As International Women’s Day approaches, Ana and Elene Masiuradze are quietly reshaping the narrative around independent hospitality in Europe. The sisters lead Lopota Lake Resort & Spa in Georgia’s Kakheti wine region – a destination that has evolved from a small, family-run retreat into one of the most dynamic year-round resorts in the region. Their journey reflects a broader shift in global travel, where culturally rooted, experience-led destinations beyond traditional Western European hotspots are gaining prominence among design-conscious and adventure-minded travellers alike.
Guided by the vision of their late father and supported by their wider family, Ana and Elene have overseen Lopota’s transformation with a strong emphasis on authenticity, sustainability, and creative programming. Over the past 18 months alone, the resort has renovated key guest accommodation and its main reception building, while introducing new cultural and leisure spaces including a jazz club, rooftop bar, and onsite aquapark. Despite this expansion, the sisters have remained committed to preserving the spirit of Kakheti – from its winemaking traditions to its landscape-driven way of life – ensuring that growth enhances rather than dilutes the sense of place. “Lopota has always been about sharing the soul of Kakheti with our guests,” say Ana and Elene. “As we grow, our focus remains the same: to create meaningful experiences rooted in our culture, our family story, and the land that surrounds us.”
As Georgia emerges on the global travel radar, supported by new direct international routes and increasing interest from European and Asian markets, Lopota offers a compelling case study in how independent resorts can scale while remaining deeply personal. Through a distinctly female-led approach that balances legacy with forward-thinking design and programming, Ana and Elene are helping redefine what modern resort development can look like – not as a formula, but as a living expression of place, family, and vision.
