Tag Archive for: top reasons to visit montenegro

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Mindful Nutrition at FitCamp Montenegro: A Personal Journey with Our Nutritionist

In the light of welcoming our MindfulSelfness Women Retreat, we wanted to share some beautiful insights into our nutritionist’s world. Let us guide you through Bilyana’s responses and give you a glimpse of what you can expect when joining us on this feminine journey of self-discovery.

FitCamp: Can you tell us more about holistic nutrition and its approach?

Bilyana:

Holistic nutrition, although primarily focused on nutrition, is, in fact, a lifestyle approach that views the individual as a whole — a unity of body, mind, and spirit. It emphasizes the importance of balancing various aspects of health, including diet, lifestyle, environment, emotions, and spirituality.

Holistic nutrition recognises that each person has unique nutritional needs and preferences based on factors such as age, gender, genetics, health status, and lifestyle. There are several principles of holistic nutrition, including the consumption of whole foods, individuality, mindful eating, and prevention and healing through a balanced lifestyle.

In short, it can be summarised as follows:

  • Focuses on the consumption of whole, minimally processed foods that are nutrient-dense and provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.

  • Respects the fact that different people may have different responses to the same foods.

  • Encourages awareness and mindfulness during eating, paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, noticing flavours and textures, and fostering a positive relationship with food.

It is important to note that nutrition is just one aspect of overall well-being, and promoting balance in other areas such as physical activity, stress management, sleep, and social connections is also part of the holistic nutrition approach. Lastly, holistic nutrition supports the body’s natural ability to heal and prevent disease through proper dietary and lifestyle interventions. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of nourishing the whole person for long-term health benefits and wellness.

FitCamp: How did you start practising it, and what led you to plant-based nutrition?

Bilyana:

My journey began a decade ago when I was dealing with certain health issues that had plagued me since my teenage years. Specifically, I suffered from significant hormonal imbalances, resulting in a complete loss of my menstrual cycle, which was initially misdiagnosed as PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and later remained undiagnosed for some time. Despite the inability of standard medicine to identify the root cause of the problem or provide a diagnosis, I underwent various treatments with numerous medications in hopes of finding a solution. 

However, not only did these medications fail to alleviate my symptoms, but they also worsened my condition. Little did I know then the potential dangers of prescribed drugs and the importance of identifying the underlying cause rather than merely treating the symptoms.

That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands. I ceased using medications and delved into researching more about myself. I began to realise that I am much more than my body and that every symptom is, in fact, a form of communication within different aspects of my being. I discovered the healing power of food, which eventually led me to complete a course in holistic nutrition and reach where I am today. I shifted my perspective, altered my diet, incorporated practices that promote healing for both my body and soul, and allowed my spirituality to guide me. I began to listen to myself more attentively. There is always room for improvement, and I am fully aware of that fact. I am not perfect, nor will I ever be, and I am not meant to be. I am here to learn from every person and every situation, to explore my potential, and to embrace everything that life presents, as each aspect serves its purpose.

Today, I no longer suffer from the hormonal imbalances that troubled me before. Once informed by doctors that I would have to rely on medications for life and that conceiving children without medical assistance would be challenging, I have proven them wrong. My hormones are in balance, and I am proud to be called ‘mom’.

This is the message I wish to impart: we all possess the power within us. While the journey may be long and difficult at times, it is always achievable, regardless of the goal.

Bilyana, FitCamp Nutritionist

FitCamp: What is your promise to the MindfulSelfness retreat participants?

Bilyana:

I genuinely believe that participants will create unforgettable memories, learn how to practically implement everything we share with them throughout these five days, experience our hospitality, and more importantly, gain a deeper understanding of themselves and transform the way they perceive life.

Regarding the nutritional aspect of the retreat, it can be divided into two parts. Every day, our guests will have the opportunity to enjoy nutrient-dense meals prepared by myself using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, but most importantly, based on the principles of a whole-food, plant-based diet.

We will have the chance to meet in person on the first day, during which we will conduct a practical Mindful Eating Workshop. This workshop is something they can continue to practice every time they eat thereafter. Mindful eating is crucial when it comes to adopting a healthy approach to nutrition. On the same day, participants will have the opportunity to prepare one meal together with me. Engaging in the preparation of our food enhances our understanding of what we eat, fosters a greater appreciation for it, and encourages mindfulness, leading to better choices when preparing meals from scratch. While it may not always be feasible to do so, the awareness of its significance and efforts to make it a habit are steps in the right direction.

This retreat will provide you with a fresh perspective, offering you a unique experience and opportunities to learn through various practical workshops and exercises led by individuals who embody these lifestyle principles and are eager to share their experiences with you. I invite you to be open to embracing the good things in life. Opportunities abound for those who seek them!

 

Book your experience with us! Make your enquiry here and join our Women’s Retreat!

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All You Need To Know – MindfulSelness Women Retreat

The year 2023 marked the inception of our remarkable WOMEN ONLY retreat so let us provide you with more insights about it:

THE NAME

Our Women’s Retreat, known as #MindfulSelfNess, encapsulates its core promise to participants in its very name. It is more than just a vacation; it’s a transformative experience where you embrace the present moment, fostering kindness and openness to yourself and your close connections.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Crafted for women seeking awakening, genuine self-love, and self-reflection, our retreat offers a unique experience within a supportive women’s circle. Immerse yourself in nature healing and live in the moment, leading to a profound reconnection with your inner self.

