Borjomi of Feb 24, 2025

Nestled in the heart of Borjomi, Georgia, the Crowne Plaza Borjomi is a five-star hotel renowned for its exceptional spa and wellness facilities. Located just a short walk from the famous Borjomi Central Park, the hotel offers 101 elegantly designed rooms and suites, blending modern comfort with classic charm.

During the winter months, the hotel transforms into a picturesque retreat, offering guests a serene escape amidst snow-covered landscapes. The on-site spa spans over 2,400 square meters and features a swimming pool, jacuzzi, saunas, and a variety of rejuvenating treatments, providing a perfect sanctuary from the winter chill.

Guests can indulge in culinary delights at the hotel’s multiple dining venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, an à la carte option, a wine bar, a terrace café, and a lobby bar. For families, the hotel offers a two-story playroom for children, ensuring a memorable stay for all ages.

Visitors have praised the hotel for its beautiful integration into the landscape, cleanliness, tranquility, and excellent amenities, including a well-maintained swimming pool.

Experience the magic of a winter wonderland at Crowne Plaza Borjomi, where luxury meets the natural beauty of Georgia’s renowned spa town. 

In the heart of Borjomi, adjacent to the entrance of the central park, stands the captivating Firuza House, a testament to the town’s rich history and architectural splendor. Constructed in 1892, this mansion was commissioned by Mirza Riza Khan, the Persian consul to the Caucasus, serving as his summer residence.

Mirza Riza Khan was a distinguished diplomat of the late 19th century, representing Persian interests in the Caucasus region. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen ties between Persia and its neighbors, navigating the complex political landscape of the time. The Firuza House, named after the Persian word for “turquoise,” reflects his appreciation for beauty and cultural fusion.

The mansion’s architecture is a harmonious blend of Persian and Georgian styles. Its rectangular stone structure is adorned with intricate wooden balconies, painted in a distinctive turquoise hue. The central balcony’s ceiling is embellished with vibrant turquoise stones, enhancing the building’s allure. Notably, the facade features inscriptions detailing the house’s name, the year of construction, and the owner’s identity, intricately carved into the decorative patterns.

An intriguing and tragic tale is associated with the mansion’s construction. Yusuf, the son of the renowned master craftsman Hassan, was deceitfully taken to Tiflis (now Tbilisi) during the building process. There, he and his mother, Ulduz Khanum, were murdered by a white dervish seeking to uncover a mysterious secret from Yusuf. This story adds a layer of mystique to the mansion’s history, as recounted in the novel “White, Red, Black” by Belgian author Tegül Mari.

Over the years, Firuza House has served various purposes, including functioning as a hotel, a segment of the Firuza sanatorium, and a museum. Today, it stands as a protected architectural monument, symbolizing Borjomi’s rich cultural tapestry and the enduring legacy of Mirza Riza Khan.

In the heart of Borjomi, just before the entrance to the famous Central Park, lies a square steeped in history. This vibrant yet often overlooked space has witnessed the rise of Borjomi as a renowned spa town, serving as a silent witness to the transformations of the Caucasus. Beyond the well-known Firuza House, this square harbors intriguing buildings and stories that few travelers uncover.

One of the most fascinating yet forgotten structures is a late 19th-century two-story building that once housed a storage and distribution center for Borjomi’s famous mineral water. At its peak, this site buzzed with merchants and aristocrats eager to acquire the healing waters bottled straight from the nearby springs. Though now abandoned, stepping inside reveals an unexpected treasure—an exhibition of old photographs, capturing the golden era of Borjomi as a premier health retreat for Russian and European elites.

Nearby, the lower station of Borjomi’s cable car stands as a relic of Soviet innovation. Built in the 1960s and recently restored, this aerial tramway offers a breathtaking ascent to the cliffs above, where a panoramic view of the Borjomi Gorge unfolds. What few realize is that this very cable car was part of a larger Soviet-era plan to transform Borjomi into a luxury retreat for high-ranking officials, rivaling the likes of Switzerland’s Alpine resorts.

The square itself sits on 9 April Street, a name that carries the weight of history. It commemorates the tragic events of April 9, 1989, when Soviet troops brutally suppressed a pro-independence demonstration in Tbilisi. Though far from the Georgian capital, Borjomi’s square was a gathering place for quiet protests and discussions about Georgia’s future, making it a symbolic location in the country’s struggle for sovereignty.

Despite its small size, this square is more than just a passage to the park—it is a crossroads of cultures, politics, and forgotten grandeur. Those who pause to explore its hidden corners will uncover layers of history, from imperial ambitions to Soviet dreams, and the enduring spirit of Borjomi.

The entrance to Borjomi Central Park is not merely a doorway to one of Georgia’s most famous spa retreats—it is a relic of a bygone era, whispering tales of aristocratic leisure, imperial ambition, and the rise of Borjomi as a world-class health resort. Though its exact date of construction and the name of its architect remain elusive, historians trace its origins back to the mid-19th century, when the Romanov dynasty transformed this region into their private retreat.

