most effective for health: • A functional nutrition program is formed in consideration of anamnesis, diagnostic data, and, if necessary, genetic indicators.

• Work is carried out to restore the microelement balance. • Selection of endemic phyto-resources is performed (Georgia holds the leading place in the world for their diversity) both for nutrition and treatment purposes. • A program of individual physical activity is elaborated, also in consideration of relevant factors. • Various healing techniques are employed, including: o SPA o Physiotherapy o Individualized massage techniques, combined with physical activity o Various hardware methods • Work is undertaken to improve sleep, using: o Breathing exercises in the fresh air o Magnetic blankets

o Special massage techniques o Herbal pillows o Aroma oils • Work is carried out to identify and remove heavy metals, using: o Adequate nutrition o Heat treatment o Massage techniques o Hardware methods • Work with psychological overloads using a combination of techniques, from tasty food, enotherapy, appropriate massage techniques, the warmth and sincerity of the staff to the beauties of nature around and the comfort of the stay. • Individual lifetime wellness recommendations are given to each guest. There are 4 wellness programs with different durations: 2, 7 or 14 days: • Bioli intro • Anti-stress • Detox • Chronic fatigue management At the end of the program, repeat diagnostics are conducted and the achieved success is demonstrated to the guest. An entertainment area can be found on the territory where guests can play billiards, darts, chess, taste different types of healthy herbal infusions and unique wines produced for Bioli. We are pleased to invite you to Bioli to experience it all for yourself! +995 322 322 322 / +995 595 801 003 #1 Bioli str., 0114, Kojori, Tbilisi, Georgia info@bioli.ge www.bioli.ge

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20 Things to Do in Tbilisi From the blog ‘The Brave Dame, 50 Things to Do in Tbilisi’ by Rose.

1.BridGe of the hundred thouSand MartyrS

Historically, the bridge is a place of executions, the biggest one being the execution of the martyrs who didn’t renounce their Christian faith. Legend says that Sultan Jalal al-Din of Khwarazm made people step on holy icons as a sign of renouncing their Christian faith and converting to Islam. Those who didn’t were killed. That’s how the bridge got its name.

2.take a Boat tour on the Mtkvari river Touristy? Yes. Fun? I’d like to think so! Next to the bridge of Hundred Thousand Martyrs you’ll find the River Boat Tours, taking you on a relaxing sightseeing tour along the River Mtkvari. A great way to see the city from a different angle while saving your precious feet!

3.don’t take photoS of the preSidential palace That’s at least what the guards will tell you. The palace – that looks a little like the Reichstag in Berlin – stands on top of the hill above Rike Park and catches your eye for being surrounded by somewhat traditional buildings.

4.Marvel at the Grandeur of Soviet Metro StationS The Tbilisi metro is not just great for getting from one point to the other, but most metro stations have artsy ceilings that are well worth checking out. You might miss your connection, but that’s okay!

Just like any great city, Tbilisi is home to some wonderful street artists and their murals. Wander through the city to find post-war art or just a colorful splash on canvas.

6.SMoke hookah When strolling through beautiful Tbilisi, I couldn’t help but notice a whiff of sweet air here and there. Many bars and restaurants offer hookah, also known as shisha. Huggo Bar was my favorite for hookah because of their friendly staff and hysterical variety of hookah choices.

7.relax at turtle lake

5.Go on a Street art hunt

Residents of Tbilisi love their nature and Turtle Lake is excellent for a day of doing nothing. You’ll find families, people walking their dogs and random picnics on any sunny day.

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8.adMire the JuMa MoSque

beautiful blue mosque or the traditional Georgian houses make it worth visiting this area, taking a hot bath will, too!

10.viSit an art café Tbilisi is home to many art cafés and galleries, as well as hipster culture and street art. Wander around the old town, Vera or Vake to stumble upon the coolest places. My favorite one is 144 Stairs art café (address: Salami Street 14)

11.enJoy a GeorGian SnickerS Located in Abanotubani, right between the Narikala Fortress and the Mtkvari river, you’ll find the Juma Mosque. Here muslims from the area come to pray or hang around the sulphur baths. Abanotubani is a friendly neighborhood which shows the cultural diversity in Tbilisi really well.

9.Get clean at the Sulphur BathS

The sulphur baths in Abanotubani are one of the highlights of Tbilisi’s old town. Not just the neighborhood with its

everywhere in the city. The square – which was renamed many times – has been home to numerous famous demonstrations, such as for Independence from the Soviet Union and the Rose Revolution. Fact: George W. Bush escaped death here when somebody threw a grenade during the celebration of the 60th anniversary marking the end of WWII.

13.Meet other travelerS at leSelidze / kote apkhazi Churchkhela – or Georgian snickers – is something you have to try while in Georgia! A typical churchkhela is made from walnuts (although sometimes hazelnuts are used) covered in reduced grape juice, and looks like some kind of sausage. Sounds icky but I promise you it’ll be worth a try. Eat them as a snack, for dessert or combine them with a glass of Georgian wine.

12.freedoM Square The partly golden statue on Freedom square can be seen from basically

I like to see it as ‘the strip’ of Tbilisi, Leselidze (as it is still called by locals) is the place to be for nightlife, tourist shops and hostels. Need something in the middle of the night? Leselidze is there for you!

14.Meet GeorGian hipSterS at Moulin electrique Located in a hidden alley next to the synagogue, you’ll have your chance to meet the hipsters of Tbilisi. Moulin Electrique is a great place for drinks and conversation in the very center of Tbilisi.

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15.eat khinkali at khinkliS Sakhli

17.Spend the day at liSi lake

mind. Do make sure you cover yourself up before entering!

19.try chacha Georgians translate it as grappa or brandy and in my opinion this local hooch should come with a warning! Chacha is a strong spirit made of grape residue. Because it’s often homemade, alcohol levels range from 40 to 65%.

Only the best khinkali is town! Khinkali is a large dumpling filled with meat, cheese or vegetables and broth, which you should eat with your hands. Georgians argue over the best khinkali, as preferences vary. I loved Khinklis Sakhli (although their staff not so much) for their fresh soupy dumplings.

16.chill With localS in the 9th of april park

The locals of Tbilisi love to hang around in parks. Parents let their kids play in the colorful fountain, while others marvel at the various statues or play a game of backgammon.

Many locals love to spend their summer days at Lake Lisi, another green spot in Tbilisi. Great for getting a fresh breath of air, away from the traffic jam that is the city.

20.Walk up or doWn the BetleMi riSe

18.clear your Mind at Sioni church

It’s difficult not to mention every church in Tbilisi, as they are all unique and worth a visit. However, the Sioni Church is one you absolutely can’t miss. Marvel at the breathtaking frescoes, light a candle or wander around the church to clear your

Between the statue of Mother Georgia and the honking cars of Old Tbilisi, there’s a highlight that can’t be missed. Walk down to see three churches, a small vineyard and one of the best views over the city. A beautiful place for photo ops and history lessons. Check out the original blog post here: https://www.thebravedame.com/50things-to-do-in-tbilisi/

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The Iconic Tour: Svaneti By tony hanmer There might be many reasons to visit Svaneti, Georgia’s highest region and the furthest from its capital. Stunning Caucasus landscapes? Check. Millennium-old watchtowers? Check. Ancient roots of the proto-Georgian language? Pre-Christian pagan traditions in conflict with the resurgent ancient Orthodoxy? Best honey in the country, best sulguni cheese and potatoes, original source of real Svan salt? All of these categories and more. Regardless of one’s religious worldview, from any degree of any of the world’s religions to “atheist or agnostic”, the religious art contained in Svaneti is not to be missed either, and might form its own reason to come on up, a miniature feast for both the eyes and that of which they are the windows, the soul. Because the country was so inaccessible in the many centuries before the mostly Sovietbuilt road replaced its single file horse track, Svaneti received the national treasure for safekeeping. Waves and generations of invaders from the whole surrounding world laid waste to the lowlands, desecrated churches, enslaved whole populations, tried to enforce conversion. Monarchs sent the royal collections there on many separate occasions… and there they stayed, for the most part, kept rather too well, never to return. If you have never seen a centuries-old depiction of a six-winged cherub or seraph from the Old Testament, these abound. Other popular subjects are warrior angels; Jesus Christ at various ages and in various roles; the Virgin Mary; Sts. George, Barbara, Kvirike, Tevdore and more.

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Materials? Three are most common: fragile paintings on wood; chased silver, or gilt on chased silver. The chased metal icons could be filled with molten beeswax from the back to preserve their contours as well

they are only put on public display one day a year, their or their church’s annual feast day. Otherwise they may be under 24/7-365 guard. A story tells of one of these being stolen from the high church in

which has probably more churches than any other village in all of Georgia.

as possible from being flattened out. A separate category from these intentionally portable objects would be the deliberately immovable ones: painted frescoes on the interior and, sometimes, even the exterior, walls of churches. Much rarer are carved but unpainted wood relief pieces, some of which are even from the 21st century but no less magnificent for this young age; these may even be for sale.

K’ala, in the pre-guarded years; the thieves made off with it across the mountains. The locals gave vigorous chase, caught up with them, STONED THEM TO DEATH then and there, and recovered their precious item. A lesson was learned by all in the process, including would be future thieves and protectors or patrons. Now? Yes, permanent guard in shifts, lock and key.

photography be done without using flash, as this damages paint by speeding up its fading! You can also always ask about a particular piece’s age, contents, materials and other details, if these are lacking in its description. There is much to learn about how religious subjects were, and are to this day, depicted in Orthodox art, and the reasons why. Usually one will find a quite willing explanation. And come away quite enriched.

Surviving quality varies from “as made, mint condition” to “really needing restoration before it’s gone”. The metal icons have had the best chance of resisting damage, the painted ones and their wall cousins the least, with sun, rain, wind and camera flashes all taking their toll, fading or simply stripping paint, indoors or out. The spirit of all these works is unique. Some of the icons are so venerated that

Where can such magnificent things be found? Practically every village church a century or older will have at least one icon or fresco; all one usually need do is ask for the person who has the church key to be granted admittance, who usually lives nearby (note: entry may only be granted to men in some cases!). The best concentrations of icons are the spectacular, world class, now properly labeled Mestia and Ushguli main museums, and much of Latali,

The author pleads, even if there is no such prohibition formally in place, that any

Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with nearly 1500 members, at www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

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Georgian Dance By Mariam karroum

Dancing is one of the most important traditions in Georgia. There are 16 types of dance and the most popular is Kartuli, used as the traditional ‘wedding dance’ in which the girl wears a white dress and her suitor a traditional Georgian costumechokha. Georgian dancing is usually performed softly, but there are dances that include very harsh moves- Khanjluri or Khevsuruli, for example, the latter representing the wild and powerful spirit of mountainous Georgia. The dance Khorumi is based on war and originated in Adjara. Khorumi reminds us that “in order to have peace, we must have war” and sees a large group of men uniting to dance it. Another Georgian dance is Davluri, which

is a city dance just like Kintouri and Karachokheli, but, unlike these latter dances, is about the urban aristocracy. It resembles the Kartuli dance but it is less complicated and the men and women are less formal. The dance is performed by many couples and includes colorful traditional clothing and joyful music. The Mkhedruli dance begins in a raging tempo and becomes more and more violent. The word “mkhedari” means rider and the dance is based on this theme. In Georgia, there are two main Georgian dance ensembles- Erisioni and Sukhishvili, whose dancers travel around the world to perform. Erisioni was established in 1885 and has been performing dances and songs since. It is known as the “museum ensemble”.

Erisioni’s contemporary production, ‘Georgian Treasure’ is performed all over the world and this year the ensemble is celebrating its 132nd anniversary. Iliko Sukhishvili and Nino Ramishvili founded the Sukhishvili ensemble in 1945. Originally, it was named the ‘Georgian State Dance Company’. Now, Sukhishvili, like Erisioni, is world-renowned and do global tours annually. The ensemble is popular for its innovative choreography, such as in its ‘Ramishvilebi’ show, which blends jazz and traditional Georgian styles to create something totally unique. Georgian dances consist of many wonderful elements and traditions- clothing, food, fighting and dance, and it is well worth trying to see a show while you’re here- especially if Erisioni or Sukhishvili are in town!

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Soviet Ghost Town / Best for Air & Beauty: Tskhaltubo By katie ruth davies

Tskhaltubo is a village built around a huge central woodland and park area whose paths, lighting and bath houses have been renovated. Most holidays and evenings see the local community strolling, exercising or playing with their children there.

Tskhaltubo is a well-known spa resort town near Kutaisi in Western Georgia. A hit with the tourists in Soviet times, the area is being slowly redeveloped and modernized. That said, the giant Soviet sanitoriums still loom over the central park, some filled with

squatters, the remaining IDPs from the 1990s war in Abkhazia, others falling into horror-house ruin as the smaller Europeanized bath-houses within the park take the easier custom.

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

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nervous systems, gynecologic disorders, and skin and endocrine diseases. Our top recommendations are bath houses #1 and #6, which are built directly on the springs. The biggest in the town, bathhouse #6 was built for Stalin in 1951,

though his death in 1953 meant he only got to visit once. The frieze above the entrance shows lines of simple Georgian folk lining up to greet Stalin, who stands in the center shaking hands with his adoring followers. The interior is grandiose- marble, gold and cooling blues. This bath house offers a variety of private treatments, from showers, massages, and “irrigation” to underwater “spine stretching” and 40 degree mud massages. The water flows constantly, meaning that the temperature and chemical properties remain stable. Bath house #1 offers separate communal pools for men and women, the best I’ve (so far) seen in Georgia- with water bubbling straight out of the stones. Pay your 6 GEL, strip down in the modern changing room,

shower, and then head in for a luxurious soak. Outside Bath-house #1 is the public free-of-charge “Beauty Water” flowing from a four-way marble plinth. The water is lukewarm and tasteless, but soaking your face and hands daily is said to help preserve youthfulness. Worth a try!

from Tsivi Lake at number 11 Vazha Pshavela Street- Mzeo and her son Imeda and family offer a number of rooms with shared bathroom for 10 GEL a bed, free WI-FI and parking, and a meal option.

Where to stay

What else to see nearby?

There are a number of hotels to choose from- the best being hotels Plaza, Prometheus and Orion, but my personal favorite is a little private guesthouse up

Prometheus Caves Sataplia Caves Okatse Canyon

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The Ghosts of Soviet Past: Tskhaltubo By katie ruth davies

Tskhaltubo was once a thriving resort town. People would go there for weeks at a time to cure themselves of a variety of ills in the natural spring waters. The choice of rooms varied- from narrow single rooms with shared three-cubicle toilets to larger en-suites with balconies overlooking the central park or rear garden. The rooms were spread wall-towall along two sides of a central corridor. Each room had its own unique wallpaper and the floors were covered in either wood or small ceramic tiles. The main stone and marble stairway and ceilings were ornately carved. Outside in the yard was a fountain and an expanse of sunny lawn for guests to relax in between treatments.

The sanitoriums closed in the early 1990s, ransacked by gangs and the poor looking to sell what they could of the contents, or occupied by Internally Displaced Persons fleeing the war in Abkhazia. The remains of these soviet sanitoriums sit around the outskirts of the central park, separated from it by the newly asphalted circular road. They are crumbling; the metal details and electrics stripped out, the flooring stolen by those needing firewood and the wallpaper peeling. The toilets have been smashed or removed, most doors and windows are gone. In some places the floor has collapsed to reveal an unlit horror-movie-like crawl space beneath with rusty water pipes. In some rooms, you can see evidence that people have stayed

(dirty old bedding) and played (playing cards, books and old nutshells and corncobs). The strangest objects are the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoes and boots (single, no pairs) strewn around the property. Of their owners, no sign. These once glorious examples of the soviet concern for the health and wellbeing of its citizens have been forgotten to time. There are rumors the Spanish and Arabs might come in and snap up these great properties and rejuvenate the reputation of the town. Until then, the sanitoriums remain unguarded and uncared for- free for you to explore. Just watch where you put your feet and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take unnecessary risks.

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Driving to Batumi? 10 Things Not to Miss on the Way… By katie ruth davies My family makes the trip from Tbilisi to Batumi several times a year. The 6-hour trip can seem long, so here are some recommendations to break up an otherwise monotonous drive.

1.appleS froM the aGro Market

2.cathedral of St GeorGe, SuraMi This is the only church in Georgia with the bell tower built into the main structure of the church building. It dates back to the 18th-19th and was restored in 1968.

for “tskheli nazuki”. Each cinnamon-raisinglazed loaf costs 2 GEL and they are best eaten hot, and even better when eaten in the fairytale pine woods behind the huts.

4.terracotta & BoardS

Just past the giant wind turbines the other side of Gori, pull in at the agricultural market to buy some locally grown fruit and veg direct from the buckets of local farmers. Not only will you be “buying Georgian” and helping the villagers, you’ll also be guaranteed a delicious and natural snack for your journey.

3.nazuki in the WoodS Drive through Surami and around the bend until you see random women standing outside small wooden huts at the roadside waving loaves of flat golden bread at you. Pick one, pull over and ask

Once through the extremely long and horribly lit Rikota tunnel (keep your windows up- there’s no ventilation here!), you’ll find yourself winding through the lush river gorge that welcomes you to western Georgia. This can be an uncomfortable stretch of road, too narrow for the traffic load, which invariably leads to frustrated drivers taking risks- so be careful. Take your time, stop for lunch (plenty of roadside cafes to choose from) and buy a souvenir. Stalls are dotted along the stretch selling terracotta pots and bowls, hand-made drums, locally-carved chopping boards and honey. In the summer, you can also enjoy fresh hot corn cobs coated with salt.

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5.BellS & freScoeS

The road leading into this not-much-worthseeing post-industrial town has seen a mushrooming of friendly roadside coffee bars. Note- Starbucks has yet to agree an official presence in Georgia, so don’t believe the signs claiming otherwise.

7.kutaiSi

The drop down to the village of Ubisa is on the left-hand corner. There, you’ll find a small village and medieval monastic complex comprising the 9th century St. George’s Monastery, founded by St. Gregory of Khandzta, a four-floor tower (AD 1141), fragments of a 12th-century defensive wall and several other buildings and structures. This stop is made even more worthy by the 14th century mural made by Damiane, who is said to have been influenced by art from the Byzantine Palaiologan period (1261-1453).

6.coffee in zeStaphoni

versial Bagrati Cathedral, renovated to such an extent that UNESCO removed it from its list of Cultural Heritage in 2014.

8.Mini GeorGia At the opposite side of the carpark to the Tsisinatura (FireFly) theme park (which opens every night at 6pm) in Shekvetili, you can find the best churches, architecture and monuments of Georgia laid out in miniature. Check out Ubisa and the Surami Cathedral you saw on the way!

9.Green finGerS The Green Cape is a rich sub-tropical tea-and-bamboo-growing area. The earth is a vibrant red, setting off the green of the tea plants- making a beautiful photo opportunity. Grab a bamboo souvenir as you pass.

10.MaGnetic toeS It’s a town worth staying in a little longer. The center is renovated, cobbled and Mediterranean style. The central park offers calm fountains and statues of Georgia’s most notable figures, while the Opera House well deserves the attention of your camera lens. Head to the contro-

If you still have time, pop across the railway track into the seaside “village” of Ureki / Magnetiti. The black volcanic sand is said to be curative and the gently sloping beach makes a great place for little ones to paddle reasonably safely.