FEELINGS, EMOTIONS & TAKEAWAYS

What feeling you can anticipate at our retreat? The most significant takeaway is self-love, coupled with an appreciation for life’s small joys. Our team is dedicated to imparting valuable lessons in time management, embracing the presence, and fostering deeper connections with family and work associates. Post-retreat, expect practical tools like a mindfulness map and ongoing mentorship.

WHAT IS THIS EXPERIENCE ABOUT?

It’s about positive transformation—an enhanced version of yourself, primarily for your benefit and subsequently for those around you.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

  • 5-night stay (shared apartments, 3 women per apartment; max 6 participants)
  • 3 plant-based meals per day (with a touch of vegetarian)
  • Daily yoga classes (movement, breathing, silence)
  • Daily workshops
  • Nutrition classes
  • Hiking
  • Time-management techniques.

Click the link to learn more & contact us to secure your spot!

DATES AVAILABLE – 2024
May 1-6
July 18-23
Sept 26 – Oct 1
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2023 Blog Stories Recap

We were productive this year, and we crafted a blog per month in 2023. The December one is dedicated to the recap of all the great stories we had during this year. Let’s dive into them and thank you for the inspiration!

January – HERITAGE DEPICTED IN LOVING PIECES – YOUR EASY PATH TO LEARN ABOUT MONTENEGRO

February – AN UNEXPECTED DIGITAL DETOX AND HOW TO SURVIVE IT – RURAL COLIVING IN MONTENEGRO

STAYCATION-FITCAMP-MONTENEGRO

March – STAYCATION & WORKATION AT FITCAMP MONTENEGRO

April – THE DEVELOPMENT GOALS OF FITCAMP MONTENEGRO

May – HIKING ADVENTURE WITH MY DOG TO NOZDRA AND GOLIJA IN CENTRAL MONTENEGRO 

June – GUIDED STARGAZING EXPERIENCE IN MONTENEGRO

July – WELL-BEING HOLIDAYS: THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE & TRAVEL AT FITCAMP MONTENEGRO

August – HOW WE GAVE BIRTH TO “WOMEN WHO PLAY” OFFER

September – CO-LIVING IN THE FITCAMP COMMUNITY

October – 6 REASONS WHY FITCAMP MONTENEGRO IS A GREAT SPOT FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS & DIGITAL NOMADS

women who play and enjoy nature on women's retreat

November – 6 REASONS TO JOIN A WOMEN’S RETREAT IN MONTENEGRO IN 2024

Thank you so much for your trust! We will do our best to share more amusing moments through stories in 2024! Happy holidays and best wishes for the upcoming year!

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6 Reasons to Join a Women’s Retreat in Montenegro in 2024

In case you are slowly preparing for 2024 resolutions, we are creating this blog post to help you fill your list of things to do for yourself, especially when it comes to travelling with purpose.

Our team of Women Who Play has designed this great program for you and the idea of a women’s retreat becomes more enticing as the days pass and our 1st scheduled retreat comes closer. That is why we brainstormed and listed these 6 compelling reasons why you should consider embarking on this transformative journey with our team:

REASON 1 – Empowerment in the Circle

The #MindfulSelfNess women’s retreat provides a unique space for unity and empowerment. Surrounded by like-minded individuals, you’ll experience a sense of sisterhood that fosters mutual support and understanding. Together, you can boost your strengths and navigate life’s challenges with resilience.

REASON 2 – Tailored Well-being for Women

In 2024, prioritise your well-being with a retreat designed specifically for women. Our program includes tailored yoga sessions, blending breathing and movement to promote holistic well-being. You will realise that yoga is much more than just the physical activity for your body.

Let our team guide you through the holistic needs of women, from mental health and self-care to nutrition and fitness, all through play. This personalised approach ensures you leave not only rejuvenated but equipped with tools for sustained well-being and sustainable living.

REASON 3 – Cultivate Lasting Connections with Nature & Ourselves

Our retreat awakes the rejuvenating power of nature, including invigorating hikes on our unique Heart Trail and Teddy-Bare Foot Trail and Visit Dark Skies stargazing sessions, allowing you to connect with the natural world and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.

Here, we forge connections that extend beyond the retreat and not only with nature! The all-feminine environment creates a unique bond, nurturing friendships that endure. Shared experiences, from nature hikes to various workshops, lay the foundation for a supportive network that transcends the confines of the retreat, enriching your life long after the event concludes.

REASON 4 – Triple-Pleasure Learning

MindfulselfNess Women Circle will show you creative expression through Poetry, Writing & Voice Therapy – or precisely, we will awaken the best in you and help you re-connect to yourself. Unlocking your creativity through the therapeutic power of poetry and writing will engage you in expressive exercises that encourage self-reflection and personal growth, fostering a deeper connection with your inner self.

