Sudipta Dev – Tsaghkadzor
Located at a distance of 55 km from Yerevan the capital city of Armenia, the township of Tsaghkadzor was a favourite ski destination during the Soviet era. In present times Tsaghkadzor is both a summer and winter destination that attracts domestic as well as international visitors, including few Indian groups. Golden Palace Hotel Resort and Spa in Tsaghkadzor is the only Armenian hotel to be a member of Luxury Group of Hotels and the only officially recognised Grand Deluxe hotel. “The area got forgotten after the Soviet era, however the last 10 years have seen a lot of investments flow in to develop Tsaghkadzor as a destination.
Golden Palace Hotel Resort and Spa is a relatively new property that was established about three years ago. Every few months small groups are coming from India, and they stay with us for two-three days. Most of groups are leisure travellers,” said Arsham Shakhbazyan, deputy director, Golden Palace Hotel Resort and Spa, Tsaghkadzor.
Shakhbazyan believes that the groups from India come and stay at the property as he and his team try their best to meet the guests’ requirements regarding food. “We have also allowed them to bring their chef a few times. The kitchen area is a forbidden area but sometimes we can meet their requirement, specially as the groups are not too big,” said Shakhbazyan, pointing out that Armenia as a destination is new for Indians.
Primarily a winter destination, the property is the only one which has a direct access to the mountains, which is perfect for skiers. “The hotel is at the top of mountains. The season begins in winter – from December till March, depending on snow. The government also installs snow machines to prolong the period of skiing,” mentioned Shakhbazyan, adding that in summer too people from Yerevan and other places in Armenia visit Tsaghkadzor, as the climate is much cooler here.
The resort has 120 rooms across nine categories. There are extensive facilities for meetings and events, and also a casino. It is a perfect property for children with its own kid’s room, where caring nannies take care of them while parents can enjoy a spa session or ski down the mountains. The property is being promoted in Armenia and some international markets like Russia.