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Thom Carlson: A Love Letter to Georgia & Georgians By vazha tavberidze

Thomas Carlson is a born and bred US citizen, but out of love to Georgia, he changed his name and surname Georgian style, becoming Tamaz Karlsonadze. For years he worked at the costume department of the famed Metropolitan Opera in New York. He boasts many Georgian friends, both famous and not so much (yet), among them the Famous Georgian Mezzo-Soprano Anita Rachvelishvili, who was kind enough to tell us about her extraordinary American friend’s fascination with Georgia: “We met each other at the Metropoliten and Tamaz didn’t lose much time telling me how he adored Georgia. His house is full of Georgian books. He plans to move to Svaneti once he retires and to spend his remaining life there. If you check out his Facebook page, its full of photos of Georgia, with the recurring headline – My Georgia…”

And here is Tamaz’s own words of how he fell in love in Georgia and why he longs to come here again. Without further ado, Tom Karlson’s love letter to Georgia: “Like most Americans, I heard about Georgia in the mid 1970s when the Dannon yogurt people ran an advertising campaign extolling the benefits of Dannon yogurt to the longevity of the Georgian people. Soon after, I was shopping and came across a record sale. As I went through the record bin, I found a recording of Paliashvili’s ABESALOM & ETERI on the Deutsche Gramophone (DGG) label. Having never heard of him or the opera, I bought it. The first time I heard it I fell head over heels in love and just had to find out more about the composer, the opera, and the country. This was at a time when there were no computers, no internet, and no instant information, so I spent a lot of time at various libraries. The most useful source was the ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA,

the epitome of reference tools for librarians and serious researchers of the time. I found a fascinating article on the Georgian language and was determined to find out more. At the time, I was studying Russian and Italian at the Continuing Education Program at New York University as well as Accounting. The school offered so very many foreign languages, surely, I thought, it must offer Georgian. But no such luck. When I couldn’t find anywhere that offered Georgian, I wrote a letter to George Balanchine asking if he knew anyone who could teach me Georgian. A few days later, I received a call from Deni Lamont, one of Balanchine’s assistants. It turns out that, at one time, Deni was a Soloist Dancer at the New York City Ballet (NYCB) under Balachine. In the 1960s, the NYCB toured Georgia and Deni fell under the spell of Georgia and its people. He, too, wanted to learn Georgian. Together, we tried to find a teacher. We finally found someone who was willing to teach us. However, the only teaching material available was a Russian-Georgian/Georgian-Russian textbook that our teacher had used in Georgia. Both Deni and I knew some Russian. So we tried to learn Georgian translating from English into Russian and, then, finally Georgian, as well as vice versa. It wasn’t easy, but we were determined. We managed to somewhat master the Georgian alphabet and even a few very basic words and phases. I have become interested in various Georgian writers, such as: Shota Rustaveli, Nikoloz Baratashvili, Ilia Chavchavadze, and Akaki Tsereteli. But as with Paliashvili’s music, I fell under the magical spell of the works of Vazha-

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Pshavela. At this point, much of my reading is still in English translations. With the advent of the home computer and, especially, the internet, I have been able to pursue my interest in Georgian culture and tradition in many areas as well as on many levels. I went to Georgia for a month. I loved being there. Georgians are noted for their hospitality and friendliness. It was a wonderful experience. In September 2002, I was back teaching English and tutoring at an organization that my new friends Tengo and Irakli had formed. I was there for a year before I had to come back to the United States. It’s very hard to believe that I have been away from Tbilisi for nearly 15 years. I thought for sure that I would have returned to Georgia by now, but life is funny that way. I very much feel like the longing, sadness, and disappointment that are found in the works of Vazha-Pshavela. Perhaps that’s why I so admire him and his writings. During the two times that I was there, I experienced much and enjoyed even more. Remember this was 2002 - 2003, places like Batumi were little more than a sleepy, quiet town, but I loved it and as much as I relished Batumi, I was captivated by Ureki and its black sand. I only wish that I could have stayed there longer. In February, I spent some time in the ski resort Gudauri. Looking out over the Great Caucasus Mountain Range, I felt a certain indescribable connection to these mountains and to this day, very much want to make this area my home. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it to Svaneti, but was told it is even more spectacular. I very much want to find a place that gets snowed in during the month of October or, even better, September, and doesn’t become accessible again until April. As inspiring as the Great Caucuses are, the Little Caucuses are just as breathtaking, especially the area around Borjomi. Borjomi in summer is stunning. If only I

could visit in winter. Springtime in Kutaisi is an amazing place. The road between Kutaisi and Tbilisi is truly a magical experience- a few huts crowd together near the highway outside Surami where they only sell Nazuki, a spicy Georgian sweet bread that you can only get from

to walk down the hills of the town with a view the Great Caucusus in the background. Photos don’t do justice to these magnificent views. Outside Telavi on the plain lies the Alaverdi Monastery and Church. Speaking of churches, a few miles from Tbilisi is the beautiful little town of

these few huts. There are recipes to make this treat and a few places in Tbilisi have it, but those few huts along that one very small spot produce a bread that is unique and like no other. It is definitely worth a trip to Georgia just for that bread. As for Tbilisi, it is very much “the Paris of the Orient.” There is so very much to see and do. I love the museums, theaters and churches that fill the city. I remember the Funicular and very much wondered what it would be like to ride it. This was 12 years ago and the Funicular was in ruin, as was the building at the top of the mountain, but I loved going there. I’m delighted to know that both the trolley and the building have been rebuilt and are entertaining thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people.

Mtskheta and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Overlooking all this is the Jvari Monastery. On the hill near the Monastery is a Wishing Tree. It is said that if you tie a piece of fabric on the tree, your wish will come true. I did and now I wait for my wish to come true. It is also said that anything worth having is worth waiting for. So we shall see if after waiting for some 14 years, my wish comes true. Soon.

Magical is the only way to describe my all too brief visit to Telavi. The history of this area of Georgia boggles the mind. I loved

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Bronze & Bold: The Wonderful Works of Gia Japaridze By nino Gugunishvili

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see his sculptures throughout Georgia, from the city center to suburban residential areas, all recognizable for their long, slim bodies and playful style: bronze friends sitting and walking on the Baratashvili Bridge, a man walking his dog at the entrance to Tsavkisi Valley, a doctor with an umbrella on a donkey in Sighnaghi (Kakheti region)â&#x20AC;Śthe list goes on. Read on to find out more about the endlessly popular, internationally renowned Georgian sculptor, George (Gia) Japaridze. Born in 1945 in Tbilisi, Georgia, Gia became interested in art and sculpting at

an early age and took classes at the Pioneers Palace, encouraged to do so by his grandparents. He entered the Tbilisi State Academy of Fine Arts in 1962 and upon graduation in 1968 was selected as the Best Student. He was later honored as a member of the Union of Artists of the U.S.S.R. The diversity of his work, including large bronze sculptures erected in Georgia, Russia, Italy, USA, the Netherlands and Azerbaijan, as well as small bronze, copper and brass statues created using various styles and techniques (plasticine and clay, toreutics, blacksmithry and

goldsmithry, paintings and drawings), speaks not only of his great talent, deeply refined taste and educated and sharp mind, but the mere quantity of the artwork alone is surprising and is a testament to his love and dedication to the craft. He does not confine himself to one genre or style alone, nor does he avoid abstraction,

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allegory, or even symbolism. Art collectors have long appreciated his works: smaller sculptures and drawings appear in the permanent collections of a number of international museums and private collections all over the world. Art pieces can be seen in the private collections of Juan Carlos I of Spain; Jimmy Carter, former President of the USA; Juan Antonio Samaranch, Former President of FIFA; Richard H. Matzke, President of Chevron Corporation; and Pope John Paul II to name a few. Keep your eyes open for some of his larger bronze statues on your travels: 1976-Poseidon-Novorossiysk (Russia) 1978-The Tree of love-Fondo Toche (Italy) 1980-Horses-Moscow (Russia) 1981-Piece to Children-Texel Island (Netherlands) 1983-84-Interior of the Wedding Hall-Tbilisi (Georgia) 1989-The Piece Tree–Atlanta (USA) 1991-Interior, Hotel Metekhi-Tbilisi (Georgia) 1997-Mikheil Tumanishvili-Tbilisi (Georgia) 1998-Fire Horse-Baku (Azerbaijan) 2000-Abo Tbileli-Tbilisi (Georgia) 2002-Girl –Tbilisi (Georgia) 2003-Stroll-Tbilisi (Georgia) 2005-Fountain-Tbilisi (Georgia) 2006-The Youth-Tbilisi (Georgia) 2007-Lions-Tbilisi (Georgia) 2007-Fountain, Nincho, Woman with Parasol, Cart, Doctor on a Donkey-Signagi (Georgia) 2009-Sayat-Nova -Tbilisi (Georgia) And while you’re in Tbilisi, go and check out his gallery. Located in the center of Tbilisi at 12/12a Taktakishvili Street in Vake, art gallery ‘Gia’ is a must-visit, giving you the chance to see some of the

best examples from the Georgian artist, straight out of his studio downstairs, which is where we met him for a chat. tell us how the concept of the gallery was born Although I had a wonderful studio where I’d been working for many years, I never actually had the chance to exhibit my works in the same place. Of course, for any artist it’s very important to have a place where one can work freely. Many of my colleagues, great Georgian artists, sculptors and painters, don’t have such a possibility, and it’s a pity, because it’s thanks to them and their talent that Georgia is so incredibly rich in terms of creativity. Who influenced you through your formation as a painter and sculptor?

is an architect; Tika is a painter and a sculptor; and my grandson Nikoloz (Nikita) is now in his second year at the Academy of Arts in the Graphics Faculty. What would you say to aspiring artists? First of all, to study hard! There’s a story about Pablo Picasso, who once went to an exhibition of children’s paintings and when asked to tell them something encouraging, said: “When I was your age, I painted like Raphael, but all my life I tried to paint like you do.” It’s not about muses: young artists should know that it’s a long, hard job and it’s all about mastering your craft. Only when you’ve mastered your craft, as Picasso did, will you be free and able to enjoy the many possibilities ahead of you.

My first teacher, Zakro Kratsashvili, who taught me at the Pioneers Palace (now Palace of Youth), Nikoloz Kandelaki, Gogi Ochiauri, Merab Berdzenishvili later on, and many other wonderful Georgian artists. What does tbilisi mean to you? Which are your favorite places? I love this city, I love the narrow little streets near Meidan, particularly those old houses. Although a lot has changed, it’s natural; we should very carefully preserve what we have but at the same time we can’t ignore the need for novelty. are your children following in your footsteps? I’m happy to say that Sopo, my daughter,

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Events Calendar theater tBiliSi opera and Ballet theater Address: 25 Rustaveli Ave. June 21, 23, 25 LAURENCIA Premiere Two-act ballet A. Krein Choreography by V.Chabukiani (Choreographical redaction and staging by Nina Ananiashvili). Soloists on July-21– Lali Kandelaki (State Ballet of Georgia), Lasha Khozashvili (Boston Ballet, USA) Soloists on July 23– Nutsa Chekurashvili, Yonen Takano (State Ballet of Georgia) Soloists on June 25– Nino Samadashvili, Frank Van Tongeren (State Ballet of Georgia) Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-70 GEL

Hatsune Miku is a 16-year-old humanoid anime character voiced by Vocaloid, a singing synthesizer application. “The End” is an opera performance to close the festival. Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 25-50 GEL

ShalikaShvili theater Address: 37 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 595 50 02 03 July 1 BEHIND THE JAIL Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL

GaBriadze theater June 16, 17, 22, 23, 30 MARSHAL DE FANTIE’S DIAMOND Rezo Gabriadze Directed by Rezo Gabriadze English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL June 18, 24, 29 STALINGRAD Rezo Gabriadze Directed by Rezo Gabriadze English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL

June 28, 29 NEDERLANDS DANS THEATER: NDT 2 Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-80 GEL July 7, 8 LULLABY Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10 GEL

July 5 KEIICHIRO SHIBUYA HATSUNE MIKU THE END (VOCALOID OPERA)

July 14, 15 HOST AND GUEST Vazha Pshavela Directed by Amiran Shalikashvili Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 12 GEL

June 15, 25 AUTUMN OF MY SPRING Rezo Gabriadze Directed by Rezo Gabriadze English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10, 15, 20 GEL

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GeorGian Stylized folk theater naBadi Address: 31 G. Atoneli Str. TEL: 599 961077 E-mail: nabaditheater@yahoo.com Web: www.nabadi.ge

MuSeuMS SiMon JanaShia MuSeuM of GeorGia Address: 3 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 299 71 76

June 8 – September 11 EXHIBITION CONSTELLATION Artworks by Chinese contemporary artists- Ai Weiwei, Hu Xiaoyuan, Li Shurui, Liu Wei, Lu Pingyuan, Lu Shanchuan, Ma Qiusha, Wang Guangle, Wang Sishun, Wang Yuyang, Xie Molin, Xu Qu, Xu Zhen, Yan Xing, Zhang Ding, Zhang Zhenyu, Zhao Yao and Zhao Zhao.

May 26 – June 12 EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO THE 850TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHOTA RUSTAVELI The collection accommodates more than 70 editions with the and interesting inscriptions by presidents and honored people such as UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, Alain Delon, Maya Plisetskaya, Evgeny Kissin, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Monseratt Caballe, Placido Domingo, Yevgeny Yevtushenko and many more. If you want to get to know more about Georgian history, culture and traditions, go and see the Nabadi show. Located in the center of town in the most comfortable surroundings, Nabadi theater presents a musical show of Georgian choreography and music in a combination of modern and traditional forms, showing off the country’s wonderful mythology and history with dancers in beautiful beaded textiles. Together with this spectacular show, stylized folk theater Nabadi offers complimentary Georgian wine and traditional sweets. It also has a club and it is possible to use the space for various exhibitions and events. Nabadi is everyone’s favorite! Give it a try.

MuSeuM of Soviet occupation Address: 3 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 299 71 76 PERMANENT EXHIBITION Discover the State’s personal files of “subversive” Georgian public figures, orders to shoot or exile, and other artifacts representing Soviet-era cultural and political repression in Georgia.

MuSic GeM feSt 2017

national Gallery Address: 11 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 299 71 76 PERMANENT EXHIBITION The exhibition showcases works by distinguished 20th century Georgian artists- Niko Pirosmanashvili, David Kakabadze, Lado Gudiashvili and sculptor Iakob Nikoladze.

July 14 – August 14 https://gemfestival.com Start time: 9:00 – 12:00

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Tickets: Opening Pass: 60 GEL, 3 Days Pass: 120 GEL, Week Multi Pass: 170 GEL, Multi Pass: 500 GEL, VIP Pass 2000 GEL. GEM Fest is a month-long electronic music festival in Georgia. Blazing a new trail within sight of the Black Sea, some of the world’s biggest house, techno and trance DJs make this a stand-out summer party. Now into its third year, GEM Fest will be kick-starting Georgia’s 2017 summer dance culture. More than 500 artists are expected to perform on 9 stages – all the EDM WORLD STARS you could wish for! Besides non-stop music, more than 100 fun, sports, and entertainment activities will fill up the festival program. Venue: Anaklia

BooM BooM Beach Address: Old Boulvard, Batumi

July 7 Betoko/ Vako T July 8 Sumo / Matsehora July 9 Mujuice Live Stimhhalt / Lasha Guruli July 10 Benja/ Chiki July 11 Cobert/ Lasha Guruli July 12 Boyd Schidt / Gio Shengelia July 13 Vako K/ Gio Shengelia July 14 Autumn Tree / Vako T

July 15 Lasha Guruli / Matsehora July 16 Zurkin / Vakho July 17 Vako T/ Lasha Guruli July 18 Roman / Ama Sobashi July 19 Lasha Guruli / Ericsson July 20 L8 / Sevda July 21 DoubthingThomas Live / Sikha & Lasha Guruli July 22 Awanto 3 / Lasha Guruli July 23 Jan Van Kampen / Zurkin July 24 Vakho/ Lasha Guruli July 25 Dasha Redkina / Vako T / Matsehora July 26 Nika J / Lasha Guruli July 27 The Dark Wood Live / Endorphins July 28 Smailov / Bacho July 29 Lasha Guruli / Liza Rivz July 30 Tade / Long Arm Live July 31 Vako T/ Lasha Guruli

art Gene

July 17-23 Craft Exhibitions 13:00 – 22:00 Start time for Folklore Concert: 20:00, For Final concert: 22:00 Season Ticket: 97 GEL July 17 Folklore Concert: Kakheti Region Final concert: GEORGIAN NATIONAL BALLET SUKHISHVILEBI

July 18 Folklore Concert: Shida Qartli, Poti & Lechkhumi Regions Final Concert: ASEA SOOL Ticket: 17 GEL July 19 Folklore Concert: Imereti Region Final Concert: ROBI KUKHIANIDZE & OUTSIDER Ticket: 22 GEL July 20 Folklore Concert: Qvemo kartki & Svaneti Regions Final Concert: REGGAEON Ticket: 22 GEL 21 July Folklore Concert: Samegrelo Region Final Concert: FRANI Ticket: 22 GEL 22 July Folklore Concert: Guria & Adjara Regions Final Concert: NINO KATAMADZE & INSIGHT Ticket: 29 GEL 23 July Folklore Concert: Racha & Samshe Javakheti Regions Final Concert: NIAZ DIASAMIDZE & 33A Ticket: 29 GEL

Black Sea Jazz BatuMi 2017 Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 100-1000 GEL

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July 27 CORY HENRY AND THE APOSTLES Venue: Club Take 5 July 28 JAMIROQUAI Venue: Batumi Tennis Club July 29 DE LA SOUL Venue: Batumi Tennis Club July 30 JOSS STONE Venue: Batumi Tennis Club MF ROBOTS Venue: Club Take5 Start time: 23:00

tBiliSi open air 2017 Start time: 15:00 Ticket: 60 GEL

June 17 Main Stage: Leningrad, Soft Eject, LOUDspeakers, Eko & Vinda Folio, Golden Stage / Day: Friendly Mosquito, Bedford Falls, Windshield, Newcomer 2017 Golden Stage / Night: Alex.Do, Greenbeam & Leon, Sevda, Iazikzazubami (Live) Zion Garden: Psysex, Go2Sky, Never The Same, Meno, Infest, Kaya Matu. Special Guest June 18 Main Stage: Archive, Young Georgian Lolitaz, Kung Fu Junkie, The Black Marrows Golden Stage Day: Moku Moku, SF-X, Sexy Bicycle, Newcomer 2017 Golden Stage Night: Oxia, Vako T, Wiedmak, Newcomer 2017 Zion Garden: Arjun Apu, Amrit Pavan, Dj Goblin, Oogway, Psyrati, Katana, Catdrop

Sou 2017

SOU 2017 - Another Sea SOU stands for Stream of Unconsciousness: music which shifts us from daily conscious to an impenetrable sonic field. Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 10-50 GEL June 16 Main Stage: Anathema, Sevdaliza, Backwarmer, Psychonaut 4, Golden Stage/Day: Nino Katamadze & Insight Golden Stage/Night: Ripperton, Bacho, Cobert, Kozmana Zion Garden: Eldario Bhanishta, Space Teriyaki, Dimitree, Marcuss, Tabu, Additivv, Noxiron

June 27 STEPHEN O’MALLEY Venue: Royal District Theater June 28 XYLOURIS WHITE Venue: Youth Theater

