Resorts

Who this page is for

For people planning a resort break or a treatment programme in Georgia who need help choosing the right place.

And for foreigners living here who want to get out of the city for a few days and look after their health.

Our role

We do not give medical advice; which treatments suit you is decided by the resort's doctor or your own.

We help choose the resort and accommodation, arrange a consultation with a doctor, interpreting and the journey. We take no commission from sanatoriums or hotels.

The tradition

Georgia has a long tradition of treatment with mineral water.

Some resorts grew up in the nineteenth century, and you can still see their historic buildings.

Many resorts have been renovated in recent years, while some are still being restored.

Seeing a doctor

A treatment programme should start with a doctor's consultation.

With some conditions mineral baths or water do not suit you, and only a doctor can judge that.

In sanatoriums the doctor is often on site and examines you on the first day.

Contraindications

With heart problems, blood pressure, pregnancy or some chronic conditions, certain treatments are contraindicated.

So the doctor needs to know your diagnoses and medication in advance.

We translate your own doctor's report beforehand.

Borjomi

Borjomi lies in a wooded gorge, and its mineral water is known in many countries.

The town has a historic park where you can drink water straight from the spring.

Borjomi has both hotels with treatment programmes and places for a simple break.

Tskaltubo

Tskaltubo is close to Kutaisi and known for its warm mineral baths.

It has historic bathhouse buildings, some of which have been renovated.

Being close to Kutaisi airport makes Tskaltubo convenient.

Sairme

Sairme is a mountain resort among forests, with several mineral springs.

The air here is clean and the pace is calm.

People often come to Sairme to get away from city noise.

Abastumani

Abastumani is a mountain resort with pine forest and a famous astrophysical observatory.

It is traditionally known for its mountain air and climate.

Facilities here are more modest, so we choose accommodation in advance.

Mud treatment

At some resorts, such as Akhtala in Kakheti, mud treatments are traditional.

Mud treatment is not for everyone, and a doctor's approval is essential.

A visit to Akhtala often combines well with a wine tour.

Other springs

Georgia has many lesser-known mineral springs and thermal spots.

Some do not yet have modern facilities, and staying there is more of a village break.

We check such places in advance before suggesting them.

Mountain air

For many, Bakuriani, Bakhmaro and other mountain places are resorts of air and calm, without special treatments.

A break here is usually built around walks, sleep and nature.

In winter some of these places turn into ski resorts, and the pace changes.

The seaside

On the Black Sea coast some places, such as Ureki, are known for their dark sand.

Many families spend the summer here with children.

The sea climate and sun do not suit everyone, and we ask a doctor in advance.

History and architecture

Many resorts have old sanatoriums and bathhouses with interesting architecture.

Some have been renovated, while others stand abandoned and attract photographers.

Entering abandoned buildings can be dangerous, and we advise against it.

Physical activity

A resort stay is a good time for walking, Nordic walking and light hiking.

The doctor advises on the level of exertion according to the programme.

We check local trails and their difficulty in advance.

Sleep and a break from screens

For many people the main benefit of a resort is getting their sleep back.

A few days without a phone and the news often do more than any treatment.

So we choose a quiet room, away from noisy streets.

Group and corporate visits

Companies sometimes organise a wellness getaway at a resort for their staff.

In that case we plan accommodation, meals, activities and meeting space together.

In a group, medical treatments are only given after an individual consultation.

Travelling with a pet

Not every sanatorium or hotel accepts animals.

When you travel with a pet, we check this rule before booking.

We cover vet options for your animal on a separate page.

Local produce

Near the resorts, local honey, cheese and fruit are often sold.

Strolling the market and chatting to local farmers is a pleasant part of the break.

If you are on a diet, ask the doctor what is allowed.

Churches and monuments

Many resorts have old churches and monasteries nearby.

Visiting them makes a calm, short outing.

Appropriate dress is expected when entering a church, and we let you know in advance.

Reading reviews

Online reviews are useful, but they sometimes describe how things used to be.

We look at reviews from recent months and at concrete facts about rooms, food and staff.

If needed, our partners check on site.

Weather and clothing

At a mountain resort the evenings are cool even in summer.

At a lowland resort summer is hot, and treatments are often scheduled in the morning or evening.

An umbrella or jacket is always useful in case of rain.

Working days and holidays

On public holidays some treatments and doctor's appointments may be reduced.

So we compare your dates with the resort's calendar.

On holidays locals often head to the resorts too, and rooms fill up early.

Evenings at a resort

Evenings at a resort are quiet: a walk in the park, dinner and an early night.

At some resorts there are concerts and local festivals in summer.

If you want nightlife, a resort is probably not the right choice, and we will tell you so honestly.

Tbilisi's baths

In Tbilisi, in the old quarter, there are sulphur baths that are a symbol of the city.

They are more about relaxation and tradition than a treatment programme.

We explain the baths in more detail on the spa page.

Sanatorium or hotel

In a sanatorium the doctor, treatments and meals come as one programme.

A spa hotel is more comfortable, but its medical side is sometimes modest.

