Guide to MontenegroTravel Edit

WHERE TO STAY IN MONTENEGRO?

Montenegro’s-most-incredible-places-to-stayMontenegro’s-most-incredible-places-to-stay
Aman Located at St Stefan Island

1. Aman Sveti Stefan Resort, Sveti Stefan Island

This Adriatic beach resort is spread between an iconic UNESCO island and a former royal residence. Aman Sveti Stefan is located in the centre of Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline, south of Budva, between the villages of Przno and Sveti Stefan. This Mediterranean gem, positioned on a private island, is beautifully surrounded by emerald seas and pink sandy beaches. Staying there is on the pricey side though, however, if you don’t manage that, it’s certainly worth a day trip.

The 80-acre estate is divided between the fortified fishing village of Sveti Stefan island and Villa Milocer (a luxurious small hotel), which is connected to the mainland with a large walking bridge. The outer shell of the resort is similar to that of a historic castle enveloped with luscious ivy walls. There’s a total of 58-guest accommodation, which includes 50 rooms, cottages and suites on the actual island, and eight suites at Villa Milocer. All the rooms have been uniquely designed to retain the historic atmosphere while implementing beautiful modern touches. Each room has stunning views of the sea, courtyards and piazzas.

Top WAWW tips: 

  • To have a tour of the island consult the concierge at Aman Hotel. 
  • Book a table at one of the restaurants located on this incredible island. Alternatively, get a day pass to one of the amazing beach clubs.
  • For the most incredible view of St Stefan island, we suggest a late lunch or early dinner at Villa Milocer, or Nobu. The very best time would be at sunset. 
  • For extreme travellers, book a jet ski or a private speed boat and enjoy exploring the coastline of the island.
Regent Hotel

2. Regent Porto Montenegro, Tivat

Located in the UNESCO-listed Boka Bay, Regent Porto Montenegro has 175 rooms, suites and residences, all with balconies overlooking the stunning setting. Décor is subtly inspired by yachting, with the use of wood and fabrics in blues, cream and beige; a linen canopy above the beds resembles nautical sails. Outside, the central, double-height atrium, with expansive views of the sea, leads out into a tranquil water garden; while the ground-floor café, restaurant, library and bar provide a range of dining and entertaining options. There’s also an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and an indulgent spa to try.

This spectacular waterfront property is designed by Parisian architect Tino Zervudachi. The chic and sleek building is inspired by Venetian-Renaissance and it’s a tribute to the region’s 400 years under Venetian rule. The property is formed by three buildings separated by an open-air pool club. The original Venezia wing (opened in 2014) is inspired by the Italian Renaissance, while the neighbouring Pool Club Residences (that consists of the Aqua wing opened in 2017 and the Baia wing opened in 2019) gives the hotel a contemporary style.

Top WAWW tips: 

  • It’s the ultimate luxury retreat located in the heart of Porto Montenegrovillage where you can explore the port’s shops and restaurants.
  • Pamper and relax at the award-winning spa. In particular, we suggest trying a hammam (Turkish bath).
  • The Pool Club is an expansive communal area, set amid landscaped gardens. Fresh Mediterranean dining options and a laidback soundtrack ensure this is the perfect place to relax and soak up the stunning views of Boka Bay.
  • The prestigious Porto Montenegro Yacht Club includes tennis courts, restaurants, a lounge bar and an acclaimed 64-metre outdoor infinity pool perched over the tranquil seascape. 

3. The Chedi Luštica Bay, Tivat

Luštica Bay is a luxurious riviera escape, located amongst the splendour of Montenegro’s Luštica Peninsula at the entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. It’s just 10-minutes away by car from Tivat airport. The little hidden gem sits on the pristine secluded, undisturbed part of Montenegro. The bay is a little piece of heaven.

Inspired by vernacular architecture of local villages, with red pantile roofs, winding cobblestone paths and limestone buildings it captures a touch of history, but at a modern scale. So far, the first phase of development is complete. But there’s still a great deal more to be done. It will eventually have seven hotels, including a boutique style accommodation, several luxurious three to five-bedroom villas, a golf course, a hospital, and an international school!

