If there’s anywhere in the world that proves that good things come in small packages, it would be the tiny European country of Montenegro. Home to majestic mountains, picturesque beaches and larger than life locals, this Balkan beauty may not yet have garnered quite so many column inches as its neighbouring Croatia or the close-by Mediterranean hot spots of Côte d’Azur or the Amalfi Coast, but that’s exactly where its beauty lies.
Think Cannes but without the crowds, Porto Montenegro is a glamorous world of superyachts, trendy boutiques and beach clubs lying just 20 minutes from the country’s wild beaches, hidden paths and slower approach to life – and only a 10-minute drive from the compact airport of Tivat – making it the perfect base for your stay. Right in the centre sits the development’s only hotel, the five-star Regent Porto Montenegro, a remarkably stylish spot to rest your head.
Hotel
Grand, refined and with a nautical theme running throughout (its interiors are the brainchild of Tino Zervudachi of Milinaric, Henry and Zervudachi, whose former clients include Mick Jagger), Regent Porto Montenegro comes modelled on a Venetian Palazzo, rising five stories high, complete with three wings. All hardwood floors and bespoke Mediterranean furnishings, inside it is designed to recreate the feel of a luxury ship, with the walls being lined with original drawings of the former shipyard on which it lies.
The 175-key hotel is home to a spectacular open-air pool club where sun loungers and cabanas come complete with sweeping views of the Lovcén Mountain and Adriatic at which we passed away many hours sipping cocktails and people watching. What’s more, if you’re looking at tying the knot, the hotel also arranges incredible weddings including boat transfers to a 17th-century church on a tiny islet.
Perhaps most impressively, the hotel was recently awarded the coveted Green Key eco-label certification, the leading standard for excellence in environmental responsibility, having demonstrated a commitment to maintaining high environmental standards while making a positive difference to the environment. So you don’t have to feel guilty about splashing your cash to stay here, either.
Rooms and suites
Guests at Regent Porto Montenegro have the option to choose from one- to three-bedroom suites and penthouses, all with huge wrap-around balconies that look out over a huge host of bobbing superyachts.
Subtly inspired by yachting with the use of wood, fabrics in blues, cream and beige, and a linen canopy above the bed suggesting sails, you’re never far away from views of the Adriatic, which you can enjoy directly from a comfortable king-sized bed.
As to be expected, the bathrooms are equally as chic, treating guests to a large tub and walk-in rain shower plus double wash basins and a shipping style hatch if you want to communicate with someone in the bedroom.
Food and drink
A hot spot for the superyacht set’s culinary connoisseurs, the hotel’s main restaurant Murano is all about serving up expertly-crafted dishes made from local and fresh ingredients surrounded by chandeliers and mosaic art that reflects the Venetian glass making tradition.
Take a rich, colourful buffet breakfast or leisurely long lunch in its lovely Italian garden and, when night falls, prepare to settle in for an indulgent feast. Tuck into the likes of burrata with homemade basil pesto and roasted cherry tomato sauce, duck leg confit with potato and onion tart, and a fresh grilled sea bass steak with potato and spinach purée and beurre blanc with salmon roe. If you feel like pushing the boat out, we also highly recommend the ‘Lobster Delight’ where, for 85 euros pp, you can enjoy a three-course menu comprising lobster tartar, tagliatelle with lobster velouté and smoked lobster tail and a creamy berry cheesecake with red fruit gel and fresh summer berries.
Spa and wellness
Don’t leave without indulging in a decadent treatment at the Regent Spa. Offering relaxing face and body treatments designed to restore, re-energise and recover, with rooms for both singles and couple’s treatments alike, there’s also a sauna, steam room, hammam and experience showers plus gym, a black indoor sea-view pool with hot tub, and an outdoor pool on the first-floor terrace, also overlooking the marina.
Things to do
Built on the former site of Tivat’s historic naval arsenal in Boka Bay, Porto Montenegro has had a remarkable metamorphosis over the last few years, with a fashion landscape including boutiques by the likes of Dior, Rolex and Saint Laurent, so be sure to squeeze in a little retail therapy. Cafés and fine dining restaurants including Roberto’s Mare and the trendy Buddha Bar also line the marina, so you’ll be more than well-catered for if you choose to leave the comforts of Regent for a quick wander and a spot of people-watching.
The marina’s popularity can also be credited to its stellar location to many of the country’s must-visit spots, just a stone’s throw away from the World Heritage Site of Kotor and the bay. Spend a morning wandering its centuries-old stone walls, café-strewn main square and medieval maze of shops and museums before heading on to the charming little town of Perast. Be sure to rent a kayak or hop on a taxi-boat across to Our Lady of the Rocks, too.
Lord Byron was right – Montenegro truly is the most beautiful merging of land and sea.
Factbox
Double rooms from €182 (£155) in low season; and from €505 (£432) in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Address: Porto Montenegro, Obala bb, Tivat 85320, Montenegro
Phone: +382 32 660 660
Website: ihg.com
All imagery supplied by Regent Porto Montenegro