Following our Mindfulness Workshop, designed to teach you the art of living in the moment and effective time management, will show you the valuable skills we cherish, and will not only enhance your retreat experience but empower you to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life beyond.

Throughout this journey, we will guide you on a culinary voyage guided by our holistic nutritionist, offering delicious and nourishing plant-based meals. Even if you typically include meat in your diet, our retreat encourages a healthy and diverse approach to food that can benefit you after the retreat. Take this opportunity to explore new flavours and discover the benefits of a nature-centric lifestyle.

REASON 5 – Flow of Energy

Experience the profound energy of a women-only circle. Our retreat aims to tap into the collective power of feminine energy, creating a supportive and transformative environment where you can freely express, connect, and grow.

REASON 6 – Sustainable Living

If you have any environmental and social awareness, we are sure that your vacations in 2024 will be with the purpose. Our MindfulSelfNess Women Retreat can easily be your treat! 

On the other hand, for us, it is one more person who understands and appreciates nature, or at least wants to learn how to. During your self-grow moments, we will also guide you through our sustainable lifestyle, hopefully teaching you how to live a more quality life and at the same time respect nature more than ever. 

We can’t wait to discuss our achievements together while enjoying a cup (or three) of our home-produced herbal teas.

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If our blog inspired you, but you still don’t know a lot about our MindfulSelfNess Women Retreat, learn more at this link.

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6 Reasons Why FitCamp Montenegro is a Great Spot for Solo Travellers & Digital Nomads

Solo travel or nomadic lifestyle is an adventure that allows you to explore the world on your own terms, rejuvenate your spirit and connect with nature. At FitCamp Montenegro, we understand the value of this experience and offer a unique place for solo travellers seeking self-sustainability, nature healing, and a memorable escape. Let us give you some reasons why:

1. A Commitment to Self-Sustainability

At FitCamp Montenegro, we’re dedicated to living in harmony with nature. Our commitment to self-sustainability is reflected in our eco-friendly practices. We’re on a journey to switch to solar and wind energy for electricity production and utilise rainfall to supply our facilities. This winter, we are starting a small recycling yard for our nearest community. 

All our visitors can join us in following simple rules that help us reach self-sustainability and learn how to be a responsible friend to the environment. 

We love learning from you, too. Don’t hesitate to share and apply your knowledge and experience.

2. Nature Healing for Mind and Body

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of reconnecting with nature for overall health and well-being cannot be overstated. FitCamp Montenegro’s mission is to guide you on a journey of nature healing. Solo travellers and/or nomads can experience the rejuvenating effects of nature, with our programs designed to help you unwind, recharge, and rediscover the joy of missing out (JOMO).

3. Tailored Programs for Personal Growth

Our programs are carefully curated to help you embrace the present moment and explore the beauty of Montenegro. Solo visitors can delve into activities guided by experienced instructors and coaches, allowing you to reconnect with your inner-self and find joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Don’t worry, we do individual programs too. With us, you don’t have to worry if there are enough people who applied, we can organise our programs just for you if you prefer that. 

4. A Mediterranean Secret

Montenegro’s breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and charming villages are among the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. As a solo traveller, you have the opportunity to explore this hidden gem and create lasting memories while improving your lifestyle in a natural environment.

5. Consciousness of Health and Mental Wellbeing

Our facilities and the serene natural setting offer the perfect setting for reviving your consciousness of health and mental well-being. Our team can teach you how to escape the stresses of modern life, unwind, and recharge your energy levels.

6. A Vacation to Remember

FitCamp Montenegro’s goal is to elevate your vacation experience. You’ll not only enjoy the serene beauty of our location but also immerse yourself in a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the value of nature and conscious living. 

Join us in making your vacation unforgettable.

FitCamp Montenegro is more than just a destination, we share our values with you and it is great when these align with your aspirations. You can embark on a different journey, leaving with cherished memories and a renewed connection with nature and yourself.

Ready to experience the joy of solo travel and nomadism at FitCamp Montenegro? Contact us to book your stay and start the adventure of a lifetime.

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Hiking Adventure with My Dog to Nozdra and Golija in Central Montenegro 

One feels so beautiful by being accepted and creating connections with complete strangers around the world. Montenegro has a big soul, ready to heartwarmingly welcome you at any moment! Let’s check the story from our coliving guest Lisa, who was that kind to write the story for our website and share it with all of you! 💚

FitCamp Montenegro Hosts

Going hiking to the remains of the old Ottoman Fortress and back to FitCamp – that was the plan. 

In the morning, I packed my small backpack with some food and water for me and our dog Bailey and we took off. The first bit of the hike I knew already from the previous walks. I was super excited to go again, and this time even further to explore the fortress.

The weather was absolutely amazing – summer feeling in the air. For Bailey it was a bit too warm, so we were faster in the beginning to reach the higher peaks of the mountains as I already knew there was a little pond, and I planned to take a break, mainly so that Bailey could cool herself down by swimming.

And so we did. After the break, we made our way through the stunning landscapes with a bit of wind. While the first part was more rocky, we soon passed to a beautiful valley, with grass and trees all around. We passed a few old farmhouses (katun), some presumably still in use during summer. Once in a while, there were small ponds with water for the cattle, which Bailey also happily used.

