The sultry, sophisticated, sea-facing Regent Porto Montenegro is our favourite bolthole to bed down at when exploring this tiny Balkan country.
13 May, 2022
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Put it this way: if we could, we'd add half the guests we brushed shoulders with during our stay to the group chat.
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.
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.
Rooms cost from £196 a night.
