Relaxnews) - Now that Sochi, host of the 2014 Winter Olympics, has made it onto the world’s radar as a potential travel destination with its sub-tropical climate, spa and wellness culture, here’s a look at some of the top-rated hotels and attractions in the area.
According to user-generated reviews on TripAdvisor.com, the Grand Hotel and Spa Rodina is the top-ranked hotel in the city and is described by guests as elegant and luxurious.
Designed in Stalinist neo-classical architecture, the boutique hotel is surrounded by towering cedars, larch trees, maple and rhododendrons, echoing the city’s lush, botanical heritage.
The summer resort town is known as the Russian Riviera for its sub-tropical climate which helps maintain one of Sochi’s most popular attractions, the Dendrary Botanical Garden.
In February, temperatures range between 3C and 10C. Sochi lies on the same latitude as Toronto, Nice in France and the Gobi Desert.
The Grand Hotel & Spa also boasts one of the largest hotels spas in Europe, spanning 4,000 square meters. The fitness center includes two 25 and 35-meter swimming pools, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts.
Rounding out the three top-rated hotels in Sochi are the Sochi-Breeze Spa Hotel and the Radisson Lazurnaya Hotel.
Meanwhile, the top-rated restaurants in the city include Cafe Del Mar, Brigantina Cafe and Cafe Del Mar Plyazh.
Here are a few of the city’s main attractions:
The Arboretum
Located in the heart of the city, the park is home to Russia’s biggest collection of oak trees, as well as palm, cypress and other sub-tropical species. Visitors can also head to the aquarium, which recreates the marine life of the Black Sea.
Trinity Georgian Convent
It’s said that those who undertake the pilgrimage to the cathedral, hidden deep in the Caucasus Mountains, and pray before the Vladimir Mother of God find healing, hope, faith and love.
Achishkho Ridge
With sweeping views of the Caucasus Mountains and home to sub-alpine meadows, adult-sized flowers and cascading waterfalls measuring up to 30 meters tall (98 feet), the Achishkho Ridge is described as a gem of a destination.
Tea time
Between visits to health resorts, spas and mountain treks, be sure to squeeze in a visit to a traditional tea house. Wash down sweet cakes and jams with smoking samovars filled with strong, rich Russian tea -- one of the most popular beverages among Russians.
According to user-generated reviews on TripAdvisor.com, the Grand Hotel and Spa Rodina is the top-ranked hotel in the city and is described by guests as elegant and luxurious.
Designed in Stalinist neo-classical architecture, the boutique hotel is surrounded by towering cedars, larch trees, maple and rhododendrons, echoing the city’s lush, botanical heritage.
The summer resort town is known as the Russian Riviera for its sub-tropical climate which helps maintain one of Sochi’s most popular attractions, the Dendrary Botanical Garden.
In February, temperatures range between 3C and 10C. Sochi lies on the same latitude as Toronto, Nice in France and the Gobi Desert.
The Grand Hotel & Spa also boasts one of the largest hotels spas in Europe, spanning 4,000 square meters. The fitness center includes two 25 and 35-meter swimming pools, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts.
Rounding out the three top-rated hotels in Sochi are the Sochi-Breeze Spa Hotel and the Radisson Lazurnaya Hotel.
Meanwhile, the top-rated restaurants in the city include Cafe Del Mar, Brigantina Cafe and Cafe Del Mar Plyazh.
Here are a few of the city’s main attractions:
The Arboretum
Located in the heart of the city, the park is home to Russia’s biggest collection of oak trees, as well as palm, cypress and other sub-tropical species. Visitors can also head to the aquarium, which recreates the marine life of the Black Sea.
Trinity Georgian Convent
It’s said that those who undertake the pilgrimage to the cathedral, hidden deep in the Caucasus Mountains, and pray before the Vladimir Mother of God find healing, hope, faith and love.
Achishkho Ridge
With sweeping views of the Caucasus Mountains and home to sub-alpine meadows, adult-sized flowers and cascading waterfalls measuring up to 30 meters tall (98 feet), the Achishkho Ridge is described as a gem of a destination.
Tea time
Between visits to health resorts, spas and mountain treks, be sure to squeeze in a visit to a traditional tea house. Wash down sweet cakes and jams with smoking samovars filled with strong, rich Russian tea -- one of the most popular beverages among Russians.