South caucaSuS conteMporary dance & experiMental art feStival in tBiliSi

Address: Europe House, 1 Freedom Sq. June 21, 22 More than one species By Takako Suzuki Venue: Club Khidi September 1, 2 Supra4Ever By Salome Schneebeli Venue: Chateau Mukhrani September 12, 13 GALA By Jerome Bel Venue: N. Dumbadze Professional Youth Theater

June 17 ZEENA PARKINS Venue: Conservatoire, Grand Hall June 21 ROBERT HENKE - LUMIÈRE III Venue: Tbilisi Concert Hall

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Listing: Car Rental Geo rent car

BudGet car rental

Address: 9 Lermontovi Str. TEL 293 00 99, 230 83 80

GSS car rental Address: 10 Dadiani Str. TEL 571 44 66 44 Tbilisi office: 37 Rustaveli Ave., Rose Revolution Sq. 0108 TEL 234 112 Tbilisi International Airport office: TEL 234 400 www.budget.com.ge

naniko Address: 82 Barnovi Str. TEL 214 11 33

Jeep rent Address: 19 E. Tatishvili Str. TEL 210 63 10

kM rental carS TEL 591 11 45 25

aviS Address: 4 Freedom Sq. TEL 292 35 94

BeSt auto rental Address: 7 Trialeti Str. TEL 558 18 41 10

car rentcoMpany

fSta rent car

TEL 577 46 95 96

Address: 12a Guramishvili Ave. TEL 558 43 29 29

Sixt

MiMino rent car

Address: 44 K. Apkhazi Str. TEL 243 99 11

Address: 1 Gorgasali Str. TEL 579 01 27 01

Listing: Taxi Companies taxi 200 200 TEL 2200 200

airport tranSfer Service

taxi 5

TEL 298 99 77/ 218 22 44/ 599 33 33 53

taxi.Ge

auto lux

TEL 274 74 74, 595 91 12 73, 557 02 70 40

TEL 235 58 55

taxi MaxiM TEL 260 60 60

Gn taxi TEL 245 44 44

city taxi TEL 247 44 74

TEL 220 12 01

oMeGa taxi TEL 237 78 77

taxi for 3 Gel TEL 291 14 14

taxi TEL 247 77 44

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Listing: Nightlife casinos caSino iveria tBiliSi caSino aStoria Address: Rose Revolution Sq. palace

Golden palace BatuMi

TEL 240 22 45, 240 22 46 www.casinoiveria.com

Address: 123 Agmashenebeli Ave., Tbilisi TEL 296 75 04

Address: 8/10 Gamsakhurdia Str., Batumi TEL 422 21 25 30

caSino iveria BatuMi

Grand

caSino peace

Address: 1 Ninoshvili Str. TEL 422 225 362, 422 225 363 www.casinoiveria.com

ShanGri la Address: 2 Erekle II Sq. (Bridge of Peace), River Mtkvari Right Embankment, Tbilisi TEL 220 07 01 www.shangrila.ge

adJara Address: 1 26 May Sq., Tbilisi TEL 233 55 19 www.casinoadjara.com

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

Address: Hotel Sheraton. 2/21 Vazha Pshavela / Ninoshvili Str., Batumi TEL 557 77 00 00

caSino international hilton BatuMi

caSino intouriSt

Address: 40 Rustaveli Str., Batumi TEL 422 23 00 23 www.cibatumi.com

leoGrand hotel & caSino BatuMi

Address: 11 Ninoshvili Str., Batumi TEL 422 27 61 25

caSino caMpione BatuMi Address: New Boulevard, 7th Sector TEL 422 20 01 75

Address: 2/4 Shavteli Str., Batumi TEL 422 24 20 20

night clubs cafe-Gallery

BaSSiani

Address: 48 Rustaveli Str. TEL 299 57 47

Address: 2 A. Tsereteli Ave. www.bassiani.com

nuMBer 13

didi Gallery

Address: 13 Akhvlediani Str. TEL 2 92 13 13, 599 771 080

Address: 36 Kostava Str. TEL 593 16 70 57

Mtkvarze

underWheel cluB

Address: 2 Agladze Str. TEL 599 19 33 44

Address: Mtatsminda Park TEL 591 91 80 37 www.park.ge

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Listing: Georgian Travel Agencies viSit GeorGia Address: 4a Ingorokva Str. TEL 292 22 46 www.visitgeorgia.ge vg@visitgeorgia.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 Address: 12b A. Kazbegi Ave. TEL 200 04 45 www.georgiaholiday.com info@georgiaholiday.com

ruStar online Address: 7 Ts. Dadiani str. TEL 593 09 78 78 gm@rustaronline.ge www.rustartourism.com

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

liBerty tour Address: 74 Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 225 16 13, 577 72 00 66 www.libertytour.ge info@libertytour.ge

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

caucaSuS travel Address: 22 Peritsvaleba Str. TEL 298 74 00 www.caucasustravel.com Georgia@caucasustravel.com

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

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

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

localhoSt GeorGia Address: 116 Tsereteli Ave. TEL 215 87 77

www.localhost.com.ge david@localhost.com.ge

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

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

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

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

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

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

to stay

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Tips for Your Hotel Search in Georgia . . . e c i o h C y M

Mariam Kedeladze Head of Sales & Marketing Department at Castello Mare Hotel & Wellness Resort

royal Batoni Royal Batoni - an escape to a fairytale! A mountain castle fully covered in green near the famous Ilia Lake in Kakheti region. Loved for its unique cuisine and outdoor pool! My next hotel destination marked already!

rooMS hotel kazBeGi Rooms Hotel Kazbegi – a “business card” for Georgia! Amazing location with breathtaking views all year round. A uniquely designed property, beautifully surrounded by mountains. The place for full harmony and the best travel snaps.

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

vardzia reSort Vardzia Resort - located in the vicinity of the monastery complex, Vardzia Resort offers stunning panoramic views and historic architecture. Most loved for unbelievable special celebrations and its wine cellar!

kvareli eden Kvareli Eden - The name meets expectations! Stunning views, superior rooms and a Wine Spa. Wellness surrounded by a beautiful forest! It’s well worth checking into this piece of paradise.

iota hotel tBiliSi Iota Hotel Tbilisi - Stylish, fresh and green! Amazing interior, the smell of fresh air surrounding you in this just-opened hotel in the heart of Tbilisi. And the best thing? Its vertical garden.

alphaBet Boutique hotel A stellar place for meeting expats and a fantastic place to stay in Tbilisi is Alphabet Boutique hotel- amazing interior, great views.

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Explore Georgia through the Eyes of a Tourist! By Sofia Bochoidze We, Georgians, can talk endlessly about our country, about the tourists and the tourism in general, however sometimes it is more useful and even better for tourism industry development to listen to the tourists’ opinion and impressions about our country, to listen to their compliments as well as complaints. Therefore, let them speak and let us listen! Let them share their experiences! Meng (Amelia) Zhang, who came from the UAE together with her husband, Vijay Sri Krishna, stayed at The Family hotel in Tbilisi. She also visited several other parts of Georgia such as Kazbegi, Borjomi and Kakheti. She gives the very accurate answers to our questions and gives great tips to tourists planning to visit Georgia. Best tips for us, best tips for you - Georgia’s new traveler Meng is from Beijing, China. Two years back she got married and moved to Dubai together with her husband. Everyone calls her Amelia, as it can be difficult to pronounce Chinese names and they might give the wrong tone. Amelia’s first job in Dubai was as a marketing analyst at a real estate agency, but now she is moving to another company, Huawei, as a market planner and she finds it very exciting. “I came to Georgia because I needed to refresh myself to get ready for the adventure of a new job, and because it is

Amelia at The Family Hotel restaurant

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

our two-year wedding anniversary. We travel a lot and I think travel is something that really bonds us. Travel is like a test: if you pass it, then you will have few problems later on. It is good to memorize our marriage by travel. There are many more reasons why we chose to come here: Georgia is very popular among Dubai residents, it is visa free and very convenient. It is a completely different culture from Dubai, it is not far, only three hours by flight. Dubai is all desert, very dry, and Georgia is so different – it feels like you are back to nature again. Dubai is too busy: you are away from nature, from the earth and from yourself! Here, it all comes back to you. What is your priority when you book a hotel before traveling? how and why did you choose the family hotel? First of all, I look at the reviews, then, of course, the price range. I think hotels in Georgia are not really expensive, even some luxury ones. The Family hotel’s reviews and the score are excellent on booking.com- exceptional, in fact. When booking this hotel, I was looking for a place that would give me a feel for the culture. I don’t like to stay in big hotels where people are not connected. You have the good service but at the end of the day, people are still strangers and you don’t get to absorb the culture. That’s why I preferred to stay with a host, with local people, and to experience how they live their life here. That was the top criteria and I made the right choice. What was your very first impression? The weather! Dubai is very humid and hot. I arrived in Georgia at night and as soon as I stepped off the plane, I the cool, pleasant and fresh air went straight into my lungs

The Family Hotel’s decoration

and gave me a feeling of refreshment and awakening. The air here felt like spring water. The second impression was alcohol. In China, we have alcohol similar to chacha, but here, when I tried chacha, even though you are gone after two shots, I loved it! It makes you drunk very quickly but it also goes easier. After a nap, you are fully awake and fresh, you don’t have a headache, no hangover. It’s a magic drink. What were your expectations and were they met? I’m a last-minute planner so I never have many expectations. I don’t plan much before I travel, it’s like before watching a movie, you don’t want to know the whole story, so I like to have surprises while I travel. And Georgia surprised me in everything- it’s beyond my expectations! And The Family hotel is one of the best experiences. Everything is very natural here, everything gives off a sense of art: the paintings on the wall, the books everywhere, the collections of things from

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all over the world: this is a place with a story. The people at this hotel are living a life that I admire. They like to listen to guests, to their stories: they are not materialists, they are willing to show everything by themselves, to talk with their guests, and are willing to spend lot of time with them. It is very rare nowadays. Which regions did you visit in Georgia and what were the most memorable? Kakheti, where I had a wine degustation at the wine house by Shio’s Cellar, and I can say that this region has the best wine. Wine tasting there was very informative and the host was very nice. I had the chance to listen to Georgian songs, too. I got the impression that there are grapes and vineyards everywhere. It feels like the land is very productive there and it’s something connected to human nature: people instinctively feel safe when there’s food and Kakheti is full of food, full of life, so I felt safe there!

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

fortune to that place, so I think that Borjomi is definitely a place with good fortune. Kazbegi was very memorable not only for its nature, but also because once I saw paragliding there, I suddenly decided to it, no planning. It was an amazing feeling. And the view from the sky was breath-taking: snowy mountains, greenery, birds flying next to you.

Amelia in Kazbegi

Borjomi – I stayed there at the ancient castle, which is very close to the central park. Taking a walk in the park was a very good experience. There are lots of pine trees- in China we say that the pine tree is a symbol of strength and power. And the mountains are so beautiful and high. The

best part is that you have water, forest, mountains all together, in one place. In China, we have also very high mountains but there are no trees, or in some areas we have trees but no waterfalls. In China, we say that if you have a mountain and water together, it will bring very good

What are the main issues in Georgia for tourists? One problem is that you will definitely put on weight (laughing). First, because the food is very delicious here and the second because people are so kind and nice, they love the guests and are ready to offer them everything they have and you don’t want to disappoint them so you can’t refuse. Now to answer seriously: there are some attractions with no English signage. If you’re with a guide, it’s okay, but if you’re travelling alone, it can be hard. And I need to mention the drivers as well: everyone drives like crazy here, but I think this comes from the Georgian character and spirit: they are strong, fearless and

Amelia in Kakheti

Tbilisi – the top three things that amazed me here are churches, pubs/bars. I’d definitely recommend Fabrika, and I would highly recommend taking a free tour around the city as they (guides) tell you lots of stories about Georgia and it is very interesting. It’s good to take a walk in the city and take lots of photos. You’ll find people selling books everywhere, and you feel it’s a city with spirit: people love reading, people have knowledge. Privilege comes not from how much money you have, it comes from how much knowledge you have, what kind of person you are and here I can see that Tbilisi has a very elegant and privileged life.

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

maybe they think that is why they can drive without their hands on the steering wheel- I even joked with one of the drivers, “Is it an embarrassment here to put on a seat belt?” What is the best thing that you have experienced in Georgia? People! What is the worst thing that you have experienced in Georgia? That I have to leave. What makes Georgia a unique place? I travel a lot. Here, there’s a mix of different cultures and it is very impressive: you can find small details of the whole

world in everything, in architecture, in people’s character, etc. What parallels can you draw between your country and Georgia? - In China we also drink a lot, and we have to say lots of toasts. Some of the foods are similar, for example Khinkali is similar to Chinese dumplings, and we also eat a lot. What needs to be improved in Georgia? I saw lots of street dogs. I know that the people take care of them but they can’t accommodate all of them so I think that government needs to do more with this regard. And the animals are so friendly here, I wish they were not starving and were taken better care of.

Amelia in The Family Hotel garden

you top 5 tips to someone planning to visit Georgia 1. Get drunk. 2. Make sure you have enough change (small notes) with you. 3. Don’t dance tango with Georgian men, if you want to know why, just try it. 4. Go to Kazbegi, the best place to take beautiful photos. 5. If you’re traveling in summer, don’t think that it is chilly here and don’t put too many clothes on. Take something light with you. Don’t wear boots in summer.

Amelia and Vijay in The Family Hotel restaurant

To find out more about The Family Hotel and The Family Hotel’s exclusive tour services provided for their guests, visit: www.facebook.com/thefamilyhoteltbilisi Follow The Family hotel on Instagram hotelthefamilytbilisi or contact The Family Hotel manager via E-mail: welcome@thefamily.ge / Mob: +995 577 763685

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

@HomeInSvaneti By tony hanmer Georgia’s farthest-flung and highest destination offers more guest houses in more communities now than ever before. Whether you’re looking for something on or off the beaten track, famous or a well-kept secret, there is something for you here in Svaneti, amidst the stunning Caucasus landscapes, any season. Entering from Zugdidi and moving up, the following locations welcome you:

etSeri: hanMer GueSt houSe, iSkari haMlet Large renovated house with 6 rooms and 4 bathrooms (1 ensuite), space for about 20, plus camping space, self-catering or full board. Hikes, trails, the highest tower in Svaneti and its ruined fortress, old churches, 4x4 and driver available, plenty to see! Email: a.hanmer@gmail.com TEL 599 629789 Tony, 599 595 791419 Lali www.facebook/com/hanmer.house/ svaneti

Becho: GueSt houSe uShBa Stunning views of Mt. Ushba, Becho’s main attraction, from this house. Rooms, meals, driving and horseback tours available too. TEL 558 200 726 Manana, Tamta www.facebook.com/Guesthouse-UshbaSvaneti-Becho-878733742226719/

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

MeStia: roza’S GueSt houSe House and new 3-story hotel; great food and service including restaurant and bar, wonderful views over Mestia, their own watchtower, driving and assistance with all local tourism. 17 Vittorio Sella Str. TEL 599 641455 Roza www.facebook.com/roza.mestia/

Mulakhi: Givi kakhiani’S GueSt houSe This long village past Mestia, on the way to Ushguli, is best viewed from the zigzag pass above Ipari, with its many watchtowers and glorious Ushba’s twin peaks as a backdrop. TEL 599 448047

adiShi: Mukhran avaliani’S GueSt houSe This village isn’t really on the way to anywhere, but its location and wonderful scenery are nonetheless definitely worth a visit; it is one of the much less frequented communities of Svaneti, reached by turning off the pass between Mulakhi and not going down to Ipari and Ushguli. TEL 599 186793

uShGuli: villa lileo The biggest and best in Ushguli, including wonderful organic food, many rooms, the largest dining hall in the village done in local style, driving, horses, all tourism assistance. Near the top of the village, in Zhibiani hamlet.

Email: ratiani.dn@gmail.com TEL 599 912256 Nanuli, Dato www.facebook.com/Dato-RatianiS-Ushguli-Villa-LiLeo-160595187339077/ Full Disclosure: Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer for GT

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since early 2011. He runs the “Svaneti Renaissance” Facebook group, now with over 1350 members, at www.facebook. com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife run their own guest house in Etseri (which they were invited to include in this set): www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Listing: Where to Stay in Svaneti lileo hotel Address: 9 Z. Phaliani Str. TEL 599 53 40 11 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 a converted and fully renovated Svanetian house which belonged to an ancient family Niguriani, whose descendants are now the owners and the managers of the hotel. That’s why every visitor immediately feels like the most welcomed guest here, met and hosted with the legendary hospitality of the Svanetian people.

riverSide MeStia hotel Address: 22 B. Kakhiani Str. Located in Mestia in the Samegrelo Zveno-Svaneti region, Riverside Mestia boasts a sun terrace and ski storage space. Free private parking is available on site.

chuBu hotel MeStia Address: 17 E. Parjiani Str. TEL 599 48 48 67, 599 80 00 27 This hotel is located in the village of Mestia, 300 meters from the town center and overlooks the picturesque Caucasus Mountains. Free parking is provided.

old Seti hotel Address: 11 Japaridze Str. TEL 595 58 98 39

Located in the center of Mestia, next to Seti Square, Old Seti Hotel features a garden, free WiFi and 24-hour front desk. Mestia Museum is a 10-minute walk away.

tetnuldi hotel Address: 9 Margiani Str. TEL 599 37 00 55, 599 73 25 25 Surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, this boutique hotel is located in the UNESCO-listed town of Mestia. It offers a 24-hour reception and modern rooms with a satellite flat-screen TV.

hotel daeli Address: 2 Betlemi Str. TEL 551 20 73 23, 599 26 36 63 Offering a terrace and ski storage space, Daeli Hotel is situated in Mestia in the Samegrelo Zveno-Svaneti region, 25 km. from El’brus. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms include a seating area for your convenience. Views of the mountains, garden or town are featured in certain rooms. Rooms come with a private bathroom with a bath or shower, with slippers, free toiletries and a hair dryer provided.

hotel Svaneti Address: 5 Queen Tamari Str. TEL 599 57 28 50 Hotel Svaneti is a three-floor building with a remarkable façade design, combining traditional Svan architecture with modern

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elements. Hotel Svaneti combines comfort, cozy atmosphere, dramatic views of the Greater Caucasus and the medieval towers of Mestia. Here, you can find a perfect mix of European standards and traditional Georgian hospitality.

Grand hotel uShBa Address: Tvebishi (Becho) TEL 790 11 91 92, (371) 29237524 Offering a restaurant, Grand Hotel Ushba is located between Mazeri and Tvebishi, 25 km. west of Mestia in Upper Svaneti. Free WiFi access is available. You can enjoy mountain views from the rooms.

hatSvali Address: Mountain Hatsvali TEL 598 18 85 55 Hotel Hatsvali offers accommodation 8 km. from Mestia, next to a ski lift. The hotel has a sun terrace and ski-to-door access. 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 Address: 10 R. Margiani Str. TEL 557 47 72 88 Hotel Banguriani is located in the center of Mestia. It is surrounded by ancient

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Svanetian Towers, castles and historical sights- including an ancient Orthodox Church and renovated Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography near the hotel. You can enjoy wonderful views from each room, beautiful landscapes, medieval stone towers and the mountain Banguriani after which the hotel is named. You will enjoy a comfortable environment served by polite, hospitable and qualified personnel.

