No visit to Tbilisi is complete without a visit to Abanotubani and the famed Tbilisi sulphur baths. In fact, there is no reason you should only visit once.
The baths’ rejuvenating capabilities are without peer – even baths in Iceland, Vietnam, and New Zealand have failed to compare.
Whether it is before/after a long flight, upon the completion of a wonderful hike in the mountains, or, most importantly, the day after a five-hour supra, the Tbilisi sulphur baths will take you in as one person and spit you out as a another, every single time. There are several options in Abanotubani, a few of which are outlined below.
Location
Time Needed
One Hour
Cost
Basic, budget private rooms will go for 25 GEL, whereas the nicer bathhouses with tea rooms, plunge pools, and the like will be closer to 150 GEL. These are per room/per hour costs, so the more people in your group, the cheaper it is per person.
The Tbilisi Sulphur Baths
Orbeliani – though it looks more like a mosque from the outside, this is actually one of most recently updated options in Abanotubani. Lots of newly renovated, private rooms available and great customer service.
Royal Bathhouse – a personal favorite. While the Russian “hostess” is anything but a gracious host, just make sure to smile and make clear how long you need a private room (one hour is very sufficient, though two hours may be worth it if you want to take tea breaks, incorporate a Georgian “massage”, or just take your time.) The “menu” is very confusing unfortunately.
On weekends and/or during high season, you may need to reserve in advance. Unless you speak enough Russian (or even Georgian) to complete over the phone, this may require a quick in-person visit to complete.
Bathhouse #5 – this is a very Georgian experience. While the staff are less than friendly and it will likely be crowded, this is the place the locals go, and for good reason. The rooms are beautiful.
Gulo’s Baths – apparently another great option, though never personally visited. Comes highly recommended as one of the top end, private room options.
Final Thoughts
Many of the Tbilisi sulphur baths offer Georgian “massages”, but like many things in Georgia, the English translation doesn’t really tell the whole story.
A Georgian massage, at least in your author’s experience, is more like an aggressive “smack and scrub” with a splash of rinsing – there was very little “massaging” involved at all. From the waiting room, it sounds more like someone being slapped around while spilling multiple buckets of water. 100% worth trying though, if not for pleasure than for the story you can tell afterwards.
Lastly, some of the more expensive rooms come equipped with ice-cold dipping pools, though all rooms come with showers that can serve the same purpose. Rotating between extremely hot and extremely cold temperatures is a wonderful way to rejuvenate both your skin and your soul.
Regardless of where you end up, the end-state will be the same. You’ll feel incredibly relaxed, rejuvenated, and rested. This is a highly recommended activity before your first full night in Georgia (especially if you may suffer from jet lag.)