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Travel + Leisure
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
This Coastal European Town Is a Favorite Among Celebrities but Often Overlooked by American Travelers—and Now It Has a Chic Wellness Resort
The 1,600-square-meter Fitness Lab features workouts designed by celebrity athletes, yoga and reformer Pilates classes, and a climate-controlled 25-meter outdoor swimming pool. The Zen-like rooms are designed to promote rest and recovery, with temperature-regulating mattresses, blackout blinds, and a 'Recovery Cabinet' stocked with a yoga mat, resistance bands, and other wellness goodies. A selection of spacious apartments (ranging from studios to three-bedrooms) are ideal for family getaways or longer-term stays. The main restaurant uses locally sourced Balkan ingredients to craft nutritious meals with a sense of place. Guests can take their training into the great outdoors, with activities ranging from sailing and trail running to mountain biking and white-water rafting in the world's second-largest canyon. The hotel is just a 10-minute drive from the Tivat Airport (offering seasonal daily flights from major European hubs) and less than a half-hour from Kotor's UNESCO-protected Old Town. During the 90-minute drive from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro's Boka Bay community, my taxi driver regaled me with stories of all the famous people who'd been spotted along the Bay of Kotor, on Montenegro's Adriatic Coast—from Johnny Depp and Bill Gates to Barack Obama. 'In the summer, this place is paparazzi central,' he said. I believed him. As we pulled into the coastal town of Tivat, I glimpsed dozens of superyachts and tall-masted sailing boats docked in the marina fronting Porto Montenegro. Soaring green mountains encircled the glittering, fjord-like inlet, and the bronzed and the beautiful streamed past our car clutching Dior and Bulgari shopping bags. We stopped just short of the marina and its array of designer shops, pulling into the adjacent mixed-use development of Boka Bay, where convivial restaurants and sports shops are joined by the recently opened Siro Boka Place. It's the second hotel in the fast-growing, wellness-centric Siro brand from Kerzner International, the company behind One&Only Resorts; the first, Siro One Za'abeel, opened in Dubai in 2024, and future openings are planned in Tokyo, Riyadh, and Cabo San Lucas. Interior of the hotel lobby. My first thought upon entering the bright, modern lobby was that it felt like the kind of hotel you'd find in New York's Meatpacking District or London's Shoreditch neighborhood. Pretty young things decked out in Lululemon and Alo sipped protein shakes at the juice bar, guests browsed branded kettlebells and yoga mats at the boutique, and a group of toned 20-somethings emerged, flushed and sweaty, after completing a boxing class. It was a stark contrast to the upscale yachting vibe outside, but Marko Vukićević, the hotel's marketing and communications director, assured me the green juice–sipping, healthy-living energy was just as much a part of the destination. 'Eighty percent of visitors to Montenegro come for leisure,' he explained, as he toured me around the minimalist, clean-lined hotel, highlighting the sheer range of recreational pursuits in the area, from trail running and windfoiling to rafting in Tara River Gorge, the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. Over the next few days, I'd discover this outdoorsy side of Montenegro for myself, using the young, leisure-centric SIRO as my base. The property offers all the bells and whistles as the Dubai outpost: there are macro-counted menus, biohacking treatments, and a 1,600-square-meter Fitness Lab with classes designed in partnership with AC Milan football club and Olympic boxer Ramla Ali. 'It's a first-of-its-kind training facility in Montenegro,' said Vukićević, explaining that the space is already being used as a training base for athletes set to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. Guests sitting throughout the courtyard. More than its UAE counterpart, the Boka Place property encourages guests to take their training outdoors. One morning, I rode the Kotor Cable Car, which ascends 4,300 feet to the top of Lovćen National Park. From there, the hotel had arranged a guided bike ride along a 25-kilometer serpentine road descending from the summit, with sweeping views of the bay and the fortified town of Kotor. Back at the hotel, I grabbed a protein shake at the juice bar and hit the sauna before indulging in the best assisted stretching massage of my life at the Recovery Lab—a medical-like spa specializing in performance-related treatments and biohacking therapies. When I checked out two nights later, I hadn't seen a celebrity or splurged on any fancy threads at Porto Montengro's designer shops. But I felt longer, leaner, and, most importantly, revitalized from the fresh mountain air and the salty sea breeze. Here, everything you need to know about Siro Boka Place. Done up in neutral colors, minimalist blonde wood furnishings, and mirrored surfaces, the 89 rooms and seven suites are oases of calm and serenity. Even my room, which was located on a lower floor and faced the road, felt like an urban sanctuary thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows with blackout blinds, a temperature-regulating mattress, a pillow menu with three options, and a spacious, well-lit bathroom stocked with organic, British-made Proverb toiletries. (It's worth noting, however, that the rooms aren't entirely soundproofed—I woke one morning to voices in the hall and doors slamming shut.) In the corner of my room near the window was a Swedish ladder (horizontal bars for pull-ups, dips, or other exercises) and a Recovery Cabinet