Hotel Review: Regent Porto Montenegro

The UNESCO World Heritage listed Gulf of Kotor has been called the southernmost fjord in Europe and it’s truly stunning. Porto Montenegro was once a Yugoslav naval base but has been transformed into a superyacht harbour with over a kilometre of west-facing waterfront. It’s a tasteful development with designer stores peppered throughout the village behind the seafront.

The Regent Porto Montenegro is modelled on a Venetian Palazzo, rising five stories high, topped with a terracotta roof. Its three wings flank a double height lobby area and all rooms are designed to feel like you’re on board a luxury ship. Hardwood floors and bespoke Mediterranean furnishings create a unique sense of place, and the walls are lined with original drawings from the former shipyard.

The sea is always present here, whether from the spacious balconies of your room, or right beside you when you’re dining on the terrace. Superyachts come and go, emphasising the strong sense of exclusivity, yet it’s never too busy. Rather it feels like the definitive place to relax.

Who for

Families, couples and businessmen, even oligarchs off their yachts wanting a night on shore.

 Accommodation

175 rooms and suites in three hotel wings: Venezia, Aqua and Baia. Inspired by the mesmerizing views of Kotor Bay and the sea, the Venezia rooms and suites combine classic sophistication with a subtle nautical theme, reminiscent of a private cabin on board a luxury liner.

The rooms in the Aqua and Baia wings get their inspiration from the Italian Riviera, and with the serene pool club and swimming pool at their heart, the living space offers refined modern comfort.

We stayed in in a Venezia Deluxe Room Sea View with a large open air terrace. This has stunning views of the Adriatic’s Boka Bay, glistening just beyond the window. Inside, clean lines, nautical-style furnishings and luxurious textiles in calming shades of blues and beige combine to create the perfect seaside retreat. There’s a linen canopy above the bed, resembling a sail.

The bathroom has a large tub and walk-in rain shower, plus double wash basins and there’s a shipping style hatch if you want to communicate with the bedroom. A large LED TV, Nespresso Machine and complimentary mineral water ensure a comfortable stay. What really impresses is the hardwood solid furniture, specially created for the hotel.

Food & Drink

The Murano is the main restaurant and its chandeliers and mosaic art reflects the Venetian glass making tradition. It serves expertly crafted dishes that showcase the best seasonal produce. The menu centres around fresh seafood, prepared with locally sourced and organic herbs – all offering a distinctive take on the regional Adriatic cuisine. Seating is inside and outside.

The Gourmet Corner is a patisserie and gourmet delicatessen and serves freshly baked breads and savoury items, cakes and pastries and an array of home-made drinks. Fresh pizzas and pastas, burgers and flame-grilled meat and fish are available all day.

The Pool Bar on the pool deck provides a menu of refreshing Mediterranean light bites. The menu has a selection of fresh salads, array of small plates, artisan sandwiches and gourmet burgers.

The Onyx Bar & Garden by Beluga sits next to the lobby beside the sea and is handy for a glamorous pre-dinner aperitif or an indulgent nightcap. Their cocktail menu is designed by skilled mixologists and light bites are also available.

The Library Bar, with its sophisticated interiors, reminiscent of a traditional gentlemen’s club, provides the finest selection of a premium champagnes, cognacs and the Scotch whiskies. Complementing the club atmosphere is an extensive cigar menu.

Facilities

The hotel’s first-floor function area includes Salon Boka, two foyers and the Regent Lounge. Ballroom Teodo is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and seats up to 200 guests. It enjoys natural daylight through grand French windows, which frame a stunning view of the marina and the Adriatic Sea.

The hotel’s signature Regent Spa offers a wide array of treatments and a holistic approach to rejuvenation, combining ancient traditions with fresh, organic ingredients.  Facilities include three treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, Hamman and experience shower, fitness studio and nail salon.

For fitness, there’s the first-floor gym, fitted with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment. Personal trainers, as well as group and individual yoga classes, are available upon request.

The hotel has two 20m pools, one indoor the other an outdoor infinity pool. The separate Pool Club covers a swimming area of 600m² with four pools:  a feature pool (273 m²) lap pool (208 m²) and two smaller children’s pools.

Outside, but within the marina village, guests have access to two outdoor and one indoor tennis courts and sports club.  PMYC Pool is a posh lounge bar with a 64m infinity outdoor pool, perching above the tranquil seascape.

How much

Prices for a night at Regent Porto Montenegro start from €240 based on two adults sharing a Superior Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

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 What’s  nearby?

The hotel is situated in a retail village of over 55 stores including international and local fashion brands, independent boutiques, a day spa and hair salon. It’s surrounded by a series of waterfront restaurants and bars offering everything from traditional local cuisine to Italian, Mediterranean and Asian.

The Marina offers full yachting services, amenities and a Yacht Club. Just nearby is the Nautical Heritage Museum with two Yugoslav submarines. A short cycle ride away is the Solila Special Nature Reserve, a wetland spanning 150 hectares and home to 111 bird species.

The hotel makes a good base for cycling and hiking as there are numerous signed trails easily accessible from Porto Montenegro. Bikes and guides can be supplied on request. Further afield, you can go trekking in the UNESCO listed Durmitor National Park, Europe’s last virgin black pine forest

Also in the Gulf of Kotor are the UNESCO listed towns of Kotor and Perast and the islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and St George.  Trekking is recommended

Tivat international airport is convenient, just 5km from the hotel and EasyJet has direct flights from London Gatwick. Dubrovnik (47km) and Podgorica (90km) both offer connections with charter and scheduled airlines

 VERDICT:

The Gulf of Kotor is a stunning location and the sea views alone are worth the price of the room. Add five star luxury pampering and the exclusivity of the superyacht marina and you really feel you’re someone. And right on the doorstep are the unique UNESCO listed gems of Kotor and Perast. It also makes a good base for outdoor activities.

 

Also Read: The Gulf of Kotor, Montenegro