The elegant five-start boutique hotel Forza Mare Hotel & Resort, has an out-of-the-way location on the waterfront of Boka Bay in the quiet village of Dobrota in Montenegro. It has fabulous views over the Bay of Kotor, with just ten plush rooms and fine dining.
Waterfront location on Boka Bay
I am told that a number of celebrities including Tina Turner have stayed at Forza Mare, but there is no need to be an A lister to stay here and enjoy the good service, gourmet food and heavenly bay views.
Who for
The romantic ambience makes it a favourite with couples but the hotel is also child-friendly with extra children’s beds and cots available.
Accommodation
Forza Bedroom
There are ten unusual suites, individually designed around a country or continent theme including India, Japan, Dubai, Mauritius, China, Africa, Komodo, St Petersburg, Vesuvius and Montenegro.
Each comfortable suite reflects its theme in colourful throws, wall hangings and custom made furniture. All rooms have cable TV and safety boxes and en suite shower rooms come with luxury toiletries. Some suites have full sea views, others have side sea views.
Facilities
Swimming pool
Forza Mare has a small swimming pool at the front of the property and its own private beach with sun loungers.
Seafront loungers
There is a fitness room to work off some of the damage done by the hotel’s delicious pastry shop on the terrace which is also a lovely spot to take in the views with a cocktail or coffee. The spa has a Jacuzzi, steam room and treatment room.
Dining
Breakfast is served from 8am and includes a buffet of fresh fruits, juices and cold meats and salad as well as any style of eggs cooked to order. All dietary requirements are catered for.
The Hotel’s waterfront restaurant has a first class reputation and as the candles are lit and some soft jazz music starts to play at sundown the scene is set for a memorable meal. Seafood is the speciality here and I enjoyed a very good sea bass with black morells but the menu also includes local meat dishes such as slow cooked pork. The waiters are on hand to explain and recommend wines including some excellent Montenegrin varieties and others from neighbouring Croatia.
A complimentary local cherry liqueur was brought to finish our meal. Meals can be taken outdoors on the beach front restaurant or inside the hotel with views over the Bay. Guests can dine at sister hotel Forza Terra where, as its name suggests, the emphasis is on steak and meat dishes.
Is Wi-Fi available
Yes, it’s free. It works well in all rooms and public areas. Mobile phone reception was also not a problem here.
How Much:
A night in a double standard room at Forza Mare is from £200 per night for the room and includes breakfast.
Booking.com
What’s nearby
The hotel is perfectly situated for anyone wishing to explore the UNESCO World Heritage town of Kotor, which is a gentle 40 minute waterside stroll or a ten minute taxi ride away. Boat tours can be arranged to take guests around Boka Bay itself, visiting the Blue Caves, pretty town of Perast, the island of the Lady of The Rocks and nearby beaches.
The nearest airports are Tivat (seven miles/11 km), Podgorica (52 miles/83 km) and Dubrovnik (41 miles/66 km).
Also read:
Travel Guide: What is there to see and do in the bay of Kotor, Montenegro