Every life is a story, shaped by places that leave their mark. Tivat, a coastal jewel in Montenegro's Bay of Kotor, is where the Adriatic Sea meets a rugged Balkan spirit. Once a humble naval outpost, now a vibrant hub blending history with modern allure, Tivat doesn't chase grandeur. It creates it.
From its ancient roots as a sailors' haven to its bold reinvention as a luxury marina destination, Tivat's story of resilience and reinvention inspired our Global Citizens Collection. This is a town where tradition and ambition sail side by side, inviting global citizens to find a home in its sunlit embrace.
A Seaside Haven Forged by History
Tivat's story begins where the sea meets the shore. Nestled in the Bay of Kotor, beneath the shadow of Mount Vrmac, it was known as Teodo in the 14th century, possibly linked to Illyrian Queen Teuta, who ruled these shores in the 3rd century BC. By the Middle Ages, it was a retreat for Kotor's nobles, their summer estates dotting the coast.
Venetian rule from 1420 to 1797 brought stone villas and a maritime pulse, with ships trading across the Adriatic. In 1889, the Austro-Hungarian Empire turned Tivat into a naval arsenal, building the Arsenal shipyard, where craftsmen honed skills that shaped the town's gritty, seafaring soul.
This wasn't a flashy port. It was a working harbor, where sailors and builders forged bonds over rakija and shared dreams, a place that welcomed without losing its Balkan heart. That legacy of resilience and openness drew us to Tivat for our collection.
A Modern Renaissance
Tivat's transformation is no imitation. It's a reinvention rooted in its own history. After World War II, as part of Yugoslavia, Tivat's naval base thrived, servicing ships from the Yugoslav People's Army to allies like Russia and Libya. When Montenegro gained independence in 2006, Tivat turned to tourism.
In 2007, Canadian billionaire Peter Munk saw potential in the old Arsenal shipyard, transforming it into Porto Montenegro, one of the Adriatic's most luxurious marinas, now home to superyachts, upscale restaurants, and cultural events. This wasn't about copying Monaco. It was about Tivat claiming its place as a Mediterranean star, blending Balkan grit with cosmopolitan flair.
By 2025, Tivat's evolution shines brighter. The marina's success has sparked growth, with Luštica Bay on the nearby peninsula emerging as a luxury resort town, complete with hotels, beaches, and a golf course. Tivat Airport, just 3 km from the center, handles over 1.4 million passengers annually, connecting the town to Europe and beyond.
Yet Tivat stays true to its roots. The Renaissance Summer House Buca, a 500-year-old noble estate, now a museum, stands alongside modern promenades. The Naval Heritage Collection, with its Yugoslav submarine, tells Tivat's maritime story. The town's 280 sunny days a year, crystal waters, and nearby islands like Sveti Marko and the Island of Flowers keep its natural charm alive.
A Town That Lives Its Duality
Tivat's magic lies in its contrasts. Walk the Pine Embankment, and you'll see superyachts docked beside fishing boats, a nod to its past and present. The Buća-Luković Museum and Gallery preserves the town's noble heritage, while Porto Montenegro's vibrant waterfront buzzes with cafes and boutiques.
Gornja Lastva, a stone village 3 km uphill, offers views of the bay and a glimpse of Montenegro's rural soul. Plavi Horizonti Beach, with its clear waters, draws families and adventurers, while the Blue Cave, accessible only by boat, lures snorkelers to its glowing depths.
Tivat's not a loud party town like Budva or a historic fortress like Kotor. It's a place where you can sip Montenegrin Vranac wine at a seafront bar, taste Njeguški pršut in a local konoba, or hike Vrmac's trails for panoramic views, all while feeling the pulse of a town that's both ancient and alive.
Why Tivat Sparked Our Vision
Tivat inspired our Global Citizens Collection because it tells a story of transformation without losing its soul. It's a town where the Adriatic's turquoise waters meet Montenegro's rugged heart, where Venetian villas and naval relics stand beside modern marinas, where hospitality is as natural as the sea breeze.
Tivat doesn't mimic other destinations. Its quiet confidence, blending Balkan tradition with a cosmopolitan edge, shows that global citizenship isn't about erasing roots but embracing them while welcoming the world.
This is Tivat's story, a place where history and ambition converge, where global citizens find a home that's as authentic as it is inspiring.