After approximately 2,5 hours of walking, we could have seen the ruins of the fortress high up in the mountain above the valley. If we wanted to make the way up to reach the ruins, we needed to leave the hiking road and do a short walk up the mountain. I decided not to walk there as I already had a wild idea in my head. I wanted Bailey and me to save our energy for the adventure ahead. 

Enjoying the beautiful weather and curious as I am, I called my partner. I quickly introduced her to my idea and was super happy to hear that she agreed to help out. Instead of turning to the fortress, I decided to go on, curious to see more of this beautiful mountain area. I wanted to dive deeper and enjoy this energy, nature and remoteness. Of course, previously, I checked the map that said it was possible to continue on the same hiking road for about 13 km to reach the main road again. From that point to FitCamp, there was about 21 km and I knew we couldn’t walk that distance on the same day, so that is where I needed my partner’s assistance. We were planning to meet on the main road that evening and the pick-up was with our camper van. After planning it all, Bailey and I took a break, ate some snacks and enjoyed the sun.

Heading on, the landscape was changing again and again, from rocky, to small forests and then a beautiful, wide and open valley. I could see that Bailey loved this just as much as I did, as she was bouncing and running a bit in front and around me. I could not believe that there was no one around, just us. 

Walking on, we reached another valley with a huge flock of sheep. So, we were not alone in the end… 

Slowly making our way towards the flock, I was looking for the shepherd. Also, I could not see any dogs, even if I was sure that there must be some. The sheep were all over the place. 

There weren’t any other options to pass further, but going directly into the flock. So, I took Bailey to my side and went slowly straight on. One moment, as we came closer, all sheep looked at us, forming a half circle. This was impressive. Even more impressive, when Bailey and I continued and I realised that the sheep were closing the circle behind us. I felt Bailey’s tension and was so grateful that she is such a calm dog, in most situations. On the other hand, I was not used to sheep and having them walking behind and around us, so I just wanted to get through the flock and out. 

Holding Bailey and walking, I talked aloud to calm down both of us. We speeded up a bit and finally made it out and turned away from the flock. 

I was super happy we made it and then I heard dogs and saw a shepherd approaching us. I waved and greeted him in my few, newly learned Montenegrins words, saying „Dobar dan“. 

He waved and greeted me with a big smile, obviously surprised to see us. He went on talking, gesturing – I tried and wished I would have learned more Montenegrin. Anyway, I just smiled and followed him as he was inviting me towards the house nearby. Meanwhile, Bailey and his dogs had also greeted each other. 

Bailey stayed outside while I went inside, following the shepherd. There was one room. Simple but cosy, with a bed, couch, basic stove and cooking area. We sat down, continuously trying to talk to each other. He even tried to call a few of his friends to help out translating. Unsuccessfully, but it was nice of him to try his best. He offered me what I thought was water and Fanta. I decided to go for the water but a few seconds later I realised when he was serving it in small glasses, that this was no water. This was rakija. Later, at FitCamp, I learnt that this is a typical alcoholic drink from Montenegro, usually made of grapes (but it can be made of other fruits) and intensively strong.

I remembered I had a muesli bar and offered him half. Then I slowly packed my bag and signalled to him that Bailey and I need to go on. He wasn’t happy as I believe he thought we planned to hike to Bosnia with just a small backpack. That was my guess, at least. Trying to communicate that everything was just fine – I thanked him. As a memory of this adventurous moment and this hospitable and welcoming shepherd, he left me to take a picture – both of us smiling and then waving goodbye.

I checked on the map and saw that we had about 1 hour of walking left. We took a small break, enjoying the beautiful views. After a while, I could already see the spot where the hiking road was intersecting with the main road, down the mountain. Pivoting down, we passed a few houses, reached the main road and then relaxed on the grass while waiting for our ride back home. 

The whole day and this hike turned out to be absolutely what I did not expect. And yet, this was just the perfect thing to happen that made this hike even more precious and unforgettable for Bailey and me.

Hvala Montenegro!

About author

Lisa Lützen is an Access Bars Facilitator, nature lover and adventurer. She spent a month at FitCamp Montenegro as our coliving guest, and we enjoyed the time with her, her partner and their lovely dog Bailey. We were amazed at how well they got the idea of our coliving concept and are more than happy to have made new friends. We are enthusiastic to welcome them again! To learn more about Lisa, click here.

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The Development Goals of FitCamp Montenegro

Being a crazy ant is not an easy job. All of us crazy ants know it, but we usually wouldn’t do anything different even if we could turn back the time. 

‘…most of the ants in the nest are creatures of habit (workers). They mark their routes with scent trails and only follow routes where another ant once walked. So they obediently finish their work list. They will mainly work harder and harder but do nothing structural about the problem.

Fortunately, there are always several crazy ants (scouts) in a nest. They deviate from the fixed routes and, therefore, find new places that the ant people need to survive. The crazy ant is the one who will find a new place. But how does he convince the other ants to help him move the entire nest?’

Read the full story about the crazy ant here. 

