11 Destination Dupes: Lesser-Known Spots That Offer 5-Star Luxury Without the Crowds

6. Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia — Mountain adventure-luxe on the Georgian Military Highway

Stepantsminda, often called Kazbegi, offers high-mountain lodges, private trekking, and fortress views as a distinctive alternative to the Swiss Alps. Boutique guesthouses and small luxury properties use local stone and wood to create refined alpine-feel rooms, while guides arrange glacier walks, horseback rides, and remote spa treatments. Travelers fly into Tbilisi (TBS) and enjoy a scenic two- to three-hour private drive along the Georgian Military Highway, a route famed for dramatic vistas and fortress ruins. As of Oct/2025, expect boutique-lodge rates to begin around $150–$400 per night; private guiding, 4x4 access, and curated culinary experiences are priced separately. The May–September season is best for road access and hiking; winter appeals to those chasing quiet mountain escapes with cultural depth. Source notes: NotJustTravel and BBC Travel highlight Caucasus destinations gaining traction for adventure-luxury travel.