A landmark development is coming to Georgia’s premier mountain resort, “Caucasus Mandili”, a large-scale 5-star hotel project set to elevate Gudauri’s appeal as an international winter destination. The project is being developed through a partnership between Georgian development company Pontus, global hotel operator Rotana, and Italian architectural bureau NOA.
Spanning more than 37,000 square meters and offering nearly 400 rooms, the complex is divided into two major lots and will feature a wide array of infrastructure. Guests will have access to standard rooms, exclusive chalets, serviced apartments, wellness and SPA facilities, and extensive parking areas - positioning the resort as a new hub of luxury hospitality in the Caucasus.
Pontus founder Irakli Varshalomidze highlights three core elements that make Caucasus Mandili unique compared to other ski resorts in the region:
“First comes Gudauri's location, which is one of the best places for ski tourism in the Caucasus. The second is the style and design, crafted by Italian architects for us. The third is the management, led by Rotana, a team with vast experience operating 120 hotels worldwide. So, the three main aspects are: location, spirit, and management.”
According to investors, the project is expected to bring long-term economic benefits to the region. These include the creation of new jobs, increased international tourist flows, enhanced investor interest, and a stronger overall investment profile for Gudauri.
Farhan Shubailat, Corporate Director of Development at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, notes that demand for quality accommodation in Gudauri continues to outpace supply:
“Gudauri is well known in Georgia and popular among travelers from the region, Europe, and increasingly from the Middle East - just a few hours’ flight away. With its landscapes, culture, cuisine, wine, and history, it has enormous growth potential. At the same time, hotel service provision in Gudauri is still insufficient, creating a unique opportunity for us to establish a world-class resort and expand in Georgia.”
The Italian architectural studio NOA designed the project, drawing inspiration from traditional Georgian cultural elements - particularly the mandili (a traditional headdress). NOA co-founder Lukas Rungger emphasizes that the architecture was shaped through a deep connection with the landscape:
“The architectural concept is driven by a dialogue with nature. We greatly respect the surrounding landscape - the views, the panoramas, the entire Gudauri region. We wanted to create a visual form that blends seamlessly into the environment. Here, the landscape becomes the building, and the building becomes the landscape. Despite its large scale, the project reveals something new at every turn, with many small niches rather than one massive block.”
With its ambitious scope, global partners, and distinctive design approach, Caucasus Mandili is poised to become one of the most significant hospitality developments in Georgia, reshaping Gudauri’s position on the international tourism map.
