Why is Montenegro a Mediterranean paradise for the stars?

Decades after the ravages of wars in the former Yugoslavia, the Balkan country of Montenegro is now the ultimate tourist destination, referred to by some as the “Adriatic Monte Carlo”. Here you will find luxury holiday resorts such as Regent Porto Montenegro in Tiwati, Nikki Beach Hotel & Beach Club in Radovići, One & Only Portonovi and Aman Sveti Stefan (currently closed due to beach access), as well as houses. For sale or rent. The country increasingly attracts Americans and Europeans during the summer months due to its proximity to Croatia, Greece and Italy.

Offering some of the best scenic getaways in the world, the country is no stranger to Hollywood stars. Icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Lauren rested there in the 1970s. Modern stars like Maluma, Madonna, Beckham and Naomi Campbell have just traveled there, while in 2010, then-couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie toured the country. in 2010. Pete, who took Jolie to see that ear. Cities like Perast and Kotor, where the 1988 film was shot the dark side of the sun – At one point he had to get out of the car to ask the paparazzi to respect his vacation. Among the places of interest near Perast is a small and picturesque artisan island where the Catholic Church, the Virgin of the Rocks, is located.

The southwestern part of the country is also home to the beautiful resort area of ​​Portonov, located in a fjord-like environment. Feeling part Lake Como, part Monte Carlo, Portonov, part Herceg Novi town, surrounded by mountains and the area is filled with expensive boutiques, high-end restaurants (some Michelin-starred), the pricey A. & Only Portonov Resort and picturesque real estate. Mega yachts can be found in the nearby Bay of Kotor. Portonov can be reached via Podgorica and Tivat airports in Montenegro, 2 hours and 45 minutes by car respectively, and 40 minutes by car from Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia.

Not unlike famous, sunny spots like Cannes and the Italian Riviera, this area offers quaint towns, seaside churches and local shops. But what sets it apart is that it remains rare and authentic in what you offer. Residents also have an attractive opening for them.

“Montenegro, and especially the Gulf, is a melting pot, where various occupations and civilizations have left their mark, from the Illyrians to the Romans, the Ottomans and the Venetians. “The influence of the West and the East is huge and it’s amazing to see how all the different cultures and religions coexist despite their differences,” said Rodriguez de Couhari, co-founder of Kotor Private Tours.

Where to stay in Portonov

The first One & Only Resort in Europe, One & Only Portonovi, opening in 2021, offers standard rooms, suites, villas, a private beach, a Henry Chenott branded medical spa with multi-day wellness programs, as well as several gastronomic options. A warm color palette throughout the hotel, overlooking the mountains, sea, pools and greenery, creates an atmosphere of luxury. (oneandonlyresorts.com, rooms from $1,600 per night.)

Where to eat in Portonov

Portonovi’s Romeu & Juliet restaurant offers an Italian gastronomic flair and a romantic atmosphere, with black and white tile floors and attractive green velvet chairs. Featured items include lamb specials, garlic bread appetizers, and creme brulee baked right in front of the canteens.

Lunch at La Veranda at One & Only offers a different feel and view from the resort’s outdoor dining area. A lush outdoor garden with tropical foliage overlooking the hotel’s Roman exterior makes guests feel like they’re in an exotic location. With an open kitchen, grilled fish and duck meats, this is a Montenegrin-inspired menu.

Things to do in Portonov

Kotor Private Tours take groups through the old town of Herceg Novi, founded in 1382 by Herceg Stepan. Attractions include Kanlikula Castle and the Clock Tower, built by Sultan Mahmoud in 1667 when the city was under Ottoman rule. It was the main gate to the city and a reminder of the Muslim call to prayer. Tour stops also include San Miguel Arcángel Church and San Jerónimo Church. Tour costs start at $53 per hour.

real estate in Montenegro

With a coastline of 300 kilometers and an increasing number of vacation homes popping up, this area offers many options for those looking to buy real estate in the country. Government levies, citizenship through an investment program and efforts to attract business to the Adriatic coast are even more attractive. “As a country, Montenegro has many tax advantages. There is no wealth tax and the income tax is only 9% which is very attractive especially compared to other markets like Portugal, Spain and France. Property transfer tax, inheritance tax and inheritance tax are also set at a highly competitive 3%, while rental income tax is set at 9%. Montenegro’s tax regime is one of the most competitive in Europe, with a 9% tax applied to corporate profits, capital gains and personal income. “VAT is set at 21 percent and will be reimbursed for rental properties set up at a local company,” said Cuhari.

The Portonovi Resort area includes 218 luxury homes for sale in the first phase, offering $563,000 to $15.8 million, with 105 units available for rent, starting at $325 a night during peak season. Apartments range from 430-square-foot studios to three- and four-bedroom villas covering 6,450 square feet, with some residences overlooking Portonov Marina and others with private infinity pools. There are 10 One & Only private homes created by the One & Only Hotel.

Resort Portonov with its beautiful location and infrastructure offers a high level of luxury in this area. Fifteen years ago it was a well-kept secret of Montenegro and its picturesque natural beauty. “Now that the secret is out, it’s smart to invest in a place like Portonov, whether it’s for a summer residence or a commercial investment,” said Cuhar.