Areni Lodge — Hotel in Vayots Dzor Province

This place is located in the heart of a spectacular region and it might be nice in the future. We were a group of 3 who booked two rooms on-line based the photos, and were told the finishing touches were still being made on the construction. Unfortunately, when we arrived, it was very much still a construction zone, although our two rooms (and only these two) were made up and adequate, although missing certain features like floor boards and trim. Water also didn’t work except during certain limited hours. There was a sitting area where the owner and his family camped out which seemed very much a like a home living room. The rest of the building, however, remains very much a construction zone which you must pass through to get upstairs to the rooms. The owner, from Australia, and his family welcomed us with a drink and some fruit, and gave us some background on the region and the hotel. We also heard about the construction delays and problems. No amenities on site were operating (no pool, no restaurant, no bar), although the family did invite us to have dinner with them. Unfortunately, our group felt we could not stay given construction and minimal privacy. When we told the owner that we could not stay, but appreciated the beauty and potential of the place. We were then abruptly told to “get out.” When I apologized for the inconvenience and indicated I did not mean to cause any offence, I was told that I had offended the owner and his family and told to “just leave now.” It was the most awkward arrival and departure in all my travels. I wish the owner and his family well in this endeavour.The place has a lot of potential, but is a long ways from...

Areni Lodge is a truly special place and an experience unlike any other.

The hosts, Armine and Len, go above and beyond to ensure every guest has an unforgettable stay. Whether it's helping you explore the local region or guiding you through the immersive grounds of the lodge itself, their care and attention to detail are second to none.

At Areni Lodge, you're welcomed not just as a guest, but as part of the family.

Armine kindly arranged an excellent English-speaking guide for us, Hovik – who took us through the historical and natural wonders of the Vayots Dzor, Syunik, and Gegharkunik provinces. His knowledge and passion brought these sites to life.

Areni Lodge is the perfect base for exploring central and southern Armenia. Forget the exhausting day trips from Yerevan – staying here allows you to fully immerse yourself in this breathtaking, history-rich region.

The standard of the accommodation and the property itself is genuinely above 5-star. Listening to the gentle flow of the lower Arpa River through the grounds is a calming, therapeutic experience. The local flora and fauna (legless Lizard!) add to the charm, making the stay truly one of a kind.

What truly elevates the experience, though, are the hosts. Armine and Len embody the very spirit of hospitality: warm, generous, and deeply committed to making your stay memorable.

A special mention must be made of their efforts to support the Areni village community. Through innovation and creative thinking, they’re helping local families develop new industries and livelihoods. Their love for the community is heartfelt, and it’s essential to support enterprises that give back in such...

Areni Lodge is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever stayed in my life. It felt like a dream. Tucked into a quiet, storybook village with the world’s most breathtaking monastery perched on a hill just twenty minutes away, the lodge sits beside a gently winding river and is surrounded by vineyards that seem to breathe history and stillness.

But the real magic is in the details—the hand-built picnic tables, the winding walking paths, the fresh pastries and homemade wine, and the in-progress pergola that somehow already feels like it’s always belonged there. Every inch of the property feels like it was created with love. And strangely, beautifully, it feels like home.

Len, the host, is always building something—always imagining, always creating. His vision extends beyond hospitality into something more generous and rare. There’s a small world here that he’s carefully curating for children and families, a dreamscape in progress.

The rooms are spacious and warmly designed, each with a wide balcony overlooking the river and the ancient monastery above—a sentinel that’s watched over the valley for centuries.

We shared beautiful conversations. I’ll carry those with me. I’ll carry the stillness of the hill, the taste of the wine, and the feeling of belonging.

How could I...