Montenegro's Hidden Gem: Luxury Apartments in Belani, Herceg Novi
Montenegro's Belani Apartments: Is This Coastal Paradise Really Hidden? (And Worth the Hype?)
Alright, folks, let's talk Belani Apartments in Herceg Novi, Montenegro. I went there with what I thought was a pretty open mind. Coastal paradise? Luxury hidden gem? The marketing was on point. Would the reality live up to the Instagram dream? Spoiler alert: It’s complicated. Like, really complicated.
First Impressions (and the Journey There):
Okay, let's be real. Getting to Belani felt like a treasure hunt. The drive along the Montenegrin coast is mind-blowing, sheer cliffs meeting shimmering turquoise water… Absolutely breathtaking. But the hairpin turns? They're not for the faint of heart or the car-sick prone. Getting there deserves a shout-out: Airport transfer was thankfully smooth. No trying to navigate those roads on my own after a flight? Priceless. Plus, Car park [free of charge] and Valet parking (because, why not?) were HUGE perks. Though, I admit, the parking spots themselves were… cozy. Let's just say I perfected my parallel-parking skills. Thank GOD for Car power charging station options, too!
Accessibility? Let's Dig In, Shall We?
Now, this is where things get tricky. Belani claims to be accessible. I checked ahead, asked all the right questions. Elevator? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Check. But… I have to be honest, navigating the grounds felt… challenging. While the apartments themselves seemed well-designed with things like Bathroom phone and Additional toilet, the pathways around weren’t exactly smooth sailing (or should I say, smooth rolling?). The Exterior corridor leading to some of the units felt a little exposed to the elements. I’d reserve judgment until I actually see the details of the units.
The Sanctum: My Apartment & the Perks (and a Few Gripes):
My room? Oh, the room. Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, Soundproof rooms, Free Wi-Fi (thank GOD for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – essential!), Bathrobes, a Coffee/tea maker… it’s the little things that make a difference. The Seating area was perfect for chilling with a glass of wine (or three). I’m a sucker for a good view, and the High floor apartment I landed in was a winner. Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless? Yep. And the Laptop workspace felt less “work” and more “enjoying the view while I work!” The Extra long bed was a dream.
But… (there's always a but, isn’t there?) The Separate shower/bathtub was a nice touch, but the Shower itself felt a little cramped. And the Mirror… well, let's just say I needed a magnifying glass to see the details after a long day in the sun! And yes, I used the Ironing facilities, because… wrinkles. I had a panic that evening over my dress needing an iron – but then I had one! The things you take for granted at home are such a sigh of relief in the moment.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Culinary Adventures):
Dining, drinking, and snacking at Belani… this is where things get interesting. I'll start with the good: the Breakfast [buffet] was pretty decent, with the Asian breakfast thrown in for a bit of pizzazz. Loads of choices. I loved the Coffee/tea in restaurant because I needed that caffeine. Their Western cuisine in restaurant was better than the Asian cuisine in restaurant though. I had a few things from the A la carte in restaurant menu that I would recommend, and that was also a big plus.
However, the Restaurants seemed a little…understaffed at times. One day, I waited nearly an hour for my food. And the Poolside bar? More like a Poolside wait. The Happy hour was a lifesaver, though. The Desserts in restaurant had some hits and misses. I felt like sometimes the Salad in restaurant felt bland, and I ate too much of the Soup in restaurant to satisfy my hunger because it came out fast. The Snack bar was a bit of a letdown, though.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool & Other Divertissements:
Okay, THIS is where Belani really shone. The Pool with view? Stunning. The Spa? Divine. I spent a whole afternoon melting in the Sauna and the Steamroom. The Massage was pure bliss. I seriously considered moving in permanently. The Fitness center was well-equipped, though I may or may not have skipped my workout in favor of more poolside cocktails. Body scrub and Body wrap? Yes, please. It's the real reason I came!
Cleanliness, Safety & That Whole "COVID-19 World":
Belani took Cleanliness and safety seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol. I appreciated the effort. The Room sanitization opt-out available was a nice touch. The Safe dining setup and the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items gave me peace of mind. First aid kit was a relief too!