Designed to reflect the grandeur of European spa towns, the entrance was inspired by the gateways of famous 19th-century health resorts such as Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic and Baden-Baden in Germany. The use of elegant ironwork, curved arches, and neoclassical elements was a deliberate attempt to position Borjomi as an elite European-style destination, attracting nobility and dignitaries from across the Russian Empire.

Few people know that this entrance once served as a checkpoint—only guests of high social status were allowed beyond its gates. In its heyday, guards controlled access, ensuring that only those deemed “worthy” could enter the pristine, manicured gardens and mineral water pavilions beyond. Ordinary citizens were often restricted, unless they had special permission or connections within the aristocratic circles that frequented the park.

Another fascinating yet little-known fact is that the entrance was nearly lost to history. In the Soviet era, many of Borjomi’s imperial structures were either destroyed or repurposed. However, due to the town’s status as a favored Soviet spa, the park entrance was spared, though it underwent modifications. In 2005, a full-scale restoration project brought it back to its former elegance, preserving its original design while reinforcing its structure for future generations.

Today, as visitors pass through this historic gateway, they step into a living remnant of the past—a portal not just to the lush beauty of Borjomi’s mineral springs, but to a time when this entrance was a threshold between the ordinary world and the exclusive realm of emperors, diplomats, and aristocrats.

The discovery of Borjomi’s mineral springs is a tale intertwined with military history and serendipity. In December 1810, during a campaign against the Ottoman Empire, Georgian nobleman Tamaz Orbeliani, alongside General A. Tormasov, laid siege to the fortress of Akhaltsikhe. After a ten-day standoff, they retreated into the Borjomi Gorge. It was here that Orbeliani’s troops stumbled upon the mineral springs, marking the first recorded mention of these waters.

However, the springs remained largely unnoticed until 1829, when soldiers from the Kherson Grenadier Regiment of the Imperial Russian Army, stationed in Borjomi during operations against the Ottoman forces, rediscovered them on the right bank of the Borjomi River. Colonel Pavel Popov, the regiment’s commander, intrigued by the find, ordered the springs to be cleared. Suffering from a stomach ailment, Popov personally tested the waters and experienced relief. Recognizing their potential, he commissioned the construction of stone enclosures around the springs and a bathhouse nearby, along with a small residence for himself.

The therapeutic properties of the Borjomi mineral waters soon gained prominence. By 1837, Dr. Amirov, the physician of the Georgian Grenadier Regiment, analyzed the water’s composition and effects, forwarding his findings to St. Petersburg and Moscow. The reputation of the springs grew, attracting notable figures, including the Viceroy of the Russian Tsar in the Caucasus, Yevgeni Golovin. In 1841, Golovin brought his ailing daughter, Yekaterina, to Borjomi for treatment. Witnessing her swift recovery, he named the first spring “Yekaterinsky” in her honor and the second “Yevgeniyevsky” after himself.

This rediscovery and subsequent development transformed Borjomi into a renowned spa destination, laying the foundation for its status as a celebrated health resort.

Amid the snow-covered landscapes of Borjomi, where frost clings to towering pines and the world seems frozen in time, one force of nature refuses to be tamed—the Borjomula River. Its name, derived from the town of Borjomi, echoes an ancient past. Some believe "Borjomi" comes from the Persian word burj (fortress) and omi (war), hinting at battles once fought in this land. Others trace it to the Georgian word borji (roots), evoking the dense forests that once covered these valleys.

Borjomula, with its restless, foaming waters, remains a symbol of resilience. Unlike the park around it, buried beneath a thick winter quilt, the river flows fiercely, cascading over rocks, defying the frost that silences everything else. Snowflakes fall into its rushing currents, vanishing instantly, as if the river swallows winter’s touch before it can take hold.

Even in the coldest months, Borjomula never freezes. It carves through the mountains, carrying with it the whispers of history, the pulse of nature, and the essence of Borjomi itself—a land of legend, where even the rivers refuse to sleep.

The legendary Borjomi mineral springs maintain a temperature of +38°C to +41°C, keeping the water warm even in winter. Rising from depths of 8–10 km, the water absorbs essential minerals from volcanic rocks, creating its unique composition.

Mineral Composition

Borjomi is a sodium bicarbonate mineral water, rich in:

•	Bicarbonates (HCO₃⁻) – aid digestion and support stomach health.
•	Calcium (Ca²⁺) – strengthens bones, teeth, and muscles.
•	Magnesium (Mg²⁺) – reduces stress and improves heart function.
•	Sodium (Na⁺) and potassium (K⁺) – maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.
•	Silicon (SiO₂) – promotes healthy skin, hair, and joints.

Health Benefits

1.	Supports digestion – reduces acidity, eases heartburn, and improves gastric function.
2.	Detoxifies the body – helps remove toxins and boosts metabolism.
3.	Liver-friendly – aids recovery from poisoning and alcohol consumption.
4.	Boosts immunity – minerals help strengthen the body’s defense system.
5.	Enhances well-being – reduces fatigue, relieves stress, and supports physical endurance.

