Small Montenegro is one of most beautiful and diverse countries in Europe I ever had the pleasure to visit. With its alpine black mountains (thus the name Montenegro), ultra-green mountain-fed, swimmable rivers, a deep fjord, multiple beaches, dramatic lakes and olive groves it’s a beauty in a nutshell. I thought it felt like Bella Italia must have felt 50 years ago. And there’s the food, delicious Balkan food: Njegusi prosciutto, fresh cheese, home-made bread, meat grilled to perfection paired in perfection with the local Vranac wine, one of my favorite red wines.

At Sveti Stefan history combines with luxury. It had been first mentioned in the 15th century when a castle was built there. After being destroyed in the course of the war between Venice and the Ottoman Empire Sveti Stefan became a sleeping beauty. Later fishermen built dwelling s on the rocky peninsula, and three churches,  – until the Communist government of Yugoslavia took possession and erected a luxury (well, some are equal, some are more equal…) hotel! Here, Tito entertained illustrious guests, Orson Welles, Kirk Douglas, Elizabeth Taylor, Marylin Monroe, Sophie Loren and the likes  – until the wars on the Balkans made it once more a sleeping beauty, Thankfully it woke up again and makes now the most unique seaside hideaway where my wife and me have ever been lounged.