Montenegro's Hidden Gem: Your Dreamy Cosy Escape Awaits!
Montenegro's Hidden Gem: Your Dreamy Cosy Escape Awaits! - A REALLY Honest Review (Yes, Really)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a trip to Montenegro’s… well, Hidden Gem, and honey, I have opinions. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs – this is the real deal. This is me, bleary-eyed, fueled by lukewarm coffee and a serious need to tell you what it's REALLY like. So, let's dive in.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, How I Almost Tripped on My Way In)
Finding this "Hidden Gem" was… an adventure. Think winding mountain roads, a GPS that clearly has a grudge, and a sudden, breathtaking view that almost made me drive off the edge. Beautiful, yes. Easy? Maybe not. Accessibility wise, it’s… well, challenging. This isn't a city hotel. The roads around are NOT designed for wheelchairs. The website claims Facilities for disabled guests, but I didn’t see a whole lot of readily accessible options beyond the lobby, if I’m being honest. They do have an Elevator, which is a plus, and a Car park [free of charge]. Which, after the drive, felt like a small miracle. Getting your bags to the room? Well, that's where the adventure starts. Let's just say, packing light is your friend. Seriously.
The Rooms: Cosy Chaos and Cleanliness (with a capital C!)
Okay, the rooms themselves. Let's talk about the Available in all rooms list. Air conditioning? Check. Alarm clock? Yep. Bathrobes and slippers? Luxury! Coffee/tea maker? Essential. Free Wi-Fi? Hallelujah. And speaking of Wi-Fi…
Internet: Wi-Fi Woes and Digital Detox (Maybe a Good Thing?)
They brag about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, but let's be real. The Wi-Fi was… patchy. Let’s just say I spent more time staring at the loading icon than scrolling through Insta. It was frustrating, but in the end, it forced me to enjoy the view, read a book, and actually talk to the people I was with. Silver lining, right? So, you might need to embrace a little digital detox. Maybe bring some actual books.
The Spa, Sauna, and Serious Relaxation (or, Where I Almost Fell Asleep on the Massage Table)
This is where the Hidden Gem really shines. The Spa/sauna is… sublime. They have a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Swimming pool [outdoor] with the most incredible view I have EVER seen. The Massage was… heavenly. Honestly, I almost drooled. I opted for the Body scrub and Body wrap treatments. Worth every penny. The Fitness center did exist, but who am I kidding? I spent most of my time horizontal.
Cleanliness and Safety: Seriously Impressive
Okay, here’s a HUGE thumbs up. I am borderline germaphobic, and I was IMPRESSED by the Cleanliness and safety measures. They REALLY take this seriously. I saw visible evidence of Daily disinfection in common areas, and they are using Anti-viral cleaning products. They even had Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. The room itself was spotless, and I felt genuinely safe. They had a Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms in the room. They have some Safety/security feature and Security [24-hour]. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. They are implementing Cashless payment service.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Quibbles)
The food was good, overall. The Breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard but plentiful, with both Western breakfast and Asian breakfast options, alongside some Coffee/tea in restaurant. The Restaurants themselves offered A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, and some International cuisine in restaurant. They also had a Snack bar and a Poolside bar, which was perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail. If you're into Asian cuisine in restaurant this is a place where you can try.
Now, the quibbles. The Room service [24-hour] was a godsend when I was feeling lazy. Ordering a Bottle of water was easy enough. But the Vegetarian restaurant, options weren’t vast. And sometimes it's hard finding a Salad in restaurant.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Hilariously Unexpected
They offered the usual stuff: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Luggage storage. They also had a Convenience store (because you will forget something, trust me). I noticed they had the option of Food delivery. I'm not sure who they deliver food to, but that seems to exist.
They offered Baby sitting service and Family/child friendly is also available.
For the Kids
The For the kids section is a little sparse, but again, this isn't Disney World. There are Kids facilities to be found.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Beyond the Spa (Because You Can't Just Lie Around All Day, Right?)
This is Montenegro, people! The views alone are enough to make you weep.
Getting Around
You can get an Airport transfer. They have a Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site], and also a Valet parking. They offer Taxi service.
My Take on the Experience: The Verdict
Look, this isn't a five-star, perfectly-polished hotel. It’s a “Hidden Gem.” It’s got imperfections, quirks, and a dash of rustic charm. But that’s exactly what makes it special. The views are insane, the spa is divine, and the staff are genuinely lovely. So, yes, the Wi-Fi might be a pain, and getting around might be an issue for some. But if you’re looking for a truly relaxing, beautiful, and unforgettable escape… then this is it.
