Life as a millionaire in Montenegro, the next French Riviera, where wealthy foreign buyers buy luxury real estate and dock their yachts in posh marinas.

Montenegro, a Balkan country in southeastern Europe overlooking the Adriatic Sea, may not be a top luxury destination option. But this tiny country has emerged as one of the top places billionaires are traveling to in 2019, according to a recent report by Business Insider and travel agency Original Travel.

"Montenegro is poised for a luxury upgrade in 2019, with the opening of the Chedi Lustica Bay Hotel and Europe's first One & Only resort next year at Portonovi in Boka Kotor Bay," Tom Barber, co-founder of Original Travel, said of Montenegro, which has a population of 620,000.

As a yachting center with spectacular scenery, Montenegro is becoming a luxury destination, with some even calling it "the next French Riviera." In 2018, Nick Mafi wrote in Architectural Digest, "In fact, it's not only the unspoiled terrain, abundant sunshine and hospitable locals that have made Montenegro an exciting tourist destination, but also the large number of newly renovated and new luxury hotels and restaurants, leading some to call it the next French Riviera."

This tiny country, about the size of Connecticut, borders Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, and the Adriatic Sea. It has about 182 miles of coastline on the Adriatic Sea.

Montenegro has also been compared to Monaco, but it's a parallel that not everyone approves of. Kai Diekmann, general manager of Regent Porto Montenegro, a five-star hotel in Boka Kotor Bay, says: "In my opinion, Monaco has lost its soul - there is no real atmosphere there anymore. But in Montenegro we have natural beauty, incredible locally grown food and wine, and friendly people." Dickmann also notes that Montenegro doesn't need Monaco's tax breaks to attract visitors.

At the end of 2017, there were about 64 millionaires living in Montenegro, according to the Central Bank of Montenegro. It is also open to foreign millionaires. Montenegro is one of several countries where wealthy immigrants can invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in the country and get a passport in return.

In October 2018, Montenegro launched a program allowing up to 2,000 wealthy individuals who have invested at least 250,000 euros or $291,000 in a government project to obtain a Montenegrin passport.

Montenegro has invited only rich people to get a passport on investment terms and is ready to offer unique opportunities for yachting vacationers. One of the most prestigious marina ports - Porto Montenegro in Tivat - has become a popular destination for yacht owners not only because of its beauty, but also because of its free 24-hour yacht service and fuel station with excise-free fuel.

Montenegro also attracts attention with its luxury hotels such as Regent Porto Montenegro. Mavrovi Grad, Iberostar Grad and Porto Montenegro Groves also offer luxury apartments and villas for affluent travelers and even an international school for their permanent residents.

Montenegro's tourism industry continues to grow and the country is attracting more foreignreal estate buyers. This is due to Montenegro's accession to NATO, an increase in the number of direct flights from other countries and the adoption of the euro as a currency.

The port of Montenegro and the city of Budva have become major favorites among foreign buyers of luxury real estate. Properties in the old town of Kotor, including luxury villas and condominiums, are also in high demand. With its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Montenegro is becoming a destination for those seeking comfort and luxury.

Thus, Montenegro is a place where luxury combines with incredible landscapes and history, attracting billionaires from around the world. It aims to become the next major luxury destination that is missing from the tourist map of Europe.