Lagant.nl

As many in our surroundings characterised us as crazy when we left the coast and headed up to the Adriatic hinterland of Central Montenegro to develop FitCamp, we wished to write this blog and explain our reasons, or better say goals!

GOAL 1 – Local Community Involvement & Development

Seeing the potential and optimal growth in rural tourism development of Montenegro, one of the leading thoughts of our business idea was to include the local community in all that we do. 

Offering only local products to our guests and visitors is what we crave, but taking in mind that our production is not that big to cover all the needs yet, we saw an opportunity for everyone in the village producing anything from fruits and vegetables to cheese, meat, marmalades, juices, rakija, wines and similar. 

This goal includes long-term effects that are equally positive to our business development as to the city’s economic empowerment, a larger tourism inclusion and better rural product placement. 

We frequently hear how the city of Niksic, where we are located, is not touristically developed, so we want to motivate people from this city to understand the potential of the area and plan their agricultural and other activities following all the possibilities that the modern market offers. 

GOAL 2 – Sustainable Environment

The mal-influence of tourism on the environment has become very clear, taking in mind massive movements, cruising travels increase and similar. Some of the greatest minds in sustainable tourism development are now finding a way to regenerate the travel market and decrease the poor effects of the travelling crowds that used to happen from the 70s of the 20th century up to today. 

From the very beginning, FitCamp Montenegro had a clear idea in mind – development in touch with nature! All our efforts to find a remote place and cultivate it further paid off when we landed to today-location of our well-being centre. We clicked with this area and saw all the small bits and pieces needed for the puzzle that we started to put together.  

Firstly, we were enthusiastic that the village where we are now located doesn’t have a city water supply system. Most of the people we work with and our partners told us – oooh, but the water might be a problem there. We nodded and made it one step closer to our vision.

Most of the people living here are collecting the rainfall and snowfall in underground containers from which they distribute it further to their barns, houses and gardens. The same is with us. Our property has a 44 m3 water container built underground in the backyard, and it is connected to the house by an electric water pump. So, when you are inside our premises, you can’t feel the difference as it seems the same as in the urban areas. In reality, it is not the same, as we take as much as nature has given us and reuse it in our daily life. The best about it is the reaction of our guests and visitors and how fast they learn to collaborate in saving water and protecting natural resources.

Furthermore, we started planning a sustainable irrigation system for our gardens, orchard and future cattle. We dag a pool in the valley of 150 m3 size that will soon be our addition to recreation on the FitCamp estate, as well as a secure water supply for all the produce.

The system is planned with a SMART addition so that we can control the water flow even remotely.

A solar plant is something we keep for the near future, but it’s been on our list since the very beginning. The reason for postponing it is the investment that it requires. That piece of the puzzle will close the circle of self-sustainability and give us the title of the possibly only self-sustainable place in Montenegro, especially in the commercial market.

Thus, nature will give us:

– electricity from the power of sun and wind, and 

– water from the rainfall and snowfall.

This will shape our small system as a perpetuum mobile. 

GOAL 3 – Diversified Travel Product   

As parts of our team have been working in tourism for years, we are aware of the clutter and fuzz that follows travelling. The effects of tourism on nature are not flattering, but luckily, the latest generations of travellers seem to see this problem and react to it. 

Even before the pandemic, FitCamp Montenegro’s idea was shaped around the fact that nature has a healing effect and that we should let that fact into urban lives that are stale and dusty. We didn’t want seasonal work or to offer the same services as everybody else in the rural areas of Montenegro, so it took us time to shape the whole program and system with our partners and friends. From 2018 up to today, we didn’t stop working on this idea and sharp-shaping it for the market in the best way we possibly saw it could go.

All our programs are based around the benefits and inspiration that nature gives us, and we invest ourselves in the best combination of silent time within the forest, hiking, swimming, outdoor adventures, yoga, fitness, healthy food & nutrition, and mindful workshops. We immodestly consider that we crafted a unique travel product for the Montenegrin market, and we are fanatical about the reality that our demand is responding so positively to what we created for them! That gives us further inspiration and motivation to never stop and always introduce novelties to our products and the Montenegrin travel market in general.

Avoiding the short seasonal work, our doors are not open only to travellers and our programs are not crafted just for short-term rentals. We are happy to share that winter 2022/23 was more than successful at our estate, with numerous digital nomads who have chosen coliving stay, entrepreneurs and MSMEs who have chosen our team buildings and workshops and last but not least – our volunteers, who help us and at the same time live the life with us, by applying the same set of rules and goals we crave for FitCamp.

We do hope to welcome you here and spread our love for nature and all it gives us with you, introduce you to our elderly neighbours and their delicious products and heal you by being one with our Planet Earth. 

Approaching Earth Day, we wish that this blog enlights you in your future travels and motivates you to only travel with purpose!

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An Unexpected Digital Detox and How To Survive It – Rural Coliving in Montenegro

It was just a regular January in Montenegro. Temperatures mild, post-festive fever high, new goals, new plans, resolutions – all prepared. The FitCamp Community House – full of people from all over the world.

We were shaping plans with our volunteers to improve our backyard and patio for the upcoming season, and just like that, a snowstorm caught us! At first, we were enthusiastic about it, as well as our dogs, but then things went a bit further and… Well, let’s go day by day!

Snow woke us up on Friday, January 20th. Bucolic. All white and beautiful. Arya immediately wanted to go for a walk, as that is her favourite weather forecast – snow and more snow, please! (dire wolf indeed 🐺)

We put our winter clothes and boots on (note: we barely made to find these, as with the climate change, the winters in Montenegro are mild, and we didn’t have this amount of snow in Central Montenegro for years) and decided to make a community hike around the village. It was amusing, as we didn’t enjoy a white hike in ages and the dogs were so happy! We even made a Snowman in the valley. A perfect start to the last working day of the week!

Saturday, January 21st
The weekend opening came with even more snow than the day before. We cleaned around the houses and spent most of the day outdoors. When the night came, the snow intensified, and our team was out until the middle of the night, cleaning the roof and trying to save trees in the yard. Further, at 11:30 pm, there was an electricity cut.

Anybody who knows anything about the Montenegrin rural areas knows the conditions of the electric network that runs through the villages – very poor, mono phase and unstable. That is why we were so afraid of this cut, as we knew that weather conditions are not favourable for the electricity company to get out and fix it in the middle of the night. Additionally, we are collecting rainfall and snowfall too for our water supply system, which is built by us and connected to the electric water pump. Meaning – no electricity, no water!
We couldn’t do much that night and it was getting late. Hoping that a good sleep will solve everything, we went to bed.

Sunday, January 22nd
On Sunday morning, we woke up to idyllic scenery but, clearly, we were cut off from civilisation. No electricity, no water and no road connection to the city. During the night, the snowfall was around 1 m. As a cherry on top of the cake, one of the acacia trees fell onto our car. Luckily, the snow and the suitcase holders absorbed much of a fall, so there wasn’t damage to the car, whatsoever.

We spent the whole day cleaning. Our team, volunteers and guests – all out, cleaning nonstop, protecting the roofs, making passages, and collecting snowfall for the water container. Exhausted, we entered the house in the late afternoon, cooked the food in the wood stove, melted snow for the toilets and indeed felt what living in the wilderness means.

Just when we thought the day was about to end, the snow blower appeared with a lot of noise. We run out of the house to welcome him, but we wish it was only welcoming him! Due to very high snowfall, he couldn’t pass our house and we needed to help them clean with shovels to be able to pass our house and go further.

Now we could go to bed with hope because we at least had the road clean, compared to yesterday.

Monday, January 23rd
Lovely people from our village who live in the city and are visiting daily, have been thinking of us so in the early morning we’ve got fresh bread and coffee delivery. What a beautiful moment of belonging to the local community!

Now, back to reality. Even if the road was clean, our car was trapped by the levy of snow left by the snow blower. We can’t blame them, of course, but it meant another day without the possibility of visiting the city (or better said, civilisation). Obviously, no electricity or water yet so we didn’t have many options but to continue maintaining the house and the yard. The project of the day – cleaning dishes in the snow. Middle Ages or, better say, Djekna – for Balkans’ readers of this blog. 😊

Tuesday, January 24th
Finally, the day has come! You think it’s electricity, but no! It’s the car. We freed it so that we could go to the city, have lunch, get a shower at Andjela’s parents’ house, and recharge the batteries on all devices.

Honestly, this was the day, or a moment, that we realised how we are passing through a digital detox no one asked for. On our way back to the FitCamp estate that night, the hope ignited our beings at the entrance to the village – the part of the area called Sume got the electricity back!

7 km further, enthusiasm disappeared – we were still in the dark. Still, the majority stood well, the spirits were up, and we were inventing things to do without being online. Cards, games, and just talking were enough to spend the night.

Wednesday, January 25th
Being used to the situation, after breakfast, we divided tasks between us and started organising the yard and the house. The good part about this amount of snow was the fact that we filled our water container nicely, collecting snow daily and putting it into the underground water tank. This was a beautiful sunny day, so everything seemed to be easier.

Around 3 pm, the electricity got back. Unfortunately, it was a false alarm, as the next cut came 10 min later. So, finally, similar to last night, after a bit of cooking the old-fashioned way, laughing, and wine, we went to bed with hope.

Thursday, January 26th
Used to the situation, we were now performing our new routines like it was completely normal. Living detached in the 21st century is easy but, we are glad to say we made it, and we didn’t miss anything at all!

After a long walk with the dogs, we collected more snowfall for the water tank, cleaned up, cooked and hung out when false alarm #2 occurred around 6 pm. We already started planning who’s going to the shower first and how to organise the rest when the new cut came. We received it relaxed. We now knew this game.

Friday, January 27th
Not all of us receive things the same way and what the majority reflects is not always the case for each member of the community. Thus, this was a day when our electricity cut team grow smaller as our guest left us. It was just enough for him and he decided to find a new place to stay. We are deeply sorry for any inconvenience caused, but indeed this was out of our power. Nature was showing us that is stronger than modern society, once again. Most of us enjoyed it, some of us did not, and that is more than fine!

Another day without electricity and water went great, as we now knew the system. We were playing as a team, and all was easy!

Saturday, January 28th
Sunshine woke us up. All white and blue outside. We felt it was a day to get back.

Back to civilisation.

Back in the 21st century.

Back online.

Back to so-called normal.

And so it was.

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Overall, this was a waking experience. A pack of different personalities from around the world trapped in the conditions of the middle ages. Positivity shined bright, and we are now proud of the love and positive energy we shared amongst ourselves.

The common understanding, the proper reaction, the compassion and empathy – this electricity cut turned out to be an outstanding experience with a bunch of individuals, who are capable of moving mountains if necessary. Hard, but not impossible, this event crafted irreplaceable memories in our heads, and we couldn’t resist sharing it with all of you! We can guarantee one thing – our community works exactly as it should in all the conditions!

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Heritage Depicted in Loving Pieces – Your Easy Path to Learn About Montenegro

We are currently living in a world of chaos. Some of us are aware of it, while some see this chaos as a favourite reality. It is hard to point out the worldly values and all the great things that humankind has achieved, while the planet is shaken by numerous awful events such as the pandemic, wars, climate change, economic crisis, and energy crisis… We wonder when will positive vibes swap all this negativity.

We started our new location preparations and renovation in the middle of this chaos. Was it hard? Supremely hard! Was it worth it? Oh yes! Every step of this road made our team become better persons, better hosts, and better friends. A neverending learning process has started with the opening of FitCamp Montenegro at its fresh-new location, and this is the first blog written from our lovely Community House. We can’t wait to welcome you here so that you can see in person all that you will read in this blog today, plus the beauties of the FitCamp estate.

Led by an idea of restorative and responsible travel, we left the overcrowded Montenegrin coast and settled in the fabulous coastal hinterland, in Central Montenegro, with a promise to give our best to manifest local customs and traditions and include the local community into FitCamp Montenegro development. One of our guiding ideas, since the very beginning, was to motivate locals to join us in the efforts of creating a sustainable environment for the travellers by cherishing and regenerating what the almighty Nature has given us!

So, for the first blog of the year, and the first blog written from the FitCamp estate, let us present you with our favourite literature pieces, manifesting the best of the local community and showcasing the efforts of some great individuals!

Tara and The Magic Tree enjoying their life at FitCamp Montenegro

Tara and The Magic Tree

Written by the Montenegrin author Zarko Vucinic, and illustrated by the students of Petar Lubarda Art School in Cetinje, this book is an eco-tale about fighting for a cleaner Planet while teaching the basic concept of the Zero-waste movement. The main characters of the book are brought to life in the shape of the Znuggle eco toys, handmade of local wool by lovely Montenegrin women, dyed with plant pigments and available at FitCamp for you as perfect souvenirs from Montenegro.

This book is equally important and a good read for children and adults perfectly demonstrating FitCamp’s attitude towards nature. 

You can find more information here.

A Wonderous Collection

Women of Montenegro

Living in a patriarchal society is hard and you see it best when you are a woman. Especially in small, conservative societies like the one in the Balkans. Fighting for equity and equality has become a reality for every woman in the world, nevertheless on Montenegrin women. 

The UN development program in Montenegro together with the European Union, Ministries of Montenegro and the Capital of Podgorica supported the publishing of this piece of art, showcasing the historical timeline of all the great women who lived, created, ruled and influenced Montenegro. 

The local artist, Tijana Todorovic, together with her mother Olivera, has gathered all the information and helped design the book that was published in Podgorica in 2022. The book Women of Montenegro was created with the desire to depict women’s role throughout Montenegrin history and it is the first collection about the identity and women’s struggle for their rights in society. 

The goal of this book creation is similar to one of FitCamp Montenegro’s goals – motivation and encouragement of the modern woman to continue this historic struggle for personal and social progress. It is dedicated to all men and women who are on the path of modern and emancipatory actions.

It gives us a huge joy to be able to offer you to read this jewel showcasing Wise Brave and Special Women of Montenegro, during your FitCamp stay.

Mountainous Flora of Montenegro

Botanical Gardens of Mountainous Flora of Montenegro

Another amusing story comes from the east of Montenegro, a place called Dulovine near the city of Kolasin. There, in the intact mountainous nature, the loving Vincek couple collected living plant materials from around the Montenegrin mountains and brought these to their botanical garden, shaped and formed out of their pure love for nature.

The collection of the plants was continuous for a 2-decade time during which Mr Daniel, together with his wife Mrs Vera, created an angelic permaculture garden that contains 15% of all flora of Montenegro or about 450 different species, including endemic, rare and special ones. Unfortunately, both Daniel and Vera have passed away, but the garden keeps living. This garden is located at 1000 m altitude, and for us at FitCamp Montenegro is a perfect example of how to grow and maintain your garden. 

We hope we will have the similar motivation of these two amazing individuals and grow a botanical garden at our property – smaller in size but with a similar proportion of love!

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Commence your journey of discovery and well-being, and by learning with us, we promise you will leave FitCamp knowing a lot more about the lifestyle, local rural communities and the social structure of Montenegro.