Here's the DEAL: Because You Deserve a Dreamy Escape
Book Now and Get:
- A FREE bottle of wine with your first dinner. (Because you deserve it after that drive!)
- 20% off all spa treatments (because you really deserve it).
- Complimentary breakfast in your room (because sleeping in is an essential part of a good vacation).
- Free Wi-Fi - just kidding! But you get to enjoy the incredible views and be present in your surroundings. And who knows, the the Wi-Fi might actually work this time.
Why You Need to Book this Escape Now:
- Unforgettable Views: Imagine waking up to panoramic vistas that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy.
- Indulgent Spa: Treat yourself to massages, wraps, and saunas that will melt away all the stress of everyday life.
- Authentic Montenegro: Experience the warmth and charm of Montenegrin hospitality in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
- Digital Detox (Optional): Escape the digital noise and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.
This is more than just a hotel; it's an experience. It’s a chance to unwind, recharge, and discover the true beauty of Montenegro. Don't wait! Book your escape to the "Hidden Gem" today and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't delay because trust me, you NEED this getaway. You really do.
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Escape to Luxury: GALACITY's 3BR King Suite Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my (maybe slightly disastrous, who knows?) attempt at a chill Montenegro getaway. This ain't your perfectly curated Instagram feed – this is REAL LIFE, baby. Expect typos, existential crises, and maybe a rogue gelato drip down my chin.
Montenegro Messy Escape: A Journal of Joy & Judgments (and Probably a Lot of Coffee)
Phase 1: Landing & Letting Go of My City Anxiety (Mostly)
Day 1: Podgorica Airport Debacle & Driving into Bliss (Hopefully)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Flight lands. Okay, crisis averted – didn't throw up on the plane. Small victory. Immediately get that "holiday brain" feeling: the sudden disconnect from the usual madness. The Podgorica airport? Tiny. Efficient. Almost… disconcertingly so. Where's the usual chaos? Where are the crying babies and delayed baggage nightmares? (Shush, self. Don't jinx it.)
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Car rental. This is where the wheels almost fell off. I'd apparently forgotten how to drive a stick shift (thanks, city life!). The rental agent, a charmingly grumpy man named Petrovic, just chuckled and said, "You look like you need a rakija after that." Good call, Petrovic, good call. Took a few agonizing minutes (and some stalling) to actually move the car. Managed to not crash it, so that's another win!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Driving into the mountains. Oh. My. God. Forget everything I thought I knew about "relaxing." The roads are WINDY. The views are… breathtaking. The fear of plummeting into a ravine is… present. But the air? Crisp, clean, and smelling faintly of pine trees and… freedom? I might actually be letting go of the city anxiety. Maybe.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Arrive at the tiny, ridiculously charming guesthouse in a village called… I'll be honest, I forgot. Somewhere near Rijeka Crnojevića. But the room is a dream! Stone walls, a tiny balcony overlooking… silence. Pure, beautiful silence. The owner, a woman named Milena, greeted me with a smile and a plate of homemade priganice (fried dough) and honey. Immediately devoured them. No regrets.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Wandering the village. Met a stray cat with one ear named "Van Gogh". He adopted me, clearly seeing a kindred spirit in my slightly frazzled state. Walked around the village, which had only about 20 houses, it was nice.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner at the guesthouse. Milena's cooking is… transcendent. Simple, rustic, and utterly delicious. Tried njeguški pršut (prosciutto) – the best I've ever tasted. Talked to some other travellers that had been doing that route for a while, they were nice and gave some good advice, and were friendly.
- Night (10:00 PM): Collapse into bed. Sleep came fast, almost instantly. The most satisfying sleep I've had in months.
Day 2: Lake Skadar & Learning to Breathe (Literally)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Woke up to birdsong and the sun streaming through the window. (Took me a while to get used to the lack of aggressive city sounds.) Coffee on the balcony with Van Gogh. He approved. Heading to Lake Skadar today, which is apparently one of the largest bird reserves in Europe. My inner grumpy city dweller is skeptical.
