Georgian development company Pontus, in partnership with UAE-based hospitality giant Rotana, is building a landmark project on the Black Sea coast, Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa Gonio. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the resort will be the first Rotana-managed 5-star hotel in Georgia, set to attract USD 100 million in foreign direct investment (FDI).
Construction began in September 2023, and according to Pontus founder and CEO Irakli Varshalomidze, the project is progressing on schedule. “As of today, 80% of the monolithic works have been completed, and interior finishing is underway in parallel. By 2027, 546 five-star rooms will be added to Gonio, setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the region,” Varshalomidze told BMG.
The resort will feature indoor and outdoor pools, multiple restaurants and bars, a panoramic terrace, a spa and wellness center, conference facilities, and a casino.
Varshalomidze emphasized that the USD 100 million project is not only a milestone for Pontus but also a major boost for Georgia’s economy. “This is a significant number for both our company and the country,” he noted.
Rotana’s Corporate Development Director, Farhan Shubayalati, highlighted Georgia’s strong tourism growth, with 2024 welcoming over 7 million international visitors. Rising interest from markets such as India, China, and the Middle East positions Georgia as an increasingly attractive destination. “The location is exceptional, close to the airport, near the city, with the sea and mountains surrounding it. These are ideal conditions for a resort,” Shubayalati said.
The Pontus–Rotana collaboration is set to extend further. Varshalomidze revealed that two additional Rotana hotels are planned for Georgia, including one in the Caucasus Mountains. While details remain under wraps, the CEO promised a “distinctive and unique” development beyond the Black Sea coast.
The project has already drawn significant international attention. Pontus has been actively engaging investors through annual multi-day events blending site visits with Georgian cultural experiences. In 2025, attendance tripled compared to the previous year.
Events included construction site tours, mountain excursions, local traditions such as churchkhela making, and even a marathon for visiting partners. “Georgia is impossible to exhaust in its diversity, and we use that to our advantage by offering new and unique experiences every year,” Varshalomidze noted.
The Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa Gonio is expected to play a strategic role in strengthening Adjara’s position as a premium Black Sea destination. Beyond creating jobs and attracting foreign capital, it raises the region’s hospitality standards to meet international expectations.
