Escape to Paradise: Stunning Serenity Apartment in Montenegro!
Escape to Paradise: Seriously Stunning Serenity Apartment in Montenegro! – My Unfiltered Take
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Montenegro, and specifically, the "Escape to Paradise: Stunning Serenity Apartment." And let me tell you, the "stunning" part? Not hyperbole. The "serenity" part? Well, we'll get to that.
First Impressions: Accessibility & That Initial "Wow" Moment
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate places that think about everyone. And Escape to Paradise seemed to have a good handle on it. The elevator was a godsend – especially after lugging my suitcase through cobbled streets (more on that later!). They mention "Facilities for disabled guests," but it's always best to call ahead and confirm specifics if you need them. I'd say it's mostly accessible, but always double-check.
The initial "wow" factor? Hit me like a tidal wave. The apartment itself was… well, stunning. Seriously. Huge windows, a view that’ll make your jaw drop (more on the "pool with a view" later!), and that feeling of space. After being crammed in a budget hostel in Dubrovnik the week before, I wanted to yell, "I'M FREE!" (I didn't. But I thought about it.)
Tech & Tidbits: Internet, Wi-Fi, and the Modern Necessities
Okay, let's talk internet. Because, let's be real, in the modern world, it’s practically air. They boast "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Internet access – wireless" and "Internet access – LAN." All true! And fast enough to stream my questionable reality TV choices. Thank the heavens. I also had a "Laptop workspace" and a "Desk," which was handy for, you know, pretending to work while staring at the Adriatic.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (Mostly)
Now, the pandemic has us all a little… paranoid, right? Well, Escape to Paradise gets it. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Room sanitization between stays," and "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. They even had "Individually-wrapped food options." It felt safe. Like, legitimately safe. They also had a "Doctor/nurse on call" (thankfully, I didn't need them) and a "First aid kit." Good to know! They also had "CCTV in common areas" and "CCTV outside property" and "Security [24-hour]" and "Smoke alarms" – all the things that make you feel like you can actually relax and not worry about, you know, being murdered in your sleep.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Spa, the Pool, and the "Almost Paradise"
Alright, this is where things get interesting. They have a ton of options for relaxation: "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Fitness center," "Foot bath," "Gym/fitness," "Massage," "Pool with view," "Sauna," "Spa," "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom," "Swimming pool," "Swimming pool [outdoor]."
The Pool with a View: My Personal Paradise (with a Tiny Caveat)
Let's talk about the pool with a view. This was the selling point, the reason I booked this place. And it was… almost perfect. Picture this: you're floating in crystal-clear water, the sun is beating down, and you're gazing out at the Adriatic Sea. Breathtaking. Seriously.
The caveat? It was sometimes a little… crowded. The pool area, while beautiful, wasn't huge. And sometimes, you had to fight for a sun lounger. Minor gripe, honestly. But if you're the type who needs absolute solitude, go early. Like, sunrise early. That's when the magic truly happens.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and Coffee)
Okay, food. This is important, people. They had a "Bar," a "Poolside bar," "Restaurants," a "Coffee shop," and "Room service [24-hour]." "A la carte in restaurant," "Breakfast [buffet]," "Asian breakfast," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "Breakfast service," "Buffet in restaurant," "Coffee/tea in restaurant," "Desserts in restaurant," "International cuisine in restaurant," "Salad in restaurant," "Snack bar," "Soup in restaurant," "Vegetarian restaurant," "Western breakfast," "Western cuisine in restaurant."
Whew! That's a lot of options. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was decent, your standard continental fare. The "Coffee shop" made a surprisingly good cappuccino. I loved the "Poolside bar." That's where I spent a large portion of my time, sipping cocktails and pretending to be sophisticated. They had a "Bottle of water" waiting for you in the room, which was a nice touch after a long day of… well, doing nothing.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and the Ones That Don't)
They had everything. Seriously. "Air conditioning in public area," "Air conditioning," "Airport transfer," "Babysitting service," "Bicycle parking," "Business facilities," "Cash withdrawal," "Concierge," "Contactless check-in/out," "Convenience store," "Currency exchange," "Daily housekeeping," "Doorman," "Dry cleaning," "Elevator," "Essential condiments," "Facilities for disabled guests," "Food delivery," "Gift/souvenir shop," "Ironing service," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Non-smoking rooms," "On-site event hosting," "Room service [24-hour]," "Safety deposit boxes," "Taxi service," "Valet parking."
