We have been dreaming of a trip to Montenegro for a long time, especially since this small country has been becoming more and more popular for some time now. It combines not only a wealth of spectacular landscapes and romantic towns, but also consciously promoting and investing in the development of luxury tourism. We decided that the team CARTER® will discover its charms on its own Montenegro, so, taking advantage of direct flights offered by LOT, in September 2019 we flew from Warsaw to Podgorica for an extended weekend. We were supposed to find out why it is worth promoting this country. Our group of four was to see the best tourist attractions of the coast. In addition, we also had to inspect top hotels and get acquainted with the local cuisine.
Bay of Kotor
The main tourist attraction of the country is the phenomenal Bay of Kotor, which closely resembles the Norwegian fjords! It is worth knowing that there are beautiful old towns of historical cities, and the most popular of them is Kotor. Located at the very end of the bay, the Kotor region is included on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Picturesque stone houses, red tile roofs, a maze of streets and courtyards and countless restaurants and cafes – all this creates a unique atmosphere that attracts numerous tourists. Moreover, the town is surrounded by an extremely picturesque landscape. The majestic mountains and the peaceful bay bring great relief.
Budva Riviera
This is the name for a 35-kilometer stretch of coast near the seaside of Budva, also with a beautiful old town. Budva itself is rather a center of mass tourism, focused on numerous entertainment and nightlife, but visiting the charming old town is a must-see.
The most luxurious hotel in Budva is the Dukley resort.
Sveti Stefan – the most desirable address in the country
The nearby town of Sveti Stefan, with its fortified island of the same name, is undoubtedly an oasis of true luxury. It's probably here the best and most desirable address on the Montenegrin coast, i.e. a unique hotel of an ultra-luxury chain SAFE. It occupies an entire island, where a few guests can stay overnight in restored houses, which were once fishermen's houses. A bridge from the island leads to the coast, where hotel guests have at their disposal three different beaches. For those who prefer to look at this beautiful island from a distance, there are several additional rooms in the Villa Milocer hotel, built in the 3s. Moreover, on the slope of a nearby hill there are numerous private villas with a great view of the island.
Trip to Montenegro – a new Côte d'Azur?
The country's authorities have developed a well-thought-out strategy for the development of the luxury tourism sector. Therefore, they encourage investment, among others: in infrastructure to support luxury yachts. Already known throughout Europe, Porto Montenegro is a megamarina for 450 yachts, and also a completely new mini-town with a great hotel. Regent, private residences, a yacht club with a beautiful swimming pool, restaurants, shops and boutiques of luxury brands. Porto Montenegro is becoming the main marina for yachts and superyachts in the eastern Mediterranean. Similar marinas are being built, among others: in Lustica Bay (with a very good hotel Chedi) and Porto Novi, which is why more and more people compare Montenegro to the French Riviera.
In 2021, the first hotel in Europe of a top chain will open in Porto Novi One & Only. An Oberoi hotel will soon appear in Montenegro, and the country's authorities are also conducting advanced talks with the Ritz-Carlton chain. This small but beautiful country is pushing itself strongly on the map of luxury tourism in Europe, offering new hotels from the best global brands. Taking this into account, as well as the undoubted charms of this country - a trip to Montenegro is a great idea for your next vacation!
Author: Wiktor Gliński