GueSthouSe david zhorzholiani Address: 3 Seti Deadlock, next to Str. George Church TEL 599 34 49 48 The guesthouse of the Zhorzholiani family Seti in the center of Mestia offers clean and cozy rooms in a quiet environment. You will be treated to traditional dishes and offered lunch boxes for tracking tours. The hosts will do their best to make you feel at home.

GueSthouSe data Address: 26 Ushba Str. TEL 591 71 11 74 Guesthouse Data is located 100 meters from the center of Mestia. The hotel has a beautiful view, you can see the old towers, snowy peaks and all the important places and monuments of culture.

GueSthouSe MeStia 32 Address: 32 Queen Tamar Str. Guesthouse Mestia 32 offers pet-friendly accommodation in Mestia, 25. from El’brus. Free private parking is available

on site. The rooms are fitted with a private or shared bathroom with free toiletries.

GueSthouSe natali Address: 2 Gabliani Str. TEL 591 61 69 99 Natali Guesthouse offers accommodation in Mestia. Free private parking is available on site. You will find a shared kitchen at the property.

GueSthouSe uShBa Address: 7 Queen Tamari Str. TEL 599 55 52 17 Guesthouse with terrace - Ushba offers pet-friendly accommodation in Ushkhvanari. The guest house has ski-to-door access and a ski pass sales point, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. A flat-screen TV, as well as a laptop and a computer are provided. Certain rooms include views of the mountains or garden.

GueSthouSe dodo Japaridze Address: 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. We can also provide transportation by car 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

and free WiFi in the rooms. Guests are provided towels and linens, heating, and a private bathroom with a shower. Other property facilities include a 24-hour front desk, BBQ facilities, a garden, and luggage storage.

kachari Address: Ushguli TEL 599 45 27 61 Offering a restaurant, Guesthouse Kachari is located in Ushguli Village. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and a seating area. Extras include an outdoor seating area, bed linen and ironing facilities and a common terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include a shared lounge. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including horse riding, fishing and hiking. The property offers free parking.

Svan houSe Address: 15a V. Goshteliani Str. TEL 595 41 03 37 Offering a barbecue and views of the mountains, Svan House In Mestia is situated in Mestia, 25 km. from El’brus. Free private parking is available on site. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. All rooms include a private bathroom. Svan House In Mestia features free WiFi throughout the property. The area is popular for horse riding and cycling.

MeStia

Address: 6 Ushba Str. TEL 599 85 55 27

Address: 27 Seti Sq. TEL 599 94 94 19, 577 72 12 11

Hotel Sana features a shared kitchen, a shared lounge area, free private parking,

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Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Listing: 4 & 5 Star Hotels in Tbilisi The Tbilisi hotel market reflects the city’s image as the corporate briefcase of the region and it comes well equipped with five-star offerings, as well as with a new breed of lower priced options for travelers on a budget. Offering 24-hour service and modern standards, the best hotels are most commonly located in the heart of the city. Hotels list their prices in Euros, Dollars or Lari, though in most cases your bill will be calculated in the local currency using the current exchange rate and payment is possible by credit card (VISA or MasterCard). The majority of Tbilisi hotels can arrange transportation services to and from the airport for their clients on the basis of prior agreement. There are several world brands operating in Georgia including Marriott, Sheraton, Radisson Blu and Holiday Inn which play host to thousands of guests throughout the year. All are distinguished by their remarkable architecture and interiors. A variety of exhibitions, conferences and official events are often held in the hotels and, over the next four years, six more global brands are expected to enter the Georgian market. High-end hotels usually host guests participating in the cultural, business and political life of the country. Tbilisi is a business city and occupancy rates reflect that. The average price for a night in such a hotel costs around $120-250.

the BiltMore hotel tBiliSi Address: 29 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 2 72 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 Address: 4 Freedom Sq. TEL 277 91 00 Perfectly located in Freedom Square in the heart of the city center, this hotel is within walking distance of the Georgian National Museum, Rustaveli Theater, and the State Opera House - not to mention a host of galleries, gardens, and other attractions. Modern and comfortable hotel 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, or

Sharden villa Address: 42 K. Apkhazi Str. TEL 272 46 14, 275 44 95 www.shardenvilla.ge Hotel Sharden Villa is a modern boutique style Hotel located in the historical center

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of Tbilisi near Meidan. You will find it surrounded by the top sightseeing spots of Old Tbilisi: the ruins of Narikala, Metechi Church and Sioni temples, Abanotubani, a mosque, synagogue, cable car and more. There are many cafes, bars, restaurants and other fun and relaxing places nearby. The Hotel has 22 classic modern and classic rooms. A number of the rooms have balconies, wonderful views on Narikala, the Temple of Metechi and the River Mtkvari. All the rooms are ensuite and offer hairdryers, flatscreen TVs, a safe, a telephone and a mini bar.

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

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

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.

radiSSon Blu iveria hotel

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

tBiliSi Marriott hotel Address: 13 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 277 92 00 www.marriott.com

Address: 1 Rose Revolution Sq. TEL 240 22 00 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.

Boutique hotel ALPHABET is an ideal combination of style, high level service and Georgian hospitality. The interior of the building is done out in modern vintage. A hotel is not just a business, it’s a lifestyle, because if you want to create a strong and modern hotel company, you must live in this world. It is a matter of perfect reputation, perfect personnel, unique services, and, of course, your desire to be the first and the best among rivals. Telavi str. 3, 0103 Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: +995 599 13 88 88

www.alphabet.ge

Once you enter its grand atrium-style lobby adorned with crystal chandeliers, 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.

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Mercure tBiliSi old toWn Address: 9 V. Gorgasali Str. TEL 200 60 60 Showcasing a sun terrace and views of the city, Mercure Tbilisi Old Town offers a spa center and sauna, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. Each room in the hotel is air conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms include a lounge area to relax in after a busy day and each room comes with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. Freedom Square is 1.1 km from Mercure Tbilisi, and Rustaveli Theater is 1.8 km away, while the airport is 12.9 km from the hotel.

Sheraton Metechi palace hotel Address: 20 Telavi Str. TEL 2277 20 20 www.sheratonmetechipalace.com The hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city’s historical area, only minutes from the flourishing political business and entertainment center and 15 km from Tbilisi International Airport. The city’s famous historical sights, curative sulfur baths, museums, art galleries, shopping centers, theaters, and cinemas are all within easy reach. The Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel is in the process of full renovation. plan a catered event for up to 400 guests in one of the venue spaces. For business or leisure, the Courtyard Tbilisi is the ideal choice.

holiday inn Address: 26 May Sq. TEL 2300 099 www.hi-tbilisi.com

double and twin rooms, deluxe and superior deluxe rooms and a room with disabled access. Rooms have a nice little balcony overlooking breathtaking views of the river Mtkvari, Narikala fortress, ancient churches, colorful old buildings or streets with very well-known cafes, clubs and restaurants. With Georgian and Armenian churches, a Jewish synagogue, a Zoroastrian temple and Muslim mosque nearby, you will truly be able to see and feel how the different confessions live side by side in peace and love.

This magnificent 21-storey glass building used to be the symbol of the city during the Soviet era. Following its transformation, Holiday Inn Tbilisi can accommodate guests in 270 Standard, Business and Executive guest rooms. Inside every guest room, elegant interiors detailed with many original features offer comfortable living. The spacious feel is enhanced by high ceilings and tall windows, in keeping with the original architecture of the former Adjara hotel. An outstanding living and dining area, with elegant designer wallpaper and rich African wood flooring, provide a sanctuary in which to relax and entertain.

old Meidan Address: 9/11 Samghebro Str TEL 2 55 35 00 Hotel Old Meidan is located in the heart of Old Tbilisi, at the foot of the Narikala Fortress (Vakhtang Gorgasali Square), a minute’s walking distance from Jan Shardeni and Kote Afkhazi (former Leselidze) streets. The hotel has 31 rooms of different categories, among them standard single,

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

old tifliS Boutique hotel Address: 3/9 Grishashvili Str. TEL 2 31 99 99 Located in the city center, a 2-minute walk from the Sulfur Spring Baths and a 5-minute walk from Shardeni Street, Old Tiflis Boutique Hotel features contemporary rooms in a historical building with an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi access. Rooms here provide guests with a minibar, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a seating area with a sofa, air conditioning,

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Narikala Castle is a 4-minute walk, Sioni Church an 8-minute walk, and Freedom Square is 2 km from the hotel. Old Tiflis is a 10-minute walk from Avlabari Metro Station, 4.5 km from Tbilisi Train Station, and 17 km from Tbilisi Airport.

aMBaSSadori hotel Address: 17 Shavteli Str. TEL 2 43 94 94

BetSy’S hotel

House. You’ll find the hotel hiding in the center of the noisy city, a quiet and protected place to escape to. The 36 spacious guest rooms, including standard, family, studio, room for disabled persons, semi suites and suites, feature many amenities including oversized work areas, hair dryer, safe and individual climate control. All rooms offer beautiful views of the city.

Address: 32-34 Makashvili Street, Tbilisi,Georgia TEL.: 293 14 04 info@betsyshotel.com www.betsyshotel.com 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.” 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.

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.

citruS Address: 3/9 April Str. TEL 2 55 03 00 www.hotelcitrus.ge Located in the heart of the city, 4* hotel Citrus is within walking distance of Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue, museums, exhibition centers, fashion shops, art galleries and restaurants, Rustaveli Theater and the State Opera

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the terrace Boutique hotel Address: 7 P. Kakabadze Str. TEL 999 001 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. There are 26 rooms, a meeting room and rooftop restaurant with 360 degree views of Tbilisi. The restaurant offers Georgian & European cuisine.

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

MuSeuM hotel Address: 8/10 Vakhtang Orbeliani Str. TEL 224 49 99

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”.

rixoS BorJoMi

Rixos Borjomi offers its guests a rest to benefit their health. What could be better than combining a luxurious rest with health recovery by means of the famous Borjomi mineral waters and relaxing SPA procedures.

aStoria tBiliSi Address: 23 D. Chonqadze Str. TEL 249 70 10

Located 501 m from Rustaveli Theater in Tbilisi City, the Museum Hotel features a restaurant and free WiFi throughout. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and free private parking. Every room is air conditioned and features a flat-screen TV. Enjoy a cup of tea on your terrace or balcony. All rooms include a private bathroom. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. There is a 24-hour front desk on the property.

caStelo Mare Address: TsiIkhisdziri, Ajaria, Georgia TEL 0422 21 28 28

You can enjoy the highest standards of Rixos, one of the most rapidly growing luxury hotel chains in the world, in the town of Borjomi, situated as little as 177 km from Tbilisi Airport. Rixos Hotel Borjomi awaits you in the homeland of the renowned Borjomi mineral water, in the very center of a coniferous park. Superior rooms face the spectacular surroundings, individual wellness programs are drawn up for you by the specialists of Rixos Borjomi Medical Center, as beauty and relaxation procedures are provided by the hotel’s SPA Center. At Rixos restaurants you can treat yourself to various dishes of Georgian and European cuisine, and live music will make your evenings even more unforgettable.

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

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

to stay

Friendly and attentive staff, calm atmosphere, comfortable apartments. The rooms are designed in an immortal classic style and equipped with everything you need: TV, WI FI, air-conditioning, telephone and mini bar. Facilities include: conference halls, meeting rooms, fitness center, sauna and a swimming pool. The “Astoria Tbilisi” hotel in Tbilisi offers originality in a cozy bar and wonderful Georgian national and European cuisine. The 24-hour reception desk makes it possible to solve any problems immediately. Hospitable “Astoria Tbilisi” hotel provides guests with the comfort of the highest level and in an affordable price range.

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

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

Hotel City Avenue is a premium class boutique hotel located in the center of the old city. Close to many business centers and company head offices, it is surrounded by shops, restaurants, theaters and many other entertainment and sightseeing places. What’s more D. Agmashenebeli Avenue is one of the most beautiful streets in Tbilisi. The hotel’s modern interior design and classic exterior decor offers you a very special atmosphere and positive aura. The fully equipped rooms and friendly staff will make your holidays both comfortable and unforgettable. The Café features a good choice of Georgian and international food with a relaxing atmosphere and chill-out terrace. Our professional staff is ready to serve with the spirit of Georgian hospitality. The hotel offers a great conference facility with modern technology and convenient services. Hotel City Avenue is a 5-minute walk from Marjanishvili metro station, 5 minutes’ drive from Station Square and 20 minutes’ from the airport.

vere palace Address: 22/24 Kuchishvili Str. TEL 225 33 40/41/42 , 222 17 79 www.verepalace.com.ge Vere Palace features 42 diversified rooms of exceptional grace and comfort including 9 suites and a presidential apartment. Vere Palace distinguishes itself as a luxurious and family-orientated hotel. Its interior contains elements of classic baroque selected from the extravagant Louis XVI interior harmonized with modern technological solutions. The Hotel takes pleasure in meeting and serving guests with personalized service and works to build a warm relationship that is based on long-term cooperation and friendship.

rooMS hotel tBiliSi Address: 14 M. Kostava Str. TEL 202 00 99 www.roomshotels.com Rooms Hotels is a young and independent lifestyle hotel brand based in Georgia that has quickly emerged as the premier leader of distinctive hospitality experiences in the region. In late 2014 Rooms Hotels opened a second location in the charming Vera neighborhood of the capital city of Tbilisi (following on from Rooms Hotel Kazbegi). An instant hotspot, the property is the city favorite for the local business elite and diplomatic communities as well as the capital’s burgeoning fashion, art

to stay

and culture crowd. The urban location has also emerged an international draw for Tbilisi itself as a destination, as well as the home for the city’s most soughtafter restaurant reservation, bar scene and conference and meeting facility.

tifliS palace Address: 3 V. Gorgasali Str. TEL 200 02 45 www.tiflispalace.ge Tiflis Palace, in the center of Old Tbilisi, is a 5-minute walk from Metekhi Church, the famous sulphur baths, Narikala Fortress, Meidan Square and Shardeni Street. The Hotel offers bright, air-conditioned rooms of light and modern décor. Each ensuite

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

room includes a flat-screen TV, minibar, a safe, bathrobes and slippers. Tiflis Palace features 3 different bars and restaurants, including rooftop restaurant “Tiflis Veranda” which offers a variety of drinks and panoramic views of the city center. Various restaurants, cafes and galleries are located a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Wi-fi is available throughout the property.

citadineS tBiliSi Address: 4a Freedom Sq. TEL 254 70 30 www.citadines.com Your stay in the Caucasus will be extraordinary and timeless if you stay at the Apart’hotel Citadines Freedom Square Tbilisi. Situated near the National Museum and the Georgian Chancellery, it will be

your ideal base for heading off to explore the countless and priceless, yet little-known treasures of Georgia’s re-emergent capital.

vinotel Boutique hotel Address: 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent TEL 255 58 88, 596 555 885 www.vinotel.ge

cellars dating back to the 1880s. A glass façade overlooking the garden was added in 2005 as a modernized version of the original window panes.

citadel narikala hotel Address: 20 Ajiashvili Str. TEL 290 41 41, 290 42 42 www.hotel-citadel.ge

Designed as an affluent Georgian home, with great love and care for each detail, Vinotel engulfs guests with beauty and comfort. Discover it and you will discover the rich world of Georgian wine, sample the unique tastes of Georgia with the hotel’s world-class chef, and live the sense of Georgia’s history. Vinotel is an excellent example of traditional Tbilisi architecture, with its ornamented balconies and brick

The Hotel Citadel Narikala is a unique boutique hotel offering a truly Georgian Experience. Offering stunning views of the scenic Old Town of Tbilisi, and located just below the city’s landmark Narikala Fortress, it combines the modern hotel comforts that today’s discerning guests expect with the ancient culture and heritage for which Georgia is famous..

FIRST BRAND HoTEL IN KuTAISI uNDER BEST WESTERN INTERNATIoNAL Within the framework of the Georgian Hotels’ Regional Network Development Project “12 hotels in 12 regions” by development company “Simetria”, the first brand hotel has been opened in Kutaisi under the Best Western International brand. The hotel accommodates 45 guest rooms, including 40 standard rooms and 5 suites. The hotel was designed taking into consideration special conditions and safety for guests with disabilities. Three mobile conference halls are available with a total capacity of about 100 persons. European cuisine can be enjoyed in the ground floor café and a grill-bar menu in the roof top restaurant with panoramic views over the city. The International Hotels Management Company “T3 Hospitality Management,” providing the hotel management, has 20 years’ experience in hotel management in different countries globally. Address: 11 Grishashvili Str., 4600, Kutaisi, Georgia TEL 219 71 00 info@bwkutaisi.com

Our top recommendation this season is a new face to the city center- hotel ‘Gallery Palace’ You can find it in Sololaki district, one of the most prestigious and beautiful areas of the capital and within 2-minutes’ walk of Freedom Square and Old Tbilisi. Gallery Palace offers 70 different room types, all with a focus on design and comfort. The spacious and contemporary guest rooms are decorated in calming pastel shades: a distinguished uncluttered design that evokes a relaxed and modern vibe. Our favorite unique feature: each room is equipped with hand-painted beds! Room features: • Key-card system • Non-Smoking rooms with balconies for smokers • Smoke detectors • Individually controlled air-conditioning • Free high speed WiFi • 24-hour reception • Mini-bar • Room service • Direct dial phones • In-room safe • 24-hour access to the Health Club with Gym, Sauna, Jacuzzi and Relaxation Zone • Massage room • Business center • Laundry In the elegant Restaurant Gallery, guests can feast on delicious Georgian and European cuisine whilst enjoying the surrounding unique paintings of famous Georgian artists

Murtaz Shvelidze, Kote Sulaberidze, Misha Gogrichiani, Zura Apkhazi, Koka Ramishvili and others. Spend an evening on the Terrace- wine, food and a relaxing chillum: the ideal place for corporate events, birthday parties, small weddings, receptions, etc.

If you’re looking for somewhere to hold a business event, Gallery Palace has what you’re looking for, with a fully equipped meeting room ideal for 35 persons in a U-shape seating arrangement or 50 pax in theater style. And if that’s not enough to tempt youcheck out Gallery Palace’s gym, spa and massage services!

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Listing: Hotels in Batumi hotel piazza Boutique, BatuMi

hotel piazza inn, BatuMi

Address: 25 Parnavaz Mepe Str. TEL 568 77 24 66

Address: 20 Gorgasali Str. TEL 568 77 24 66 This stylish hotel is located above a wonderful Irish pub in Piazza Square. The hotel has 22 rooms decorated in the English style. The rooms are not big but very cozy and comfortable. Each room

In the heart of old Batumi city, in the entertainment complex of the Piazza, is smart Boutique Hotel “Piazza” - a combination of different styles and unique ideas. The hotel has 16 rooms decorated in 8 interior styles: Country, a house in the village decorated with natural materials; Avantgard – a riot and contrast of color and geometric shapes; Retro – a successful combination of old time elements which put you in a quiet and cozy atmosphere; Pop Art – modern madness; Shabby Chic – exotic vintage mix of modern antique with chic; Art decor – elegant and refined luxury; Chinese – fine Eastern game with form and space; English – conservatism and traditional restraint, no room for anything unnecessary. Each room features a luxurious king size bed, en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, slippers, free toiletries, large flat-screen satellite TV, mini bar, free Wi-Fi and two private balconies with superb sea, mountain and city views. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk. Please use our online reservation service. We welcome every guest!

features air conditioning, heating, bathroom, hairdryer, free toiletries, large flat-screen satellite TV, free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk. Please use our online reservation service.

hotel piazza four colorS, BatuMi Address: 16 Gorgasali Str. TEL 568 77 24 66 Hotel Piazza Four Colors is located near the clocktower on the central square in Batumi Old Town, 10 minutes’ walk from the coast. The hotel features a 24-hour

to stay

reception, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV. Each room includes unique decor with four different colors and a balcony. The hotel offers the Mimino Georgian Restaurant, European restaurant Marco Polo, La Brioche Cafe and the Quiet Woman Irish Pub. You can enjoy live music performances every evening on the square. The Central Park is 7 minutes’ walk away. Set in the city center, the Piazza Four Colors Hotel provides good access to such Batumi attractions as the Medea Statue, 6 minutes walk away and the 6th May Park and Dolphinarium, 15 minutes’ walk from the hotel. Batumi Airport is 6 km from the hotel and Kutaisi Airport 120 km away. A transfer to both airports is provided upon request.

hilton BatuMi Address: 40 Rustaveli Str., Batumi TEL 422 22 22 99 www3.hilton.com Set on the shore of the Black Sea, Hilton Batumi provides a wealth of exclusive shops and entertainment options on your door step. It has a prime-location in the city center overlooking the sub-tropical Black Sea and offering easy access to the beach.

