Blessed with brooding mountains, sparkling fjord-like bays and medieval villages, Montenegro really is one of southern Europe's best-kept secrets. The country received just 2.5 million tourists at its peak in 2019 compared to neighbouring Croatia, which received 19.6 million.
Perched on the Adriatic Sea between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Albania, the small Balkan country has had its fair share of tumultuous history, which partly explains why it's been kept off the tourist trail. A new chapter began in 2006 when the country formalised its independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro (formerly Yugoslavia) to became one of Europe's youngest sovereign nations. (Only Kosovo is younger, which established independence in 2008).
Since then, the country has emerged as a luxury playground - there's more superyachts than McDonalds (although that's actually not difficult, given there isn't a single McDonalds in the whole country), and has a rapidly growing tourism economy. This is due to some visionary hospitality investments and a coordinated government approach to tourism that makes use of its stunning natural assets and welcoming Mediterranean climate.
The makeover began with Porto Montenegro in Tivat, a premium marina town developed by Canadian billionaire Peter Munk. Styled on the VIP resort vibes of Monaco, Porto Montenegro opened in 2010 and has become a haven for superyachts, with 450 berths of up to 250 metres welcoming some of the most stylish and exclusive sailing vessels in the world, including Azzam, the world's largest super yacht.
It's nestled on the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor (also known as Boka Bay), which resembles the magnificent Scandinavian fjords with its crystal-clear waterways flanked by rugged snow-capped mountains, while medieval forts and idyllic fishing towns fringe the coastline to complete the picture-perfect vista.
Bu hikaye Business Traveller UK dergisinin July/August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Business Traveller UK dergisinin July/August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
BACKGROUND This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand debuted in London's Shoreditch in 2006 and is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. The brand has 16 properties across Europe and North America, including two in Amsterdam - the first opened in 2015 in the city centre, followed by this property in the Eastern Docklands in August 2023.
Ruby Zoe, London
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London Hilton on Park Lane
BACKGROUND The London Hilton on Park Lane opened in 1963 - the first Hilton property in the UK. To celebrate its 60th anniversary last year, the hotel embarked on an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment led by the GA Group.
Philippine Airlines A321 business class SINGAPORE-MANILA
BACKGROUND Philippine Airlines operates flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, using A321ceo aircraft, which stands for 'current engine option, indicating an older aircraft than the A321neo. My flight (PR502) was a morning departure at 1035, arriving 1425 local time in Manila.
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