With highlands that take your breath away and the crystal clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is a scenic delight that offers you the best of Europe. It is one of those few nations that has a perfect balance of untouched nature and historic walled towns that hold ancient brick buildings. Teeming with rocky grey mountains and deep canyons along with pristine rivers that flow on for miles, it’s no wonder that Montenegro is the playground of the rich and famous who are looking for a secluded and yet stunning getaway.
Though Montenegro might seem like a tiny Balkan country, there is much to do and see. Visit the tiny islet of Sveti Stefan, a fortified offshore village that is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. This picturesque island is made up of old stone houses and terracotta roofs that are complemented by olive trees and oleander pines. Most of the island is owned by exclusive luxury resorts but there are a few stretches of public beaches that one can visit. If you’re looking for the best spot to take your Insta-worthy shots, visit Blizikuce Church that has a marvellous view of Sveti Stefan and the surrounding coastline.
If you’re looking to catch a few nights of fun partying, Budva is the place to be. Though the city is more than 2,500 years old and commonly known for its medieval architecture and immaculate beaches, it also has a thriving nightlife scene and is the centre of tourism in Montenegro. Of course, when you are done with that, you can always visit the cute cafes, tiny churches and relax on the beach.
The Balkan country Montenegro has had multiple influences on its culture, mainly from the Illyrians, Romans and Slavs. The beautiful inlaid mosaic floors in old Roman villas, charming old Orthodox Christian monasteries that are adorned with painted frescoes and Venetian styled houses are a testament to this. The best place to truly witness the historical side of Montenegro is Kotor. The UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor is a treat to the eyes. With winding alleys that are dotted with cafes, outdoor restaurants, churches and museums; Kotor is a must-visit and perhaps the best place to stay while in Montenegro.
Situated not too far away from the maze-like historical core of Kotor is the old-world town of Dobrota, the residential area that is part of the municipality. Here in Dobrota, overlooking the waterfront of Boka Bay, is the gorgeous family-owned luxury boutique hotel, Forza Mare.
This Montenegrin hotel is made up of 10 luxury suites that pay homage to different countries and cities from across the globe. From Africa, Japan, Dubai, India, China, Mauritius, St.Petersburg, Komodo, Vesuvius and Montenegro, you can transport yourself to any of these beautiful locations once inside their themed suites. Each of these thematic suites is carefully styled with custom-made furniture and paintings, and equipped with air conditioning, cable TV and Wi-Fi.
Forza Mare also has its very own gourmet restaurant that is located right across the street from the boutique hotel. It is one of the leading restaurants in Boka Bay and is frequented by both tourists and locals for the delectable food. The skilled chefs work with the locally sourced produce to create international and Montenegrin delicacies that cause an explosion of flavours on your palate. The amazing food coupled with the soothing sounds of the waves and jazz music forms a delightful experience.
Since it’s located right on the waterfront, one can relax and unwind by spending the day sunbathing at the hotel’s private beach. If jumping into the cool waters of the Adriatic Sea isn’t for you, one can always swim a few laps in their outdoor swimming pool. The boutique hotel also comes with a luxury jacuzzi that’s perfect for some me-time.
The facilities within the boutique hotel also include a gym centre where you can catch up on your daily exercise. Their fitness centre is equipped with everything you need from treadmills and stationary bikes for cardio to weights and stability Pilates balls and the latest TECHNOGYM equipment. Forza Mare also has an in-house Wellness Spa that offers you a variety of rejuvenating treatments such as massages, a Turkish bath and a Finnish Sauna.
The Forza Mare luxury boutique hotel is as much a hidden jew as Montenegro is and we highly recommend it as your choice for accommodations when in Kotor. The beauty of this Balkan country is simply unparalleled to others, so we hope you get to explore the wonders of Montenegro soon!
Written by Mohit Gupta
Week 22 June, 2021
