Kolašin: The Rise of Montenegro’s High-Altitude Hospitality

Pure air, dramatic landscapes, and major investment are elevating this once-quiet town into a world-class alpine destination.

High in Montenegro’s northern highlands, where mornings smell of pine and the air feels freshly carved from the mountains, lies Kolašin—a town that has quietly preserved one of the country’s most pristine landscapes. Set between three dramatic massifs and bordered by the UNESCO-protected Tara River, Kolašin is today Montenegro’s most vibrant mountain town and one of its most promising all-year-round destinations.

Long appreciated for its restorative climate—thanks to a rare blend of Mediterranean and alpine air—the town is often described as Montenegro’s natural “air spa.” Its organic lifestyle, shaped by fresh, seasonal food from local farms, pristine waters, and forest surroundings, adds to its appeal as a place where wellness, balance, and active living come naturally.

Kolašin is also the country’s largest ski center. “We now have 45 kilometers of constructed ski slopes, and in the future, there are plans to expand the connected ski area to more than 120 kilometers,” says Vasilije Ivanović, Vice President of the Municipality of Kolašin.
“And by the end of the year, we will announce a tender for the gondola that will connect the city center with the ski resorts. It will be almost 13 kilometers long—the longest in the region,” he adds.

Kolašin’s offer extends far beyond winter: hiking, canyoning, mountain biking, snowshoeing, climbing, fly fishing, horseback riding, jeep and quad safaris, adventure parks, and panoramic lift rides make it one of the region’s most diverse outdoor playgrounds. “With rising ecological standards and new eco-label initiatives, Kolašin is positioning itself as Montenegro’s premier sports hub, offering a wide range of outdoor activities year-round,” states Zorica Milašinović, Director of the Kolašin Tourism Organization.

What is driving its rapid rise is a wave of strategic investment. More than €695 million in planned infrastructure—from ski facilities and sports zones to municipal upgrades—combined with major improvements in accessibility, is transforming Kolašin from a traditional mountain escape into a strategic hub for four-season tourism, premium hospitality, and real estate investment. “It will be one of the best sports complexes in Montenegro,” notes Ivanović.

Still relatively undiscovered internationally, Kolašin is emerging as a destination that is both authentic and forward-looking—one where visitors, athletes, and investors can experience Montenegro’s north at its most inspiring. As this transformation accelerates, local leaders emphasize the importance of sustainable growth. “It is a great advantage for investors that they can preserve nature while developing something truly sustainable,” says Milašinović.

Golden Group Raises the Bar for Mountain Luxury

Here, Golden Group—a leading real estate and investment company founded in 2007—has set its sights on creating the country’s most sophisticated mountain resort: MONTIS MOUNTAIN RESORT by Splendid. Designed to host 236 luxury units, a 450-seat congress center, a state-of-the-art spa, and sports facilities, the resort promises a seamless blend of elegance and wilderness.

“Montis won’t be just a luxury five-star hotel,” said Radoica Vuković, CEO of Golden Group. “With its sports facilities, landscaped walking zones, playgrounds, shops, restaurants, and all the natural treasures of Kolašin right at your doorstep, Montis will be a vibrant mountain community where life unfolds effortlessly every day of the year. We want it to become a true destination—where guests can enjoy business, leisure, and nature all in one place.”

The concept builds on Montenegro’s growing reputation as a dual-season tourism market. Kolašin, once a quiet mountain town, is now attracting a new wave of investors driven by its expanding hospitality landscape and the government’s commitment to developing the north. By the time the resort opens at the beginning of 2027, the area will host a cluster of high-end hotels, signaling a new era for the region.

Homegrown Luxury, Global Standards

Rather than import an international brand, Golden Group chose to partner with Montenegro Stars, which has managed the country’s largest and most successful five-star hotel, the iconic Splendid Conference & Spa Resort on the coast, for two decades. The collaboration ensures that Montenegrin expertise and hospitality remain central to the project’s identity.

“We wanted a truly Montenegrin story,” Vuković said. “Splendid has become a national symbol of quality, and bringing that know-how to the mountains is something we’re proud of.” Montenegro Stars’ long-standing track record demonstrates that the country already possesses the hospitality expertise needed to operate at a world-class level—proving that an international flag is not always a prerequisite for excellence.

The partnership reflects a broader philosophy: to elevate local talent and resources while meeting international luxury standards. Every detail—from architecture to interior design—echoes the surrounding landscape. Hotel façades will open onto mountain views; natural stone and wood will define interiors that merge sophistication with serenity.

At full operation, the resort will employ a large local workforce, supported by training programs designed to retain skilled talent in the north. Golden Group together with other developers has also contributed to key municipal infrastructure, accelerating Kolašin’s readiness for upscale tourism. “We’re not just building a hotel,” Vuković noted. “We’re supporting the plans of the local community.” This vision extends beyond construction: MONTIS MOUNTAIN RESORT by Splendid will prioritize hiring local residents, sourcing fresh, organic products from nearby farmers, and fostering partnerships that strengthen the local economy. This commitment to community involvement and local supply chains ensures that the project’s benefits extend far beyond tourism—laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable development in Montenegro’s north.

Redefining the North

For decades, Montenegro’s wealth and tourism were concentrated on its Adriatic coast. The north, despite its spectacular scenery, remained underdeveloped. That is changing rapidly.

New luxury properties—such as Swissôtel, Crowne Plaza, and Pullman—are taking shape in Kolašin. Yet among them, MONTIS MOUNTAIN RESORT by Splendid stands out for its scale, concept, and local character.

The resort was financed through an investment model: some units were sold to individual buyers, who enjoy limited personal use while the hotel operates the remaining time as a unified hospitality business. “It’s already sold out what was planned,” Vuković confirmed. “Owners will benefit from steady returns while guests enjoy a consistent five-star experience.”

The project’s strategic location also gives it year-round appeal. Winter brings ski slopes and snowshoeing; summer offers hiking, rafting, and cycling through pristine forests. The nearby Biogradska Gora National Park—one of Europe’s last rainforests—adds a rare ecological draw.

“Montenegro is small but incredibly diverse,” Vuković said. “In one day, you can wake up surrounded by snow and end your evening by the Adriatic sea. That’s the magic we want visitors to feel — and the vision investors can share as Montenegro steps confidently toward the European Union.”