Shovi, Balneological resort in Oni Municipality, Georgia
Shovi is a spa town in Oni Municipality, set in the Chanchakhi river valley in the mountainous Racha region of Georgia. Several mineral springs rise in and around the town, and the water from these sources has long been used for therapeutic purposes.
The first sanatorium here opened in 1928, turning the village into an organized resort during the Soviet period. The therapeutic use of the springs had likely started earlier, but it was this development that brought the place wider attention.
Shovi sits in the Racha region, known across Georgia for Khvanchkara, a semi-sweet red wine made from local grapes. Small family-run guesthouses in the area serve traditional Rachan food that has been cooked the same way for generations.
The town is generally accessible from June to October, as mountain roads in the area can become difficult in winter and early spring. Weather can shift quickly at this altitude, so bringing warm layers and sturdy footwear is a good idea regardless of the season.
The mineral springs here contain a combination of sodium and calcium that is tied to the specific geology of the Racha region and is not commonly found elsewhere in Georgia. Despite once being a busy Soviet-era resort, the town today sees far fewer visitors than better-known Georgian spa destinations.
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