About

Mahakala Center is a retreat center and place for holistic stays overlooking Buljarica Bay, shaped by sunlight, stone, and the slow rhythm of Montenegrin coastal village life. It began as a mother and daughter project, created with the intention of offering a space where people can slow down, reconnect, and breathe more deeply.
The center is spread across three hillside buildings surrounded by olive trees, gardens, and the everyday sounds of the village, dogs, neighbors, birds, and the wind moving through the forest. Light fills the rooms, and many spaces open onto terraces and balconies with wide views of the sea, the surrounding mountains, and Buljarica Bay.
The heart of the property is the Mahakala Retreat Building, a three floor house with seven rooms and several shared spaces. It welcomes guests for short stays throughout the year and hosts retreats outside the high summer season. The atmosphere is warm and home like, with multiple levels that invite both connection and quiet. On the ground floor there are two bedrooms and a shared living and dining area with books, soft seating, and warm colors, often carrying the smell of fresh food from the kitchen counter. This space opens directly onto the jasmine covered terrace, the heart of the house, where guests gather, read, eat, or simply sit with the view. The first floor has two bedrooms and the yoga shala, the second floor has three bedrooms, and the rooftop level features a jacuzzi with open views toward the horizon.
Attached to the retreat house is Sunny Café, a bright and leafy corner serving simple vegetarian meals, homemade treats, coffee, and herbal teas. It is a relaxed place to linger, meet others, or enjoy the warmth of the sun.
Directly across from the retreat house is the apartment building. The ground floor hosts the main production kitchen and office, and above it are three fully private apartments, one on each floor. Each apartment has its own design, kitchen, bathroom, and a spacious terrace with views of the sea and mountains.
On the other side of the property is the parking area. From there, a small path leads down to the traditional Montenegrin stone house, which includes two private rooms. Above it lies the outdoor relaxation area, with wooden loungers, a hammock chair, natural shade, and open sky. This space feels quiet and grounded, shaped by nature, light, and the gentle rhythm of village life. At the far end of this area is a small garden where vegetables and herbs are grown and used in the kitchen.
Guests are invited to enjoy outdoor spaces, a slower pace of life, and a sense of simplicity and care. Buljarica beach is a 10 to 15 minute walk away, making it easy to move between sea, land, and rest.



Neighborhood Description:

Mahakala Center sits in Buljarica, a small coastal village where the mountains meet the Adriatic Sea. The landscape is open and natural, with long stretches of beach, forested hills, village houses, and a coastline that still feels largely untouched. Behind the beach lies one of the last remaining coastal marshlands in the Adriatic, a rare ecosystem that supports migratory birds, native plants, and a biodiversity that has disappeared from much of Europe. This mix of sea, wetlands, and forest gives Buljarica its gentle and spacious character.
The area is simple and authentic, shaped more by nature than tourism. You will find family homes, gardens, a small shop, a local monastery, and a few family run restaurants. Daily life carries the sounds of neighbors, dogs, and village rhythms. In summer, July and August, the area becomes more busy and lively, while the rest of the year offers a quieter, slower pace. This balance of sea, nature, and village life is what gives Buljarica its charm.
Buljarica Beach is a pleasant 10 to 15 minute walk downhill from Mahakala Center, passing village houses and quiet paths. The nearby town of Petrovac is a short drive away and offers supermarkets, cafes, and additional restaurants.

A full guide with photos and step by step directions is available for guests after check in for places you can walk to include:
• Buljarica Beach and marshland
• Mahakala beach platform
• Nature meditation spot
• Cliff viewpoint
• Gradiste Monastery
• Waterfall walk
• Lucice Beach
• Petrovac town

Montenegro as a whole carries this same raw beauty, with mountains, lakes, forests, deep gorges, and a sense of space that helps people slow down

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 24:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Not Included
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Facilities

  • Free WiFi
  • Free Security Lockers
  • Shuttle Bus
  • Parking
  • Reception (limited hours)
  • Internet access
  • Wi-Fi
  • Meals Available
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Reviews

8.0Fabulous(9)
  • Value for Money
    8.0
  • Security
    8.0
  • Atmosphere
    8.0
  • Cleanliness
    10.0
  • Staff
    8.0
  • Location
    8.0
  • Facilities
    6.0
Stayed in Aug 2025
8.0
V
Valerie
Female, 25-30, Canada
I loved staying at the Mahakala center because it's located in a small quiet village. However, I was a bit disappointed to see that the first photo advertised on hostel world of the center is a private villa on the last floor of the building and not "part of the hostel section" (therefore, no roof access) and also no yoga or meditation (at least while I was there). The dorm was clean and had good light. At least good 15min quite up hill from the main road, and 20-25min from the beach.
Stayed in Mar 2025
10
S
Savanna
Female, 25-30, USA
Wow! This place was truly remarkable- and such a great place to rest! We ended up loving it so much that we extended our trip. The location is stunning- and overlooks the ocean and mountains in a quiet area. The vegan food was delicious and the hospitality was beyond any expectations that I could have had prior. We both felt cared for and appreciated throughout our stay! I honestly can’t say enough good things about this place.
Stayed in Mar 2025
10
B
Bojan
Male, 31-40, Montenegro
Mahakala Center is superb! Waking up to the sea view every morning was unreal, and being surrounded by nature helped me relax. There are some really nice trails to explore, and the whole vibe is super chill. The staff is amazing,they are so kind and always happy to help. The rooms are really cozy and thoughtfully decorated, which made it feel like home. The food is, to be honest, some of the best I’ve ever had! Fresh and tasty, perfect for vegans or anyone looking to eat healthy. You can tell it
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Location

Buljarica BB, Budva, Montenegro
14.2km from city centre