So you sampled the carbonated mineral water and figured why not go straight to the source. Your very own spring to water bottle adventure. Riveting! But if I may interject, it’s not worth your time. Stick to the store bought bottled water and pick literally any other village to dazzle your senese. Georgia has so much more to offer.
If you are feeling stubborn, Borjomi can be reached from Tbilisi via a 2 hour marshrutka ride out of Didube station. Other marshrutka destinations include Bakuriani (0.5 hour), Akhaltsikhe (1 hour), Gori (2 hours), and Batumi (6 hours). This quiet stop warrants a single day, perhaps as a layover to Akhaltsikhe or if crossing Georgia. If you’re truly committed, I’d recommend a hike through the national park. For families, check out the central park and sulfur pools.
A Thought on Food
There were a few quaint spots for selection, but I opted for shawarma in the park wanting to inhale as much quality air as possible. This was one of my few true detox days in Georgia (perhaps a subconscious factor in my disappointment).
Things to do in Borjomi
Sulfur Pools
A cannonball into these magical healing depths may just be precisely the cure your doctor has been withholding. A defender of clear skin, sulfur slays bacteria, draws out oil, and helps to rid you of your dead dermal weight. Appearances aside, it also reduces stress, arthritic pain, and aids in digestive issues.
So why shouldn’t you be sprinting towards this spa day? Well firstly, it’s a 2 km (1.2 mi) trek from the end of Borjomi park, which is itself a 2 km length, that can only be reached by foot. More of a scenic stroll through the forest than a spritely sprint. The trail can get rather muddy after recent rain so perhaps don’t risk soiling the fancy footwear. Don’t expect much signage although thankfully there are no forks along the way. Upon arrival, pay the 5 GEL entry (kids under 8 enter free) and huzzah, you’ve found your public pool.
Stake out a spot on the grassy hillside or snag one of the few chairs and prepare yourself for peace. Well not quite. The sulfur water benefits are accompanied with crowds, splashing, and high pitched, joyful screams as this place is a sanctuary for children. Undoubtedly, the free entry makes this an ideal activity for families. There are 3 small, tiled pools. The curved outer pool is the warmest due to its proximity to the well. The middle pool is the largest, deepest, and thus (relatively) coldest. The remaining outer pool is supposedly designated for kids but they don’t seem to realize that. If There are gender specific changing rooms along with bathrooms so there’s no need for the wet suit look. Thirsty? Alas, the snack bar does not serve alcohol.
Mosaics
Naturally, due to its health benefits of fresh air and mineral water, the city was a haven for Soviet relaxation and contains mosaics sprinkled throughout.
Romanov Palace (Likani Palace)
An architect’s delight, the palace was built for Grand Duke Nicholas Mikhailovich Romanov of Russia during the final years of Alexander III, Emperor of Russia and first cousin to the Grand Duke’s father. The palace served as the summer residence for the Russian Romanov royal family (aka Anastasia’s family) and houses a collection of rarities including gifts from Napoleon, the last Shah of Iran, as well as woodwork by Peter the Great. In later years, following the tragic slaughter of the Romanovs and Lenin’s lead, Stalin also used the palace as a summer residence during his reign.
The palace neighbors Borjomi offering a 2.3 km (1.4 mi) venture for those interested. A slight hindrance being that the palace is temporarily closed for renovation. Harumph.
Central park
Directly outside the entrance sits the Firuza building turned hotel. Originally built in the 19th century for the country’s consul of Iran, the mirror speckled, blue gingerbread cut dazzles the tourist camera.
Easily sidetracked? For just measly 3 GEL, the park entrance shares space with a cable car that will swoop you up the mountain. A Ferris wheel awaits you at the top along with the obvious scenic views. Feel free to continue your diversion with a forest hike.
If you do succeed in crossing past the entrance (a 2 GEL commitment), you’ll discover the famous green pavilion. Miracle workers pass out medicinal cups of the healing Borjomi water pulled straight from the Yekaterininskiy Spring. Indulge with every sip as the warm, pungent water hits your taste buds. Yum!
The word “park” is linked to amusement park in this specific instance. Sorry if you were hoping for serenity. The paths are lined with carnival games and rides to entertain the youthful masses. A great place to bring the whole family assuming that includes children within your entourage.
A Place to Stay in Borjomi
Guest House Besarioni
I spent 1 night at Guest House Besarioni. It was affordable and offered free breakfast and laundry. There is a single guest room and a detached private bathroom. Additionally, I was offered tea with bread and jam upon arrival and able to store my luggage past checkout. Take your shoes off before entering their home. I made this American style blunder upon first entering and watched as the wife silently took a rag to the floor erasing my path. My chagrin was immense.