Hotel & Wellness Resort კასტელო მარე სასტუმრო & გამაჯანსაღებელი კომპლექსი

Relax in Sky Bar or emerge brighter with Eforea Spa at Hilton Batumi, the perfect destination for business or leisure.

divan SuiteS BatuMi hotel Address: 8/15 Z. Gamsakhurdia Str., Batumi TEL 422 25 55 22 www.divan.com.tr Capturing the spirit of Batumi, Divan Suites Batumi is in the center of historic Batumi just a five-minute walk from the beach. It features 39 Standard Rooms, 8 Superior Rooms, 5 Deluxe Rooms, 3 Junior Suites, 6 Corner Suites, 2 Business Suites and 2 Penthouse Tower Suites designed to exceed the Batumi 5 star hotels expectations of business and leisure travelers alike. Divan Suites Batumi offers complimentary WI-FI throughout the hotel, and business travelers will appreciate its comfortable working environment, away from noise and crowds but still at the heart of Batumi.

leoGrand hotel Address: 60 Gogebashvili Str., Batumi TEL 422 24 20 20 www.leograndhotel.com The hotel features 180 beautifully designed guest rooms equipped with the finest range of amenities and furnishings, including luxurious bedding and boasting spectacular views of the Black Sea, Batumi Port and city center. Leogrand Hotel Batumi offers excellent facilities for business, its exquisite function spaces comprising five fairy-tale ballrooms, including the Grand Ballroom of 773m2 with a 4,70m ceiling, an ideal venue for all manner of corporate events, conferences, social events, anniversaries, weddings or banquets.

euphoria BatuMi hotel Address: 1 Lech and Maria Kaczynski Str., Batumi TEL 422 23 23 23 Euphoria Batumi Hotel offers luxurious facilities for meetings and events of various types. It offers four technically equipped conference rooms. DVD player, wireless microphones, Barco vision and screen, as well as a sound recording system upon request. Weddings, receptions, business meetings or conferences – Euphoria Batumi Hotel is the best place for any kind of event.

Sheraton BatuMi hotel Address: 26/28 Rustaveli Str., Batumi TEL 422 22 90 00 www.sheratonbatumi.com Sheraton Batumi provides 202 rooms including 26 suites, offering comfortable surroundings and friendly service. More than just the basics, the hotel offers all the services you expect from a five-star hotel – the latest multi-purpose conference and banquet facilities, a Grand Ballroom with movable walls, 6 private meeting rooms with capacity from 10 to 1500 persons for any kind of event. The conference rooms are well equipped with modern audio-visual and teleconference facilities, and most of the meeting rooms have natural daylight. The hotel is adapted for disabled guests.

hotel intouriSt palace BatuMi Address: 11 E. Ninoshvili Str., Batumi TEL 422 27 55 25

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Hotel Intourist Palace is located in the popular Black Sea resort of Batumi, 300 m. from the nearest beach. It offers air-conditioned rooms with a minibar, LCD TV and free WI-FI. The rooms of Intourist feature a classic interior design in bright colors with wooden furniture. All have a private bathroom with a bathtub, as well as a balcony. The TVs have satellite channels. Seaside Boulevard is only 10 m from the hotel.

hotel GaloGre Address: 8 Gorgasali Str., Batumi TEL 422 27 48 45 The two buildings of Hotel O.Galogre were built in the center of old Batumi in front of the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas in 1996-2000 by well-known businessman and maecenas, Oleg Galogre. O.Galogre Hotel’s architecture is admired by both visitors to the city and locals. The Hotel interior decor is no less impressive, as is the comfort and coziness of the rooms. The courtyard of the Hotel has its own exit onto the Piazza, while magnificent views of Batumi Bay and the surrounding mountains open from the terrace of the restaurant. Originally lit narrow, stonepaved streets with restaurants and shops make our hotel’s location attractive to city guests day and night.

World palace Address: 1/3 Melashvili Str., Batumi TEL 422 225 790

le port Adress: 20 Gogebashvili Str., Batumi TEL 422 20 01 01

New Tiflis #

ქართულ-ევროპული სამზარეულო georgian-European cuisine ცოცხალი მუსიკა Live music

to eat

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

Giorgi Merkviladze General Manager of Gallery Palace

reStaurant â&#x20AC;&#x153;Galleryâ&#x20AC;? and terrace For a rare combination of very tasty and healthy food, my favorite is Tom Yum soup with seafood. After a busy weekday, I like to relax on the terrace and smoke a nice hookah.

to eat

GviraBi / the tunnel The tunnel was dug out of the flank of the Greater Caucasus Mountains near Kvareli in Kakheti. It has a natural temperature of 12-14˚C throughout the year, ideal for storing and ageing wine.

chateau Mere Chateau Mere arranges tastings of the Winiveria fine dry red and white wines from Georgian endemic grape varieties such as Kisi, Khikhvi, Kakhuri Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli and Saperavi. The Mere Restaurant serves Georgian traditional cuisine made from organic food from local produce catered to all pallets.Visit Chateau Mere to taste a piece of Georgia in Kakheti.

reStaurant kudiGora Restaurant Kudigora is located in Kvareli, on Mount Kudigora. One side of the restaurant overlooks the Alazani Valley and the other side – Ilia’s Lake. The restaurant is distinguished for its delicious Georgian dishes. Try the grilled barbecue and river trout.

diaroni reStaurant Diaroni restaurant is situated in the center of Zugdidi, close to the Dadiani Palace. The restaurant serves delicious Megrelian dishes, especially Elarji and Gebjalia.

to eat

Top 5 Burger Joints in Tbilisi

top 5

BurGer JointS, tBiliSi Despite priding itself on its national cuisine, Georgians have taken to American-style burgers like pirates to plunder. Tbilisi’s growing number of burger restaurants have also given expatriates longing for the tastes of home a chance to eat a staple of Western cuisine, as well as tourists (who often consume their bodyweight in Georgian food during their first few days at the hands of their hosts) a reprieve from national dishes.

BurGer houSe tBiliSi

BurGer Bar Situated in the heart of Tbilisi’s downtown Saburtalo district, this burger joint offers a wide range of burgers on its menu, for those feeling a little hungry to others feeling ravenous. Along with its food, Burger Bar’s sleek, modern interior stand it in contrast to the Georgian and Ukrainian restaurants nearby, as do its reasonable prices.

This tiny establishment belies a true gem of the city that no burger lover should miss. Situated close to Freedom Square, the variety of the menu and the quality of the meat are not to be missed. Suitable for those traditionalists who like a fat burger topped with bacon and eggs. Address: 25 Pushkin Str. TEL 555 46 74 44

Address: 32a Kazbegi Ave. TEL 595 212 010/598 932 010

pipeS BurGer Joint With the light fixtures and door handles giving this restaurant its name, PIPES serves a more eclectic gourmet-style of burger. Yet although its burgers are infused with spices or covered in adventurous sauces, tradition is upheld by every dish being served with a generous portion of French fries. Address: 8 Vashlovani Str. TEL 555 28 07 32

to eat

BBq kitchen

Sitting on Saburtalo’s bustling Pekini Street, BBQ Kitchen offers beautifully cooked burgers that cater to a traditional style. However, as the name suggests, other barbecue options are available, including steaks that will merit a return visit for any meat-lover. Address: 4 Pekini Ave. TEL 595 07 99 33

MuGSy’S BurGer

MARI FU

Address: 63 Vazha Pshavela Ave./ 14 R. Eristavi Str.(Round Garden) TEL 599 33 43 74

www.hookahbaza.com Tbilisi Georgia FB HOOKAHbaza +995 577 444 381

These small, jolly restaurants offer tasty, no-nonsense burgers at very affordable prices. Its chicken wings infused with bacon and its chicken wrap snack are also highly recommended.

Hookah t obacco t astes b est w hen i t’s fresh, and w e believe e veryone deserves to s moke Fumari at the height of its flavor. We hand pack our tobacco in flavor-lock pouches to seal in t he a wesomeness in t he a wesomeness of e very new b atch.

ES H NE

Munch Your Way through Tbilisi

top 12

eaterieS froM roSe’S ‘the Brave daMe’ BloG Food is the way to experience a country, especially when in Georgia! Georgians take their food seriously and so should we! In this Tbilisi food guide, you’ll find great restaurants to stuff your face with delicious Georgian cuisine as well as cute bars and cafés to sit down and relax in. A Georgian meal comes with bread. Period. Eating Georgian cuisine can be a bit rough on the stomach when you’re not used to eating so many carbs, frequently topped with piles of cheese. We love a great food coma, so we went all for it! Locals warned me: “You can eat Georgian food for 3-4 days tops, then you’ll crave something lighter.” Lucky for us, Tbilisi is packed with Western restaurants as well. I must admit that the charm of Georgian food didn’t really wear out on me, I kept craving it more and more. Could that be because there are so many dishes to love? We often lost ourselves in savory ochakhuri, a pork (or chicken) and baked potato stew, served with a peasant salad drenched in baje or walnut sauce. We loved the well-seasoned Georgian kebab, wrapped in paper-thin bread and served with loads of cilantro. Come to think of it, there isn’t anything I’ve tasted that I wouldn’t order again. Georgian portions are usually large and people love to share different dishes with each other. Make sure you order an appropriate amount of wine with every meal as Georgia is one of the oldest wine countries in the world. Below you’ll find a list of restaurants (Georgian and Western) where you can taste for yourself. Remember, you haven’t been to Georgia if you don’t gain at least 3 kgs!

orGanique JoSper Bar

to hang out for dinner. Do try the bruschetta – it’s enough to share between two people – and always go for a chef’s special! Address: 12 Bambis Rigi Str.

BurGer houSe

Guests only get the best and tastiest food at Organique. The restaurant is located in the city center and serves as an ideal spot

For a modern, inexpensive bite, go to Burger House, a cute little fast food restaurant in central Tbilisi. The menu is simple, yet delicious. The French fries with herbs and the milkshake were absolute favorites! Address: Vertskhli Str.

to eat

SchuchMann Wine Bar Hidden in the cellar of a 300-year-old caravanserai, you’ll find the Schuchmann wine bar, an upscale but friendly restaurant serving only the best. This is the place for tasting wines from the famous Schuchmann winery and to enjoy their eclectic menu, as Schuchmann serves Georgian food with a twist. Do try the lamb kebab and chocolate lava cake! Address: 8 Sioni Str.

faMouS & purpur

G.vino

GriliSi

Famous is a restaurant that could potentially turn out to be a karaoke bar, depending on which other guests you end up with. The place serves Georgian food with a modern twist as well as central European food. We loved that the restaurant has a living-room ambience combined with a great music selection. Full? Try PurPur upstairs! Address: 1 Abo Tbileli Str.

Another great place on Erekle II Street is G.Vino. Here, patient staff teaches you the difference between European style wine and the tasty Georgian Qvevri wine. Their cheese platters are to die for! Address: 6 Erekle II Str.

Grilisi is a cozy place located on a tiny platform at the Narikala Fortress. When you’re done hopping around the fortress, sit down here for some lovely, homemade lemonade or something from the BBQ menu. Address: Sololaki Ridge, right side

huGGo Bar

Metro is the place for German and Georgian beer and a tasty Mtsvadi (BBQ) dish! We loved hanging out on their terrace to watch sports and chat. In the early afternoon, this was usually the place for us to have some sort of – Khachapuri boat – lunch, as almost no place in Tbilisi opens before 10 am. Address: Erekle II Str.

funicular Usually, restaurants with a special location are known to serve crappy food. Not Funicular, on top of Mtatsminda. This place serves amazing, fresh khinkali – large dumplings filled with meat, cheese or vegetables and broth – with a spectacular view over Tbilisi. In the evening, you can move up to the top floor to lounge. Address: Mtatsminda Plateau

kGB

factory 27 At first, I came here for the excellent – and very garlicky – bruschetta but soon I felt like smoking some hookah as well. At Huggo, you can relax on the terrace or on the comfy sofas inside while playing backgammon, Georgia’s number one game. Address: 3/5 G.Tabidze Str.

Moulin electrique

KGB is located on the touristy Erekle II Street. Don’t let it fool you, this place (as well as Kala next door) serves great food and is an ideal hang out spot during those long summer evenings. Guests are often entertained with live jazz music. Address: 8/10 Erekle II Str.

Metro puB

Meeting Georgian hipsters has never been this easy! Moulin Electrique, hidden behind the synagogue, is more of a bar than a restaurant but you can still get some decent food here. At night this place is packed with the hipster youth of Tbilisi, who ended up being a very joyful bunch of people. Address: 28 Kote Apkhazi Str.

to eat

When relaxing at Factory 27, you get the feeling you somehow ended up in Berlin. We loved their juicy burgers and homemade nachos with different dips as well as their refreshing, homemade lemonade. The bright graffiti wall and relaxing music are just a big plus. Address: 27 M. Zandukeli Str. Check out Rose’s blog here: https://www. thebravedame.com/tbilisi-food-guide/

Listing: Ice Cream in Tbilisi luca polare Address: 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, 125 Agmashenebeli Ave., 34 Apkhazi Str., 12 Eristavi Str., Round Garden, 7a Pekini Str., 3 Abashidze Str., Batumi TEL 238 08 02

25 Gagarini Str., 24a Pekini Str., 47 Apkhazi Str., 76 Abashidze Str., 17 Mtskheta Str., 82 Nutsubidze Str. TEL 595 90 71 48

lolly frozen yoGhurt Address: 38 Agmashenebeli Ave., 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, TEL 592 44 41 43

George Balanchine Str., near American Embassy Tbilisi, 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, Khimshiashvili Str., Batumi, 57a I. Chavchavadze Ave., Kutaisi TEL 292 29 45

BiBluS Gallery

entrée Address: 13 Taktakishvili Str., 19 Petriashvili Str., 7 Pekini Str., 78 Chavchavadze Ave., 86 Agmashenebeli Ave., 12 Amagleba Str., 1 Ateni Str.,

Morelli’S Gelato Address: 8 Tsintsadze Str. TEL 222 32 42

McdonaldS Address: 26th May Sq., 20 Marjanishvili Str., 34 Tsereteli Ave., 1 Brothers Kakabadze Str., 1 Khizabavri Str., City Mall,

Address: 7 Chavchavadze Ave., 52 Abashidze Ave., Batumi TEL 577 01 29 10, 577 00 66 53

to eat

Bern cafe Address: 38 Abashidze Str. TEL 595 70 22 22

Listing: FAST FOOD entrée

Address: 26th May Sq., 20 Marjanishvili Str., 34 Tsereteli Ave., 1 Brothers Kakabadze Str., 1 Khizabavri Str., City Mall, George Balanchine Str., near American Embassy Tbilisi, 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, Khimshiashvili Str., Batumi, 57a I. Chavchavadze Ave., Kutaisi TEL 292 29 45

Wendy’S Address: 13 Taktakishvili Str., 19 Petriashvili Str., 7 Pekini Str., 78 Chavchavadze Ave., 86 Agmashenebeli Ave., 12 Amagleba Str., 1 Ateni Str., 25 Gagarini Str., 24a Pekini Str., 47 Apkhazi Str., 76 Abashidze Str., 17 Mtskheta Str., 82 Nutsubidze Str. TEL 595 90 71 48

McdonaldS

SMart Address: 31/13 Rustaveli Ave., Vazisubani, 2nd block, Chavchavadze Ave. (near Sameba church), 26th May Sq., Agmashenebeli Ave, 13th Km., 37 Tsintsadze Str. TEL 255 75 57

aMerican diner Address: 77 Kostava St. TEL 577 63 22 91 Address: 11 Mosashvili Str., 31/13 Rustaveli Ave., Chavchavadze Ave. (Near Sameba church), 26 May Sq., 37 Tsintsadze Str., Gldani district (Near Gldani Park), Agmashenebeli Ave., 13th Km., 2 Tvalchrelidze Str. (East Point) TEL 2 557 557 Birthday Centers: 577 340 247, 577 225 580

kfc

dunkin donutS

Address: 29 Marjanishvili Str. TEL 596 08 77 99

Address: 10 I. Abashidze Str., 37 Chavchavadze Str.,

23 Marjanishvili Str., Dolidze Str., 37 Tsintsadze Str., 16 Al. Kazbegi Ave., Vaja-Pshavela Ave., 30 A. Kazbegi Ave., Vaja-Pshavela 3rd quarter, Crossroad of Sandro Euli and Kavtaradze Str., 2 Tvalchrelidze Str. (East Point), Gldani district (near Gldani Park). TEL 255 75 57

to eat

Address: 26 Chavchavadze Ave., 1 Kavtaradze Str. (Goodwill), Gldani Mall, Isani Mall TEL 577 04 37 69

Greek point Address: under Galaktioni Bridge TEL 557 05 56 55

ShaWarMa Spot

GldaniS ShaurMa

SuBWay GeorGia

BurGer kinG

Address: Vekua Str. TEL 592 92 11 92

Address: 19 Chavchavadze Ave., 86 Agmashenebeli Ave., 26 Maisi Sq., 35/37 Vazha-Pshavela Ave., 19 Pushkini Str. TEL 224 20 30

Address: Agmashenebeli Alley 16 Km., Tbilisi Mall TEL 220 04 02

MakShaurMa

leMon GraSS

MuGSy’S BurGer Address: 63 Vaja Pshavela Ave., 14 Eristavi Str. TEL 599 33 43 74

Svan Bakery #1 Address: 1 D. Sarajishvili Str. TEL 599 40 50 13

Address: 68 Vekua Str., 19a Vazha Pshavela Ave., 68 Javakheti Str. (Varketili), 26th May Sq., 1 Kostava Str. TEL 568 23 23 23

Address: 6 Shartava Str. TEL 231 32 15

tuk tuk Address: 7 Machabeli Str. TEL 214 02 34

yard BurGer Joint

red café

Address: 3 Takaishvili Str. TEL 222 55 52

Address: 71 Vazha-Pshavela Ave., 2 Leonidze Str. TEL 220 12 11

pita freSh Address: 46 Vazha Pshavela Ave. TEL 571 20 60 60

GeorGetoWn aMerican Address: 22 Abashidze Str. TEL 591 54 04 04

JuSt pie

BurGer houSe

Address: 4 Ikalto Str. TEL 555 22 17 27

Address: 25 Pushkin Str. TEL 555 46 74 44

to eat

Mixture of Cafe and Theatre under a single space in the very heart of the old city. Warm environment, Georgian & European Food, Art and Music Open everyday from 12:00 pm to 01:00 am

Samghebro St. 9/11 +995514001122 FB კაფე-თეატრი • Cafe-Theatre

Listing: Georgian Cuisine aMra

MeGruli oda

Address: 7 Sandro Euli Str. TEL 568 39 34 30

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

Amra in Abkhazian means “the sun.” It offers the most delicious cuisine from Abkhazia and will take you back in time. Amra can arrange buffets, banquets, and other events.

