If

If
you’ve been looking to visit Montenegro, then you’ve likely
heard of the remarkable regeneration project of one of its tiny
coastal towns, Tivat. Emerging from a scattering of crumbling
hillside villas, stretches of golden sand and forested coastline, a
glitzy and glamorous new destination has risen. And, flanked by a
sun-drenched harbour, where some of the most sought-after
superyachts (including the fastest sailing boat in the world) are moored, a
glorious, sea-facing, palm-ensconced bolthole is arguably the pièce
de résistance.

We know you haven’t truly visited a destination until you’ve
ventured out beyond your hotel’s front doors, but that’s easier
said than done at the breathtaking Regent Porto Montenegro. To access the lobby,
you’ll glide under one of three striking archways, entering a grand
space centred around a dramatic fountain and clad in
floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Not that jaw-dropping features should
come as any surprise, given that the decor was conceived by
talented Parisian interiors designer Tino Zervudachi, aka the
mastermind behind Mick Jagger’s and Jacob Rothschild’s interiors,
among others.

Rooms

There are 175 bedrooms, which sprawl across 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 restaurant Murano. We loved being able to
leap between bed and bathroom through a slide-open window, en route
to a steaming-hot, rainforest-style cleanse in the enormous walk-in
shower, made even better by the olive-scented toiletries and beauty
kits stuffed with all the must-have skincare essentials.

What’s for breakfast?

An à la carte menu at in-house Murano will well and truly put a
spring in your early-morning step. Scoff your way through
honey-drizzled pancakes or stay on your best behaviour with a bowl
of oaty goodness and platters of ripe, in-season fruit. Truth be
told, we’re beginning to wonder if there’s anything head chef Marko
Zivkovic can’t do. If the Regent juice is on the menu, order
it.

How about lunch and dinner?

The convivial, family-friendly Gourmet Corner knows how to put
on a show. Arrive for 1pm and start by ordering the tomato soup
(whatever the weather, trust us), before moving on to a stellar
tuna steak burger. Desserts are worth pushing the boat out for.

Is there a bar?

Yep, there are two – technically three, if you include the Pool
Bar. Indoors, the Regent Library Bar is the perfect spot for a
nightcap. Decked out with walnut-wood furnishings and ruby-red
leather banquette seating, it is the epitome of Montenegrin chic.
Outdoors, you’ll find the Onyx Bar & Garden by Beluga.
Featuring a floor-to-ceiling spirits cabinet and an immaculate
emerald-green tiled bar, this is our pick for a pre-dinner
tipple.

Amenities

In the mood to burn off the sweet treats? No problem: there’s an
entire floor on hand for that. Go hardcore with a trip to the
state-of-the-art gym, where you can request a bespoke session with
one of the personal trainers, or book into a one-to-one yoga class
for a stretching session. If it’s some five-star pampering you’re
after, book a treatment massage, after which you can recharge in
either the indoor or outdoor infinity pool, or in the sauna and
steam – we’re not judging. In addition, with 250 days of guaranteed
sunshine, it would be rude not to make the most of the pool club.
Splash between four pools, or enjoy basking the afternoon away on
one of the ridiculously comfy day beds.

How about their green credentials?

Squeaky clean, we’d say. The hotel is doing its bit on all
things green – and has seen a 30 per cent decrease in its carbon
emissions over the last two years as a result – but it’s what it’s
doing for the local community that has caught our attention.
Hosting a range of fundraising events, the property is playing a
huge role in the regeneration of the surrounding area. One notable
charity ball saw it raise £17,000 for a local hospital. In terms of
in-house initiatives, there’s a clear push to reduce food waste
throughout, which can be traced through seasonally tailored
menus.

What about accessibility?

There are three adapted bedrooms, highlights of which include a
wheel-in shower, lowered beds and a spacious living area. In
communal areas, you’ll find a handful of lifts on standby to take
you where you need to be.

What’s the crowd like?

Put it this way: if we could, we’d add half the guests we
brushed shoulders with during our stay to the group chat.

Things I should know

Special occasion? Brilliant. Select your favourite spa treatment
from the signature Yacht Service treatment menu and you’ll be able
to enjoy a soothing, whole-body session from the comfort of your
own private yacht.

Also, you know it, and our letterbox definitely knows it:
wedding season is back. If you’re considering tying the knot
overseas, chat to one of the team about planning your dream
day.

Within a short walk I can find…

Lots. Flit between the town’s impressive roster of trendy
boutiques, dine at some of the tastiest names in the foodie
business, or enjoy a drink and dance at one of the many high-end
drinking dens that the exclusive Porto Montenegro has to offer.