SimplyAbuDhabi XLI

T here is something special for everyone to experience at Porto Montenegro this summer season. The Mediterranean’s leading luxury yacht homeport and marina village, Porto Montenegro is known for its state-of-the-art yachting facilities and the most desirable lifestyle amenities. Situated in the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor, the neighbourhood is surrounded by natural beauty and whether arriving by air, land or sea, the destination offers exquisite views from all viewpoints, from the pristine Adriatic waters to superyacht-spotting. This summer, Porto Montenegro will host a variety of unmissable events, providing creative fulfilment, cultural exploration and family fun, not to mention a thrilling series of regatta races. The Porto Montenegro marina is home to 450 secure, year-round berths, with unparalleled facilities, making it an attractive spot for superyacht owners and captains, as well as yachting enthusiasts. The most hotly anticipated event on the menu for this year, is Rubix Festival. Debuting in July, Rubix will offer an exciting array of creative experiences and artistic performances, with more to be announced soon. Porto Montenegro will also attract jazz fans for the Made In New York Jazz Festival in June - returning for its eigth year, with a line-up of legendary artists. Dino Merlin, one of the biggest and most adored local stars, will be live in concert in July, alongside some spectacular dancers and performers. Models will take to the Synchro Stage in July, to showcase luxurious designer pieces for fashion lovers to enjoy, during the marina village’s exclusive International Fashion Festival. Food-lovers can rejoice with the return of the Gastronomy Festival in August, a family-friendly weekend offering a unique gastro experience of food, drinks and music from an array of exhibitors. For those interested in yachting, Porto Montenegro will present a great line-up of regattas for sailors of all skill levels. From the elite World Match Race Tour in May, to the popular Porto Montenegro Yacht Club (PYMC) Regatta in June, and the Fasinada in July, the beautiful waters of Boka Bay will host fast-paced and exciting sailing races throughout the summer, with fun to be had for both sailors and spectators. With all the delights in store from the 2023 Porto Montenegro calendar, some may also wish to indulge in a little retail therapy. The destination is well known for its wide array of luxury brands, including Dior, Bulgari, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Max Mara, Rolex, Hublot, Vilebrequin and Heidi Klein. Those who are familiar with Porto Montenegro will be delighted to hear of some new openings for 2023, including Biologique Recherche – the French luxury skincare brand; Concept Twenty Two – a curated womenswear boutique featuring designers such as Aje, Alemais and Jimmy Choo; and Duro – a niche perfumery showcasing the finest houses such as Clive Christian, Ormonde Jayne and Fragrances du Bois. The new Cafeteria Mikrolot – which stocks the world’s rarest and most exclusive coffees, or the recently opened Deli Italia – a pastry shop and delicatessen serving authentic Italian products – both make great pit-stops among the boutiques. In fact, Porto Montenegro has long-since attracted visitors for its foodie scene and nightlife. Amongst the village’s highlights worth trying: restaurants Marea offers exceptional seafood and Al Posto Giusto offers a chilled vibe and the best pizzas in town; for sundowners, Buddha-Bar Beach is the ultimate spot. Many are surprised to discover that despite the cosmopolitan lifestyle within Porto Montenegro, many outdoor adventures and areas of outstanding natural beauty can be reached easily on foot, by boat or by road. With soaring mountains, crystal clear lakes and hidden beaches, Montenegro has it all. Porto Montenegro is the ideal stepping-stone for white-water rafting in the Tara Canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world. Lake Skadar, the largest lake in Southern Europe, often overlooked by tourists is just a short drive away. Lovcen National Park and Durmitor National Park both offer breath-taking views and huge range of activities from walking to glamping, to braving the high ropes. Closer to home, hiking in the hills above the village, or kayaking along the coastline close to the marina, are both popular with the Porto Montenegro community. While the local area’s breath-taking mountains, lakes and canyon have been present for centuries, visitors to Porto Montenegro might be interested in the destination’s more recent history. The marina village was in fact built on the site of a former Yugoslav naval base. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th century sawmill, the Porto Montenegro Naval Heritage Museum celebrates Tivat’s rich maritime history, showcasing more than 300 artefacts, including rare Austro- Hungarian naval equipment, and a pair of Yugoslav submarines. For additional culture and heritage, the medieval fortified town of Kotor, with its limestone cliffs and winding streets is well worth a visit, and Perast, an idyllic fishing village in Boka Bay, is one of the best-preserved historical settlements on the entire Adriatic coast. Both Kotor and Perast can be reached easily from Porto Montenegro by boat. Why not also stop off en route at Our Lady of the Rocks, the highly photogenic islet set off the coast featuring a magnificently maintained Roman Catholic Church, dating back to the 17th century. So, whether its discovering new creative avenues at the Rubix festival, discovering the village’s best boutiques or reconnecting with nature and Montenegrin cultural heritage – unforgettable experiences, set against a stunning waterfront backdrop, are available to all visitors at Porto Montenegro. Simply Abu Dhabi | 291