With a history dating back over 1,500 years, Borjomi water is not only a famous drink but also widely used in spas for therapeutic baths and inhalation treatments.

In the heart of Borjomi Central Park, the Borjomula River winds through a landscape rich in history and charm. To connect its different sections, several bridges were built, shaping the park’s unique character. Originally, five iron bridges spanned the river, giving the main avenue its name—“The Alley of Five Bridges.” The last of these, a gracefully arched bridge, no longer exists, but its legacy remains.

By 1881, as Borjomi’s mineral springs gained fame, engineer Zezeman designed and built six carriage bridges and one pedestrian bridge over the river. These structures played a crucial role in making the park more accessible, blending nature with elegant engineering.

Today, the bridges of Borjomi stand as silent witnesses to the past, offering visitors not just a way across the river, but a journey through time—where history, nature, and human craftsmanship meet in perfect harmony.

Nestled within Borjomi Central Historical Park, the Borjomi Hydroelectric Power Station stands as a testament to early industrial innovation. Commissioned on January 15, 1899, it became the third hydroelectric power station in the Russian Empire, following those in Saint Petersburg and New Athos. Built on the Borjomula River, the station had a total capacity of 140 horsepower, powered by two Pelton-type turbines of 70 horsepower each.

After serving the region for decades, the plant ceased operations in 1950. Today, plans are underway to restore and transform it into a museum, as part of a broader initiative to turn Borjomi into a heritage city. The project includes the reconstruction of the power station, its water reservoirs on the Borjomi Plateau, and historic pipelines. A hydrogenerator model will also be installed to offer visitors a glimpse into the past.

This restoration aims to preserve Borjomi’s industrial heritage, highlighting its historic role in the development of energy and technology in the region.

Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia’s staunchly pro-Western president, envisioned his country — and especially Tbilisi — as a vibrant, modern, and easily recognizable destination for Western tourists. Deeply inspired by European culture and symbols, he sought to embed global narratives into the local landscape. One of the most telling examples of this vision was his fascination with the myth of Prometheus — a titan who defied the gods to bring fire to humanity, embodying rebellion, sacrifice, and enlightenment.

On November 23, 2007, with Polish President Lech Kaczyński by his side, Saakashvili unveiled a statue of Prometheus on the right bank of the Kura River in Tbilisi, near the Queen Tamar Bridge. It was meant to symbolize Georgia’s striving for progress and defiance against oppression. But the statue didn’t resonate with the capital’s atmosphere. Within two years, Prometheus was quietly removed and relocated to Borjomi.

At the same time, Saakashvili had ambitious plans to transform Borjomi into a Georgian version of Baden-Baden — a European-style spa resort that would attract international visitors. Yet, Borjomi never quite became the Baden-Baden of the Caucasus, and Prometheus never soared into the skies as a national symbol. Instead, the titan now rests peacefully in the lush Borjomi Park, tucked into the rock near a waterfall — a myth frozen in time, in a dream that never fully came true.

Snowfall in Borjomi typically occurs from December through February, with the most frequent snow days in January — around 11 days on average. December usually sees about 7 snowy days, while February has around 3. Although the first snow can arrive as early as November and linger into April, the main snow season covers December to March. The average winter temperature hovers around -3°C, allowing the snow to settle and create a picturesque landscape. Snowfall adds a serene, alpine character to Borjomi, enhancing its appeal as a winter getaway, even if it never became the “Georgian Baden-Baden” Saakashvili once imagined.

In the heart of Borjomi’s Central Park, towering ancient fir trees stand like silent sentinels, their snow-covered branches forming a natural cathedral. These centuries-old giants create a hushed, solemn atmosphere in winter, as if the forest itself is holding its breath. Nestled among the trees are charming wooden gazebos — simple yet inviting shelters where visitors can pause, warm up, and take in the wintry beauty around them. These resting spots blend seamlessly into the snowy landscape, offering a quiet refuge beneath the sheltering firs. In this season, the park becomes a place of deep tranquility, where time seems to slow under the weight of snow and stillness.

In the heart of Borjomi Central Park stands an ornate cast-iron pavilion known as the Rococo Pavilion. It was brought from Belgium and installed in 1879, becoming one of the most elegant architectural elements in the park. Though exact details about the original commissioner remain unknown, the structure itself is a rare example of 19th-century decorative ironwork, harmoniously blending with the surrounding landscape.

Just beside the pavilion flows an open spring of naturally warm mineral water — the very heart of Borjomi’s fame. Rich in bicarbonates and minerals, this water is known to aid digestion, soothe the stomach, and restore balance to the gastrointestinal system. Its therapeutic properties were officially recognized in the mid-19th century, triggering the rapid rise of Borjomi as a wellness destination. By the early 20th century, Borjomi had earned nicknames like the “Pearl of the Caucasus” and the “Russian Vichy,” attracting nobility, intellectuals, and travelers seeking healing and rest among its fir-lined paths and mineral springs.