Azul Beach Resort Montenegro, all-inclusive on the Long Beach

Let me clear up the most confusing thing about this hotel first. Azul Beach Resort Montenegro isn’t in Herceg Novi or on the Bay of Kotor but at the other end of the country, on Velika plaža in Ulcinj, according to the National Tourism Organisation’s listing. I mention it because it’s easy to mistake for a bay hotel, so check before booking your flights.

Ultra all-inclusive

The National Tourism Organisation presents it as a new-generation ultra all-inclusive resort, Azul Beach Resort Montenegro by Karisma, aimed at holidaymakers and corporate events alike. It covers 17 hectares and has 479 rooms and suites with 1,200 beds, eight pools, twelve restaurants and bars and sports facilities. For meetings there are two rooms of 150 and 400 m², holding up to 380 people.

Karisma’s website fills in what matters on holiday. There are five restaurants and seven bars, covering Mediterranean and Balkan cooking, Italian food and steaks, with children’s menus, and all meals and drinks, alcoholic and soft, are included. There are shows, live performances and a daily activity programme, plus facilities for children of all ages. Rooms range from modern standard rooms to suites with direct pool access from the terrace. Karisma also runs a guest app, which its FAQ mentions as the way to send requests ahead of your arrival.

The beach

Its big selling point is Velika plaža, Ulcinj’s Long Beach, 13 km long according to the National Tourism Organisation and the longest sandy beach on the Montenegrin coast. It’s also the country’s kitesurfing beach, thanks to the maestral wind that blows around 90 days a year.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Ulcinj before prices climb.

What’s nearby

The resort puts the best of the south within reach. Ada Bojana is the river island at the mouth of the Bojana, with a naturist beach, a nature reserve and fish restaurants; MONSTAT places the country’s southernmost point there. Ulcinj old town was a pirate base from 1571 and keeps the legend of Cervantes held captive, which the tourist board itself tells as a legend. In between lie the Ulcinj salt pans, an Important Bird Area since 1989.

Who it’s for

A week on the beach with children without worrying about meals, or a complete switch-off. If you’re after villages, fortresses and the Bay of Kotor, it’s a long way away and I’d choose a base further north. Even staying here, I’d get out for at least a day to Ulcinj old town or Ada Bojana so you don’t leave having seen nothing of the south.

I don’t quote nightly rates. Ulcinj’s tourist tax is set by the municipality and I couldn’t read the amount from an official source, so ask at reception. To compare with other resorts of this kind, see my guide to all-inclusive hotels in Montenegro.

If you would rather have a local show you round, book a guided tour in Azul Beach Resort Montenegro and choose by the reviews.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Ulcinj before prices climb.