Tsinandali Estate Georgia, set in a historical 18th century home and wine cellar, opens its doors as the latest addition to the Radisson Collection. The restorations and many new developments – led by architecture studio, Septiembre Arquitectura – reveal a luxurious new hotel that revitalises the charm of the property’s history alongside newfound contemporary splendour.
Overlooking the dramatic Caucasus Mountains, the Tsinandali Estate is located in the very heart of the Kakheti wine region; argued to be one of the oldest wine-making regions in the world. Once home to Georgian Poet and Aristocrat, Alexander Chavchavadze (1786-1846), the estate now houses the area’s most anticipated luxury hotel, Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate Georgia.
In line with Georgia’s cultural identity, the unique property is fittingly set amidst the Estate’s own remarkable vineyards: amongst the finest in a region renowned for a diverse selection of wines. A full immersion into this aspect of Georgian culture is complemented by the property’s unique “vinotheque”, wine-tasting bar, and Prince Alexander Chavchavadze’s personal wine cellar collection.
Led by Spanish/Mexican architecture studio, Septiembre Arquitectura, the focus of the design has been to bridge the 19th-century architecture of the historic building with the present. In an effort to preserve the cultural past of the location, Septiembre Arquitectura worked closely with and around the surroundings of the Estate: drawing inspiration from nature and its heritage. The studio was responsible for designing the New Building – a completely bare structure initially. This meant arranging and designing all the rooms, the Lobby area, the Spa, and the layout of the Old Library.
Co-founder of the studio, Damian Figueras, described the project as a “dialogue between the 19th and the 21st century. Visitors can notice the coexistence of the two periods in the modern furniture and works of art from the time Tsinandali was first designed.” The studios’ approach to this emphasises the pre-existing histories and cultural past of the location; all the while creating an environment that harmoniously co-exists with the nature around it.
Guests may notice and appreciate the broad thematic inspirations that the hotel is built on. Internally, this extends to each of the 4 levels of the hotel—each designed as an abstraction of a season of the year. Septiembre Arquitectura’s commitment to this concept extends from the prominent design decisions down to the subtle nuances, found in the reflective choice of fabrics, colours, metals, and textures within each guestroom. In the communal areas, the lobby area serves as a tribute to the acclaimed Georgian wine industry: blending industrial elements with the hotel itself, through materials such as cork and metal flooring.
Beyond the interiors of the hotel, the external composition also reflects careful consideration of its surroundings. Plants cover the exterior walls of the property: the green façade was chosen to create an almost illusory effect of the building ‘disappearing’ and melting into the natural environment around it.
GUEST ROOMSEach floor of the hotel reflects a completely distinctive mood inspired by each of the Four Seasons using appropriate colours, textures, materials and images. Velvet rich fabrics, tapestries, rugs and furnishings are an exciting, eclectic mix of traditional Georgian, European and contemporary minimalist design elements. Even the metal fixtures reflect the season chosen for a particular floor; Winter chrome, Spring brushed steel, Summer brass, Autumn copper. Floor to ceiling windows are strategically placed to provide maximum natural light. Interiors are illuminated by indirect lighting, discretely hidden by elegant mouldings and augmented by standing lamps and pendants for individual suites, corridors, lobbies and restaurants.
The hotel features 141 elegant rooms with seasonally inspired décor and a vast selection of features to create the perfect stay: full HD Smart TV, coffee machine, iron and ironing board, safe and mini bar, high-speed Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, bathrobe and slippers. Guests can choose among 124 rooms: 23 Collection Rooms, 52 Collection Superior Rooms, 44 Collection Premium Rooms, 2 Collection Junior Suites and 3 Collection Suites. Additionally, 8 private suites and 9 Collection Rooms are situated on the grounds of the estate in traditional buildings steeped in historic heritage with a modern twist, ideal for couples, families or those who want to be surrounded by nature and enjoy absolute privacy.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS By sourcing the finest local produce combined with an excellent selection of wines the Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate offers an outstanding dining experience within its three restaurants, three bars and the Blue room – space that can be used for private dining.
Prince Alexander offers all-day dining and features a courtyard terrace: serving breakfast, lunch and dinner based on the best international cuisine traditions. A private dining area, Blue Room, is also located next to the all-day dining restaurant.
The instantly welcoming French Le Bistro with its cosy summer terrace offers a relaxing sanctuary servicing a selection of the best French pastry in the area, genuine coffee and light healthy dishes for a quick snack. French Le Bistro restaurant will serve the finest local and seasonal produce.
For those guests who want to experience authentic Georgian cuisine, the Kakheti Restaurant provides a warm and hearty introduction to the unique Georgian culinary traditions of the Kakheti region.
The wine tasting bar, Gaumarjos, offers a diverse selection of wines produced by the estate. The hotel also features The Library Bar – a spacious book gallery with a stylish lounge zone housing the hotel’s main bar. The Golden Room also forms a part of the bar, exclusively designed by German Industrial Designer Ingo Maurer, the cosy space features a distinctive fireplace which creates an inviting atmosphere to enjoy in the winter months. Talking about the project Mourer stated that “It was clear to me that we had to stay away from any kind of trend. My team and I tried to avoid any kind of banality as respect for the historical building was our first priority. The place has a very strong aura and any wrong decision, which would harm the pre-existing harmony, would have been a criminal act.”
SERVICES High up on the 5th floor, the luxurious Spa offers guests a variety of contemporary and traditional holistic treatments. In keeping with the idea of “coexistence in nature”, the spa uses creams, oils, soaps and shampoo made from natural and restorative ingredients. Total recreation would not be complete without a visit to the wellness floor which includes a fitness room, sauna, Jacuzzi, a full Spa service area and a 19m infinity outdoor pool with a breathtaking view over the park and the Caucasus Mountains.
The Tsinandali Estate is a perfect location for relaxing tours, memorable meetings, fascinating weddings and recharging breaks amongst nature. Discover the fascinating history of the founder of the Georgian romanticism – Prince Alexander Chavchavadze and his family, have a peaceful walk in a landscape garden with 40 unique species, enjoy a tour of the winery while tasting the wines from the estate’s own wine cellars.