Georgia's Hidden Gem: Serenity Likani Likani Unveiled
Serenity Likani: My Georgian Getaway – Where the Mountains Meet My (Almost) Perfect Chill Zone – SEO-Infused Chaos!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea, the chacha, and maybe a little bit of my scrambled eggs on Serenity Likani, Georgia's supposed "Hidden Gem." And let me tell you, after a recent visit? It lives up to the hype… and sometimes, totally doesn't!
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First Impressions: Accessibility & Getting There (Because Let's Face It, Getting There is Half the Battle – Especially After That Georgian Wine!)
So, finding Serenity Likani? Pretty darn easy. The actual journey from, say, Tbilisi? Beautiful! The whole drive through those Georgian landscapes… wow. But listen, their claims of Accessibility? More on that later. While the accessibility is there, I felt like a couple of narrow corridors might try to give you a hard time if your wheelchair's much wider than a Hummer. (Note to self: measure my actual wheelchair width. Sigh ). The elevator was a blessing. They have facilities for disabled guests, but, bless their Georgian hearts, it’s not quite up to the fully Western-standard accessible level.
Thankfully, the Car Park [free of charge] was, well, free and actually had spaces! So, a win. And the airport transfer service? A lifesaver after that long flight.
Rooms and Creature Comforts: My Comfy Nest (and the Great Slippers Debacle!)
Okay, let's talk rooms, because where you sleep is kinda important. The rooms themselves? Gorgeous. Seriously. I’m talking Air conditioning that actually worked (a huge win after a day in the Georgian sun). Blackout curtains that I could actually use for a change (hello, sleep!). A desk that wasn't a wobbly disaster. And the Extra long bed? Oh, that bed was like a fluffy cloud that swallowed me whole. Free bottled water? Always appreciated. In-room safe? Check. Mini bar? Okay, this part was… tempting. Especially after I discovered the complimentary tea was basically a gateway drug to the coffee/tea in restaurant (and, let’s be honest, the rest of the goodies!).
The bathroom was a stunner. Bathtub, separate shower/bathtub. I did miss a bidet, but hey, no complaints! The slippers, though… those were legendary. The fluffiest, most luxurious, get-me-out-of-the-house-and-into-a-cosy-movie-night slippers I've ever sunk my feet into. I almost stole them. Almost. (Shhh, don't tell anyone). Bathrobes too. They nailed the comfy factor. I'm just saying.
And hey, I had Internet access – wireless (and Internet access – LAN for those of you who are old-school like me), which was crucial. Okay, and Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms? Yep! But honestly, it wasn't always as blazingly fast as I would have liked. But I guess that's the price you pay for being in the mountains, right?
One tiny complaint: My room was a bit too dark for my liking. Maybe I didn’t realize, but there was no reading light. But! Generally speaking, loved the room!
Spa, Relaxation, and the Pursuit of Pure Bliss… with a Side of Steam (and a Few Hiccups!)
Let's cut to the chase: the Spa. THAT’S what I came for. And it did NOT disappoint. Okay, mostly didn’t. The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Stunning, especially the Pool with view. The views from the spa were incredible! That alone was worth the trip.
I did a Body scrub and a Massage, and nearly floated away with all the tension that was worked out. The massage therapist was… divine. Just absolute magic hands. And the Sauna, Steamroom, and Spa/sauna combo? Perfect for melting away the stresses of… well, everything. The Foot bath was a lovely added touch.
The Fitness center… well, let’s just say I attempted to use it. It had, you know, the usual suspects: weights, treadmills. The equipment was fine, although it wasn’t exactly state-of-the-art, but it was very functional for a workout.
Now, the hiccup? The Spa treatments had a few scheduling issues. I actually had to wait 20 minutes on my first treatment, which, after the lovely drive there, was a slight blip. But, hey, they eventually sorted it out and were very apologetic.
Dining and Drinking: From Breakfast Bliss to Georgian Gastronomy (and a Few Questionable Decisions!)
Okay, food. This is where things get really interesting.
The Breakfast [buffet] was… epic. Honestly. They had everything! Asian breakfast options, Western breakfast, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant – literally everything a hungry traveler could want. I particularly loved their fresh pastries. Absolute heaven! I'd probably give it a 10/10! Honestly, I don't like a buffet and I loved it!
And don’t even get me started on the Georgian food! The Restaurants offer the most delicious International cuisine in restaurant, as well as, of course, a wide range of traditional Georgian fare. The Khachapuri? Oh, the Khachapuri! Worth the trip alone.