Services, Conveniences & the Little Extras:
Concierge services were top-notch. Daily housekeeping kept my room spotless. I loved the Gift/souvenir shop for a quick memento. Luggage storage was handy. Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange were useful. Doorman always welcoming. But the Convenience store was a bit… lacking. Food delivery wasn't available until the very end of my trip.
For the Kids… (What about the Kids?)
I didn't travel with kids, but it seemed like Belani was Family/child friendly. Babysitting service? Check. Kids facilities? Seemed to be there too. Kids meal options? Again, seemingly there. However, this isn't something I can comment on well.
Things to Do (Beyond Lounging by the Pool):
Belani is a great base for exploring the Bay of Kotor. They provide the Audio-visual equipment for special events (should you want to host one). You can, of course, rent a car and discover the stunning, historic towns of Kotor and Perast. They had Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events too!
The Verdict: Hidden Gem or Just Pretty Good?
Belani Apartments is a beautiful place, no doubt. The views are incredible, the spa is fantastic, and the rooms are comfortable. However, the service could be more consistent, and the accessibility could be improved. There were moments of frustration, moments of pure bliss. Moments of wondering if this place really deserved the "hidden gem" moniker. So, is it worth the trip? Absolutely. Just go in with realistic expectations. It's beautiful, sure – but maybe not quite as perfect as the Instagram feed suggests.
SEO & Metadata Snippets:
- Keywords: Belani Apartments, Herceg Novi, Montenegro, Luxury Apartments, Review, Spa, Pool, Accessibility, Coastal, Travel, Hotels, Vacation, Holiday
- Meta Description: A detailed, honest, and slightly messy review of Belani Apartments in Herceg Novi, Montenegro. Discover the pros, cons, and quirks of this "hidden gem" with insights on accessibility, spa, food, and more.
- Title: Belani Apartments, Herceg Novi: A Raw & Real Review of This "Hidden Gem"
- Focus Keywords: Belani Apartments, Montenegro, Herceg Novi
- Sections Tags: Accessibility, Spa, Food & Drink, Services, Overall Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my potential Albanian adventure… I mean, Montenegrin adventure. Apartment Belani in Herceg Novi is the base of operations, think of it as the slightly-too-hot-but-still-charming launchpad for all kinds of ridiculousness. Let’s see… how would this actually go?
Day 1: Arrival and the Accidental Olive Oil of Doom (aka, Settling In and the Struggle is Real)
- Morning (if I wake up before noon, miracle!): Fly into Tivat Airport, which, fingers crossed, is a smoother experience than last time I tried to navigate an airport (shudders). Taxis are probably my best bet here, because honestly, I get lost in a paper bag.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Apartments Belani. Ah, the sweet, sweet embrace of potentially questionable air conditioning and the faint smell of… hope? I'll attempt the check-in process, which, let's be honest, will probably involve some charades to explain I'm "me" and have, indeed, paid. Settle in, maybe a quick victory dance if the room isn't a disaster. (Picture me, arms flailing, possibly tripping over luggage.)
- Late Afternoon/Evening: The REAL adventure begins: finding the grocery store. This could be epic. Imagine me, map crumpled, eyes wide with panic, desperately pointing and asking, "Dje? Dje?!" ("Where?" in Montenegrin, if I remember correctly). The first grocery haul WILL include far too much cheese and a single, lonely lemon. Prepare the olive oil of doom. The tiny bottle that turned into spilled agony; it coated everything! My hands, the counter, the very essence of my suitcase. I’ll probably need to buy more soap. And maybe a new suitcase. The emotional breakdown about lost food may/may not also happen. Dinner will be a hastily-prepared concoction of cheese, bread, and the aforementioned lemon. This is the life, right?
Day 2: Sun, Sea, and the Unexpected Octopus (aka Coastal Chaos and Culinary Catastrophes)
- Morning: Wake up, maybe after a nap. Stare at the Adriatic Sea. Marvel at the beauty. Fail to resist the urge to jump in immediately. (Probably forgetting sunscreen, because, you know, me.)
