exper expert ASK THE
Emma Heywood, co-founder, Undiscovered Balkans “Montenegro has made its mark as a rising star of
European tourism, and the challenge is now to manage numbers wisely, along with its signature promise of ‘wild beauty’. The focus must be on quality tourism, not quantity. A shift towards active and nature-based tourism is a
welcome move, and one we fully support through our range of locally guided, small-group adventures in the country’s beautiful interior.”
undiscoveredbalkans.com Durmitor National Park
point since last year’s opening of the Alpine Coaster – a two-person ride down the mountain at speeds of up to 25mph, with spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor. Numerous stop-offs in secluded bays allowed us to dive, swim, snorkel, paddleboard and kayak from the boat – often to nearby beaches or islands. And when we were docked by the shore rather than being anchored out at sea, it was easy to hop off and sample local cuisine in charming waterside taverns. Meals back on board were a sociable affair too, with the chance to help the captain catch fish from the bay to feast on at lunch or dinner.
GETTING THERE
Montenegro has two international airports – one in the capital Podgorica and one in the coastal town of Tivat. Ryanair and Wizz Air fly to Podgorica from London, while seasonal flights to Tivat are operated by easyJet and
Jet2.com – which boosted its capacity from the UK to the destination by 9% this year – from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.
40 27 MARCH 2025
SUSTAINABLE STAYS Montenegro’s rapidly developing riviera has seen foreign investment pouring into seaside hotel and resort developments including Luštica Bay, Portonovi Montenegro (home to a luscious One&Only resort) and, from this summer, the Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Teuta. The Chedi Luštica Bay, a sleek spot that is on track to become one of the first zero-waste resorts in Europe, offers a promising example of tourism development within tight controls, helping to avoid the problems of overtourism seen by so many destinations in the region. Careful management is particularly crucial here since Luštica Bay alone will see another six luxury hotels opening over the coming years, and Montenegro’s first golf course – designed by golf legend Gary Player and offering sea views from every hole – is under
construction there, with nine holes scheduled to open in 2026 and the remainder by 2028. For the moment, recommend clients enjoy its clutch
of waterside bars and restaurants, a lighthouse with jazzy projections by night and activities including diving, sailing and biking. The Chedi itself has a divine spa and runs yoga and fitness sessions with a sea view. On the other side of the Bay of Kotor, investment is being ploughed into improving the road infrastructure around Tivat’s Porto Montenegro – a luxury marina and resort area lined by smart boutiques and superyachts. If clients have time for more than just a spot of lunch and shopping, the Maritime Heritage Museum offers an insight into Montenegro’s turbulent history, including its years as part of Yugoslavia from the First World War until 2006. There’s expansion here too: Boka Place is a new neighbourhood being developed within Porto Montenegro, offering shops, restaurants, entertainment and wellness facilities. It will also be home to the Kerzner International- owned Siro Boka Place Tivat hotel, which will offer an array of wellness breaks when it opens on May 15.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES But this country is about so much more than just the coast – it's also an outdoor playground for white-water rafting, off-road safaris, walking, cycling, ziplining, orienteering and more. Inland highlights include Lake Skadar in the national park of the same name, where clients might
travelweekly.co.uk
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Kotor Old Town; Sailing Adriatic’s traditional wooden gulet; The Chedi Luštica Bay; white-water rafting FACING PAGE: Villa Two, One&Only Portonovi; cycling in the Bjelasica mountains
PICTURES: Sergej Zabijako/Montenegro National Tourism Organisation; NTO CG; Christos Drazos Photography
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
