Rotana expands its portfolio with the very first ski resort in Georgia | News
Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Türkiye, has announced the signing of Gudauri Ski Resort, the group’s first ski resort and a milestone that introduces a whole new hospitality category to its global portfolio.
The signing took place at an official ceremony in Tbilisi on May 22, attended by senior leadership from Rotana, Pontus and NOA, the award-winning Italian architectural studio specialized in mountain hotel design, in addition to Georgian and international media. The meeting served as the public unveiling of NOA’s architectural concept for the resort and the formal exchange of the management agreement.
Located in Gudauri in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, one of the most established ski destinations in the region, the resort is set in dramatic high-altitude scenery with direct ski-in, ski-out access to the Gudauri ski lift station. The development includes two separate properties with approximately 400 keys, complemented by a range of culinary experiences, full-service spa and wellness facilities, panoramic saunas and a special entertainment program.
Makram El Zyr, VP Development at Rotana, said: “Gudauri marks a defining moment for Rotana. With our first ski resort, we are introducing a whole new dimension to our hospitality offering and expanding our brand into one of the most exciting categories in global travel. The trust and shared vision we have built with Pontus over the last three years, together with NOA’s architectural expertise, give this project an exceptional foundation. Gudauri reflects our long-term confidence in Georgia and our commitment to delivering distinctive guest experiences at destinations with real character and meaning.”
Designed for year-round appeal, the resort welcomes travelers seeking distinctive experiences in every season. The resort is approximately 120 kilometers from Tbilisi International Airport, with a scenic drive and direct connections from the UAE, Europe and the wider Middle East.
Throughout the resort, guests have access to exclusive and specialty restaurants, a cigar lounge, six meeting rooms, après-ski terraces, full-service health clubs and spas with bio and panoramic saunas, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, ski equipment sales and rentals and extensive children’s and family entertainment. A dedicated wellness facility connects both properties via a bridge, allowing guests to access the resort’s shared wellness offering.
The resort’s architectural concept was developed by NOA, the award-winning Italian studio specializing in mountain hospitality design. Led by architect Lukas Rungger, the concept is inspired by the Mandili, the traditional Georgian headscarf, which reinterprets its characteristic flowing shape through the rooflines and the spatial identity of the resort. The result is a destination deeply rooted in Georgian cultural identity, where architecture, landscape and local heritage come together with contemporary design and modern amenities to create a distinctive sense of place.
The development marks a deepening of the partnership between Rotana and Pontus, which began three years ago with the signing of Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa, Gonio on the Black Sea coast, due to open in 2027. Gudauri Ski Resort is the second project to emerge from this partnership and reflects a shared long-term commitment to raising hospitality standards across Georgia.
Irakli Varshalomidze, founder of Pontus, added: “Extending our partnership with Rotana to Gudauri is a defining moment for Pontus and for Georgian tourism. The strength of this project lies in the synergy of three teams: Pontus’ deep knowledge of the local market, Rotana’s international hospitality expertise and NOA’s world-class experience in mountain architecture. Together we are delivering a new benchmark for service, quality and design in Gudauri, and contributing to the next chapter of Georgia’s growth as a leading international destination.”
Georgia continues to position itself as one of the fastest growing tourism economies in the wider region. The country welcomed more than 7 million international visitors in 2025, supported by a strategic focus on year-round destinations and the development of a high-quality hospitality infrastructure. Gudauri Ski Resort is well-placed to capitalize on this momentum, with growing interest from visitors from the GCC, Europe and neighboring markets.
As Rotana continues to expand into new and emerging markets, the group remains focused on innovation, sustainability and a guest-first philosophy so that every stay delivers on its enduring promise of ‘Treasured Time’.