- Mid-morning/Afternoon: Explore Herceg Novi beaches. Attempt to master the art of sunbathing without becoming the colour of a lobster. Snorkel. Observe the local wildlife. Or, you know, flail around in the shallows. There's a strong chance I'll swallow a mouthful of saltwater.
- Evening: Dinner somewhere fancy, maybe. I'll try to order something other than pizza (but who are we kidding?). The waiter might give me the look when I ask for tap water ("Voda, molim?") – apparently, it’s not a Montenegrin custom. There's a strong chance I'll attempt to eat an octopus. I swear I saw one once, and it was glorious. I'll try to eat it. The texture will be…intriguing. My reaction? A mix of wide-eyed terror and a desperate attempt to look sophisticated. Maybe I'll even attempt to communicate with the octopus in whatever language it speaks. (Pretty sure it's grumpy Latin.)
Day 3: Fortress Hopping and the Perils of Heights (aka History, Hiking, and Near-Death Experiences)
- Morning: Explore some fortresses in Herceg Novi! These are the cool bits! But, uh-oh… Climbing the stairs isn’t fun. And I will be scared. The fear is real. But imagine how great the view is.
- Afternoon: Perhaps a boat trip? Maybe it’s a ferry to a nearby island? The scenery will be gorgeous; the sea, a shimmering sapphire. I can feel myself getting seasick already. And now I can see the horizon spinning.
- Evening: Find a bar with live music. Attempt to dance. Probably fail spectacularly. Conclude that Montenegrin music is best listened to while seated, preferably with a large glass of something cold. And maybe some aspirin. Lots of aspirin.
Day 4: Kotor Bay and the Search for the Perfect Souvenir (aka Day Trips, Souvenirs, and Existential Dread)
- Morning: Day trip to Kotor Bay! A UNESCO World Heritage site! Those views will be stunning. I’ll probably spend most of the time gawking, taking pictures that don't do the scenery justice, and silently weeping with gratitude.
- Afternoon: Explore Kotor town. Wander the narrow alleys. Get lost (inevitably). Attempt to find a souvenir that isn't a cheap plastic trinket (wish me luck!). Maybe I will find a proper souvenir?
- Evening: Back in Herceg Novi. Dinner at that little place I’ve been eyeing, the one with the outdoor seating and the slightly grumpy waiter.
Day 5: Relaxation, Re-evaluation, and the Departure (aka, The Grand Finale of My Slightly Disorganized Dream)
- Morning: Another beach day! Swim! Sunbathe! Try to fully embrace the bliss before the chaos of departure. Hopefully, I'll remember to use sunscreen this time.
- Afternoon: Pack. Squeezing everything back into the suitcase, which is now stained with olive oil and covered in sand. I'll probably find something I desperately want to keep but have no room for, maybe a tiny pebble from the beach. Contemplate my life choices and if I'll be back next year.
- Evening: A final, celebratory meal. Reflect on my Montenegrin adventure, the good, the bad, and the hilariously messy. Maybe I did manage to conquer the octopus (or vice versa). Maybe I didn't get hopelessly lost. Maybe I even managed to speak some Montenegrin beyond "Thank you" and "Where's the toilet?" Departure, with a heart full of memories (and a potentially slightly sunburnt nose).
Important Considerations (aka, The Fine Print of My Mental Breakdown):
- Language: My Montenegrin is nonexistent. This could be a problem. Lots of smiling, pointing, and desperate hand gestures are guaranteed.
- Food: I have a tendency to over-order. And probably choose the wrong thing.
- Packing: I will overpack. Under-pack. Forget something crucial (like my toothbrush. Or my sanity).
- Expectations: Low. Always. This way, any success is a win.
- Mood Board: A big, red, "RELAX."
And yes, I might go overboard with the cheese. No regrets. Wish me luck, and may the olive oil gods be with us all.
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So, what *is* this thing anyway? Like, what are we even talking about?
Ugh, alright, fine. Let's back up. So, you know how sometimes you stumble upon… a *thing*? Like, something that just… *is*? Well, we're talking about THAT. Okay, not *that* thing, but a close cousin. Think of it as… a digital tapestry woven from… well, from whatever the heck you’re making me tell you about. Look, it's a whole EXPERIENCE. You're getting it. If you're still confused, you're in good company. I change my mind, that's enough of that topic. On to the next!