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

Megrelian Restaurants

Address: 14a Ksani Str. TEL 2 430 450, 597 03 77 11

taShre Address: 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.

aBkhazura

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).

organic and healthy products. It owns a vineyard, fruit orchard and farm of goats, and poultry. The interior concept and menu all originate from Kakheti.

tavern dzveleBuri rachuli Address: 65 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 295 18 85, 599 11 24 80 Tavern Dzveleburi Rachuli offers delicious Rachuli cuisine: Rachuli Lori, Lobiani, Shkmeruli and more.

Mixed Georgian-European and Georgian-Asian Cuisine.

MepetuBani Address: 3 Erekle II Sq. TEL 570 70 77 72 / 598 77 09 68

paSanauri Address: 6 Erekle II Str. TEL 595 547 755 Pasanauri is situated in one of the most prestigious Tbilisi districts, famous for its café-bars and enjoyed by guests and locals alike.

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

The restaurant consists of two main halls and a courtyard. It is distinguished for its Georgian and Megrelian dishes and a diverse coffee menu.

kakheleBi Address: 2 Saknavtobi Str. TEL 294 33 00 Restaurant-Tavern-Bakery Kakhelebi offers Georgian national cuisine made from

to eat

Georgian restaurant. Live music. Typical Georgian food and dance in the very heart of Tbilisi

Restaurant Mepetubani- for the best flavors in the very heart of Tbilisi. Taste Georgian food in a royal environment. The best place for business dinners as well as festive celebrations. 3 Erekle II Square, Tbilisi +995570707772/ +995598770968 მეფეთუბანი / Mepetubani / Мефетубани

Georgian-Azerbaijan cuisine. Show program from 9 PM daily, except Mondays. 1 Gorgasali St. (Median), Tbilisi +995 32/243 90 31/ +995 32/218 12 28; Mob:/+995 599/415815. www.info-tbilisi.com/seidabadi seidabadi - სეიდაბადი

Restaurant Picasso invites Chinese food lovers for Beijing Cuisine. You can taste holiday dinners as well as seafood and spicy meat dishes.

Our Chef from Beijing will serve you.

Our Chef from Hong Kong will serve you at the best Chinese restaurant Siang-ganfor gourmands who love Hong Kong cuisine. This is an ideal place for business dinners as well as festive celebrations. Addr: 4 Miminoshvili St. Tbilisi +995 32 298 90 86 www:picasso.ge

Addr: 41 Gamsaxurdia Ave. (Gagarini sq.), Tbilisi +995 32 237 96 88 www.siang-gan.ge

al MaGhreB Address: 11/13 Shardeni Str. TEL 272 40 00 Georgian, European, Asian Cuisine High quality, amazing Shishas

cafe theater Address: 9/11 Samghebro Str. TEL 514001122

Restaurant Shatro offers a beautiful view and cool, pleasant atmosphere in which to enjoy a wide choice of Georgian and European dishes. It is best known for its fish, Khinkali, kebab, pork shank and assortment of barbecue meats. The restaurant area consists of a European hall, pub, individual booths and a terrace.

paSanauri

SeidaBadi Address: 1. Gorgasali Str., Median TEL 243 90 31/ 218 12 28, 599 41 58 15 www.info-tbilisi.com/seidabadi. Georgian-Azerbaijan cuisine. Show program from 9 pm daily, except Mondays

Mixture of cafe and theater in a single space in the very heart of the old city. Warm environment, Georgian & European food, art and music. Open daily from 12:00 pm to 01:00 am.

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

MravalJaMieri Address: Left Bank of the R. Mtkvari TEL 570 200 300

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

The restaurant offers dishes of GeorgianEuropean cuisine made by professional chefs for true gourmands. From 8pm guests can enjoy live music from wellknown bands.

Shatro Address: 75 Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 577200779

to eat

Address: 37/42 Griboedovi Str. TEL 298 87 15 Address: Meidani TEL 554 77 55 Address: 2 V. Dolidze Str. 595 26 22 77 The best Georgian cuisine and atmosphere.

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

phaeton Address: Beliashvili Str. TEL 577 66 00 20 The Phaeton Restaurant offers a unique experience of the famed Georgian hospitality.

ქართული რესტორანი

0322 60 20 15 ი. ჭავჭავაძის გამზ. 33 I. Chavchavadze ave. icrcorporation

www.icr.ge

Restauranttabla

Listing: Asian Cuisine in Tbilisi picaSSo Address: 4 Miminoshvili Str. TEL 298 90 86

Preparing your dish is turned into a performance as you watch the chefs in the open kitchen of Umami. Mixing Japanese and Thai with other culinary cultures, this Asian fusion restaurant uses the freshest ingredients to create both traditional and innovative dishes.

ankara Address: 128 D. Aghmashenebeli Ave. TEL 295 72 81

Beijing cuisine Restaurant Picasso invites Chinese food lovers to try Beijing cuisine. You can taste special holiday dishes, seafood and spicy dishes with a variety of meats.

SianG Gan Address: 41. Pekini Ave. TEL 237 96 88

Ankara is a modern, clean, air-conditioned restaurant with an interior done out in pink and white. Ankara offers you plenty of delicious Turkish dishes: salads, kebabs, sweets and more.

eaStern pearl Address: 90 Z. Paliashvili Str. TEL 291 46 41 Chinese Restaurant Eastern Pearl offers a Chinese feel and a pleasant atmosphere, along with delicious Chinese cuisine which includes the famous Peking Duck. Free Wi-Fi. Credit cards accepted.

Baan thai Hong-Kong cuisine Offering Hong Kong cuisine, Chinese restaurant Siang-gan is ideal for gourmands, suited to friendly gatherings, festive events and business dinners.

uMaMi aSian fuSion reStaurant Address: 1 Rose Revolution Sq. TEL 240 22 00

Address: 35 R. Tabukashvili Str. TEL 299 78 02 Most traditional Thai dishes are available and prepared by a Thai chef with original Thai ingredients to guarantee an authentic taste. The friendly atmosphere, good service and take away, delivery and catering options are sure to please. Dishes are prepared with low salt. Please note that the restaurant is non-smoking.

to eat

Spice Garden reStaurant Address: 123 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 593 00 07 86 In Spice Garden Restaurant you can taste freshly made traditional Indian food. Seating more than 200 persons, the restaurant offers huge family halls adjacent to the main hall decorated in a style inspired by a multitude of bright fresh and pure flavors and textures representing the diversity of Indian food itself. Working with local farmers, growers and purveyors, the restaurant uses local, organic, biodynamic ingredients whenever possible. Combining these with modern creative and classic Indian styles of cooking, they present food that balances the bounty of Tbilisi with the bold flavors and spices of India.

MaharaJah Address: 24 G. Akhvlediani Str. TEL 299 97 99 Enjoy a pure traditional Indian taste reflection with a 200 year-old history. The best place to have lunches, dinners, and tea breaks, tasting all colors and sweets of the sub-continent while attending birthdays, family functions, business meetings and parties.

SanJha chulha Address: 130 Aghmashenebeli Ave. TEL 596 56 13 13, 2 95 96 14 Sanjha Chulha is an authentic Indian restaurant specialized in Indian cuisine and offering a fantastic selection of dishes.

Guests will find Indian cuisine versatile, ranging from extremely mild to the highly pungent. The varied menu presents dishes of fresh, natural ingredients, wholesome sauces and flavorful spices from India.

BollyWood MaSala indian reStaurant Address: 44 Kostava Ave. TEL 551 52 60 00

Fine Indian Cuisine. Find your next great lunch or dinner dining experience featuring time-honored recipes at New Bollywood Masala Indian Restaurant. We offer fun and wholesome dining options for the whole family. Dress up your dish with our signature sides and round out the night with our satisfying desserts. Food can be prepared mild, medium, or hot. We promise youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll leave with a satisfied belly! Bring the whole family down to the Indian restaurant of Tbilisi: New Bollywood Masala Indian Restaurant, for lunch or dinner. Our service is second to none and our menu will speak for itself.

Baan thai

rant is owned and operated by Thai ladies and most traditional Thai dishes are available, prepared by a Thai chef with original Thai ingredients to give an authentic taste. Guests will find a friendly atmosphere and good service. Baan Thai has take away, delivery and catering service. Dishes are prepared with low salt and no MSG. Please note it is a non-smoking restaurant.

neW aSia chineSe and aSian reStaurant

Address: 35 Tabukashvili Str. TEL 299 78 02

Address: 11 Griboedov Str. TEL 292 21 07

Opened in 2007, Baan Thai is a small traditional Thai Food restaurant located behind the Opera House and very close to the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel. The restau-

New Asia Chinese and Asian Restaurant, situated near the Opera House, allows you to discover a wide range of Asian dishes.

to eat

Varazi Beer House

Situated in the city center, the restaurant offers delicious Georgian and European cuisine and has a great wine and beer culture. All the products are natural and delicious. The German beer Paulaner, which is made in oak barrels, is sold at Varazi Beer House- an exclusive in the South Caucasus. Apart from the inner space, the restaurant has a wonderful terrace which has itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own cooling system in summer.

OPEN: 10:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 00:00 Varazi Beer House Heroes Square, 2 Varazis Khevi

to drink

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

George Kazarashvili Business Development Manager of 8000 Vintages

aMBer Bar Amber Bar is a place where you can taste the most delicious types of wine. The name â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amber Barâ&#x20AC;? is actually promoting Qvevri wine, which is strengthened even more by the perfect combination of food and wine.

to drink

Black doG Bar Black Dog is a place where you can taste high quality craft beer.

rooMS Bar Rooms bar – The importance of barmen here is at a new level, which is clearly visible in their cocktails.

hanGar Bar Hangar Bar – You’re in the middle of Tbilisi but here you could easily be in Ireland. Try some of the best beers in the city and at the same time enjoy the great environment.

8000 vintaGeS 8000 Vintages - Located at S. Tsintsadze Str. 26, it’s a very comfortable place and one of the best for wine tasting. All wines presented at “8000 Vintages” are carefully selected through blind tasting by its independent tasting committee.

to drink

Wine in Georgia By ana lominadze silver details), or clay bowls. These usually appear when the feast is around ¾ of the way through. Wine gained more importance from the 4th century AD when the country adopted Christianity. Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Kartli, is known to have carried a cross made of vine wood bound with her hair. During Soviet times, Georgian wine peaked in popularity, sold on the soviet markets to increasing demand.

While Georgia is a small country, it’s well-known for its great nature, culture, traditions and friendly people. Georgia is divided into regions: Kakheti, Kartli, Tusheti, Meskheti, Imereti, Racha, Lenchkhumi, Khevsureti, Oseti, Samegrelo, Guria, Samckhe-Javakheti, Svaneti, Adjara and Apkhazeti, and offers a diverse climate which is beneficial particularly for agriculture. Georgia is also known for its delicious wine, the best of which is made in Kakheti. Georgian people started producing wine 8000 years ago, nourishing their knowledge through experience and experimentation. Since prehistoric times, Georgians have been cultivating grapes and putting them in large clay vessels (Qvevri) following the harvest. They are sealed

underground for months or years at a time- some remain entombed for 50 years or more. UNESCO added the unique traditional way of winemaking (Qvevri) to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2013. Today, Georgians also produce wine through the European method of winemaking. The wine tradition is very strong in Georgia and no feast (supra) will be seen without it- with the vast assortment of dishes most commonly accompanied by Qvevri white wine which is a strong yellow in color and is easily digested. At said supra, you might see the Georgians drinking not only from small glass tumblers but also from traditional “kantsi” (polished horns, sometimes decorated with

to drink

Most Georgian wine, like French, is made by blending several grape species. The varieties of Georgian wines are: sweet, semi-sweet, semi-dry, dry, fortified and sparkling, with semi-sweet being most popular. Khvanchkara is the most popular red semi-sweet wine, often served with desserts. Dry red Saperavi is served with meat and poultry. Red Usakhelauri, if you can find it, is also served with meat, poultry and cheese and was Josef Stalin’s favorite wine. 52 Kindzmarauli is a semi-sweet wine, most often served with meat, poultry and fish. Kisi is a white rather sweet wine used as an appetizer which also complements fish. Semi-sweet white Tvishi is served with fish and vegetables, while another dessert wine, Tavkveri, is a dry rose. Georgian wine retains its popularity in post-Soviet countries and is gaining evermore appreciation in Europe, Asia and the US.

Drinks & Rooms with a View By nino Gugunishvili

For those of you planning a trip to Tbilisi this summer, and especially for those who love to share their adventures through beautiful pictures posted on social media, these two Tbilisi hotels might be a perfect place to stay, or just for a visit to experience some of the best service, comfort and tasty food and drinks in town.

Mercure tBiliSi old toWn Located at 9, Vakhtang Gorgasali Str. in the center of Old Tbilisi, this hotel offers 102 rooms, Old Town Restaurant, a lobby bar and rooftop terrace bar SKY 7 - one of the most popular hangout spots for both tourists and locals. With magnificent panoramic views of the city, it’s one of the best places to chill out and relax in after a long, hot summer’s day, offering delicious meals and top cocktails. Mercure Tbilisi Old Town hotel is a few minutes’ walk from the sulphur baths, touristy Chardin Street and Meidan Square.

the terrace Boutique hotel You’ll find this boutique hotel, offering 26 spacious, luxurious rooms, at 7 Polikarpe Kakabadze Str. in the heart of Tbilisi in the Mtatsminda district. It will easily take your breath away with its stunning views of some of the most beautiful parts of the city thanks to its rooftop terrace restaurant which boasts a menu of both traditional Georgian and European cuisine.

to drink

Listing: Where to Buy Wine chateau nelkariSi

and a restaurant offering delicious contemporary Georgian food.

Wine reStaurant azarpheSha

Nelkarisi Estate offers a variety of tours and activities tailored to everyone’s requirements and tastes: A tour to the ancient city of Nelkarisi; Georgian cuisine workshop and tour; wine tasting tour and wine-friendly dinner tour.

Address: Shilda village, Kakheti region TEL 571 15 32 07, 599 02 62 82 INFO@FRIENDSCELLAR.COM The Friends’ Cellar is an endeavor of a group of friends united by their love and appreciation of Georgian wine. Preserving the uniqueness of Georgian winemaking traditions and keeping pace with the swiftly developing tendencies in the field is the company’s major goal. Friend’s Cellar has developed two brands: IKANO – a combination of local and international traditions, and NELKARISI - classic Georgian wines made in full compliance with Georgian wine traditions. Nelkarisi Estate, home of Friends’ Cellar JSC, is located in the valley between Telavi and the foothills of the Caucasus, next to the ancient city of Nelkarisi, with a view of the Nekresi Monastery. The estate includes a modern winery and tasting room offering degustation of wines produced by the company, a Qvevri cellar where visitors can visualize the ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri wine-making method,

natural Wine reStaurant poliphonia

Address: 2 Ingorokva Str. Facebook: azarphesha www.azarphesha.com TEL 579 702 332, 579 704 080, 598 466 663 info@azarphesha.com The restaurant offers modern Georgian fusion and a natural wine list.

Wine Bar Gvino underGround Address: 23 Amaghleba Str. TEL: 557 637 143 Facebook: poliphoniatbilisi E-mail: magdapoliphonia@gmail.com A dynamic constantly changing menu featuring wine-friendly traditional dishes to share and modern Georgian cuisine.

vinoMania Address: 45 Kote Apkhazi Str. TEL 579 02 19 34

to drink

Address: 15 G. Tabidze Str. TEL 599 506 427, 599 393 538 Facebook: VinoUnderground

E-mail: welcome@vinounderground.ge www.vinounderground.ge Natural wine tastings and small seasonal plates of food.

Wine reStaurant pheaSant’S tearS

tion 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.

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.

Wine cellar chateau zeGaani

Traditional white and red Qvevri wines produced in the Alaverdi Monastery wine cellar include Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Kisi, Khikhvi, Saperavi and Chacha.

tWinS Wine houSe Address: 18 Baratashvili Str. Sighnaghi TEL 598 722 848, 599 534 484 Facebook: Pheasant-Tears-Signaghi and Pheasants-Tears-Winery E-mail: tamriko@pheasantstears.com jwurdeman@pheasantstears.com www.pheasantstears.com Wine tastings and local natural cuisine.

vinotel Address: 4 Elene Akvhlediani Slope TEL 255 58 88

8000 vintaGeS Address: 26 S. Tsintsadze Str. TEL 558 48 88 11

Wine cellar kakhuri Address: 1 Tbilisi Highway, 2200 Telavi, Georgia TEL 599 10 70 35 Kakhuri is located on the main road of Telavi on a territory housing a demonstra-

Address: Village Napareuli, Telavi, Georgia TEL 2424042, 551 74 74 74 Address: Village Zegaani, 1514 Gurjaani TEL 210 30 44, 599 17 48 41 Chateau Zegaani is a wine estate built in 1820 by Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, a great political and cultural figure of the 19th century, as well as the founder of modern Georgian viticulture. You can taste the wine made from Saperavi and Rkatsiteli grapes by the Tatulashvili family, as well as Mukuzani PDO wine. White and red wines made in Qvevri are also served here. The old Georgian brick building houses a restaurant, with a nice design and a wide variety of cuisine. The company often organizes tastings of its own wines in the restaurant.

alaverdi MonaStery Address: Village Alaverdi, Akhmeta, Georgia TEL 596 10 04 34

to drink

pheaSant’S tearS Winery, vineyardS, and taStinG hall

Address: Tibaani village TEL 598 722 848, 599 534 484 Facebook: Pheasant-Tears-Signaghi and Pheasants-Tears-Winery www.pheasantstears.com tamriko@pheasantstears.com jwurdeman@pheasantstears.com Winery and vineyard tours, wine tastings and farm-to feasts.

Summer Is Here

to buy

STEP ONE

HAVE FUN

STEP TWO

SHOP

16th km, Agmashenebeli Alley, Tbilisi. (032) 2 505 556 facebook.com/tbilisimall info@tbilisimall.com

Stay unique

Exclusive Tips for Shopping Lovers

. . . e c i o My Ch

Sopho Barnabishvili GM, Sales and Marketing of Batumi Mall Although Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not from Batumi, since I became the General Manager of Batumi Mall, I have discovered so much more about this wonderful and unique city, as I spend time here and learn. I can easily say that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve fallen in love with Batumi and love it just as much as the locals do.

BoGacho Bogacho is distinguished with its specialties, character and history. Bogacho gives an opportunity to create something new, original, unique and unparalleled. Address: 39 Pekini Str.

100

to buy

Stay Cool

the Shop Salon podiuM

SaM raan Spa

Shop-salon PODIUM is a unique space where you can trust the professionals to take care of your beauty and style. At the same time, it is an Italian boutique where the best collections are presented for any women to revamp her wardrobe.

Sam Raan Spa-center is a unique place to relax, restore and refresh. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s magical atmosphere helps you forget and escape from daily problems. You can enjoy an exceptional variety of spa therapies and rites from all over the world.