The Chedi Luštica Bay sits on Marina Village. Its facilities include a chic man-made marina promenade with abundant boutique shops and an array of formal and casual restaurants. The 111-key hotel boasts 45 rooms and six suites. The hotel also offers a stunning long private beach, an indoor and outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art gymnasium. The spa is also a must-visit wellness spot, offering an array of fantastic treatments all inspired by the ancient healing traditions of the East.

Top WAWW tips: 

  • Luštica Bay spans over 7 km of unspoilt coastline. You can go by boat and have a panoramic tour of the beautiful coastline.
  • There are three international airports nearby: Tivat is 10 km away and only a 15-minute drive; Podgorica is 90 km by car; Cilipi is 46 km by car.
  • The main place to dine is called The Restaurant. It’s open for an international breakfast and dinner buffet. The Spot is a restaurant on the marina promenade. It’s a casual walk-in alternative. It offers a lively ambience with an Asian-inspired menu. The Rok beach bar is magnificently hewn into natural rock. It’s a great place to go for cocktails and light bites.
  • Golfers can also enjoy Luštica Bay’s driving range which boasts panoramic views of the sea.

4. Lazure Hotel & Marina, Herceg Novi

The chic and modern designed five-star boutique hotel is right next to the beautiful medieval city of Herceg Novi, overlooking Bay of Kotor. It’s on the waterfront promenade in Meljine, a small village at the opening of the dramatic meandering Kotor Bay. The prominent 18th century building was elegantly renovated in 2018 as one of Montenegro’s newest must-stay hotels. The name is inspired by the word Lazareti – associated with the soothing azure colour of the sea. It’s also a fitting name because of the bright blue interior and exterior design touches used throughout the stunning property.

It’s the perfect combination between old and new. Original stone features are combined with stylish contemporary furnishings. The airy, light lobby, which is covered by a glass roof used to be an old courtyard. It features a traditional chapel of St. Rocco. As for the rooms and suites, they are filled with dazzling light colours and textures creating a Scandinavian-inspired contemporary touch. You’ll also see paintings throughout the hotel by local artists like Ljubomir Popadic and students from Cetinje Art Academy.

There are 24 modern rustic-style guest rooms and suites featuring the sea, garden, or courtyard view. Dine at any of the two restaurants or the lounge bar. They all celebrate traditional Montenegrin hospitality and serve fresh local produce, including the best local wines. And if that wasn’t enough, at your leisure, take a dip in the outdoor pool, try the signature hammam treatment at the heavenly spa, or enjoy a yoga or dance class.

Top WAWW tips: 

  • The hotel is two miles east of Herceg Novi and 25 miles west of Kotor’s UNESCO-listed, medieval-walled old town, both are worth exploring.
  • If you are travelling by boat, make use of the hotel’s Lazure Marina which has 156 berths.
  • Wine connoisseurs will enjoy visiting The Wine Bar because it stocks a fine selection of speciality wines from Montenegro, Serbia, Croatia, and beyond. It also hosts wine tastings that’s worth the experience. 
  • You’ll fall in love with the historic chapel on the grounds. It’s an ideal place for intimate weddings.

5. La Roche Boutique Hotel, Tivat

If you like boutique hotels, this is one of Montenegro’s most sophisticated choices. The five-star venue is only 20-minutes by foot to the heart of Tivat. The hotel has a classical style, featuring sophisticated interior design. It offers nine comfortable rooms and several cosy apartments, from 34 sqm to 72 sqm. The hotel has beautiful views of Boka Bay, a backdrop of mountain landscapes and a striking, chic private beach. Each elegant room is decorated in understated hues of blue, grey, cream and copper, with wooden interior furnishings.  

There’s plenty to do, unwind in the wellness centre and enjoy a Turkish bath; take a dip in the outdoor pool or rooftop pool; bask in the sun on the beach terrace. As for amenities, each single room and two-bedroom suite have their own dishwasher and ice machine. There’s also an impeccable fine dining service. Try the fresh local fish at the restaurant; the tomahawk steak is also an excellent choice. Plus, the wine list is probably one of the best in the country!

