Kutaisi offers more than just ancient monasteries and vibrant markets — it’s a surprisingly good place to unwind in spa and hot springs experiences. While Georgia is famous for its mineral waters, Kutaisi stands out because of its rich variety of options, from historical Soviet sanatoriums to natural sulfur pools. We especially like the Tskhaltubo Old Soviet Spa Tour for its fascinating history and atmospheric ruins, and the Kutaisi to Vani: Natural Spa Experience for authentic natural springs with therapeutic benefits. Whether you’re after a trip back in time or a soak in bubbling mineral waters, Kutaisi has something for every traveler seeking relaxation and healing.
Below, we’ve rounded up our top two picks, each offering a different way to experience the region’s famous mineral waters and natural springs. Read on for detailed insights that will help you choose the best spa experience for your trip.
1. Tskhaltubo Old Soviet Spa Tour
This tour takes you through the fascinating remnants of Tskhaltubo, once a bustling Soviet-era spa resort that drew visitors from Moscow and beyond. For around $46.10 per person, you’ll explore the abandoned sanatoriums and baths that once housed 19 sanatoriums, a resort park, and the Scientific Institute of Balneology. It’s a trip into Soviet history, with vivid stories about how this place was a key treatment center during the mid-20th century.
What makes this experience stand out is the chance to see the decay and grandeur of the resort as it was in its prime. The tour includes stops at the iconic sanatoriums built from the 1920s onward, with commentary on how mineral water was believed to cure everything from skin conditions to heart disease. Your guide Akaki brings the history alive with engaging stories, and the tour is appreciated for its informative nature and personalized touch. Reviewers praise it as one of the most interesting ways to understand Soviet-era health tourism, with highlights like the abandoned buildings offering great photo opportunities.
Bottom line: If you’re a history buff or interested in Soviet architecture, this tour offers an immersive experience that goes beyond just relaxing in hot springs. It’s affordable and full of stories you won’t find in guidebooks.
2. Kutaisi to Vani: Natural Spa Experience
For those seeking a more natural and outdoor experience, the Kutaisi to Vani: Natural Spa Experience is hard to beat. Costing around $65.00 per person, this half-day tour features visits to Dikhashkho sulfur pools and a stunning sulfur geyser. The pools have been in use for over 100 years and are known for their healing properties, especially for musculoskeletal and nervous system issues. The thermal water reaches 38°C, making it perfect for year-round soaking.
This experience is unique because it combines natural mineral waters with an authentic rural setting. The sulfur pools are free to use, but the tour includes transportation from Kutaisi, with an experienced driver and local insights. Visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to bathe in warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying the scenic landscape. The sulfur geyser adds an extra thrill — it erupts regularly and offers a genuine geothermal spectacle.
The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, though it’s worth noting that walking around the pools and natural sites requires some mobility. Reviewers particularly enjoy the tranquil environment, with one noting, “It’s like stepping into a different world — pure nature and healing waters.”
Bottom line: If you prefer an outdoor soak with therapeutic mineral waters in a rustic setting, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable experience.
How to Choose
Picking between these two options depends on your interests and style of relaxation. If you’re keen on history, architecture, and a deeper understanding of Soviet-era health resorts, then the Tskhaltubo Old Soviet Spa Tour is an excellent choice. It combines a stroll through atmospheric ruins with storytelling about Georgia’s past. For those who prefer natural surroundings and outdoor soaking, the Vani sulfur pools promise a relaxing escape in scenic nature with proven health benefits.
Think about your budget, time constraints, and whether you want a guided walk through history or an open-air soak. Both tours are easily bookable and offer a different perspective on Kutaisi’s healing waters — just remember to bring appropriate swimwear and a towel.
Final Thoughts
Kutaisi’s spa and hot springs scene offers a compelling mix of history and nature. The Tskhaltubo Old Soviet Spa Tour stands out for its fascinating look at Soviet health architecture and the stories behind the abandoned sanatoriums. Meanwhile, the Kutaisi to Vani: Natural Spa Experience delivers a genuine natural mineral bath experience that feels untouched by time.
For a traveler interested in history and culture, the Soviet-era tour provides depth and atmosphere. If natural healing waters and outdoor scenery appeal more, the sulfur pools in Vani are a perfect pick. Both experiences are well-reviewed and represent excellent value for your time and money. We recommend booking early, especially in peak seasons, to ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable spa experiences in Kutaisi.