Address: 41 Paliashvili Str.

Address: 24 300 Aragveli Str.

keti chkhikvadze I also suggest you visit the fashion house of Keti Chkhikvadze, a Georgian designer whose collections are always distinguished and renewed (Tbilisi, 7 Mosashvili Str., Batumi, 24 Gamsakhurdia Str.) Address: 7 Mosashvili Str. Tbilisi, Georgia

BatuMi Mall Batumi City, where, aside from happy shopping, visitors have the opportunity to receive service from a variety of salons, fitness centers, cafes and entertainment centers. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get bored- not even on rainy days. Address: 88 Gorgiladze Str., Batumi

to buy

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Stay Stylish

Georgian Carpets By nino Gugunishvili

Souvenirs may often be kitschy but wherever we travel, low budget or luxury, we always try to bring something back with us. Those souvenirs make our memories tangible, fresh, unforgettable. If you’re not on a budget, then take our recommendation this issue and buy yourself a carpet. Traditional Georgian carpets are made of sheep or goat wool and compressed felt. The quality of weaving and the number of knots (up to 800,000 per sq.m) are considered to be very important in defining the value. The more knots, the higher the quality is. A good carpet also has to be made using natural dyes. Textile tradition and manufacturing is deeply rooted in Georgia’s historical and cultural heritage, dating back to the ancient times and middle ages where at caravanse-

102

rai (bazaars), merchants from the East and Europe gathered for a fierce trade. The Tusheti, Khevsureti, Pshavi, Svaneti, Mountainous Racha, Javakheti and Kakheti regions are predominantly known for the tradition of handmade carpet weaving and it was an indispensable part of everyday life for artisan women for centuries. Traditional Georgian carpets and rugs have a combination of red, blue, dark green and brown colors with typical Georgian ornaments throughout. The process of knitting is long and can take up to a year. In Tbilisi, head to the Sioni church area, next to Karvasla, and along to Erekle II Str. 8/10 where the Caucasian Carpets Gallery can be found, with a huge collection of Caucasian carpets and rugs laid all over the place even on the street

to buy

outside, in all their vivid diversity. Price is a little difficult to define as every carpet is unique, with distinctive elements of décor making it special. It may cost you 200 GEL at the cheapest, to 1500 - 2000 GEL or more. But whether you decide to buy or not, it is certainly worth a look and feel! LISTING: CARPET SHOPS Address: 42 K. Apkhazi Str. (unnamed, small shop on the corner) SAUNJE GALLERY Address: Chardin Str. CAUCASIAN CARPETS GALLERY Address: 8/10 Erekle II Str. NARIKALA FIRM CARPET SHOP Address: Maidan

Stay In Shape

On Yer Bike! Londoners are proud of the many kilometers of special cycle lanes in their city of cyclists. In Tbilisi, where the ecological situation sets the alarm bells ringing, the increasing number of cyclists with colored helmets remain disregarded by both drivers and walkers- cyclists are thought to “pose a threat” to their peaceful circulation. Despite this, the number of cycle lovers is increasing and City Hall is this year setting up a number of trial cycle lanes to test consumer demand and attempt to deal, in a small way, with the awful pollution endured by city-dwellers. The charm of this wonderful transport is huge: it needs no technical monitoring, no driving license or fuel; it easily handles traffic jams and promotes a healthy lifestyle. The process of selecting a bicycle fits the demands of the buyer. There is a large

assortment available in Georgia: from Chinese and German to American. Prices start from 180 GEL and exceed 1000 GEL. Cyclists need only define clearly where he/she is going to use the bicycle: in the city, in the mountain, or on tracks. However no matter what, first of all the bike needs to be relevant to a person’s height, have well checked wheels, a firm frame, a comfortable saddle and handlebars, and strong brake. There are hybrid bicycles which ride well both on asphalt and off road. A city bike should be tall, with high handlebars and a wide and comfortable saddle. In Tbilisi, bicycles are sold in sports shops around the Dinamo Arena stadium and in other sport shops on Vazha Pshavela Avenue and Kavtaradze Street. The store VELO+ offers a wide choice as well as rental services. It is also possible to buy bike accessories there or get your bike repaired.

LISTING: BICYCLES SHOPS BIKES.GE Address: 51 Abashidze Str. TEL 225 08 28, 551 26 37 37 VELO+ Address: 30 T. Abuladze Str., 11a Agladze Str. TEL 247 77 90 VELO SAKHLI Address: 28 Bakhtrioni Str. TEL 555 18 43 24 BICYCLE RENTAL SERVICE Address: Lisi lake TEL 574 94 45 55 BIKE SHOP Address: 140 Tsereteli Ave. TEL 557 14 45 54 BIKES Address: 23 Robakidze Ave. TEL 577 12 12 24

to buy

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Mtskheta: 38 arsukidze str 40 arsukidze str 42 arsukidze str 44 arsukidze str 46 arsukidze str

Tbilisi: 3 king erekle ll str 12 bambis rigi str 13 abano str 2 kipshidze str +9955 55 50 89 54 ENG; +9955 55 31 13 76 RUS

asmonte.ge

Stay Healthy

Buy Georgian Produce “straight-from-the-farm” taste difference compared to the supermarket produce.

The biggest choice for fresh producebrought straight from the regions to the capital - can be found at the Station Market, which is semi-open air and much cleaner than it was five years ago, though far from European hygiene standards. You still get raw chicken sitting next to eggs and cheese, and pieces of meat hanging in the open (and before buying you should check the skin for an inspector’s stamp). But you can avoid the sight, and smell, of this as there are sections of the market dedicated solely to fruit and vegetables, with gypsies and village women shouting out their wares and complimenting you and praising God for your time and money. You’ll also find individuals set up with cardboard boxes and buckets on the roadside around town (and in villages). This will be a rare sight soon, as in its pursuit of Western hygiene standards,

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Tbilisi City Hall has begun removing street-sellers to encourage them to sell from controlled areas like the Station Market. Perhaps, in five years’ time, all Georgia will have left is the supermarkets. So, while you can- get it fresh from the villages. Of course, there’s no guarantee that the home-grown goods come without a coating of pesticides or unseen grubby fingerprints, but if you make sure to wash anything you buy thoroughly before eating, you’ll notice the

to buy

In the West, we have become accustomed to “beautiful” fruit and instinctively avoid blemished skins, such as brown spots on apples, but these are usually perfectly natural and are a sign that what you’re getting “grew as God planned it”. We at Where.ge are supporters of ‘Buy Georgian’ and recommend you do the same while you’re here. A huge percentage of the country’s population supports itself in some way through agriculture, so turn away from the cheaper Turkish imports and go local. Worth trying are the juicy cucumbers, rosy tomatoes, tangy oranges from the Black Sea region and hazelnuts from all over (now much cheaper since the boom of the past two years, with everyone and his neighbor scrabbling for a slice of the nut profit), late summer-early autumn grapes in all shapes, colors and size, the tangerines at Christmas, and the green herbs year-round, for which Georgian cuisine is well-known.

Stay Cultured

Tbilisi Art Galleries eStia handMade art Boutique

verniSSaGe Gallery

Address: 60 Tsinamdzgvrishvili Str. TEL 243 20 06 Open: Mon-Sun, 11.00-20.30 E-mail: arts.estia@gmail.com FB and Tripadvisor: Estia - Handmade Arts

Address: 49 K. Apkhazi Str. 299 88 08

Situated close to the recently renovated Agmashenebeli Ave, Estia handmade art boutique-workshop offers a huge variety of original handmade gifts and souvenirs. Along with shopping, here guests can watch the crafting process by various painters and artisans, design and order personalized gifts and attend master classes to learn to create unique souvenirs of their own.

chardin art Gallery Address: 13 Rustaveli Ave. (Hotel “Tbilisi Marriott“) TEL 299 09 25

lado tevdoradze art Gallery Address: 6 Erekle II Str. TEL 298 98 56

lado GudiaShvili exhiBition hall Address: 11 L. Gudiashvili Str. TEL 293 23 05

Gallery container Address: 10 Radiani Str. TEL 599 01 38 38

Gallery vanda Address: 14 Chonkadze Str. TEL 293 42 86, 599 56 99 71

Gallery “caMeo” Address: 11 Rkinis Rigi TEL 272 48 72, 93 31 92 66, 232 08 76

Baia Gallery Address: 10 Shardeni Str. TEL 275 45 10, 599 50 53 02

art Gallery ahundov houSe Address: 17 Gorgasali Str. TEL 275 02 07

tBc art Gallery Address: 7 Marjanishvili St. TEL 227 27 27

arS Salon Address: 69 Barnovi Str. TEL 229 43 31, 214 39 94, 593 303 245

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palitra Gallery (Niko Kherkeladze Gallery) Address: 8/10 Erekle II Str. TEL 591 17 67 65 boxell@ymail.com www.niko-kherkeladze.com

europe houSe Address: 1 Freedom Sq. TEL 247 03 12

hoMe Gallery Address: 13 Betlemi Str. TEL 555 15 38 11

GaMrekeli Gallery Address: 14 Ingorokva Str. TEL 299 57 23

Gala Gallery Address: 27 Atoneli Str. TEL 577 43 40 60, 599 42 54 14

tBc art Gallery Address: 7 Marjanishvili St. TEL 599 25 56 00

SfuMato Gallery Address: 19 Ingorokva Str. TEL 577 11 22 04, 599 54 87 37

enaMel art Gallery “ornaMent” Address: 7 Erekle II Str. TEL 293 64 12, 298 90 13

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Stay On Trend

Listing: Where to Buy Accessories kapa haBitat 4 Miminoshvili Str. Tbilisi, Georgia +995 32 2148282 www.kapahabitat.com

Kapa Habitat – Located in the heart of Tbilisi, close to Rustaveli Ave. 4 Miminoshvili Str. Place, where you can get everything to make your living space special, original and interesting. Since 2010 Kapa Habitat offers unique handmade home interior accessories, furniture, textile, hand painted ceramics, tableware, home décor, jewelry, etc. These unique products are brought from Bali Island, Indonesia. Each item is hand-made, exotic materials, different, original and exclusive. At Kapa Habitat you get the things that highlight your individuality and encourages you to be different. Kapa habitat is always trying to be against dullness. They always strive to make their “different views” available for everyone. The shop is a great place for buying the gifts for families, friends, guests, etc. The shop is opened daily from 11:30 20:30 You can also visit www.kapahabitat.com and shop online. Kapa – your interesting habitat

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Monte

SWatch

Address: 3 King Erekle ll Str., Tbilisi, 12 Bambis Rigi Str ., Tbilisi, 13 Abano Str., Tbilisi, 2 kipshidze Str., Tbilisi 38 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta, 40 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta, 42 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta, 44 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta, 46 Arsukidze Str,. Mtskheta TEL 55 50 89 54, 555 31 13 76 www.asmonte.ge

Address: Heroes Sq. TEL 233 07 02

Baccarat Address: 1 Kavtaradze Str., IG Mall, TEL 229 55 20 Address:1 Khizabavra Str, TEL 230 62 02 Address:1 Parnavaz Mepe Str., TEL 570 70 65 28 Address: D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, TEL 230 73 90 Address: 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point

vandoMe Address: 23 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 292 33 66

cryStal

Address: 2 Freedom Sq. TEL 250 50 00

Address: 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, Near Akhmeteli Metro Station, Gldani Mall, D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, 9 Pekini Ave. TEL 595 58 22 32

arttiMe

da vinci

chronoGraph

Address: Heroes Sq. TEL 233 27 35 Address: Freedom Sq. TEL 577 02 30 60 Address: D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., TEL 272 55 96 Address: City Mall Saburtalo, TEL 230 97 14 Address: 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, TEL 577 12 70 10 Address: 24 K. Gamsakhurdia Str., Batumi TEL 422 22 48 08

to buy

Address: D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, 42 Rustaveli Ave., Shopping Gallery Merani TEL 243 43 50

delfoS Address: 19 Pekini Ave., 1 Kavtaradze Str., IG Mall, 34 Chavchavadze Ave. 108/110 Agmashenebeli Ave. 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, Near Akhmeteli Metro Station, Gldani Mall,

Stay In Fashion 7 Dadiani Ave., Shopping Center Karvasla, 88 Gorgiladze, Batumi TEL 790 12 15 55

diadeMa Address: 18 Marjanishvili Str. TEL 295 76 71

franco fontana Address: 21 Chavchavadze Ave., 26 Rustaveli Ave., 7 Pekini Ave., City Mall Saburtalo, 1 Kavtaradze Str., IG Mall, TEL 218 10 46

klondike Address: 3 Khimshiashvili Str. TEL 291 12 32

pokany Address: 7 Bambis Rigi Str. TEL 591 40 98 47

roBerto Bravo Address: 24 Kazbegi Ave. TEL 230 81 66, 231 25 99

SWarovSki Address: 24 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 299 08 61

zarapxana Address: 19 Chavchavadze Ave., 15 Lubliana Str., 1 Kavtaradze Str., IG Mall, D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, 35 Rustaveli Str., Batumi TEL 251 00 01, 595 22 87 60

SaMoSeli pirveli Address: 34 Abashidze Str. TEL 223 43 63, 223 89 36

karvaSla, tBiliSi hiStory MuSeuM Address 8 Sioni Str., 1st Floor TEL 2 98 22 81

o, Moda, Moda Address: 64 V. Barnov Str. TEL 243 00 41

Baldi Address: 104 D. Agmashenebeli Ave., 4 Pekini Ave., 34 I. Chavchavadze Ave., 36 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 514 00 09 97

acceSSorize Address: 42 Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 577 97 97 13

parfoiS Address: 22 Pekini Ave., 33a I. Chavchavadze Ave., 7 Dadiani Ave., Shopping Center Karvasla, 144 D. Aghmashenebeli Ave., 16 Sh. Rustaveli Ave., D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, 42 Rustaveli Ave., Shopping Gallery Merani, 1 Kavtaradze Str., IG Mall, 2 Tvaltchrelidze Str., East point, 7 Dadiani Ave., Shopping Center Karvasla, 4/4a, Tsereteli Str, Kutaisi, 15/26, Gamsakhurdia/Melashvili Str., Batumi TEL 253 40 00

co.Mode clotheS and acceSSorieS Shop Address: 45 V. Barnov Str. TEL 598 53 39 59

Sunglasses

Safilo opticS

Nature Bijoux Address: 20 Pekini Str., 1 Kavtaradze Str., IG Mall, 34 Chavchavadze Ave., 42 Rustaveli Ave., Shopping Gallery Merani, 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point, Near Akhmeteli Metro Station, Gldani Mall, D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall TEL 234 39 90, 205 08 08

Address: 14 Rustaveli Ave., TEL 299 91 66 Address: 15 Vaja-Pshavela Str., TEL 2 18 39 31 Address: 20 Pekini Ave., TEL 2 38 15 86 Address: 16 Chavchavadze Ave., TEL 218 15 86 Address: 5 Lubliana Str., Javrishvili eye microsurgery clinic, TEL 238 15 86 Address: 29 Tavdadebuli Str., Batumi Address: 4 Tamar Mepe Str., Kutaisi Address: 1 Meskhishvili Str., Rustavi TEL 218 15 86

aldo

roniko opticS

Mandarina

Address: D. Agmashenebeli Alley 16th km., Tbilisi Mall, 142 D. Agmashenebeli Ave., 2 Tvalchrelidze Str., East Point TEL 220 31 85

to buy

Address: 19 Rustaveli Ave., Tbilisi 41 K. Gamsakhurdia Str., Batumi, 1 St. Nino Str., Kutaisi TEL 299 61 00

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SERVICE HALL 9 APRIL PARK

RIKE

Tbilisi Map. Designed at the request of the Georgian National Tourism Administration for non-commercial purposes.

9 MARCH PARK

DEDAENA PARK

PUBLIC SERVICE HALL 9 APRIL PARK

RIKE

BOTANIC GARDEN

Dubai

Guide to the best shopping malls in Dubai By Sofia Bochoidze Visiting the Middle East during summer is not a bad idea. The city is calmer and quieter than usual but really comes alive in the evening. During the month of Ramadan, most hotels as well as restaurants offer discounted rates and special packages. Also, Malls across Dubai run special activities and offer deals to entice shoppers during the holy month. This time of the year many shopping malls open later, usually past midnight. here’s our top list of shopping malls in dubai, as recommended by Where! With so many exceptional malls to choose from, we hope this short list will help you navigate your way through.

duBai Mall Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping mall and a major attraction for tourists from across the globe. It is an exceptionally vast retail, leisure and entertainment space right in the heart of downtown Dubai. In 2014, more than 80 million visitors shopped at the mall’s 1,200+ retail stores. One can easily say that one day is not enough to explore this mall. The architecture and design is flawless with every corner so well-lit and decorated as to leave any visitor charmed. The Dubai Mall has something for everyone, including an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, underwater zoo and the Dubai Aquarium. Under one massive roof, you’ll find 1,000-plus retailers, including high-street favorites Location: Financial Center Road, Downtown, Dubai www.thedubaimall.com

Dubai mall - photo source: www.directoryengine.enginethemes.com

Mall of the eMirateS Known as the world’s first shopping resort, Mall of the Emirates is one of the grandest and most extravagant shopping arenas. Not only does it boast 630 high-end brands, but fashion designers from around the world are put on full display in the mall’s Fashion Dome and Luxury Wing. If you get tired of shopping, there are still plenty of other things to do at Mall of the Emirates. Enjoy the games and be entertained at Magic Planet, a family theme park, or drop by the renowned indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai, for a day of skiing or mall of the emirates - photo source: www.majidalfuttaim.com

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dubai

snowboarding, tobogganing and playing with the penguins. Mall of the Emirates is not just a mall, it’s an entire resort! This mall houses entertainment, leisure, food and is a complete one-stop-shop for families and friends! Location: Al Barsha 1, Dubai www.malloftheemirates.com

deira city center Known among long-term Dubai residents as the first quality mall in Dubai, opened in 1995.,Deira City Center is situated in the Deira City (old Dubai) and is known for its hospitality and friendly environment. Together with famous and luxurious brands, Deira City Center also offers some lesserknown shops worth checking out. Plus, the prices are affordable. Deira City Center is a must-visit amongst the top shopping malls of UAE. Location: Deira, 8th Str. Dubai www.citycentredeira.com

deira city centre - photo source: www.majidalfuttaim.com

Mercato Mall Opened in 2002, this is a Renaissance-themed shopping mall that mimics the sights and feel of an Italian village. The mall is located on Jumeirah Road, the closest road to the beach (2 minutes on foot). It is not a huge mall, but it is one of the most beautiful and conceptual in Dubai. Mercato Mall offers a good mix of boutique, luxury and high street stores, it is also home to the popular Starbucks, Spinneys Supermarket, Accessorize and more.

mercato mall - photo source: www.timeoutdubai.com

Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai www.mercatoshoppingmall.com

duBai outlet Mall In 2007, Dubai Outlet Mall opened its doors to the UAE as part of Dubai Outlet City. Dubai Outlet Mall is the only ‘outlet’ concept mall in the Middle East and home to over 800 of the world’s premium and top fashion brands. It is dedicated to being a true value retail destination and you can snap up discounts of between 30 - 90% on the majority of products on offer in the 240 stores there. Location: Al Ain Road, Dubailand – Dubai www.dubaioutletmall.com dubai outlet mall - photo source: www.alldubai.ae

