High Altitude

Pia Bayot Corlette takes us through her former home country, Montenegro, and shares some tips on how to best enjoy this country in the Balkans

- Anton San Diego

What do you love most about your city?

Montenegro is a tiny country on the Adriatic in Eastern Europe, just south of Croatia and across the high heel boot of Italy. Montenegro means “black mountain” in Italian, a name reflected in the mountains soaring from the sea. It’s the most dramatic landscape blessed with endearing, friendly people and a place I have called home for nearly a decade! My husband developed Porto Montenegro, and we were there until it was sold to the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Dubai in 2017.

I have had the wildest stories and adventures, but its people are what has made Montenegro part of my life forever.

What are your top restaurants, Kook hotels, bars?

Hotels: The Aman Sveti Stefan is a dream (I had my wedding reception here and have stayed many times since). It consists of the limestone Vila Milocer that was once (the former Yugoslav president Josip Broz) Tito’s old palace as well as the Island of Sveti Stefan which was once a fishing village that was converted to a hotel. It has the most wonderful views and is all stone. It has a special magic that can’t be replicated.

Otherwise, The Regent at Porto Montenegro managed by The Intercontinental Group is buzzier and on the marina waterfront. Lovely nautical chic interiors in the heart of the marina, the hotel features the more traditional nautical wing and the more modern Miami-vibe wing.