Which suits you depends on your goal: treatment or rest.

Length of a programme

Treatment programmes often last from a few days to a few weeks.

The doctor recommends the length based on your condition and goal.

A short visit is often a break; a long one is a programme.

Treatments

A programme often includes baths, drinking the water, massage, physiotherapy and exercise.

The doctor draws up the list of treatments for you.

We write out the treatment schedule in your language.

Drinking mineral water

Drinking mineral water has its own rules: how much, when and at what temperature.

The doctor sets these rules, and they are not the same for everyone.

For some people drinking a lot of mineral water is not advisable.

Food

Sanatoriums often have a diet menu, on the doctor's advice.

If you need special food - allergies, religious requirements or vegetarian - we let them know in advance.

Georgian cuisine is generous, and moderation is wise during a programme.

Rehabilitation

Some resorts offer rehabilitation programmes after an injury or operation.

In that case your doctor's report and recommendation are essential.

We check that the resort has the right specialist and equipment.

Season

Many resorts are open all year round.

At mountain resorts winter is cold and snowy, and summer is cool.

In summer and on holidays resorts are busy, so we book early.

Climate and altitude

Mountain resorts sit well above sea level, and some people feel it in the first days.

With heart or breathing problems, a doctor's opinion before going to a mountain resort matters.

In that case a lowland resort is often the simpler choice.

Getting there

We usually drive to the resorts, and the road runs through beautiful gorges.

Some resorts can be reached by train too, but a car is more flexible.

We arrange the transfer from the airport or Tbilisi, with stops if needed.

Older guests

Older guests are common at resorts, and many places are set up for their needs.

We check the lift, the entrance and the distance from the room to the treatments.

We often split a long journey over two days.

Families and children

Some resorts are good for families too: parks, forest and clean air.

Treatments are not always suitable for children, and the doctor assesses this separately.

For families we choose accommodation with space for the children.

Accessibility

With limited mobility we check how accessible the bathhouse and the room are.

Some historic buildings are difficult for a wheelchair.

In that case we choose a modern wing or another resort.

Language at the resort

At some sanatoriums the staff speak Russian, while English is less common.

We arrange an interpreter for the first consultation with the doctor, in person or by phone.

We prepare the treatment schedule and rules in your language.

What to bring

Comfortable clothes, a swimsuit, slippers and something warm for the evening, especially in the mountains.

Your regular medication and your own doctor's report.

Shoes that are comfortable for walking in the forest and the park.

Rest between treatments

Time between treatments often goes on walks, reading and sleep.

A short forest hike and local sights add variety to the rhythm.

We do not plan demanding tours alongside a programme.

A resort and a tour

Borjomi often combines with Vardzia and a tour of Samtskhe-Javakheti.

Tskaltubo is close to Imereti's monasteries, canyons and caves.

We plan the tour before or after the programme so the rest is not disrupted.

Wine and the resort

Many people want to combine a resort with the wine region.

Alcohol does not go well with some treatments, and we ask the doctor.

We often put the wine tour after the programme ends.

For people living here

Foreigners living here often go to a resort for a weekend or a short holiday.

Warm baths in winter and cool mountains in summer make a good change from city life.

We arrange short trips even at the last minute, depending on availability.

Insurance

Travel insurance often does not cover a treatment programme at a resort.

A travel policy covers sudden illness, so it is still worth having.

Some health policies partly cover rehabilitation, and we check the terms in advance.

Documents for home

At the end of the programme we ask for a doctor's report listing the treatments given.

Your own doctor needs this, especially if you continue treatment at home.

We prepare the documents in your language or in English.

Expectations

A resort often gives you a good rest and helps you feel better.

But it does not replace treatment for a chronic condition, and we say so honestly.

Treat the miracle cures that advertising sometimes promises with caution.

Facilities

Facilities vary between resorts: some have modern hotels, others old sanatoriums.

Photos are sometimes old, and we check the actual state of the room in advance.

We will tell you honestly what to expect where.

Internet and work

At some mountain resorts the internet is weak.

If you need to work during your stay, we check the internet with the accommodation in advance.

Often, though, a break from the screen is exactly the main benefit of a resort.

Safety

When walking in the forest, stay on marked trails and come back before dark.

In the mountains the weather changes quickly, so always carry warm clothing.

In an emergency call 112, and then us.

Booking

In the popular season the good rooms fill up early.

We book once your dates and programme are confirmed.

We write out the cancellation terms for you in advance.

Common mistakes

Starting treatments without a doctor's consultation.

A visit that is too short when a longer programme was needed.

Combining demanding tours and treatments on the same day.

What we need from you

What you want - a break or a treatment programme - and any conditions or complaints you have.

Your dates, how many days and who is coming with you.

Your preferred style of accommodation, dietary needs and the language you want to speak with the doctor in.

Cost

The sanatorium or hotel sets the price of accommodation and the programme.

Transfers, the interpreter and tours are separate items.

Our coordination is agreed in advance, and we take nothing from resorts.