Montenegro bets on seaside luxury to attract tourists

Aiming to secure its status as one of the world's most prestigious destinations, the Eastern European nation is opening a new high-end tourism complex along the shores of the Adriatic.
Dubbed Dukley Gardens, the new resort and residence complex is located across from the seaside town of Budva in southwest Montenegro, offering unparalleled views over the Adriatic Sea. Situated in a region that is gradually opening up to tourism, the complex is designed first and foremost for well-heeled travelers looking for an intimate destination off the beaten path.
The development company Stratex invested €100 million to build the new complex, which includes apartments for rent or sale, as well as a marina and seafront lounge to draw international jet setters.
Restaurants, childcare facilities, an immense beach and a parking lot for electric vehicles are also among the amenities at the resort, which occupies a large part of the Zavala peninsula. A pastry shop and an ice cream parlor will also be opened to satisfy travelers' cravings.
In the vicinity of Dukley Gardens, tourists can explore the Tara Canyon as well as Budva's imposing fortress and old town, which has preserved all of the country's old world charm.
Dukley Gardens handed over the keys to the first residents in July, and the entire complex is expected to be fully open by December 2014.
A destination on the up-and-up
The development, which Stratex describes as "absolutely innovative for the Eastern Mediterranean," will be presented on September 11 at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes as part of one of the global nautical sector's most important events, the Yachting Festival.
Montenegro is aiming to attract more travelers from around the world and emulate its neighboring country Croatia, which has become a very trendy destination in recent years but is now reaching saturation point due to the onrush of visitors.
Lonely Planet, after listing Montenegro in its Best of 2013 guide, followed its recommendation with an update to its guide on the emerging destination. The latest Lonely Planet Montenegro travel guide book was published in June 2013.
Currently, most of the international tourists traveling to Montenegro set up their beach chairs in the seaside resort town of Tivat, farther north from Budva. Tivat's luxury yacht marina of Porto Montenegro is currently the country's most popular, even among high-income travelers.
Source: Relaxnews