The Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace in Georgia has undergone a complete renovation, adding a 1,500sq m wellness centre with a spa and fitness experience. The spa, called p’auza, takes its name from the Georgian word for pause.

Spa consultant Claire Way, managing director of Spa Strategy, worked on the project through all stages: market research, concept development and design and pre-opening support.

“Creating moments to pause in an urban environment is very representative of what the team are doing here,” said Way.

Way worked on the project alongside hydrothermal experts Barr+Wray and interior designers Wright Associates.

The facility includes a spa suite plus four treatment rooms and a wide range of hydrothermal experiences, including sauna, steam room, hammam, private hammam, ice, plunge pool, vitality pool and whirlpool. There is also an outdoor pool for use in summer.

The gym is one of the largest in Georgia and includes a studio and personal training space.

“P’auza at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace is more than a facility, it is a collection of spaces for exploring your self-care goals,” said Rusudan Dzigrashvili, PR manager for the hotel. “It is for guests who want to optimise their personal wellbeing while at home or travelling, to improve their health and happiness. P’auza invites guests to take a break for five minutes, hours, days or months. The wellbeing concept is built on the principle of providing education and services that support our guests’ desire to improve their health, such as movement, restoration, mindfulness and touch.`’

Skincare brands Elemis and Hammamii are featured in the spa menu, which also includes a hammam ritual using local Georgian botanicals and clays rich in minerals.

“Georgia has wonderful natural ingredients that are organically harvested, and we purchase small quantities at a time in order to be as natural as possible,” said Dzigrashvili.