Nestled on a secluded area of the coast in Montenegro, you’ll find Lustica Bay. This former military base has been re-imagined as a luxurious haven of Montenegrin hospitality. From the harbour, there are spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea.
Lustica Bay Review – A Montenegro Hidden Gem
The team behind the El Gouna leisure development in Egypt are transforming the old military base into a superb coastal retreat. There are 176 berths in the marina, with a second marina already being planned. The only 18 hole championship golf course in Montenegro, designed by Gary Player is being created here. It will have unparalleled views of Boka Bay and the Adriatic from all its holes.
A wide range of public facilities will be built inland, with the name Centrale. These will include a school, park and a clinic as well as shops and a market.
There are also plans to open seven hotels here. The first of these, The Chedi hotel opened in August 2018, together with several independent restaurants and shops along the waterfront.
The Chedi Lustica Bay
At the launch of The Chedi Lustica Bay, the Prime Minister of Montenegro gave a speech emphasizing the importance of this new development to tourism in Montenegro. The legendary Nile Rodgers and Chic then performed on a floating stage, with the event culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.
The Chedi Lustica Bay has been designed to fit in with the local area. It’s a low rise development with an emphasis on barefoot luxury, and stone facades that are typical in Montenegro. The focus on sustainability includes electric charging points for cars.
Guests can walk along the old military fortifications for a great sea view. The word “chedi” means a place to meditate and the intention with The Chedi Lustica Bay is to create a tranquil space where guests can relax and feel rejuvenated.
Leisure Facilities in Lustica Bay
One of the highlights of a stay in Lustica Bay is The Spa. There’s a stunning indoor pòol with a glass panel, surrounded by comfortable day beds. You’ll also find a rain shower and steam room as well as a fully equipped gym. The Spa use luxury organic products by VOYA for their Asian inspired treatments.
Next to the health centre there’s the heated outdoor infinity pool – the perfect place to lounge around.
A few minutes walk from here, you’ll come to the beach. It has a relaxation area with colourful bean bags as well as The Rok beach bar. The sea is generally quite warm however we’d advise you to bring swim shoes as the beach is pebbly, although there is a floating pontoon from which you can enter the water directly. There are also paddle boards available for guests to use.
A driving range and the first few holes of the 18 hole championship golf course are scheduled to open in 2018. A golf village will include a 300 room golf hotel and spa.
Accommodation at Lustica Bay
The Chedi Lustica Bay has 111 rooms and suites, most with sea views. They’re designed by GG & Grace and stylishly decorated in tones of teal blue and orange, with striking light fittings. They’re also well equipped, with USB phone chargers next to the beds, air conditioning and a safe. The bathrooms have double sinks and Aqua di Parma toiletries.
There are also several apartments and private villas available, The Chedi Residences, with owners being able to use the services of The Chedi such as the spa and restaurants. They will also benefit from freehold ownership and guaranteed fixed-term rental leaseback, with personal use during pre-defined periods.
Where to Eat in Lustica Bay
- The Restaurant, Chedi Lustica Bay – this chic restaurant serves a full buffet breakfast and a la carte dinner
- The Lobby Bar – for cocktails and afternoon tea
- The Rok – this informal beach bar serves light bites all day
- The Spot – has a charming outdoor terrace that is popular in the evenings. It specializes in healthy Asian food.
There are also several independent waterfront restaurants including Sea Forest and “21” restaurant.
Things to do near Lustica Bay
- Day trip to Kotor – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not to be missed. Walk up 1350 steps to San Giovanni Castle or stroll along the old town walls.
- Lunch at Restaurant Galion – fine dining overlooking the Bay of Kotor.
- Boka Bay boat tour – The bay resembles a Norweigan fjord and the catamaran will take you past Mamula, a former WWII concentration camp which is not visitable. You will however be able to visit Our Lady of the Rocks, a picturesque islet with a church containing some interesting relics in its museum.
- Almara Beach Club on Oblatno Beach – renowned for its early-evening beach parties. They also have a restaurant that serves tasty seafood. Service can be slow so you may prefer instead to head to their beach bar where a hipster bartender will rustle you up a cocktail in no time.
If you’re visiting Montenegro, it’s definitely worth exploring Lustica Bay. The unusual setting and magnificent sea views make the peninsula particularly enticing. It’s also quite easy to get there, being 46 kilometres from Dubrovnik airport, 90 kilometres from Podgorica and just 10 kilometres from Tivat international airport.
Do you have plans to visit Montenegro or the Balkans?
Read all our Montenegro travel guides here.
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Suze, Montenegro looks so inviting, especially Lustica Bay. Your photos are great! I especially like the photos of the waterfront restaurants. The Almara Beach Club looks like fun. Thank you for sharing this lovely place with us.