Honestly, I didn't use half of it. But it’s nice to know it's there. The "Daily housekeeping" was a godsend. My room was always spotless. And the "Concierge" was super helpful with recommendations for restaurants and boat trips.
The Apartment Itself: Roomy, Relaxing, and… (Mostly) Flawless
The "Available in all rooms" list is long: "Additional toilet," "Air conditioning," "Alarm clock," "Bathrobes," "Bathroom phone," "Bathtub," "Blackout curtains," "Carpeting," "Closet," "Coffee/tea maker," "Complimentary tea," "Daily housekeeping," "Desk," "Extra long bed," "Free bottled water," "Hair dryer," "High floor," "In-room safe box," "Interconnecting room(s) available," "Internet access – LAN," "Internet access – wireless," "Ironing facilities," "Laptop workspace," "Linens," "Mini bar," "Mirror," "Non-smoking," "On-demand movies," "Private bathroom," "Reading light," "Refrigerator," "Satellite/cable channels," "Scale," "Seating area," "Separate shower/bathtub," "Shower," "Slippers," "Smoke detector," "Socket near the bed," "Sofa," "Soundproofing," "Telephone," "Toiletries," "Towels," "Umbrella," "Visual alarm," "Wake-up service," "Wi-Fi [free]," "Window that opens."
My apartment was on a high floor (yay!), with an "Extra long bed" (thank goodness, I'm tall!), a "Seating area" perfect for lounging, and a "Refrigerator" stocked with… well, mostly my snacks. The "Bathtub" was huge and luxurious. The "Blackout curtains" were essential for sleeping in. And the "Window that opens" let in the fresh sea air. Ahhh.
The Quirks & Imperfections: Real Life Creeps In
Okay, here's where I get real. No place is perfect, right?
- The Walk: Getting to the apartment from the main road involved a bit of a trek uphill. Not a huge deal for me, but if you have mobility issues, factor that in.
- The Noise: While the "Soundproofing" was pretty good, you could sometimes hear the party from the bar downstairs late at night. Earplugs are your friend.
- The Prices: It's not a budget stay. Be prepared to spend a bit more, especially on the food and drinks. But hey, you're paying for the view, right?
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back? Absolutely!
Despite the minor imperfections, I loved Escape to Paradise. It's a stunning apartment in a beautiful location with all the amenities you could ask for. The pool with a view is worth the price of admission alone. It's perfect for a romantic getaway, a solo escape (like mine!), or a family vacation.
My honest advice? Book it. You won't regret it. Just pack your earplugs, your sunscreen, and your credit card!
Escape to Paradise: LA VINYA GRAN, Majorca's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile itinerary. This is a trip log, a messy, slightly-hungover diary of my adventure in Bogetici, Montenegro, specifically holed up in the Serenity Apartment. Consider yourself warned. And get ready for some serious rambling.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (or, "Where the Hell is Bogetici?")
Morning (or, "Whenever I Finally Dragged Myself Out of Bed"): Okay, so the flight was… well, let's just say the airline food was a culinary crime against humanity. Landed in Podgorica, which, to my shame, I initially thought was a made-up place. Turns out, it's real! Hired a car (manual, naturally, because I'm a glutton for punishment). The drive to Bogetici was… scenic. Stunning, even. But also involved a lot of "is this the right road?" and a near-miss with a particularly assertive goat.
Afternoon: The Apartment & The "Serenity" Lie: Found the Serenity Apartment. "Serenity" is, shall we say, a slight exaggeration. It's… functional. Cleanish. The balcony view, however, is breathtaking. Seriously. Mountains, trees, the whole shebang. Instantly felt a wave of, "Okay, maybe this won't be a total disaster." Then I tried the shower. Lukewarm water. Deep breath.
Evening: First Dinner Disaster (and, Surprisingly, Redemption): Wandered into Niksic, the nearest town, desperately seeking food. Found a place that looked promising, "Konoba Kod Kuka." Ordered something that sounded like goulash. What arrived was… well, it looked like a brown, saucy swamp creature. Ate it anyway (starving). The waiter, a grizzled, chain-smoking local, just watched me with an amused expression. Then, the miracle! He brought me a local beer. And it was divine. Suddenly, the swamp creature didn't seem so bad. Chatting with locals, attempting some broken Montenegrin, and feeling a genuine connection. This, I thought, is what travel is supposed to be.