They had a Poolside bar which was perfection on a sunny day. You got a Bottle of water at the start. Room service [24-hour] was a godsend after a long day exploring.
They had Happy hour, too! The restaurant was open for snacks, too!
The only little complaint? The Desserts in restaurant were a bit… hit-or-miss. Some were amazing, others were a little bit so-so. I am not one to be disappointed, I love desserts!
Services and Amenities: The Little Extras That Make a Stay Special (and That Elevator!)
They had a ton! Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Daily housekeeping (thank goodness – I make a mess!), a Convenience store on-site (essential for late-night snacks and emergency supplies), and a Concierge to answer any of your questions. The Cash withdrawal service saved me a trip to the bank.
And then there's that elevator, again. The Facilities for disabled guests are there. Honestly, I was just so happy it was there!
For the Kids and Families: Family Fun? (or Chaos?!)
While I was traveling solo, I did see a LOT of families there. They have Kids facilities and, I believe, a Babysitting service. I saw kids running around like crazy, so… seems family-friendly to me!
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Feel Safe? (Absolutely!)
Serenity Likani does a very good job of hygiene and safety. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, Anti-viral cleaning products, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They had CCTV in common areas to keep an eye on things. And obviously, a Fire extinguisher!
COVID-19 Stuff (Because Real Life): The staff was very diligent about Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, which was reassuring. I did see some evidence of Daily disinfection in common areas, which I appreciated. They also offered Individually-wrapped food options. I felt very safe there.
The Quirks, The Quirky, and The Things That Make It 'Georgian'
Now, for the stuff you won’t find in the brochure.
- The Georgian Hospitality: Warm. Friendly. Sometimes a little too helpful (in a good way!).
- The Signage: Let's just say, it could be a little clearer. I got lost once trying to find the gym. Oops.
- The "Rustic" Charm: Sometimes, things are a little…rough around the edges. It's part of its charm, though.
- The Staff's English: some of the staff's English skills aren't perfect, but everyone was eager to please and communication always, ultimately, worked out.
The Emotional Verdict: Should You Go? (HELL YES!)
Look. Serenity Likani isn't perfect. It's got a few quirks. It's not the most slick operation. But
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into my chaotic, beautiful, utterly unpredictable trip to Serenity Likani in…well, it says Georgia. Just the country, not the state. Gotta clarify, been bitten by that confusion before! This isn't some perfectly polished travel brochure; this is the raw, unfiltered, slightly jet-lagged truth of my adventure.
Day 1: Land of the Fuzzy Logic (and Even Fuzzier Airport Transfers)
Morning (ish): Landed in Tbilisi. Glorious, slightly overwhelming Tbilisi. The air smelled of… well, I'm not entirely sure what, but it was exotic and promised adventure. My pre-booked airport transfer, however, was apparently playing hide-and-seek. Thirty minutes of panicked airport Wi-Fi (which, let's be honest, was about as useful as a chocolate teapot) and a phone call later, a tiny, beat-up Lada pulled up, driven by a guy who looked like he'd wrestled a bear for breakfast (and probably won). He didn’t speak a lick of English, but somehow, through a combination of hand gestures and stressed-out Georgian, we understood each other. He eventually got me to the train station.
Afternoon: The train! Going to Likani. Oh, the romance of it. Except, the "scenic route" turned out to be a series of jerky stops and starts, punctuated by the rhythmic clacking of the wheels and the occasional, seemingly random, whistle blast. The view? Stunning. Mountains, forests, villages clinging to the hillsides. The air was crisper up there, smelling of earth and pine, which, honestly, was a welcome change from the airport smog. I spent the ride alternating between mesmerized silence and frantically trying to decipher the Cyrillic script on the train timetable. (Spoiler alert: I failed.)
Evening: Arrived in Likani. Serenity…yeah, maybe a little bit. The train station was tiny, and I mean tiny. Like, if you blinked wrong, you'd miss it. Found a taxi driver who, bless his heart, seemed to know something about where I needed to go. "The Likani Residence," I mumbled, pointing at my phone. He nodded, a flash of teeth, and we were off! The drive was…interesting. Narrow roads, and the increasingly familiar "Georgian driving style" – which can only be described as a competitive game of chicken with oncoming traffic. We reached the Residence. It looked AMAZING. I mean, like…a postcard.
Day 2: Spa Days and Unexpected Delights (and a Minor Meltdown)
Morning: Woke up feeling…utterly transported. The view from my balcony was pure, unfiltered serenity. Lush greenery, the whisper of the wind. Decided I was going to be zen. Headed to the spa. The spa here at The Likani Residence is next level. The staff were extremely nice, but I quickly realized my attempt at a "subtle, I'm-a-local" approach was a complete failure. I ended up getting the full spa treatment, which was amazing. I actually felt like I was floating out of the building.
