Forza Mare Hotel & Resort. Immerse Yourself In Luxury In Montenegro

The views from The Forza Mare Hotel & Resort alone make this boutique Balkan gem worth a visit.

Both Forza Mare Hotel and its sister hotel The Forza Terra occupy enviable spots on the waterfront of Boka Bay, Montenegro, overlooked by dramatic mountains and with gentle Adriatic waves caressing their beachfront. Forza Mare is just 3km and a gentle 40-minute stroll from the pretty historic town of Kotor. Add to the views some unusual décor, understated elegance, great food and superb service and you have a top Montenegrin hotel.

Early evening at Forza Mare Hotel and the waves lap at the elegant restaurant famous for its seafood as candles are lit and some mellow jazz starts to play. I am told that a number of celebrities including Tina Turner have stayed here but nevertheless, the hotel’s glamour is low key with a quirky twist. The contemporary steel spiral staircase connecting three floors is reflected by a glittering chandelier and the ten suites are individually designed around a country or continent theme including India, Japan, China and Africa.

The theme is reflected in pictures, wall hangings and fine custom made furniture. Each suite has cable TV, AC, safety box and Wi-Fi. Some rooms have a full sea view; others have a side sea view. My Africa inspired room had wooden masks to watch me sleep and an intriguing hand-shaped carved chair to cradle me after a hard day’s walking.

There is a Wellness and Spa Centre with Jacuzzi, treatment rooms and steam room. The Pool at the front of the property is small but pretty, with sparkling blue tiles and modern wicker loungers. An incentive to pound the running machine in the small fitness centre was the mouth-watering display of locally made pastries and gateaux visible through the glass partition and drinks on the terrace later were the ideal reward for the workout.

Dining here provided a gastronomic introduction to local Montenegrin cuisine. Breakfast and dinner can also be enjoyed in the dining room on the first floor as well as the romantic restaurant on the seafront. I dined on sea bass fillet with black morels and garlic ragout but the menu includes a good selection off meat and seafood dishes.

Forza Mare Hotel prides itself on an extensive wine list featuring both Old and New World wines and helpful staff were careful to direct us to the best Montenegrin wines and those from neighbouring Croatia which were surprisingly palatable.

Sister property Forza Terra is a short walk away and Forza Mare guests can use the facilities there which include a large swimming pool with bar, spa, elegant beach and restaurant serving steak specials.

It is worth making the most of the Forza Mare Hotel’s location and its excellent concierge service to book a private boat charter to take you around the Bay. Take in the Blue Caves pretty medieval villages such as Perast and the fascinating submarine pens. Or simply stroll into Kotor Old Town for its atmospheric squares, winding alleys and great people watching opportunities.