Where?

Tivat, Kotor Old Town (UNESCO) in Boka Bay, Montenegro.

Why now?

Sandwiched between Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, the small Balkan country of Montenegro
(meaning “Black Mountain”) is sprinkled with flower-strewn meadows,
medieval towns and picture-perfect beaches, making it a great call
for those seeking a go-slow European escape.

Head to the Bay of Kotor, aka the Boka, and make the tiny town
of Tivat your playground. Home to hillside villas, a forested
coastline and long stretches of golden sand, this place has
recently undergone a major regeneration project, welcoming the
glitzy and glamorous Porto Montenegro. Lined by a harbour where
some of the world’s most sought-after superyachts are moored, the
town flaunts an impressive roster of trendy boutiques. Exclusive,
sexy and rich in culture, we’re pegging this as the next
Monaco.

Don’t miss

Don’t even think about visiting without a trip to the Our Lady
of the Rocks, an 17th-century church island. To get there, you’ll
want to take a 30-minute drive to the picture-perfect town of
Perast, where tranquil streets are lined with caramel-hued houses,
before jumping on a blustery boat ride to the island. We suggest
booking onto a tour to hear the ancient tales of the fishermen that
sailed these waters in days of old.

Where to stay?

Bed down at Regent Porto Montenegro. This slick, sea-facing
set-up comprises three separate spaces: Venezia, Aqua and Baia.
We’re making Venezia our base, partly for its sublime
nautical-inspired decor – think dark woods, blue and cream coloured
linens and a balcony offering sweeping views across the bay – but
largely for its close proximity to the in-house spa and superb
Murano restaurant. Expect to spend long, lazy days paddling in the
palm-fringed infinity pool, before slipping to the Library Bar for
a fresh cocktail come nightfall.

Where to go for dinner?

A low-key seafood restaurant in the heart of the harbour,
One promises a divine dinner in an effortlessly chic
setting. For a side of sunset views, bag an outdoor table, where
baskets stuffed with freshly baked bread and bowls of piquant fish
paste await your arrival. Otherwise, opt for one of the cosy inside
tables, where floor-to-ceilings windows, whitewashed brick walls
and linen-draped ceilings meet blood-red furnishings. Start by
ordering the traditional fish soup, then work your way through an
extra-large bowl of the tagliatelle bolognese.

And for a drink…

The stylish Marea makes for the ultimate drinking den.
Tangerine-coloured chairs and moody black tables flank a
show-stopping gold-backsplash marble bar, while oak cabinets
overflow with covetable wine vintages. Hungry? We recommend the
tuna steak, which is incredible, or a selection of starters from
the crowd-pleasing menu.

Who to take with you

That friend who eats more seafood than a returning sailor who’s
been stranded at sea. They’ll enjoy frolicking between on-point
restaurants and digging into platters of fresh fish at any given
opportunity.

When to go

Temperatures in Tivat soar in the summer months. We suggest
planning your visit for May, when you can enjoy the slower pace of
the shoulder season, while still savouring sunny days.

Essentials to pack

Make the most of Tivat’s many spectacular outdoor dining spaces
(and say goodbye to squinting eyes) by packing these oversized
Loewe round-frame sunglasses. We’re also
grabbing this Missoni striped coverup dress for an effortless
flit from poolside to bar.

How to get there

Jump on a flight from London Gatwick to Montengro’s Tivat
Airport. Alternatively, other UK airports fly directly into
Dubrovnik International Airport, from where Tivat is just over an
hour’s drive away.