Is it… good? Like, is it worth my time?
Okay, okay, tough question. Honestly? I have days where I think it's the BEST thing EVER. Like, I’m convinced it’s going to change the WORLD. And then? Then there are the days I'm ready to chuck the whole damn thing out the window. (Metaphorically. I’m not near any windows right now.) It’s… complicated. Let's just say it’s a rollercoaster. Prepare for the highs, prepare for the lows. And maybe pack some Dramamine. Seriously.
What are its *features*? (Ugh, I hate that word.)
Features? Right. Ugh. It has… stuff. Look, it moves, it talks, it maybe even *thinks* (don’t get me started on that). There's a [insert feature 1]. And then, oh man, there's the [insert feature 2] which is usually hit or miss. Sometimes it works perfectly fine, other times it's a complete trainwreck. I'll be honest, I haven't worked out all the features myself. The manual read like someone spilled their alphabet soup on it. I think there's more, but honestly, I'm still discovering things.
How does it *work*? (Ugh, another one.)
Oh, god, the "how." Look, don't ask me. If I knew *exactly* how it worked, maybe I would have an easier time navigating everything. I THINK it involves [complicated jargon] and then a whole load of [even MORE complicated jargon]. Basically, it's like you're poking things and see what happens. Trial and error, baby! Prepare yourself for lots of error if you can.
What about the *community*? Because the community is SO important, right?
Ah, the people. The *community*. Okay, so it’s… a mixed bag, let's say. There are some truly AMAZING people involved. Like, brilliant, supportive, genuinely good-hearted souls who are willing to answer your stupid questions at 3 AM. Bless them. They deserve all the awards. Then… there are the others. You know, the ones who make you want to hide under a rock and never look at a screen again. They have probably had a rough day or something. The internet is weird, you know? But mostly it's fine. Mostly. Just… be prepared to block some people. It's a skill.
Okay, fine. Fine! But what's the BEST part? What's the *one thing* I should know?
That’s tough. But I’d have to say… the sheer, unadulterated *possibility*. The potential. Look, it might be a hot mess most of the time, it might make you want to scream into a pillow, but there’s a feeling... a spark. Like, you're part of something. You're *making* something. And that, my friend, is… well, it's pretty damn cool. So go on and mess it up! Fail gloriously! It's all part of the journey.
What about the *worst* part? Spill the tea!
Okay, so I'm going to level with you. The worst part? The sheer, unrelenting FRUSTRATION. There will be times when you want to chuck your laptop against the wall. Times when you'll spend hours staring at a screen, feeling like you're wading through molasses. There will be bugs, glitches, and moments of utter bewilderment. I remember ONE TIME... I can’t even talk about it without my blood pressure spiking. I'll come back to that. But honestly, it's the constant back-and-forth with this technology. This stuff is always changing! And the fact I have to learn it all over again? I'm not made of time.
I'm still confused. Is this even for me?
Honestly? Maybe. Maybe not. If you're easily frustrated, if you hate learning new things, if you prefer predictability... then probably not. But if you're okay with a little chaos, if you like a challenge, if you're curious… then absolutely. Give it a shot. What do you have to lose? Except, maybe, a few hours of your sanity. But hey, who needs sanity anyway?
So, you mentioned a story. The trainwreck? What was that?
Oh. Oh, *that*. Okay. So, picture this: I was trying to [Action]. And I thought I knew what I was doing. I had spent HOURS, DAYS, WEEKS even! I researched, I planned, I felt *confident*. Ha! The hubris! So, I hit the button. And… NOTHING. Well, not *nothing*. It *seemed* like nothing. But then… the errors started. The cascading errors. The ones that just keep popping up like those evil gophers in the game. And before I know it, my whole system was… well, it was *gone*. Vanished. Poof! Hours of work, GONE. The rage? Oh, the rage. I'm pretty sure I broke a pencil. I may have also shed a single, dramatic tear. It was awful. And you know what? It's going to happen again. Probably. But it's also… a story now. Something to learn from. Something to laugh about… eventually. So yeah, that's what it's like. It makes you want to cry and laugh at the same time.
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