Five years ago, you’d be forgiven for dismissing Montenegro as nothing more than a pit-stop for the abundance of cruise liners that grace its docks over the peak months.
Fast-forward to today, and with news that direct flights from London Heathrow to Tivat are imminent, along with a flurry of anticipated openings, including a Nobu hotel on the horizon, Kotor Bay will quickly be on your radar for a sun-soaked escape.
Granted, the majority of flights, being those from the woes of London’s (grim) Stansted airport, haven’t given this Adriatic hideaway the best of reputations, but as British Airways rolls out its seasonal short-haul flights from May 2026, its cache as a luxury coastal retreat is set to rival its now somewhat overdone Mediterranean counterparts of Mykonos and the Balearics.
With a promising increase of around 20% of arrivals into Montenegro year-on-year, it’s no surprise that with the relaxed sophistication of Kotor Bay’s most iconic hotspots and a sprinkling of luxury brands poising posts (think Rolex, Bvlgari and Celine to name a few) that the coastal towns of Tivat and the surrounding areas are attracting a well-heeled crowd.
In this guide, we guide you through how to explore the many cultural gems at the heart of the historic old towns, where to stay and what to do in Kotor’s most prominent towns.
Tivat and Porto Montenegro
If being (literally) adjacent to the many designer shops and chic cafes that line Tivat’s glitzy Porto Montenegro is your vibe, and let’s face it, why wouldn’t it be? Then a stay within the grandeur of the Regent Porto Montenegro is a must.
Five-star, old-school luxury at its best, the 175-room oasis is situated directly on the prestigious yacht marina, evoking the timeless Riviera-styled chic of a classically refined hotel.
As you arrive at this majestic hideaway, you are greeted by a Rolex store and a Bvlgari one, both of which permanently reside at the hotel. Thus, the scene is already set before you enter the palatial arches that lead into the beautifully designed lobby, which acts as a centrepiece to the vast grounds of the property and overlooks the hotel’s seasonal garden by Beluga.
Rooms are tastefully designed, spacious, and warm. Our suite also overlooked the unapologetically ostentatious line-up of yachts from its expansive balcony – one complete with a nautically themed outdoor seating area, perfect for an al fresco moment.
Plush bedding, a neutral colour palette and Perricone MD bathroom amenities all help to emphasise the understated luxury feel to the rooms, one of muted sophistication, a little in contrast to the building’s exterior, but much welcome all the same. Across the resort, a spa complete with an indoor pool and jacuzzi, a signature Murano restaurant serving Mediterranean flavours and daily breakfast and a seasonal pool club all offer amenities befitting a five-star hotel.
For dining, trendy locals frequent Al Posto Giusto, which is prominently located at the marina of Porto Montenegro. Though not fine dining per se, this relaxed eatery offers a tasty menu of Italian classics, from pizza to pasta, all with a Mediterranean flair, in an unpretentious yet refined setting.
In picturesque Lustica Bay, The Chedi, a focal point of the surrounding marina town, offers signature flavours at its flagship restaurant and is worth the short ride from Tivat for its peaceful setting and delectable cuisine.
The restaurant at The Chedi celebrates the hotel’s ethos of health, with a menu featuring a section of vegan salads, alongside well-curated dishes inspired by local cuisine and crafted with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Across Tivat, various activities and excursions benefit from Montenegro’s unique landscape. 4×4 jeep tours peruse the mountains, and for bird lovers, a trip to Tivat’s Solila wetland offers a glimpse of some of the country’s cherished birds across 114 species.
My Stay at Lazure Hotel & Marina
On the other side of Kotor Bay (about a 30-minute drive away) in Herceg Novi is Lazure Hotel & Marina, more befitting of a boutique hotel but on a grander scale; the hotel is housed in an 18th-century Venetian lazaret against the medieval backdrop of storied Herceg Novi.
Design-oriented, the hotel comprises three buildings: a historical building made up of 24 rooms and suites, a larger contemporary building with 104 rooms and an apartment-only residential building. The rooms here are awash with sea-inspired blue tones, and exposed brickwork pays homage to the building’s historic past, which has been restored to its modern-day façade.
Contemporary yet understatedly elegant, the hotel offers a perfect blend of Montenegrin charm and the touches of luxury today’s traveller seeks. The rooms are equipped with minibars, freestanding bathtubs, and Rituals amenities; they feel airy yet undeniably elegant.
Across the hotel, which notably had a partnership with Porsche during the summer months, is an array of restaurants, a lounge bar, marina-side terraces enjoying the sun and a buffet dining option where breakfast is also served. Wellness is also a key highlight at Lazure Hotel & Marina, and the indoor pool takes pride of place alongside a hammam, various sauna options, a jacuzzi, and workout areas.
Kotor Bay
Kotor Bay is also full of hidden culinary treasures, many of which source their produce, and particularly fish, locally, making provenance a key theme along with seasoned fine dining and an innovative take on Mediterranean cuisine.
For an authentic taste of Montenegrin fare, a meal at Galion is a must. Neighbouring the gorgeous bay of Kotor, the view from The Cube Terrace directly overlooks the water, a view that is as breathtaking as it is Instagrammable, and with food to match.
Using fish caught in the region, the menu is based on seasonal availability and produce, with a daily changing fish of the day. With such a rich history and unspoilt natural beauty, Kotor has no shortage of things to see and do, with options to suit all tastes. A stroll through the ancient town of Kotor Bay is a must-do, with key sights including the iconic Saint Tryphon’s Cathedral and the Lady of the Rocks island, which can be seen from the bay.
For feline lovers, the town of Kotor has become something of a sanctuary for cats that roam the streets, and it also has a dedicated park, Cat Park, where locals bring food to feed the strays.
Herceg Novi
Particularly noteworthy of a visit is the slightly quieter, and arguably more undiscovered gem of Herceg Novi, which neighbours Kotor Bay and offers a more quaint escape from the glitz of the new town.
Here, the biggest luxury is its discreet, low-key surroundings, away from the better-known tourist hotspots. You can explore this part of the region and enjoy the utmost privacy.
Take for instance, Klinci Village, a small standalone village, tucked away on the Luštica Peninsula and is home to Klinci Village Resort, a marvel of a resort comprised from restored XVIII century stone – family run, without a flashy entrance, just the natural beauty of the area, seclusion and the occasional glimpse of the local vicar who frequents the village’s small church.
Boutique is key in this rural paradise, and local winery Castel Savina has nailed the art of championing local. A small winery producing wines and a small batch of olive oil, the winery’s distribution is almost exclusively to local merchants and restaurants, keeping the family-run vineyard’s heritage intentionally small and without mass scale. They welcome a handful of visitors by reservation only for intimate tastings and light snacks synonymous with the area.
Whatever takes your fancy, the charm and welcoming culture of Kotor, combined with its easy reach from London and choice of luxury hotels, make it the perfect place to discover. In spring and summer, it is a sunshine-filled haven with a relaxed pace and shimmering waters to enjoy.
For more information on bookings, visit: Tivat Travel, Kotor Travel & Hercegnovi Travel
All imagery courtesy of Visuels Boka Bay.