Day 2: Lake Krupac & The Pursuit of Perfect Coffee (and, More Rambling)
Morning: Coffee Quest & Balcony Bliss: The lukewarm shower situation was still an issue. But the view from the balcony was worth a thousand lukewarm showers. Spent a solid hour just staring at the mountains, sipping instant coffee (sigh). Decided I needed real coffee. This became my mission.
Afternoon: Lake Krupac & The "Almost Perfect" Picnic: Drove to Lake Krupac. Beautiful. Peaceful. Tried to have a picnic. Ants. Everywhere. Swarms of the little buggers. Abandoned the picnic, retreated to the car, and ate my (slightly ant-infested) sandwich while watching some kids splashing in the lake. Still, a good time.
Evening: The Coffee Conspiracy & A Book: After a long search, Found a cafe in Niksic with decent coffee! (Not the best, but it's a start). Then, back to the apartment. Reading, finally. The book? Something about a grumpy old man and a cat. Fitting. The evening ended with the sound of crickets and the feeling of actually relaxing.
Day 3: The Monastery of Ostrog & Spiritual Overload (or, "I Think I Need a Nap")
Morning: The Drive of Death (Almost): Decided to visit the Monastery of Ostrog. The drive up the mountain was terrifying. Seriously, sheer drops, hairpin turns, the whole nine yards. My knuckles were permanently white. The car, bless its little engine, persevered.
Afternoon: The Monastery & The Crowd: The Monastery itself was incredible. Carved into the side of a cliff, it was a truly remarkable place. The sheer number of people there was a bit overwhelming. The energy was palpable. I spent a lot of time people-watching, trying to understand the faith of the people. It was moving. But also, a little exhausting.
Evening: Regret and the return to the apartment: Back to the apartment, and my brain was fried. I was not prepared for that. After a long long long shower, I decided to order pizza. Too tired to leave my apartment, and it was already dark outside.
Day 4: The Hike That Wasn't & Existential Dread (or, "Am I Doing This Right?")
Morning: The "Hike" That Was Actually a Stroll (and My Inner Critic): Planned a "moderate hike" based on some online reviews. Turns out, the "moderate" was more like a gentle stroll. Still, the scenery was great. But I couldn't shake this feeling of, "Am I really experiencing this to the fullest?" My inner critic was on full blast.
Afternoon: The "Why Am I Here?" Question & The View: Back in the apartment. Staring at the mountains. The existential dread started to creep in. Why was I here? What was I doing with my life? The view, however, was still breathtaking. It's hard to be completely miserable with that kind of scenery.
Evening: Pizza and a Book: The pizza was edible. The book was even better. Realized that maybe, just maybe, it's okay to not have all the answers. And that a lukewarm shower isn't the end of the world.
Day 5: The Departure (and a Promise to Return - Maybe)
Morning: Packing & The Final Balcony Moment: Packed up. The apartment, despite its flaws, had become a sort of home. One last look at the view. A deep breath. A moment of genuine peace.
Afternoon: The Drive & The Goat (Again?): The drive back to the airport. No goat encounters this time, thankfully. The flight home.
Evening: Home & The Memories: Home. Exhausted. But with a head full of memories. Some good, some bad, some downright weird. Would I go back to Bogetici? Maybe. And maybe next time, I'll bring my own water heater.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Serenity Apartment - Yeah, Let's Talk About It! (FAQ, Maybe?)
Okay, So… Is This Place Actually Paradise? Or Just, You Know, Another Apartment?
Alright, let's get real. "Paradise"? It's a loaded word, isn't it? The photos? Stunning. The reality? Well... it depends on your definition of "paradise." Look, I went in with ridiculously high expectations. I mean, Montenegro! Coastline! Sun! The pictures online? Models practically levitating with joy.
The apartment itself? Yeah, it's pretty darn nice. Clean, modern, that balcony *is* killer. The view? You're looking at the Adriatic Sea. And the mountains. It's objectively beautiful. But paradise? My first thought? "WHERE'S THE COFFEE?" Seriously. First morning, no coffee. Existential crisis. And the tiny, *tiny* little coffee pot? Don't even get me started. Paradise needs caffeine, people!