Top WAWW tips: 

  • Enjoy sunset drinks on the rooftop bar.
  • Take a trip to the Cultural Centre which is only 5-minutes by foot. It is situated in the fortified summer house of Buca which belonged to a family of nobleman. There is a library, an atrium, a stage, as well as a museum and a gallery space within its premises.
  • Close by is the Maritime Heritage Museum. It is located inside of a refurbished two-storied building with more than 300 exhibits including two big submarines. One of them is the 50-metre long Submarine P-821, which was operated by the Yugoslav fleet in 1968-1991.
Monte Bay Retreats Perast

6. Monte Bay Retreats, Perast

This is everything that you could wish for from a boutique hotel: simplicity, rustic furnishings and elegant charm – in the most beautiful natural surroundings. There are six deluxe rooms; each stunning room is uniquely designed with the utmost care and painstaking attention to detail. Bespoke features range from claw foot bathtubs, at the foot of the bed, to sumptuous open fireplaces. There’s a beautiful blend of harmony between old rustic charm and modern-day aesthetics, creating a decadent escape as a home away from home.

Their core philosophy: guests always come first. And hospitality is at the heart of everything they do! The staff are passionate about making guests as comfortable as possible so don’t be hesitant to ask them to plan your entire stay, they’ll happily do so.

Top WAWW tips: 

  • Don’t forget to try the hot tub, sauna, massage and open-air bath.
  • The food is delicious. Chef Vuk is happy to craft Montenegrin specialities or any meal of your request using seasonal and local ingredients packed full of flavour.
  • It’s an idyllic location with a great view of the fjord. Ask the concierge to organise a private boat tour from the hotel. The experienced skipper will take you to all the landmarks and hot spots on the coastline. Payment is in cash only though so make sure you bring enough.

7. Forza Mare, Dobrota

The intimate 10-bedroom boutique hotel has a playful modern design. The rooms are themed around different countries, regions and cities including Japan, Africa, Dubai, India, Morocco, Chile, Ireland, US and Provence. French balconies or terraces overlook the garden, pool, Bay of Kotor and mountains. The sweeping views are a sight for sore eyes. It’s no wonder it attracts international celebrities like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Roberto Cavalli and Tina Turner to name a few!

The highlight of the hotel is the waterside terrace restaurant which serves fresh fish supplied daily by local fishermen. There’s also a lovely spa and gym for those that wish to workout hard and chill out after a good gym session. Outside the hotel is a small pebble beach with rattan sunbeds and cabanas. Also indulge in the outdoor whirlpool tub on a terrace, overlooking the picturesque bay.

Top WAWW tips: 

  • Fresh fish is supplied daily by local fishermen. At the restaurant, try the sea urchin, scallops with truffles, or monkfish ragu.
  • Just on the bay, there are a selection of fabulous restaurants to try, within walking distance, such as Pirun and Ozica, and Restaurant Forza Mare.
  • Management can arrange a yacht charter and a private tour with a driver.
  • The hotel is also a great place for a wedding. You can have a ceremony on the beach and the reception can be held at the waterside terrace restaurant.
Hotel Forte Rose

8. Forte Rose Resort, Rose

Forte Rose Resort is located on the Mediterranean coast of Rose, in the heart of Rose village next to the Monastery of the Presentation of the Virgin Chapel. It was once an Austro-Hungarian fort, but now it’s converted into a charming resort, with white stone pathways, elegant arches, beguiling oleander flowers, and a private beach.

The 15-suite property has beautiful sea views. It also has hidden bungalow apartments overlooking the magical bay and quaint village. The hotel is famous for its Mediterranean restaurant that was a former lighthouse; it’s a luxurious and intimate dining experience that really can’t be missed. Try their freshly caught seafood cuisine and choose your favourite bottle from their exceptional wine list. There’s a rooftop terrace also worth visiting just to watch the sun set while having a tantalising aperitif.

Top WAWW tips: 

  • The restaurant has great food options. It’s an intimate dining experience and it has the best freshly caught seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes.
  • Discover some breath-taking sunsets at the terrace whist checking out the exceptional wine list.
  • Enjoy a scenic stroll around the promenade of Herceg Novi.
Top 10 Places to Stay in Montenegro That You Might Never Have Thought of
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