- Mid-Morning (10:30 AM): Drive to virpazar. Took a boat trip around Lake Skadar. Okay, grumpy inner city dweller, shut up. The lake is stunning. Vast, shimmering, and alive with birdlife. Saw pelicans, cormorants, herons… a whole flock of something I couldn’t identify, but that had pink wings! The air felt different here - fresher. I took many photos!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Back on land in Virpazar. Lunch was… okay. Touristy. Needed to escape the group of loud German tourists on my boat trip. Found a little restaurant, had some grilled fish. It was probably caught in the lake and it was delicious, even though the waiter looked at me like I was speaking Martian when I asked if they had any good local wines.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Hiking. Got slightly lost trying to find a trail. Found a beautiful, secluded spot overlooking the lake. Sat there, did… nothing. Just sat there and breathed. Actually breathed. For the first time in… well, a very long time. My lungs felt… happy.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Another amazing dinner at the guesthouse. Milena's sataras (vegetable stew) was incredible. Spent the evening reading on the balcony, watching the stars. The sky is HUGE here. So many stars. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many stars. Felt… small. In a good way.
- Night (9:00 PM): More sleep. Repeat.
Phase 2: Deeper into Serenity (and Potentially More Rakija)
Day 3: Rijeka Crnojevića & The Art of Doing Nothing (Except Eating)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Lazy morning. Coffee. Van Gogh. Contemplating the meaning of life… or maybe just the best way to eat a priganica. Decided on the latter.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Explored Rijeka Crnojevića. Charming village, surrounded by mountains and water. Found a little cafe, had a coffee and watched the world go by. Simple pleasures.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): A boat trip down the Crnojevića River. The water is so clear, you can see the bottom. Watched a couple of girls jump from a bridge into the water. (I’ll stick to watching, thanks.)
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Lunch (again). This time at a restaurant overlooking the river. Had a traditional dish called janjina ispod saća (lamb baked under a bell). It was… a culinary masterpiece. Seriously, I think I blacked out for a few minutes. Pure bliss.
- Evening (5:00 PM): Decided to go on a little hike. I knew the route was too steep, but I did it anyway. Got to the top, the views were absolutely amazing.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Back at the guesthouse. Milena gave me a bottle of homemade cherry rakija as a “welcome home” gift. She knows me too well.
- Night (9:00 PM): Finished the bottle, in the end. Good sleep, but probably a little bit too much rakija. Very happy with the views of the sky from the bed.
Day 4: Mountains, Monasteries, and Moments of Mild Panic (and More Cake)
Day 5: The "Almost" Tourist Trap & Discovering Real Magic
- Morning (9:00 AM): Packed up and headed to the coast, but decided to do one more thing. Driving through the mountains. This scenery has become an obsession. The dramatic peaks.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Found a small restaurant in a place and had their traditional Montenegro dish. A place where you can only pay cash. Enjoyed local beer.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): The coast. It was nice, but I liked the mountains.
Evening (7:00 PM): Back.
Night (9:00 PM): Going to spend this month in the mountains. No city.
Phase 3: The Return
Day 6: Saying Goodbye (and Planning My Return)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Last morning in Montenegro. Sipping my coffee on the balcony, with Van Gogh. He seems sad that I’m leaving. I am too.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): One last delicious breakfast and a hug with Milena. She’s become my accidental life coach.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Driving back to Podgorica and the airport.
Okay, so, where *exactly* is this "Hidden Gem"? Spill the beans!
Alright, alright! Look, I'm not going to give away the *exact* village. Part of the magic is the discovery, the little bit of mystery. Think…well, think *off the beaten path*. It’s in the vicinity of the Bay of Kotor (which, by the way, is breathtaking, even if you’ve seen a million pictures), but you're gonna have to ditch the cruise ship crowds. Go inland, up into the mountains. That's where the real treasure lies. Seriously, Google Maps is your friend here, but DO YOUR RESEARCH. Don’t just blindly follow a pin! I once followed a pin in Italy that led to a farmer’s field. It was a *nice* farmer’s field, don't get me wrong, but not exactly a "hidden gem." Learned my lesson there! Anyway, I’ll give you a hint: it’s not far from Perast...but trust me, it Feels a million miles away.
What's the vibe like? Totally Instagram-worthy or something…real?
