Regent Porto Montenegro ★★★★★

“At the birth of our planet, the most beautiful encounter between the land and the sea must have happened at the coast of Montenegro.” - Lord Byron.

I absolutely cannot resist the temptation of experiencing something new, never mind an offer of exploring a new destination so overlooked by many people who consider themselves to be so well-travelled. The place about which I am speaking is Montenegro, and though it hasn’t been popularly advertised everywhere as a holiday destination, I think this is for its own and our benefit; it has so much to offer and we can experience it without the touristic crowds! Gargantuan mountains, glittering coastlines, breath-taking natural parks, historic towns, dramatic fjords and a vibrant culture all make up Montenegro’s irresistible allure and once you know about it, like me, you won’t be able to say no.

I was destined for the small town of Tivat and more accurately its marina and the lavish Regent Porto Montenegro. Regent has been a long trusted brand of VeryChic, although I was venturing out to new places, it was good to have that comfort in the Regent name. The hotel is elegant on the inside and out, outside a set of arches marks the ground floor while a pretty pastel yellow decorates the rest of the edifice. Stylish yachts and boats float just nearby whilst palm trees stand majestically, their leaves adjusting with the sea breeze.

Inside are plush interiors ready to embrace their guests. A friendly team with good English greeted me and I wandered up to my room with my modest luggage. The room was spacious and bright, with double doors leading onto a terrace with a view of Montenegro’s Mountainous backdrop. Decorated to suit every guests' taste, there was a large TV, large comfortable bed and at the foot of it a small couch. The bathroom was pristine and glossy, cosy but just the perfect size.

I wandered back down to reception ready for my hotel tour. We passed the sophisticated Library bar and Italian garden. However, what struck me was their PMYC pool, an infinity pool that appeared as if it overflowed into the harbour. Its design was quirky and innovative and my later research led me to discover that it was voted as one of the best pools in the world because of its size, view and look. Another thing I couldn’t wait to experience was the promising spa. On the first floor it boasts a small infinity pool that overlooks the inner courtyard of the hotel, whilst the spa itself consists of an indoor hydrojet jacuzzi pool, sauna, hammam, experience shower, steam room, relaxation room and even a juice bar. Of course there is also a fitness centre but all I can say for myself is that I spent much more time in the juice bar than in the gym!

I finished the tour just in time for sunset where I made my way back to the pool and watched the sky change colours with a cocktail from the poolside lounge bar. It was then that a familiar feeling began in my stomach, excitement? Maybe. Hunger? Most definitely! There was only one thing for it, the hotel’s dining room. The menu promised natural and organic local flavours, and I dived straight into the deep end with the chef’s six course tasting menu. But first I enjoyed the light aperitif, courtesy of VeryChic and contemplated my days ahead.

The next morning I awoke with the light drifting in through my slightly opened windows and made my way to the Gourmet Corner for a patisserie breakfast on the terrace, appreciating the first warmth of the sun. That day I took the hotel’s shuttle boat to their secluded beach, reserved especially for their guests and only accessible by boat, another one of the elite advantages of this five-star establishment…