Montenegro is a small country with a unique climate where the sea, mountains, mineral springs, and healing mud converge. Historically, people from around the world have traveled here to seek treatment at its resorts.
One&Only Portonovi & Chenot Espace — A Posh Detox Retreat
On the shores of the Bay of Kotor, where the mountains meet the sea, lies One&Only Portonovi. Known not only for its elegant interiors and intimate atmosphere, the resort is also home to the medical spa Chenot Espace.
This is more than a spa—it’s a full-fledged wellness clinic, drawing guests who want to focus on their health through specialized detox and regeneration programs under the close supervision of experts.
The most popular programs include:
- Advanced Detox (from $4,000 for 7 nights) — an intensive plan with full diagnostics, tailored nutrition, hydrotherapy, and bio-energetic treatments.
- Fundamental Detox (around $3,800 for 7 nights) — a lighter version focused on cleansing and regaining vitality.
Shorter three- to four-night programs are also available as quick resets. All programs include medical consultations, balanced meals, massages, hydrotherapy, wraps, and optional add-on treatments.
Institut “Dr. Simo Milošević” (Igalo Spa) — the Oldest Sanatorium in the Balkans
Just outside Herceg Novi, in the town of Igalo, stands one of the most renowned sanatoriums in the region: the Dr. Simo Milošević Institute, better known as Igalo Spa. Founded back in 1949, it remains a cornerstone of medical tourism on the Adriatic.
This is not a glamorous resort but a true medical center with history and tradition. People come not only for preventive care but also to address serious health issues. The greatest wealth of Igalo lies in its natural resources: mineral waters and therapeutic mud (peloid) have been used here for decades in the treatment of joint, skin, and respiratory conditions. Today, they’re combined with modern therapies such as hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, kinesiotherapy, and massage.
The range of programs is extensive, from osteoporosis prevention and anti-stress courses to specialized rehabilitation in cardiology, neurology, and rheumatology. There are even pediatric programs for children. Each area is overseen by physicians, making the institute a rare combination of medical rigor and coastal setting.
Accommodation is simple and functional, but the prices are remarkably affordable. A room with meals and basic treatments starts around $70–80 per night, with tailored treatment plans available depending on diagnosis.
Vrmac Health & Wellbeing Retreat de’MAR — a Historic Sanctuary on the Hyatt Grounds
Prčanj, one of Kotor’s coastal districts, has long been famed for the healing power of its sea air. As early as 1920, it was officially designated a climate resort for the treatment of respiratory illnesses.
Since then, a medical center has operated here. It began as the Vrmac Rehabilitation Institute, which in 1952 became part of the Belgrade Institute of Rehabilitation. In 2023, following a full renovation, the site reopened under the name Vrmac Retreat de’MAR.
There are nine treatment rooms dedicated to hands-on therapies such as lymphatic drainage, body wraps, facial masks, and rejuvenation treatments.
Signature programs include:
- Respiratory Vitality — restoring lung function (including post-COVID recovery).
- Immune Booster — strengthening the immune system and regaining vitality.
- Detox Vita — cleansing and rebooting the body.
- Stress Relieve — targeted stress reduction.
- Healthy Aging — rejuvenation and anti-aging focus.
Mahakala Center Montenegro — an Intimate Wellness Retreat
Address: Buljarica 2, 85300, Petrovac na Moru
Phone: +382 67 233 481
Website: mahakala.center
This boutique center in the small village of Buljarica, near Budva, feels nothing like a hotel. It’s more like a seaside home transformed into a space for restoration—both physical and spiritual.
The setting is remarkable: mountains and gardens, panoramic views of the sea, and the scent of wild herbs in the air. Everything here is designed to create an atmosphere of true reset.
The philosophy here is simple: health as the unity of nourishment, movement, and rest. Each morning begins with a gentle yoga practice. The cuisine is entirely plant-based, with menus designed by Dr. Vesna Lemm, a detox-diet specialist, and prepared from organic ingredients.
Twice a day, guests gather around a vegan buffet, while mornings start with a prebiotic drink. Food is treated as seriously as the practices themselves, with the belief that meals can be a tool for healing.
Programs typically run for a week and include plant-based dining, daily yoga, cooking workshops, and a lecture on health. Guests who wish can even earn a Mahakala vegan cooking certificate.
Free time can be spent walking along the coast, soaking in the open-air jacuzzi, meditating, or unwinding in the small spa.
Accommodation is offered in several formats, from shared rooms to private apartments. The most affordable option is a shared room (from $900 per week), while a standard private room starts at $1,200. Rooms with sea or mountain views are slightly higher, and loft-style apartments run around $2,200 per week.
All packages include lodging, meals, daily practices, cooking workshops, and a lecture with Dr. Ve
Adriatic Detox Retreat — a Seaside Residence for Renewal
Website: kamalayastudio.me/detox
Just a few kilometers from Budva, tucked away on the Adriatic coast, lies a small retreat designed with a single goal: restoring the body. Guests come here for structured detox programs, to reconnect with themselves, and to return home renewed.
Each stay begins with a personal consultation with a nutritionist, followed by a tailored menu and dietary plan. There are no restaurants—only a dedicated kitchen serving detox-focused meals.
Accommodation is in cozy rooms within a seaside residence. The atmosphere is deliberately quiet and intimate, creating a true “space for silence.”
Two programs are offered:
10-day program ($1,900) — follows the same structure, but with additional time to consolidate results.
7-day program (≈ $1,450) — includes accommodation, personalized meals, daily massages, yoga and breathwork sessions, transfers, and an excursion.
Detox & Wellness Retreats in Montenegro? Why not!
Montenegro’s wellness landscape is unusually diverse, and it is a lesser known country for an affordable retreat. The coast and mountain air have long been valued for their restorative qualities, and today that tradition is reflected in a mix of historic sanatoriums, contemporary detox programs, and discreet spa hotels.
From medical centers with decades of clinical practice to small retreats built around plant-based cuisine and yoga, the country offers a range of ways to focus on health while staying in striking natural surroundings.
For travelers looking for a retreat that balances treatment with place, Montenegro is setting a quiet but confident standard.
Getting There from the U.S. and Europe
Reaching Montenegro is easier than it looks on the map. From the U.S., most flights to Podgorica or Tivat require one connection—usually through Istanbul, Frankfurt, or Paris—with total travel times of 12 to 16 hours. Round-trip fares generally start around $400–550, depending on the season and departure city.
From Europe, it’s even simpler: direct flights run on both budget carriers such as Wizz Air, easyJet, and Ryanair, as well as traditional airlines like Austrian, Air Serbia, and Turkish Airlines. Flight times range from one to three hours from most major European hubs.
For entry, U.S. citizens may stay up to 90 days visa-free with a passport valid at least six months beyond travel, while EU citizens can enter freely for up to 90 days, often with just a national ID card. Montenegro also allows entry for up to 30 days on the basis of a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa.
