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Montenegro
Newly independent Montenegro was cut off from the world during the civil war that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, so few travelers know this stretch of mountainous Adriatic coast with quiet beaches and picturesque fortress towns. But insiders are calling this the next Croatia or the new European Riviera—not shocking, since it was a haunt for jet-setters like Sophia Loren and Richard Burton in the '60s and '70s. The quickly developing city of Budva, often compared to Dubrovnik, is the entry point to the beachfront, with an old harbor filled with fishing boats, Roman ruins, and a new generation of bars and restaurants to enliven the seaside atmosphere. Amanresorts, the ultimate purveyor of understated luxury, has set its sights on nearby Sveti Stefan, a walled fishing village and former royal villa that it plans to convert by the end of 2008 into palatial suites with private pools, and a full spa—after a $57.4-million investment. For now, set up shop at the new Queen of Montenegro hotel on Belici beach just outside town and plan day trips along the coast and into the mountainous interior (an even less-developed frontier). The coastal town of Kotor, pictured, is also a must-stop. Another plus: Though Montenegro has adopted the euro, prices remain much lower than in Croatia and Italy, a real help in these weak-dollar days.
Queen of Montenegro
Tel: 382 8666 2662
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