stocked with a yoga mat, foam roller, resistance bands, yoga blocks, and other wellness gear. While I'm not usually one to work out in my hotel room, I found myself ending each day with a self-guided stretch and a pre-bed meditation session programmed into the smart TV. I also appreciated that the desk came with a medicine ball in place of a traditional chair. For extra space to spread out and bay views, opt to stay in one of the seven Siro Suites, each with a separate bedroom, a large living space, a small balcony, and a large bathroom with a tub. Meanwhile, families and longer-term guests will want to reserve one of the 144 apartments, which come with fully equipped kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and washing machines, among other residential-style comforts. Guests can enjoy modular dining and the Mediterranean flavors of SIRO Table. Augustine Wong/SIRO Boka Place In between fitness classes, hikes, and other active programming, I loved how easy the property made it to stay nourished with healthy, flavorful food. For guests on the move, a grab-and-go fridge just off reception is stocked with wholesome snacks and salads. There's also the Refuel Bar, which serves freshly squeezed juices, coffee, and protein shakes (I recommend the Recovery Nut, made with banana, cocoa nibs, peanut butter, almond milk, and chocolate whey protein). Quick, healthy bites are available at the Refuel Bar. Natelee Cocks/SIRO Boka Place But I found myself saving my appetite for chef Adnel Amador Abreu Véliz's flavor-packed, nutrient-dense, organic dishes at Siro Table, the hotel's main street-level restaurant, where fresh Balkan produce stars in colorful salads, charcoal-grilled fish and vegetables, and regional specials like mućkalica (barbecue meat stew). Cuban-born Véliz has worked in Montenegro for nearly a decade, and he spent more than two years visiting sustainable farms across the Balkans for the Siro hotel. His efforts shine in standout dishes like the Adriatic sea bass crudo with fermented tomato consommé and citrus-marinated peach, or the slow-roasted lamb stew with carrot, red pepper, and plum. For those watching their diets, the menu clearly lists calorie counts and nutritional information for each dish. However, I recommend indulging in the bread service (a mix of sourdough and gluten-free seed bread served with roasted zucchini and feta spread) and the decadent, ganache-like chocolate cake with homemade coconut ice cream. Soon to open is Siro Social, a rooftop terrace offering tapas, natural wine, and cocktails (both alcoholic and non) with panoramic views of the bay and surrounding mountains. The on property outdoor tennis court. Zoran Radonjic/SIRO Boka Place SIRO Boka Place delivers all the cutting-edge wellness and fitness programming that are fast becoming hallmarks of the young brand. At the heart of it all is the 1,600-square-meter Fitness Lab, which includes a traditional gym outfitted with TechnoGym equipment; an airy, high-ceilinged yoga studio; a Pilates space with reformer machines; and the interactive 'Experience Box'—a strobe-lit, nightclub-like fitness studio where an LED screen guides participants through interactive workouts. There, I joined a functional training class designed by the team behind the AC Milan football club, which had me sprinting on a curved Skillmill treadmill, lifting weights, and doing mat exercises with a weighted medicine ball. A trainer was on hand to offer tips and correct my form. As exciting as it was to have 24/7 access to classes and fitness professionals, I was most drawn to the lineup of outdoor activities. Guests can hike to hilltop churches, play on tennis courts built to Novak Djokovic's specifications (the tennis star is a familiar face at Porto Montenegro), or go sailing with Montenegrin Olympic sailor Milivoj Dukić. Farther afield, the hotel can arrange mountain biking, rafting, and other high-adrenaline adventures in the Tara River Gorge—the second-largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon—located a 3.5-hour drive north. The highlight of my stay, activity-wise, was a multi-hour bike ride down from the summit of Lovćen National Park, along a winding mountain road with jaw-dropping views of the Bay of Kotor. Back at the hotel, I met with in-house nutritionist Radovan Ivanović for a preview of the customized meal planning and dietary services available to guests. In addition to assessments via Technogym's cutting-edge Checkup machine—which uses AI to provide in-depth analysis of body composition, strength, and other metrics—Ivanović and his team can order microbiome tests, create tailored meal plans, and offer IV therapy for nutritional supplementation. As robust as the wellness offerings are, some guests may be tempted to simply unwind by the 25-meter, climate-controlled pool, which features a retractable roof and sweeping views of the bay. The Recovery Lab feels more like a doctor's office than a traditional spa, with sparse white walls and minimal decor. The treatments, too, are focused more on performance and recovery than indulgence. Offerings include compression boot therapy, cryotherapy, and vibroacoustic therapy, along with myofascial cupping, dry needling, and physiotherapy. I opted for an assisted stretching massage using organic Proverb massage oil—one of the most restorative, lengthening treatments I've ever experienced and the perfect antidote to a long day of hiking and biking. For recovery any time of day, guests can also sweat it out in the sauna or unwind in the Zen room, where a Himalayan salt wall is said to purify the air and soothe the nervous system. The location is ideal for families: the shops and restaurants at Boka Place and Porto Montenegro provide built-in entertainment (including an outdoor climbing wall for kids just