Few beautiful places in the world can still be considered quiet today. Where picturesque scenery and sunsets exist, the crowds follow. Dobrota, in Montenegro’s bay of Kotor, is a different story, however. Set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop, this sleepy seaside town has an atmosphere all of its own. We could not have picked a more charming spot for our getaway.
A Slow Getaway in Dobrota, Montenegro
Mornings here are slow and relaxed, the sun rising hours before everyone else. Fishermen tend to their boats perched on the side of the bay while the rest of us slowly begin our day. Out on the jetty in front of our hotel, the only sound is that of the lapping waves, and a view of breathtaking mountains creating the ideal atmosphere for a spot of reading.
Later in the morning, the town begins to wake, the sounds of life present again. A man selling fruit from his truck entices us with fresh watermelon and strawberries; I smile as I hear arbuz, the word for watermelon in Polish. At the mention of fruit, our stomachs rumble and we make our way over to breakfast at the hotel, a tasty serving of local delicacies complete with freshly squeezed orange juice. Following a spot of breakfast, it’s back out onto the jetty for more relaxing and basking in the sun.
Come lunchtime we pack our belongings away and make our way to a little tavern a few yards down from our hotel. The food here is fresh and delicious, and the atmosphere cosy and quaint. Each day is a different dish: bruschetta with anchovies, creamy pasta, seafood spaghetti, Greek salad… the choice is plentiful. We marvel at our discovery over sparkling water and the peaceful view of the bay in front of us. It becomes a daily occurrence.
After some delectable Mediterranean dishes, a post-lunch walk along the coast is in order. Here the buildings are made of creamy stone with traditional terracotta rooftops typical of the area. There’s a small church not far but we’re not quite dressed to look inside. As we stroll along the coast, the contrast of the beachy scene on one side and the regal imposing architecture on the other becomes prominent, adding to the charm of this pretty town. Everywhere we look is postcard-worthy. The sun eventually hurries us back to the shade and comfort of our hotel.
The only way to refresh after a lengthy walk is with a dip in the pool. While everyone bathes on the jetty out in the front, we have this part of the hotel all to ourselves. It couldn’t be a more blissful way to unwind. The water feels cool and welcoming, a gentle breeze washing over our sun-kissed skin. Only the thought of cocktails and dinner can make us leave this little tucked-away haven.
One of my favourite moments throughout the week is happy hour cocktails on the terrace of our hotel. Strawberry daiquiris, piña coladas and margaritas are all presented in the most aesthetic way. We lean back and look out onto the view of the bay, a cruise ship or two passing by every now and then. It really is the most wonderful way to transition from day to evening.
Evenings wind down in a similar fashion to how the days begin, only with dinner and slow sips of wine. The beaches start to clear, the last of the sun seekers soaking in the sunset atmosphere. On one of our evenings we dine on the jetty directly in front of the setting sun, the sky awash with a delicate coat of pink. We don’t want the evening – or our time here – to come to an end. As the last of the light begins to fade, we make our way back inside, ready for a new day.
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