“2018 is the year of exploring the unknowns”, says Luxury Escapes’ Head of Tours Sonia Pilovka who pinpoints Montenegro as one of this year’s hottest travel destinations. While the country’s Bay of Kotor is probably the most famous place to visit (and not to be missed!), there are also plenty of wineries, watersports and world-class restaurants scattered across the mountainous landscape of this Eastern European gem.

Eat: At the Cevabdzinicas

Ćevapi is a grilled dish of minced meat, skinless sausage that goes great with a local beer. Just like we have kebab shops, the Montenegrins have cevabdzinicas where they get their meat fix – and these are our top picks of the places to find the country’s very best.

Drink: Local Wine

You may not think Montenegro is known for its wines, but the country actually has a wide selection of praised vinos plucked straight from the picturesque vineyards.

Cemovsko Field, Podgorica

This is the largest vineyard located on one site in Europe and features 2,310 hectares of farmland and vines. The vineyard produces an award-winning white crnogorski sauvignon which you can sample on a tour around the estate, followed by a tasting.

Milović Winery, Ulcinj

Producing around 20,000 bottles of wine a year, this waterfront vineyard offers breathtaking views and an apartment complex where guests can stay while exploring the area’s untouched beaches. Sample the local grape which features cranberry, forest fruit and vanilla flavours.

Winery Mašanović, Virpazar

Situated in the small town of Virpazar on Lake Skadar, this sprawling winery grows six types of grapes and specialises in the traditional Montenegrin vranec wine with chocolate and burnt oak tones.

Stay: At the Bay of Kotor

The Telegraph recently named Montenegro’s UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor as one of the 25 places in Eastern Europe you must see in your lifetime. Perched on the edge this mirror-like expanse of water, locations don’t get much better than at the brand new Allure Palazzi Kotor Bay. Stroll along the picture-perfect sandy beach and private marina, plunge into two swimming pools, dine at three restaurants, enjoy cocktails at one of the hotel’s five bars and unwind in the tranquil spa.

Top things to do nearby

Set against a mountainous backdrop with a mirror of beautiful blue waters stretching out in front, this five-star hotel is perfect for nature lovers and those looking to simply relax in a spectacular setting.

Take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks islets, drive to Montenegro’s famous Island of Flowers (Prevlaka Island), hike jaw-dropping mountain trails or head to the local village to enjoy local cheeses, wines, prosciutto and fresh seafood.

Save up to 64{a6f918a28d0c453b79f16bf9c353d89c8f4246dd535f28283d5e631e0d8f251e} and tick this dreamy destination off your bucket list with Luxury Escapes’ exclusive package at Allure Palazzi Kotor Bay.

Play: On the Water

Montenegro is a nature lover’s oasis with plenty of activities to do on and in the water.

Whitewater rafting on Tara River

Tara River is known to have some of the best river rapids in the whole of Montenegro and is the longest canyon in Europe and the second longest in the world after the Grand Canyon. Flowing through Durmitor National Park, expect jaw-dropping views as you tackle 18km of wild rapids with plenty of tour companies organising day trips that also include canyoning and jeep safaris.

Sailing at Herceg Novi

Located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, the coastal town of Herceg Novi provides the perfect conditions for sailing yachts with its glistening sea and almost constant sunshine.

Kayaking in the Plava špilja (The Blue Cave)

The Blue Cave is one of the most attractive in a series of caves along the Luštica peninsula which separates the Bay of Kotor from the Adriatic Sea. It’s called the Blue Cave because of the way the light hits the sandy bottom and reflects up through the water, which makes the whole cave look blue.