If you've never thought of holidaying in Montenegro, here's why you should
*Books flight immediately*
*Books flight immediately*
Think glorious blue seas, cobbled streets and orange rooves that stretch for miles, similar to its neighbour Croatia only much quieter. Montenegro has been tipped as one of the continent's most up-and coming travel destinations, and with good reason.
Here's why you should head to the country's UNESCO-protected Boka Bay area on the Adriatic coast for your next European adventure.
Where to stay
Just 10 minutes by car from Tivat Airport and about to celebrate its fifth birthday, Regent Porto Montenegro is the five-star jewel in the region's crown. We're talking the most comfortable beds, daylight flooded-rooms and cosy interiors that'll put you at ease from the moment you settle into your room.
The views are extraordinary – set right on the beautiful Monaco-esque harbour you'll be able to gaze out at miles of sea and mountains, a world away from the greyness of day-to-day life in the UK.
Porto Montenegro itself is home to a number of restaurants, bars, designer shops, pool club and nightlife, so you're spoilt for choice in terms of things to do in the village-like area, but keep reading for all that the hotel has to offer.
Feeling extra flush? The Suite Life package includes private airport transfers, breakfast, cocktails in the cosy Library Bar or pool club, and a 50€ voucher redeemable in the hotel's beautiful spa. From £831pp per night, you'll also get tickets to events in Porto Montengro and a private Naval Heritage Museum tour. Dreamy.
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Dining
Murano is the hotel's luxury eating spot, serving carefully crafted dishes and taking advantage of all of the local seafood and wine (great for fish lovers). There's also the option to have a private Chef's Table dining experience for 4-6, for a more intimate eating session. In the mornings breakfast is also served at Murano; if to your taste, the truffle scrambled eggs are a must-have at least once during your stay.
For more casual eating option, head to the Gourmet Corner, a lovely breakfast and lunch spot with the feel of an Italian deli. On Thursdays between May and mid-September, chefs will be hosting Al Fresco dining sessions here and cooking up a range of delicious pasta and risotto dishes. And after dinner, the cosy Library bar is perfect for an evening tipple.
Spa & Leisure
When you need a moment of peace and quiet, pop up to the hotel's spa floor for some time out. You're well equipped with a sauna, steam room, experience shower, Turkish bath and swimming pool, plus plenty of space to sit and relax.
Aromatherapy Associates products and treatments are also both on offer to help you achieve maximum relaxation. Try the Regent Spa Signature Treatment, a head-to-toe combination of massage and lymphatic drainage complete with an aromatherapy oil best suited to your needs. If you're feeling fancy, there's even the option to have your treatment on a prviate yacht...
Things to do
Go wine tasting
Not far from Podgorica airport lies the Plantaže vineyard and Sipcanik wine cellar, housed in a former secret hangar. Head for a wine tasting session, paired of course with delicious fruits and cheeses, or simply to pick up a few bottles to take home. Did we mention it's much cheaper than you'll find in the supermarket?
Visit the old town
Made up of narrow streets and squares, the old town of Kotor has plenty of history and interesting architecture on offer. Explore the city on your own or book in for a walking tour to see the area through the eyes of a local. For a few euros you can also climb the steps of the city walls for the postcard-perfect bird's eye view.
If you're interested in the local cuisine, there's also an abundance of local restaurants and coffee spots to choose from, with Perast's must-see Our Lady of the Rocks a short drive away. We recommend sitting in the town's Square of the Arms for a people watching session paired with delicious coffee.
To book your stay now, head to the Regent Hotel Group website or call 00800 3327 3327.
What are you waiting for?
For more destination reviews and hotel recommendations, head to the Travel section at the top of this page
Lucy is a freelance beauty editor and contributor at Marie Claire, and has written for titles including Glamour, Refinery29, Popsugar, woman&home and more. She was previously Marie Claire’s junior beauty editor. During her career, she’s covered everything from backstage beauty at fashion week to interviews with famous faces like Drag Race royalty and Little Mix. As for her beauty ethos, she’s a big advocate for not having to spend a fortune on beauty products to get good results, and when she’s not got beauty on the brain you’ll find her reading or hanging out with dogs.
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