So, is it paradise? Mostly. If you bring your own coffee. And manage to ignore the occasional rogue mosquito. And the slightly wonky Wi-Fi. But the *feeling*? Yeah, the feeling is pretty close. That feeling of, "Okay, I can breathe now." That's a win.
What's the Deal with the Balcony? Is it Really as Awesome as it Looks?
The balcony. Oh, the balcony. Okay, *this* is where the "paradise" argument gets serious. Yes. It's awesome. Seriously awesome. It's like the apartment's main selling point, and honestly, it deserves the hype. I spent, like, 70% of my waking hours out there.
Picture this: Morning. Sun rising over the mountains, painting the sea in shades of gold. Coffee (finally, after a frantic search for a decent coffee shop). A croissant. Absolute bliss. Then, evening. Sunset. Wine. More wine. Maybe a small, existential breakdown about how beautiful life is. (Don't judge me).
The only downside? The wind. Sometimes, it's a gentle breeze. Other times? It's like being on the bridge of a ship during a storm. I almost lost my hat. Twice. So, yeah, balcony: 9.5/10. Would recommend. Just, maybe, secure your hats.
How About the Location? Is it Easy to Get Around? And What's Nearby?
Location, location, location! This is where things get a little… nuanced. The apartment is a bit outside the main hustle and bustle, which is a *huge* plus, honestly. You're not crammed in with a million tourists. You get peace. But… getting around?
Driving? Good luck. The roads are… characterful. Think winding mountain passes and the occasional rogue goat. I almost went over a cliff. Okay, maybe not *almost*, but it was close enough to make me grip the steering wheel with white knuckles. Public transport? I tried it once. It involved a very long bus ride and a near-breakdown of the language barrier.
Walking? Possible. But be prepared for hills. Lots and lots of hills. My calves are still screaming. Nearby? There are some lovely little restaurants, a decent supermarket (thank god for that), and the beach is a reasonable walk. So, yeah, location: Beautiful, but… plan ahead. And maybe learn some basic Serbian. Or Montenegrin. Whatever they speak. I still don't know.
The Kitchen! Is it Actually Usable? I'm a Terrible Cook, But I Like Snacks.
The kitchen. Ah, the heart of the home, right? Well, the kitchen in the apartment is… functional. It's not a chef's dream kitchen, but it has the basics. A fridge, a stovetop, a microwave… and a distinct lack of a decent can opener. (Note to the owner: Invest in a good can opener! Seriously!).
Look, I'm a terrible cook. My culinary skills peak at "making toast" and "opening a bag of chips." So, the kitchen was perfect for me. I could stockpile snacks! Cheese, crackers, fruit (bought from the lovely lady at the market, who didn't seem to mind my terrible attempts at communication). The fridge kept my wine cold. And that's really all that mattered, right?
So, if you're a gourmet chef, maybe pack some of your own equipment. If you're like me and just want to assemble a decent cheese board and have the ability to open a can of tuna (because, you know, survival), you'll be fine. Just bring a good can opener. Seriously.
Any Hidden Fees or Annoying Surprises We Should Know About?
Hidden fees… the bane of every traveler's existence! Okay, I'll be honest, I *hate* surprises when it comes to money. I'd rather know upfront. From what I remember, the price listed was pretty much what I paid. But... and there's always a "but"...
There might have been a cleaning fee. I honestly can't remember. I was probably too busy staring at the view from the balcony. Check the fine print! Always. And, okay, there was the parking situation. Parking wasn't *directly* in front of the apartment. It was a short walk. (See, the hills again!). And sometimes, you had to circle a bit to find a spot. Not a *major* deal, but if you're laden with luggage, it's a bit of a pain.
So, no *major* surprises, just the usual little annoyances that come with travel. Read the small print! And pack light. And maybe bring a can opener. Just in case.
Would You Go Back? Be Honest!
Okay, the big question. Would I go back? Honestly? Yes. Absolutely, yes. Despite the coffee crisis, the mosquito attacks, the slightly dodgy Wi-Fi, and the near-death driving experience.
Because the good stuff? The view. The balcony. The sunsets. The feeling of peace and quiet. The incredible food (once I found a decent restaurant!). Those things? They outweigh the minor inconveniences.
Montenegro is stunning. The apartment, even with its imperfections, is a fantastic base to explore it. It's not perfect, but it's real. And sometimes, real is betterHidden Stay