Afternoon: Found a tiny, charming bakery. The aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries practically dragged me inside. I tried something I think was Khachapuri (cheese bread), and it was a religious experience. Seriously. Cheese, carbs, happiness. It was perfect, I need to keep getting this! Followed that up with a stroll through the little town. Found a small market, got some delicious local fruits, and tried to haggle over a gorgeous, hand-knitted scarf. (I probably overpaid, but the woman selling it was so sweet; she had this tiny granddaughter playing, so I couldn't fight her on price.
Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. More delicious Georgian food. I ordered too much again (when am I going to learn?), but I devoured every single bite. Then… the minor meltdown. The Wi-Fi was patchy. Very patchy. I needed to check emails, upload photos, tell the world about my amazing cheese bread! I paced around the room, muttering under my breath, feeling the familiar tendrils of anxiety beginning to wrap around me. Eventually, I took a deep breath, put down my phone, and went outside to look at the stars. Yeah. Turns out, the world is still pretty amazing EVEN without Wi-Fi.
Day 3: Borjomi, Bubbles, and Beautiful Bad Jokes
Okay, I have to dedicate this day to Borjomi. This is one of the most iconic things to do in the area, I wanted to fully embrace it.
Morning: I rented a car. Now, driving in Georgia is an adventure in itself. I wouldn’'t say I’m a confident driver even on the roads I know, so driving in Georgia I should have been terrified. I was. But the scenery… oh, the scenery. Wind through the mountains, past sleepy villages, and the air fragrant with pine. Eventually I made it to Borjomi.
Afternoon: Borjomi National Park. Okay, here’s where I got totally obsessed. The mineral water of Borjomi is world famous, and now I get why. I’m not gonna lie, it has a distinct taste. I was pretty hesitant at first. I mean, mineral water, right? Sometimes it tastes like the inside of a rusty pipe. But as soon as I tried the stuff… it wasn’t just water; it was like a fizzy, bubbly, earthy revelation, pure bliss. I was like a crazy person, gulping it down. Then it was off for some very long walks, the park is beautiful, and I found myself wandering around in a state of blissful, fizzy, mineral-water-induced happiness. There's something about the way the light filters through the trees.
Evening: Back in Likani. Dinner, and I befriended the waiter, David. David, bless his heart, had a terrible sense of humor, the kind where you groan and then, like, actually laugh because it's so bad. We swapped jokes. His jokes got worse and worse as the night went on, and I found myself in giggling fits of pure, unadulterated joy.
Day 4: The Grand Finale (and a Desperate Plea for Laundry)
Morning: Slept in! Glorious. Had breakfast on the balcony, just soaking in the last of the peace. Realized I had a horrifying amount of dirty laundry. (Apparently, "pack light" wasn't a concept I fully grasped.) Scrambling to find a laundry service in a town like Serenity Likani? Tricky. Finally managed to convince the hotel reception to help me out. Fingers crossed everything comes back in one piece.
Afternoon: One last (very long) hike in the surrounding forest. The air, the views, the silence… It was all perfect. I might cry when I have to leave
Evening: Last dinner. I'm now friends with David AND the chef. We shared a bottle of wine. Laughed until my stomach ached. This tiny, seemingly ordinary little town had burrowed its way into my heart. I'm already planning my return.
Day 5: Departure (and Tears?)
- Morning: Up early. Saying goodbye to the mountains. The Lada pulled up. I'm not sure how I'm going to get back to Tbilisi. But that's a story for another day.
This isn't just a trip; it's a messy, imperfect, utterly human adventure. And I wouldn't trade it for the world. Onward! (And someone please tell me where I can find a good dry cleaner…)
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Serenity Likani: Unveiled (Or, My Slightly Disorganized Love Affair with the Georgian Mountains)
Okay, so... What *is* Serenity Likani? (And Why Should I Care?)
Alright, buckle up, because this isn't just a hotel. Think of it as a whole vibe. Seriously. It *feels* less like a sterile resort and more like stumbling into a ridiculously gorgeous secret. Imagine this: you're in Georgia, land of incredible wine, questionable driving, and mountains that punch you in the face with their grandeur. Serenity Likani, as I saw it, is nestled in one of those mountain ranges. It's a spa, a restaurant, a collection of fluffy robes (important!), and, more than anything, a serious dose of "get away from it all." It’s the kind of place where you accidentally spend an hour just staring at the sunset, completely forgetting what day it is. And, honestly? You should care because you need a break. We all do.