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city center Mirdif Mirdif City Center, opened in 2010, is a super regional shopping mall ideally located on Emirates Road and Tripoli Street. The mall is a hub of the greater community with extensive provisions of facilities such as dedicated community areas, medical clinics, spa, personal grooming facilities and a fitness center. Offering baby changing facilities, an eco-friendly zone with outdoor cafes and more, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great place to shop and relax with friends and family. Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai www.citycentremirdif.com city centre mirdif - photo source: www.majidalfuttaim.com

duBai feStival center The Festival Center is one of the largest malls in Dubai, elegantly designed near the yacht club and giving its visitors a picturesque experience while shopping. Its size is equivalent to a football pitch. Right now, shoppers head there for Ikea, the largest Aldo store on the planet and the only Mint Velvet outside the UK. Dining: Inside is the only Hard Rock CafĂŠ in the UAE, alongside authentic Emirati cuisine. Dubai International Airport is a five-minute drive, with access from business bay, Garhoud bridges and less than five minutes away from Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Boulevard. It is ideal for families who want to spend a beautiful and calm evening out. dubai festival centre - photo source: www.festivalcentre.com

Location: Festival City, Dubai www.festivalcentre.com

iBn Battuta Mall Inspired by the famous Arabic explorer Ibn Battuta, this shopping mall is nothing less than an exploration in itself for visitors. With six distinct retail courts, it is considered the largest theme mall in the world. All on one level, Ibn Battuta is probably the one mall you can go to and not miss a shop. With few libraries in the city, House of Prose is a fantastic place for avid readers: you can buy a book there, read it, then return it for a 50 percent refund. The ambiance and the strong cultural influence make it stand out prominently amongst all other shopping malls of the UAE. Location: Sheikh Zayed Road. Dubai www.ibnbattutamall.com

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ibn battuta mall - photo source: www.deltalightingdesign.com

dubai

Extreme Sports & Fun Activities in Dubai By Sofia Bochoidze

SkydivinG Skydive Dubai is an adventure sports brand known for its extraordinary and innovative pursuit of excellence in aerial sports and which has developed two of the foremost skydiving locations worldwide. Skydive Dubai has two locations in Dubai offering breath-taking views as people skydive over the desert or over the iconic Palm Jumeirah Island. Desert Campus Dropzone is located off the Dubai – Al Ain road (E66) near Margham; which is 35 km away from the heart of Dubai and approximately an hour and a half drive from Dubai International Airport (DXB).

skidiving - photo source: destination2.co.uk

Palm Dropzone is located on the coast in the Mina Seyahi area between Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). This location is an hour’s drive from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Summer 2017 hours: Desert Campus will be closed starting June 1. Palm will be open. Manifest opens at 5 am and closes at 10 am, weather permitting, starting June 2. Book your summer tandem skydive now on www.skydivedubai.ae

dhoW cruiSe duBai Treat yourself and your loved ones to an exquisite night of entertainment and unforgettable experiences in Dubai. Cruising down Dubai Creek is a novel experience, one which you cannot miss when in Dubai. A Dhow cruise dinner is truly one of the best moments you can share with the people dearest to you. Imagine yourself having dinner on a Dhow Cruise, enjoying the fascinating lights of Dubai Creek, with the Music and Tanura Dance show, a sip of your favorite drink and a BBQ buffet dinner. Romance was never so easy to find. Dhow cruise dubai - photo source: www.southtravels.com Dividing the charming ‘city of lights’ into two commercial districts, Dubai Creek epitomizes the city’s personality. Here, the magnificent sophistication of the 21st century walks hand in hand with the simplicity of a bygone era. Onboard, you are welcomed with (Kahweh) Arabic coffee followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner. For more information, visit www.dhowcruisedubai.com

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SandBoardinG Sandboarding (also known as Sand Surfing) is a board sport, just like snowboarding but on sand dunes. It involves sliding down, or across, a sand dune while standing with both feet strapped to a board. More daring people use a board with no bindings, a method that is considered by many as much more dangerous. You’ll have to be at least 13 years old to take part. Sandboarding down Al Hamer, Dubai’s tallest sand dune at 100m, might just frighten the life out of you. While this sport has followers throughout the world, for obvious reasons it is much more popular in desert regions like Dubai and UAE that has a limitless supply of sand dues to choose from. sandboarding - photo source: www.whatson.ae

About 30 minutes drive from Dubai is the desert with the biggest dunes in the country, some 200-300m high. The biggest one (locally called “Big Red “) is very popular with locals and visitors but because there are no organized system or rules, it becomes a free for all. It is best to find a quieter dune (this is one of the advantages of using a local tour guide). For more information, visit www.thedubaisafari.com

drivinG experience Live the dream and drive around Yas Island behind the wheel of a Ferrari California. You’ll receive a lesson on how to drive the car from trained pilots, and a Ferrari expert will be on hand to give you some insider tips. With space in the back seat for up to two passengers, it’s the perfect adventure to share with family or friends. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure destination, the park is close to a variety of outstanding attractions, accommodation and entertainment venues. With the natural beauty of an island combined with the round-the-clock entertainment of a city, it’s a great place for adventure.

driving experience - photo source: underatree.overblog.com

Rides designed to thrill. Whether you crave the intense G-force of world-class rollercoasters, want to go-kart race with your family or challenge the best lap times in a state-of-the-art simulator – there is endless fun for everyone. For more information, visit www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

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dubai

Water SlideS Dubai has the most extreme slides on the globe so get yourself down to Wild Wadi. Located in Dubai and situated in front of the stunning Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and attractions for all the family. Themed around the tale of Juha, a popular character from Arabian folklore, the waterpark boasts 30 rides and attractions situated within the only themed amusement park in the UAE. water slides - photo source: www.expedia.co.in

Wild Wadi is always a good idea for everyone, especially during the summer season. For more information, visit www.jumeirah.com

Ski, SnoWBoard, toBoGGan Think you can’t ski in Dubai? Well, you can! Located in Mall of the Emirates - the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East! An amazing mountain-themed winter setting where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, take part in snow events and meet and play with Ski Dubai’s newest residents; the Snow Penguins!

ski, snowboard, toboggan - photo source: www.theplaymania.com

Experience rolling down the Giant Ball run, jumping a 10ft. ramp, spiralling down the tube slides, sightseeing in the chairlift or just relaxing over a hot chocolate at minus 4 degrees. Ski Dubai has 5 runs that vary in difficulty, height and steepness. The longest run is 400 meters with a fall of over 60 meters, making it the world’s first indoor black run. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will enjoy these various slopes and snowboarders can also practice their stunts on the 90-metre long quarter pipe. Kids and parents will have fun at the interactive Snow Park which is the largest indoor snow park in the world at 3000 square meters. You don’t have to worry about ski clothing or equipment because Ski Dubai offers guests winter clothing, ski and snowboard equipment. Enjoy real snow, all year round, in a winter world of exciting events. For more information, visit www.skidubai.com

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Business Listing banks

procredit Bank

proGreSS Bank

paSha Bank

Address: 154 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 220 22 22 www.procreditbank.ge

Address: 8 Baratashvili Str. TEL 599 50 11 44, 232 00 44 www.progressbank.ge

Bank repuBlic

halyk Bank

Address: 2 Gr. Abashidze Str. TEL 292 55 55 www.republic.ge

Address: 74 Kostava Str. TEL 224 07 07 www.hbg.ge

Bank of GeorGia

teraBank

Address: 15 Rustaveli Ave. TEL 226 50 00 www.pashabank.ge

Address: 29a Gagarin Str. TEL 244 44 44 www.bankofgeorgia.ge

liBerty Bank Address: 74 Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 255 55 00 www.libertybank.ge

PASHA Bank is a Baku-based financial institution operating in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, providing a full range of corporate and investment banking services to large and mediumsized enterprises. PASHA Bank has been operating in Georgia since 2013 and during our short time of operation we have received positive feedback from our customers due to the high-quality service we provide and our exclusive business approach. The Bank is a part of PASHA Holding - a diversified investment group with the total assets of approximately USD 5 billion as of December 2015.

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BaSiSBank Address: 1 Ketevan Tsamebuli Ave. TEL 2921 921, 922 922 www.basisbank.ge

vtB Bank GeorGia Address: 14 G. Tchanturia Str. TEL 250 55 05 www.vtb.com.ge

tBc Bank Address: 7 Marjanishvili Str. TEL 227 27 27 www.tbcbank.com.ge

Bta Bank Address: 73a Tsereteli Ave. TEL 2242 242 www.bta.ge

Address: 3 Queen Ketevan Ave. TEL 255 00 00 www.terabank.ge

finca Bank GeorGia

Address: 71 Vazha-Pshavela Ave. TEL 220 74 10/11 www.finca.ge

Fuel companies Gulf Address: 34 Chavchavadze Ave. TEL 249 644 4 www.gulf.ge

WiSSol

Address: 74 Chavchavadze Ave., TEL 249 64 44 www.wissol.ge

roMpetrol GeorGia Address: 19 Gamrekeli Str. TEL 291 07 27, 291 07 78, 291 00 27, 240 00 25, 224 04 44 www.rompetrol.ge

Socar GeorGia petroliuM

TEL 277 01 77 www.geocell.ge

Address: 24 300 Aragveli Str. TEL 2 43 92 75, 243 97 77 www.sgp.ge

caucaSuS online

pharmacies evex Medical corporation Address: 40 Vazha Pshavela Ave. TEL 255 05 05 www.evex.ge

pSp Group Address: 148/3 D. Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 240 20 20, 218 51 11 www.psp.ge

averSi Address: 148 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 296 72 27, 296 72 27 www.aversi.ge

Gpc Address: 6 Sanapiro Str. Tel.: 294 07 40 www.gpc.ge

communications companies MaGticoM Address: 7 A. Politkovskaya Str. TEL 217 17 17, 217 17 77

Beeline Address: 8 Gorgasali Str. TEL 2 20 06 11 www.beeline.ge

Geocell Address: 3 Gotua Str.

Address: 37 Vazha-Pshavela Str. TEL 220 00 00 www.co.ge

Silknet Address: 95 Tsinamzgvrishvili Str. TEL 2 10 00 00 www.silknet.com

construction and real estate companies Maqro conStruction Address: 22 Panjikidze Str. (Former Budapest) TEL 200 10 10 www.maqro.ge

redco Address: 1 T. Abuladze Str. TEL 577 242 091 www.redco.ge

liSi developMent Address: M. Machavariani Str. TEL 200 27 27, 595 134 134, 248 47 44 www.lisi.ge

redix Address: 71 Vazha-Pshavela Ave. TEL 220 11 22 www.redix.ge

archi Group Address: 15 Kipshidze Str. TEL 260 26 02 www.archi.ge

aS GeorGia Address: 127 Beri Gabriel Salosi Ave. TEL 274 04 04 www.dirsi.ge

M2 Address: 29 Chavchavadze Str TEL 244 41 11 www.m2.ge

Metra developMent Address: 26 Z. Sakandelidze Str. TEL 223 75 75 www.metra.ge

Metrocity Address: Lech and Maria Kachinsky Str., Batumi TEL 577 14 17 14 www.metrocity.ge

hauSart Address: 11B, Vazha-Pshavela Ave. TEL 293 04 56 www.hausart.ge

Sveti Address: Poti Str. 14 TEL 591 34 88 44, 790 34 88 44 www.sveti.ge

chambers aMerican chaMBer of coMMerce in GeorGia Address: 36a Lado Asatiani Str. TEL 222 69 07 www.amcham.ge

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iSrael-GeorGia chaMBer of BuSineSS Address: 4 Freedom Sq. TEL 299 70 35, 299 70 36

icc Address: 29, Polikarpe Kakabadze Str. Address: Near the Funicular TEL 298 81 76, 292 02 31, 599 39 98 33 www.icc.ge

the chaMBer of coMMerce and induStry france-GeorGia Address: 85 Paliashvili Str. TEL 222 69 40, 599 70 27 61 www.ccifg.ge

GeorGian chaMBer of coMMerce and induStry Address: 29 Berdznis Str. TEL 269 47 47 www.gcci.ge

BritiSh-GeorGian chaMBer of coMMerce Address: 4 Besiki Str. TEL 32214 70 79 www.bgcc.org.uk

insurance companies aldaGi Address: 3 Pushkini Str. TEL 244 49 99 www.aldagi.ge

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ardi Address: 3 Vazha-Pshavela Ave. TEL 210 10 10 www.ardi.ge

kopenBur Address: 173 Agmashenebeli Ave. TEL 242 22 22 www.kopenbur.ge

Gpi holdinG Address: 67 Kostava Str. TEL 250 51 11 www.gpih.ge

ic Group Address: 24 Mosashvili Str. TEL 220 88 88 www.icgroup.ge

iMedi l Address: 3/5 E. Tatishvili Str. TEL 292 22 22 www.imedil.ge

clinics Medical centre extra Address: 68 Chubinashvili Str. TEL 2 22 21 55, 571 89 81 18, 574 44 14 14

hera euroteSt Address: 34 Abuladze Str. TEL 2 25 82 58

MedinveSt Address: 44/5 Paliashvili Str. TEL 225 19 60

david tatiShvili Medical centre Address: 20 Abuladze Str. TEL 291 31 19, 291 32 42, 225 39 38

GeoSWiSS Medical centre Address: 5 Pekini Str. TEL 236 33 64, 225 08 38

GidMedi pluS Address: 3 Larsi Lane TEL 220 25 15, 291 32 19

neW hoSpitalS Address: 12 Krtsanisi Str. TEL 219 01 01, 219 01 02

todua clinic Address: 13 T. Mgvdeli Str. TEL 294 02 89, 234 49 23, 235 20 49, 235 71 26

aMerican Medical centerS, GeorGia aMc tBiliSi Address:11 Dimitri Arakishvili Str. TEL 250 00 20

aMc BatuMi Address: 114 Gorgiladze Str. TEL 555 48 41 46

kuzanov clinic Address: 5 Pekini Str. TEL 242 40 05, 555 40 20 20

health center Address: 14b Kazbegi Ave. TEL 214 44 05, 214 44 02

houSe of therapy

carapS Medline

Address: 72 Guramishvili Ave. TEL 261 01 89, 260 84 69, 265 40 46

Bela Metreveli eSthetic GynecoloGy center

Address: 48 Ljubljana Str. TEL 222 44 17, 251 60 60

lancet Address: 12 Km. Agmashenebeli Alley TEL 2 101 100

Medihelp

Address: 4a Pekini Ave. TEL 599 233523, 223 80 43 Mail: gynecologyst.metreveli@gmail.com

Address: 13 Kipshidze Str. TEL 243 43 10, 596 11 43 43

GeorGian-GerMan clinic MedhouSe

Address: 69 Nutsubidze Str. TEL 2 368 777, 597 13 88 77

GrandMedi

Address: 7 M. Abashidze Str. TEL 570 10 22 66, 568 05 03 03

How Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Different No hassle. No stress. See a doctor when and where you want, on your terms. Doctors youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll recommend European and US physicians Preventative and Acute Care All English-speaking staff

Treating you, differently Home or Office Visits More quality time with your doctor 24/7 phone or email consults

Address: 38 Kostava Str. TEL 295 33 11, 298 73 39

essentials tiMe zone GMT + 4

currency Georgian Lari. One Lari is divided into 100 Tetris.

eMerGency - 112 112 can be dialed free of charge from most mobile telephones and, in some countries, fixed telephones in order to reach emergency services (ambulance, fire and rescue, police).

tBiliSi international airport TEL 231 03 41

kutaiSi international airport TEL 0431 23 70 00

GeorGian railWay TEL 1331, 219 90 10

International Direct billing to most insurance groups Certified Visa centers Modern and accessible clinics

GeorGian national touriSM adMiniStration Address: 4 Sanapiro Str. TEL 243 69 99

Kyiv: +38 (044) 490 76 00 Lviv: +38 (032) 253 70 00 Odessa: +38 (048) 701 40 00 Tbilisi: +99 (532) 250 00 20 / 11 D. Arakishvili Street, Vake Batumi: +99 (555) 548 41 46 / 114 Gorgiladze Street

chachava clinic

dialinG code: www.amcenters.com

+995 32

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ორბი ჯგუფი ORBI GROUP THE WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION OF ORBI GROUP!

The "Twin Tower" aparthotel named as the World’s best project for investment!

Only the best projects on the planet deserve “The Real Estate Oscar” – Prix d'Excellence Award by FIABCI International Real Estate Federation. And ORBI GROUP won that award: the committee, consisting of 70 most competent experts from over than 40 countries, recognized ORBI Twin Tower as the World's Best Project for Investment of 2016 (www.orbi.ge).

During the promotional sales, it is possible to acquire the apartment for USD 27 500. Price includes the interior works, furniture, and home appliances. It is possible to get an instant mortgage for citizens of any country: down payment amounts to USD 3000, while monthly payment is USD 350 only! All apartments have the stunning sea view. Apartments are your real estate property and a protable business at the same time. ORBI GROUP is offering a stable income for the apartment owners. On demand, ORBI GROUP is operating the apartment for the owner, while he has access to the exclusive online system to control his property. The income is enough to have a full investment payback within four years. ORBI Twin Tower is an amazing project, located in the touristic center of Batumi only 50 meters from the sea. It will have an outstanding infrastructure and service: џ Services: reception, security, concierge, cleaning, CCTV, 24/7 tech., personnel, parking, etc. џ Infrastructure: swimming pools, SPA, casino, tness, playgrounds, restaurants and cafes, relaxation areas, medical center, market, shopping mall, etc. - everything in one space!

Международное признание ORBI GROUP!

Проект грузинской компании “ORBI GROUP” — ORBI Twin Tower признан лучшим в мире!

“Оскар в сфере недвижимости” — так называют приз Prix d’Ecxellence, который вручается на ежегодном конкурсе международной федерации недвижимости FIABCI. Его удостаиваются только лучшие проекты в мире! ORBI GROUP получила данный приз за проект ORBI Twin Tower, который был признан лучшим инвестиционным проектом! Апартаменты «под ключ» можно приобрести за 27 500$. Первоначальный взнос составляет 3000$, а ежемесячный платёж — 350$! Апартаменты сдаются с евроремонтом, мебелью и бытовой техникой. Это ваша собственность и бизнес, приносящий прибыль. В апартаментах вы можете не только жить и отдыхать, но и через ORBI GROUP обеспечить их сдачу, получая гарантированный доход и отслеживая процесс сдачи в онлайн-режиме. Срок возврата инвестиций составляет до 4 лет! ORBI Twin Tower — это грандиозный проект в туристической зоне Батуми в 50 м от моря с разветвлённой инфраструктурой и высококлассным обслуживанием: • Пакет услуг: КРУГЛОСУТОЧНО — ресепшн, охрана, консьерж-сервис, уборка общественных пространств, система видеонаблюдения, технический персонал, парковка и т.д. • Инфраструктура: бассейн, СПА, фитнес-центр, казино, рестораны, кафе, детские досуговые центры, террасы для отдыха, магазины, медицинский центр, торгово-развлекательные объекты — всё в одном комплексе.

Sales ofces: Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, USA, Germany, Israel

Офисы продаж: Грузия, Россия, Украина, США, Германия, Израиль

ORBI Twin Tower Batumi, Georgia

FIABCI Prix d’Excellence

WORLD GOLD WINNER

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27 500 $ TURN-KEY APARTMENTS

✆ +995 555 33 00 00