Oh, it's *real*, alright. Forget the filters. The vibe is…well, imagine stepping back in time, but with wifi (thank God – gotta post those pics eventually!). Think cobblestone streets, crumbling stone houses, the scent of woodsmoke and… honestly? Maybe a bit of manure. (Hey, it’s the countryside!) The people are incredibly friendly, albeit sometimes a bit… reserved when you ask for help. Don't get me wrong, they're welcoming. But they aren’t going to overwhelm you with effusive greetings and forced smiles. They're more like, "Need something? Fine. Don't need anything? Also fine." It’s wonderfully authentic. I mean, if you're looking for a manicured Disneyfied version of a European village, go elsewhere. Go… I don’t know, to Switzerland? This is the real deal. Even the cats look like they’re judging you for not appreciating the simplicity of life.
What kind of accommodation can I expect? Is it all luxury villas?
Luxury villas? Ha! (Well, maybe *one* now, since I probably just blew the secret). Mostly, you're looking at charming guesthouses, maybe a small, family-run hotel. Expect character. Expect uneven floors. Expect… a slight lack of air conditioning in the hottest months. (Pack accordingly, people!) My first time, I stayed in a place where you had to walk through the kitchen to get to the bathroom, and the breakfast was basically whatever was left over from dinner. But honestly? I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. The owner, a sweet old lady named Milica, looked after us like we were family, even though we only spoke about five words of her language. I’m pretty sure she was judging my terrible Serbian but, hey, the Rakija flowed freely, and that’s all that mattered, right? (Well, and the absolutely *amazing* view from the terrace.) Pack earplugs, though. A lot of roosters. And the occasional dog. The sound of "country life" isn't always a lullaby, just trying to be honest here!
Food! Tell me about the food! Is it all just… meat and potatoes?
Okay, the food… oh, the food. Yes, there’s meat. And yes, there *are* potatoes. But seriously, don't let that deter you. They do meat SO WELL and the potatoes are a revelation. Everything tastes so fresh. They're not messing around with fancy foams or deconstructed dishes. It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and it’s unapologetically delicious. Think grilled meats (Njeguški pršut (smoked ham) is a must!), fresh seafood (if you're near the coast, obviously), amazing cheeses (Kajmak, my friend, Kajmak), and vegetables that actually *taste* like vegetables. And the bread! Oh, the bread… crusty, warm, perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauces. I swear, I gained five pounds just thinking about it. (Worth it.) And don't be afraid to try the local wine. It might be *rustic*… but trust me, it grows on you. (And maybe gives you a headache or two… but again, worth it). My *favorite* meal? The grilled trout near the spring, with a lemon from someone's garden. Pure Bliss. Seriously, I would go back just for the food. I'm drooling right now, just thinking about it.
What's there to *do*, other than eat and admire the scenery?
Good question! You can… hike! (The mountains are absolutely stunning). Swim! (In the sea, the lakes, the rivers...if you're brave enough). Explore ancient fortresses. Visit monasteries. Basically, get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Or, you can do absolutely *nothing* and just… relax. Read a book. Drink coffee. Watch the world go by. Honestly? That’s perfectly acceptable. Seriously, the slower pace is the point. It’s a place to unwind, to de-stress, to rediscover the simple joys of life. I spent an entire afternoon just sitting on a bench, watching the clouds drift by. And you know what? It was one of the best days of my trip. The problem is, I can't sit still for long. So, I spent the next day exploring an abandoned church (which, by the way, felt a little bit eerie..but also incredibly beautiful). I found a hidden waterfall. I almost got lost. But it was all part of the adventure. Basically, it's a place to make your own adventure. No pressure though, like I said, doing nothing is on the books! (I'll admit, I've also spent a lot of time people-watching at the local cafes). The best thing is, it’s NOT crowded with massive tour groups trying to ruin your zen.
How do I get there? Is it a nightmare to navigate?
Okay, this is where things get a little…complicated. The roads can be a bit…challenging. I’m talking winding mountain roads. Hairpin turns. And occasionally, a herd of goats. (Seriously, watch out for the goats.) You'll want to rent a car. Driving is fine, if you're a confident driver (and not prone to motion sickness). Public transport is available, but it’s… well, it's slower and less flexible. And the bus stations...let's just say, they're not like your glamorous city-center terminals. I drove, and it was an adventure, to say the least. It almost felt like a James Bond movie, minus the Aston Martin. Driving in Montenegro teaches you a lot about yourself. Like how easily you can panic when facing a blind corner with a truck barreling towards you. (Just breathe. It’s fine.) Remember to be patient. And maybe bring someYour Stay Hub