How do I even *get* there? I'm picturing a donkey and a prayer book...
You’re not entirely wrong about the prayer book. Georgian roads can be… an adventure. Let's just say "challenging," and leave it at that. The donkey part? Maybe not. You *can* drive (rent a 4x4, trust me!), or you can, and this is what I did, hire a driver. I booked a transfer from Tbilisi and it took, oh, about 3-4 hours of winding roads that made my stomach do the cha-cha. But, honestly, those mountains just growing bigger in front of your face with every turn? Worth every nauseous second. See, I am not a great driver myself so... I think my way is the best way. Just relax and trust. The real view starts to become apparent. You might also like to fly to a closer airport after that, the journey will still be a little bit long, but it is not that bad.
The Rooms? Spoil me! Are they actual rooms or repurposed yurts?
Okay, real talk: the rooms are *gorgeous*. Think modern comfort meets rustic charm. I stayed in a suite and spent a solid 10 minutes just wandering around, mouth agape. Big windows, a balcony that basically invites you to contemplate the meaning of life (or just drink wine, which I did. A lot), and a bed that swallowed me whole in the best possible way. There's no yurt situation going on, unless you're into luxurious yurts, which, hey, no judgment. The bathroom situation? Excellent. So, so excellent. I love a good shower and it felt like heaven. I did have some problems with the hot water some times but who cares!. It is gorgeous and I loved every minute of it!
The Food! What's the food situation, because I'm obsessed with Georgian cuisine!
Oh, the food. Don't even get me started. I have a *serious* khachapuri addiction, and let me tell you, Serenity Likani didn’t disappoint. They had it all: the cheesy, gooey goodness that defines Georgian food. From the classic *khachapuri* to the savory *khinkali*, you'll be in heaven. The restaurant also offers international options, but, honestly, why would you? The Georgian dishes are the stars. And the wine? Oh, the GORGEOUS wine. I may have sampled a *few* bottles. Okay, a lot. (Don't judge!) The service was impeccable, even though I sometimes struggled to speak anything that sounded like Georgian. But hey, miming "more wine" transcends language barriers. I am very bad at communicating to waitresses so I was lucky enough for them to understand me.
The Spa? Tell me about the spa! Because, you know, "serenity"...
Okay, THIS is where the "serenity" part really kicks in. The spa is a legit sanctuary. I had a massage that was so good, I'm pretty sure I drooled. Don't tell anyone. They have a pool, saunas, everything you need to completely melt away your stress. Again, the fluffy robes are a key component. Wear them. Embrace them. Live in them. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I spent half my time there in that robe, sipping herbal tea, and feeling like a goddess. And the views from the spa? Unforgettable. Picture this: steaming, in a jacuzzi, looking out at the mountains. I swear, I feel like I can go back there at any moment.
Anything else I should know, like… downsides? Because nothing's perfect.
Okay, honesty time. No place is perfect. My phone signal there was, at times, a cruel joke. Embrace the digital detox, or, like me, wander around desperately trying to find a bar of signal. Also, getting there is a bit of a trek - and I already mentioned that!. Some of the staff didn’t speak a ton of English, but everyone was so incredibly friendly and eager to help it was actually not an issue! Sometimes the hotel was really busy, especially during the summer months - make sure to book in advance! I also wish there was a dedicated place to take a stroll or something. The place is not very big so you can't walk a lot. But hey. That's about it. It's pretty close to perfect.
I heard they have activities? What can a lazy potato like myself possibly do there?
Okay, listen, if you are like me, activities aren't really your thing. But, if you are, and it *will* tempt you, there are some great things to do! Hiking is HUGE there. The mountains are begging you to climb them, though… I didn't. I prefer to gaze at them from the comfort of my balcony. The hotel can also arrange day trips to nearby attractions, including things like the Borjomi-Kharagali National Park. But, and I stress this, you can 100% spend your time doing absolutely nothing and feel completely satisfied. That's the beauty of the place. I did, it still was great! You can also play with the hotel dogs. Seriously, they are so cute!
The biggest problem, the real real deal. Would you go back?
The answer is an emphatic, screaming YES. Like, plan my next trip already-yes. I loved it. I needed it. It was the perfect mix of luxury, relaxation, and a good dose of “get away from it all.” I'm already checking flights. This place, it's addictive. And you have to go. Just do it. Book it. Now. You won't regret it… unless you hate fluffy robes. But honestly, if you hate fluffy robes, we can't be friends, so… There is literally one problem: the need to go back! I have been there already once and I am already planning the next visit!
