Relaxation, History, and Hidden Gems in Borjomi, Georgia
Our visit to Borjomi started at the Likani Resort and Spa, a beautiful hotel that blends comfort with a full slate of wellness options. The property offers everything from spa treatments to some more unusual health therapies at their Wellness Center. Let’s just say some of them made us raise an eyebrow, and we’ll let you imagine why.
We stayed in what the hotel calls a junior suite. Walking in, we had a desk, coffee maker, coffee table, and sofa. The balcony was enormous, with mountain views that could keep you outside all day (if it weren’t for the small insects that invite themselves in when you leave the door open).
The suite even had a hallway leading to a dressing area with space for luggage, fluffy spa robes, and a large bathroom with a soaking tub, jacuzzi, double sinks, and a shower you could do cartwheels in (if you were inclined). The king-size bed came with a spread and accent pillows that matched the décor perfectly, and yes, there was a large flat-screen TV; an upgrade from our previous stay.
One of our first discoveries away from the hotel was the Green Monastery, just a short drive up the road. Historians can’t pinpoint its exact construction date, but its architecture suggests the 9th century. In the 16th century, monks here faced brutal attacks, and the site was left in disrepair until its restoration in 2002. Today it is active again, serene, and worth the short drive up the hill.
The next day we started out from our hotel room on a short stroll around the property to the Romanov Palace (also called the Likani Palace) built in 1898 for Archduke Nicholas Mikhailovich Romanov of Russia. It housed the Russian Empire’s first hydroelectric power plant and hosted dignitaries, including Joseph Stalin. Sadly the palace is now closed to visitors and under visible disrepair, but its architecture and sculptures still impress from the outside. The walk there through the park, with its fountain and autumn leaves, made the walk worthwhile.
But to really get the day started we hopped in our rental car and headed to Akhaltsikhe Fortress. Dating back to the 9th century, the fortress holds a synagogue, mosque, and church within its walls, making it a rare symbol of coexistence from centuries past. While much of it has been rebuilt, the preservation work is excellent.
Inside, we found the Rabati Hotel, complete with an underground spa and central courtyard. We didn’t stay there, but a future visit is tempting. Lunch there was memorable, mushroom soup and a dish hiding mini khinkali dumplings under layers of dough. Delicious and filling.
Back in the main city of Borjomi, you will find it is famous for two things: its mineral water, known across Georgia and into Russia, and its sulfur baths. You can get to the sulfur baths a couple ways. One from, what we would call a “back road”. Recommended by Google, this route was a bit more adventurous, down a steep and slippery path because it had just been raining that morning. Alternatively you can get to the springs on a casual walk through Central Park, in the heart of town. We didn’t know it could be accessed through the Park until after getting to the baths, but we still enjoyed every moment. There were three pools, each at a different temperature. They didn’t smell strongly, and the warm water was a relaxing reward.
Speaking of Central Park, for a small entrance fee you can experience its ferris wheel, amusement rides, and even outdoor exercise equipment. The amusement rides weren’t operating, likely due to the season, but the park still has charm, including a statue of Prometheus and a small waterfall.
Just outside the park entrance you can take a rid in an old soviety cable care above the town to Plateau Park. It offers sweeping views, a now-silent Soviet ferris wheel, and history dating back to the mid-1800s when a Russian viceroy developed the area. It’s a peaceful spot to take in the valley below.
Our final Borjomi memory was getting massages at the resort. Ryan went for hot stones, and I chose aromatherapy. It was a fitting end after days of walking, exploring, and, in my case, driving mountain roads.
Borjomi gave us a mix of history, relaxation, and surprises. Whether you come for the spa life, the sulfur baths, or the ancient monasteries, it’s a place where you can take things slow and still leave with a full travel story.
You can watch the full Borjomi trip video on our YouTube channel here:
