About us

Undiscovered Montenegro is a registered UK company, founded by British husband and wife and Lake Skadar residents, Ben and Emma Heywood.

Between us, we have travelled to over 50 countries worldwide. We like to think that when it comes to taking the road less travelled in the search of untouched, natural beauty, we're hard to impress - so when we first saw Lake Skadar, our immediate impression was disbelief that such epic, African-style scenery had been hiding on our own doorstep.

From that moment came our inspiration to bring a taste of safari to one of Europe's wildest wonders. We started out in 2008 by renovating our own property at the lake, Villa Miela, decking it out to meet the high standards of accommodation Western tourists expect. We believe there's no need to sacrifice your creature comforts to satisfy your appetite for adventure on a holiday with us. Villa Miela is managed and staffed on-site by us, which means you'll get the benefit of English-speaking hosts who can bring real local knowledge to your holiday - and teach you Montenegrin to boot!

Living as locals, we have been welcomed into the community (Montenegrins are incredibly friendly) and have become passionate about putting this wild, unspoilt destination - a protected National Park - on the map.

We are also committed to bringing a responsible, sustainable form of tourism to Lake Skadar. This treasure chest of nature deserves no less!

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Born in Scotland, raised in Venezuela, Germany, the UAE and the UK, Ben speaks several languages, including Serbian/Montenegrin, and is a BCU qualified kayak coach.

Prior to setting up Undiscovered Montenegro with Emma, Ben spent a 15-year career in international publishing. The renovation of an old stone house on Vis Island, Croatia and a round-the-world trip to Asia, Africa and Australia with Emma convinced him that the world had more to offer than just an office.

The result was the publication of his first book, Mind the Gappers and the conviction that he could have a career and indulge his passions for hiking and kayaking without compromising either!

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A seasoned backpacker, Emma's itchy feet have taken her across Africa, Asia, Australia and America in search of adventure and new experiences. She has worked as a conservationist in Zambia, a press officer for the British Government and for the US oil industry before deciding her future lay in sustainable tourism with husband Ben.

Inspired by Lake Skadar's incredible, ever-changing scenery, Emma is now able to indulge her love of travel, art and photography to the full running Undiscovered Montenegro's holidays. In her spare time she even volunteers her publicity skills to local projects and initiatives by the park authorities and German NGO GIZ.

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