Rotana, the Emirates-based global hospitality group, has just acquired its first ski resort. The resort is located in Gudauri, high in the Greater Caucasus Mountains in the country of Georgia. Gudauri is already one of the region’s leading and most well-established ski areas. The acquisition comes as an addition to Rotana’s ever-expanding portfolio. The hospitality group already owns a diverse set of assets, operating over 100 properties from the Middle East to Europe. Rotana operates six separate sub-brands, including the flagship Rotana Hotels & Resorts, as well as Centro Hotels, Edge by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resort, and Arjaan Hotel Apartments. Rotana also manages the Rose Rayhaan in Dubai, notable for being the world’s tallest hotel between 2009 and 2012 at 1,093 feet (333 m).
The resort will be renamed Caucasus Mandili, from simply Gudauri ski resort. The property is currently being developed in partnership with Pontus Development and designed by Italian architectural studio NOA. The group plans to turn Caucasus Mandili into a true year-round destination. Rotana’s official site stated that “across the resort, guests will have access to signature and specialty dining, 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 retail and rental, and extensive kids’ and family entertainment. A dedicated wellness facility connects both properties via a bridge, providing guests with access to the resort’s shared wellness offering.”
Caucasus Mandili offers an impressive vertical drop of 4,130 feet (1,260 meters) and is served by seven chairlifts, four gondola/ropeways, and four T-bars. The resort is also noteworthy for offering heli-skiing. The resort offers more than 75 kilometers (47 miles) of groomed slopes on approximately 7,000 acres of skiable terrain, providing a diverse array of difficulties. Gudauri’s official page states it offers 30% blue slopes, 40% red slopes, and 30% black, providing something for all levels of skiers and riders. Caucasus Mandili will compete with nearby Kazbegi Ski Resort and aims to differentiate itself with a level of luxury not yet seen in the area.
Makram El Zyr, the brand’s vice president of development said “Gudauri marks a defining moment for Rotana. With our first ski resort, we are introducing an entirely new dimension to our hospitality offering and extending our brand into one of the most exciting categories in global travel. The trust and shared vision we have built with Pontus over the past three years, alongside the architectural expertise of NOA, gives this project an exceptional foundation. Gudauri reflects our long-term confidence in Georgia and commitment to delivering distinctive guest experiences in destinations of true character and significance.” The resort was officially signed over to Rotana on May 22, though official opening dates are expected to be announced later in the year.
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The resort is located just 75 miles (120 km) from Tbilisi International Airport, making it easily accessible to travelers from around the world. The resort will have approximately 400 rooms. The resort sits at 7,200 feet (2,200 m), making skiing possible from December through April. Georgia has quickly been becoming one of the fastest growing tourism countries in Europe over the last several years. The country welcomed over 7 million international visitors in 2025, and Rotana’s addition of the ski resort will continue to push that momentum forward.
Irakli Varshalomidze, Founder of Pontus, summed things up by saying “Expanding our partnership with Rotana into Gudauri is a defining moment for Pontus and for Georgian tourism. The strength of this project lies in the synergy of three teams — Pontus’s 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.” The new acquisition looks to be an exciting opportunity for the tourism sector of the country, as well as for the skiers and riders from across Europe, the Middle East and beyond.