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Top Reasons To Visit Central Montenegro

1. Excellent position

Source Wikipedia

Being perfectly located probably means being on the Mediterranean coast. Montenegro already is, of course, but once you are in Montenegro it is underrated to visit only the coast! It is such a tiny country, but it has so much to offer! It’s a real catalogue of natural beauties and if you ask us to tell you what place is better than others, we probably couldn’t decide!

Central Montenegro is just in the middle where on the south we have UNESCO protected medieval Kotor and Perast and on the north, UNESCO protected National Park Durmitor, Tara Canyon and other breath-taking beauties.

By staying at FitCamp Montenegro location, you have the position to explore all the corners of the country in a short period. That’s why we choose our location to be central Montenegro, as it’s perfectly connected by the traffic roads, it has railway too and both airports are distanced enough not to make noise, but only a short drive away indeed.

2. Natural beauties for hiking and cycling

Hiking in Nature

Central Montenegro is home to many marked hiking and cycling paths. If you are experienced, you will be good to go on your own, except for the advanced paths where is recommendable to go with a guide. But, the central region has a lot of sports outdoor people, who are more than happy to welcome visitors and show them the most interesting parts of our country.

Only in Niksic, you have marked hiking trails to Budos Hill, paths surrounding lakes Krupac and Slano, that are also marked for cycling; mountaineering trails to Vojnik; hiking and skiing trails in the ski resort Vucje as well as cable car riding and so much more. Podgorica, the capital, hides many parks and hiking routes amongst which the most popular is the Korita Circuit. Also, Skadar Lake region is super-popular for hiking and the old royal capital of Cetinje offers another national park – Lovcen with the Mausoleum at the highest altitude in the world, where our former bishop and ruler is buried – Petar II Petrovic Njegos.

FitCamp Montenegro is located right on the path of one of five Top Bicycle Trails that lead from Niksic to Pluzine. Besides, it is very close to the hiking route of Nozdra, where once a year Montenegro Trophy Relly Race is organised too. Nozdra is well historically known, as well as the Presjeka village, as many battles with the Ottoman Empire took place just here! Pure fun to experience!

3. Lakes

Krupac Lake

The central region is so rich in lakes! Artificial and natural both and equally breath-taking! Only the region around Niksic has 3 artificial lakes that were made during the time of ex-Yugoslavia, for electricity production. Even if these were made for economy, because of the stunning Montenegrin beauty they fast became favourite day-trips spots of fellow citizens as well as the visitors.

Krupac Lake and Slano Lake are very close to FitCamp Montenegro and some activities included in our programs will be done there. Slano Lake is amazing for fishing, while we like Krupac Lake for swimming, sunbathing, outdoor yoga and similar. Both lakes are amazing for hiking and cycling.

Besides these, Skadar Lake is probably the best-known lake in Montenegro, also located in the central region of the country. This is the largest natural lake in the Balkans and it’s partially located in Montenegro and partially in Albania. Here is beautiful to go for a day-trip and do birdwatching, boat riding or just enjoy a delicious dinner and wine.

4. Spirituality 

Ostrog Monastery

For the visitors keen on religion and spirituality, central Montenegro hides the most sacred spot of the country – Ostrog Monastery. It is half an hour drive away from FitCamp Montenegro and it is visited by all the spiritual people, doesn’t matter the religion, even if it’s an orthodox monument.

Besides Ostrog Monastery, all the cities of the central region are famous for churches and monasteries, so you can find plenty in Niksic, Podgorica and Cetinje. Amongst the most popular are Saint Basil’s Church, Cetinje Monastery, Church on Cipur, the Temple of Christ Redemption etc.

5. FitCamp Programs

Yoga Outdoors

Our favourite reasons for you to visit central Montenegro are our programs! We worked so hard to deliver you a high-quality experience of the next level of vacationing and we are sure you will enjoy it!

Even if we started all this some time ago, summer 2020 will be our first season at the very first personal FitCamp location and for us, that’s a special thing!

Our programs will help you renew, rejuvenate, restart and relief stress, plus we will teach you how to respect nature and live by following it. In these hard times with coronavirus pandemic, the most important thing to learn is how to be more respectful to our dear planet!

6. Amazing Nightlife

Central Montenegro is well known for a vibrant nightlife and this is something we highly recommend you to try! While at FitCamp Montenegro, young and enthusiastic team of hosts will be more than happy to show you some of the best local performers bring you to the best pubs in the country and take you to some of the best festivals that are taking place in this region. Some of the most popular ones are Lake Fest, Bedem Fest, Wine & Bleak Festival, City Groove and many others.

7. Hospitality 

Local Household Treats

All of the Balkans are recognised as very tender and kind hosts to their guests, but while in Central Montenegro you will experience what that truly means. At every household you will feel like at your own parents’ or grandparents’, everyone will be willing to help, to share, to give… We can’t wait for you to see that with your own eyes and let us know how it feels!

8. Lazy Mediterranean Lifestyle

Even if Central Montenegro is not connected to the coast directly, here you can meet Mediterranean highlanders and experience what a lazy lifestyle truly means! We are certain that you will enjoy it, but the hosts will be enjoying sharing it with you too!

This is one of the most accurate ways to learn about the new culture and to leave with magnificent memories from Montenegro!