steps from the hotel), while the abundance of nearby parks and green spaces makes it easy to enjoy low-effort outdoor adventures. The property offers accessible accommodations and demonstrates meaningful efforts in the realm of sustainability. Most of the ingredients at SIRO Table are sourced from a handful of farms across the Balkans; a central water station near the lobby encourages guests to refill their own bottles rather than purchase disposable plastic ones; and the organic Proverb bathroom toiletries are refilled inside communal containers instead of single-use bottles. Getting to the property couldn't be easier: Tivat Airport (which offers seasonal direct flights from European hubs like London, Berlin, Barcelona, and Paris) is just ten minutes down the road. The international airports in Dubrovnik and Podgorica are each about 90 minutes away. For sightseeing, the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor is a quick 30-minute drive, while the Italianate coastal village of Perast—home to 16 churches and 17 palazzi—is just under an hour away. That said, most guests will want to stay close, spending their days sailing, kayaking, and cycling around Kotor Bay or hiking in nearby Lovćen National Park. Siro does not have a loyalty program and the hotel is not part of any credit card rewards programs. That said, rates are quite reasonable in the off-season, which runs from November to March. Nightly rates at Siro Boka Place start from $160. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Daily Mail
European country named one of the most underrated in the world has £31 flights and its own Niagara Falls
The best underrated countries in the world have been named – and one of them is Montenegro. According to US News, the Balkan country flies under most travellers' radars, especially in comparison to its neighbour Croatia. But the small country, bordering the Adriatic Sea, is home to tranquil beaches, medieval villages and rugged mountain terrain. Highlights in Montenegro include rafting through the Tara River Canyon, which is the deepest canyon in Europe, lounging on pebbly Sveti Stefan Beach or hiking in Durmitor National Park. Meanwhile, the historic towns of Kotor and Perast on the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor boast exquisite Baroque architecture. And tycoons can often be found sunbathing off the coast on gigantic superyachts, the result of billions spent on gleaming marinas and the five-star hotels from some of the world's most exclusive chains that have sprung up along the beaches. Montenegro also has its very own Niagara Falls, called the Cijevna waterfall. The natural waterfall is just a 10-minute drive from Podgorica and, the falls are at their dramatic best in the summer, and Lonely Planet says you'll find locals taking a dip in their somewhat depleted depths in early summer. The hottest months to visit Montenegro are July and August, when the temperature hits 28C. But June and September are also warm with temperatures reaching 24C. MailOnline found Ryanair flights from London Stansted to Podgorica in June for as low as £31 one way. Meanwhile, Jet2 has flights for £71 from Birmingham to Tivat, and easyJet flies from Manchester to Tivat for just £74.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- The Sun
European country named one of the most underrated in the world has cheap easyJet flights and its own Niagara Falls
MONTENEGRO has been named one of the most under-the-radar countries in the world. According to US News, Montenegro is often forgotten about, especially when compared to Croatia. 4 Yet, the small Balkan country bordering the Adriatic Sea features tranquil beaches, medieval villages and dramatic mountains. One particularly great activity is rafting though the Tata River Canyon, which is the deepest canyon in Europe. Travellers can also relax on Sveti Stefan Beach or hike in Durmitor National Park. There are historic towns to explore too, like Kotor and Perast on the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor. In fact, Kotor is known for having one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe. The town boasts picturesque cobbled streets, a Venetian Republic palazzi, ancient town walls and a fortress. Specifically, inside the town's walls there are four churches including the pink, 12th-century Romanesque St. Tryphon's Cathedral. The town even has a square - Pjaca od Drva - where many cats can be seen roaming around. Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro and boasts so much history. One historical site is Ribnica Bridge - which originally started as an outpost before gradually becoming a settlement in its own right. Jet2 launches new twice-weekly route to European holiday destination starting this month The city is also home to the Old Town (Stara Varoš) which was built under Ottoman rule. Today, the Old Town has shopping districts with jewellery shops, restaurants and boutiques. Montenegro also has its very own Niagara Falls, called the Cijevna waterfall. The natural waterfall is just a short drive from Podgorica and visitors will be able to see the falls all around them. It sits over one of the world's natural deep-water harbours, at the end of an inland bay. EasyJet operates flights to Tivat in Montenegro from Bristol, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester. 4 One-way flights can be found for as low as £29.99 and it takes just under three hours to reach Tivat. The hottest months to visit are July and August, where the temperature hits 28C. However, June and September are also warm with temperatures reaching 24C. Also in Montenegro is an 'unsung' coastal town with pristine beaches and cheap UK flights. Plus, the beautiful campsite in the middle of a vineyard is near in one of Europe's most underrated cities. 4
