DMA has been working with the Georgian Co-Investment Fund on the interior design of this new build luxury resort and spa in Abastumani, Georgia which will be part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Once complete the hotel will comprise 114 guestrooms and 24 suites, extensive lounges, bar, all day dining restaurant, spa & gym, ballroom & conference suite as well as a rooftop bar & terrace.
Abastumani is located within the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park in central Georgia. Since 2000, efforts have been made to rejuvenate the town with the refurbishment of many of the old houses and creation of new buildings with fresh contemporary architecture.
Points of interest include the Georgian National Astrophysical Observatory founded in 1932 as well as the former Romanov-Boyar Palace. The area is also famed for the health benefits of its hydrothermal springs & pine enriched air.
‘The power of nature’ is the first of three key concept narratives that inform the design. A neutral, tonal and healing base palette is paired with harmonious symmetry and pattern to enhance the restorative guest experience. The hotel’s location ‘off the beaten track’ and the wider landscape in which it sits have also been an immense source of inspiration. Accent colour palettes are guided by seasonal changes found in the local landscape, and the jagged, rough mountain outcrops inform the use of more tactile, unembellished natural materials. The architectural form and exploratory functions of the observatory inspire our final concept ‘local identity’. The stories of telescopes, constellations and the sky are told through the lighting selection, while arches and domes reflect the shape of the observatory structure.
A carefully curated palette of ribbed and scraped natural stones, oiled timbers, textural plasters and handmade wallcoverings create a calm and restorative atmosphere within the public spaces of the hotel. Honey, moss and rust coloured accent fabrics are layered with textural neutral base upholsteries and nature inspired prints and patterns throughout the furnishings and rugs.
The hotel is spread over eight levels, with the public areas spanning four of these and the remaining four housing the guestrooms and suites. The reception, lobby lounge, bar, wine cellar, games room, library, all day dining and private dining are all located on the ground level.
A substantial spa is situated on level minus one, parts of which are set into the hillside. Facilities include a large reception and consultation space, twelve treatment rooms, a private hydrotherapy suite, separate wet and dry relaxation rooms, sauna, steam and hammam, gym, an indoor swimming pool as well as outdoor deck space with Jacuzzis over two levels where guests will be able benefit most from the pine dust filled air.
Level minus two is where the conferencing and event spaces are located. The double height ballroom with views of the forest and valley sits alongside three large flexible meeting and event spaces as well as extensive breakout lounge spaces.
Five levels above ground, the rooftop bar & deck will provide extensive views across the forest and valley.
The hotel is set to open late 2022.
