A perfect getaway: Discovering the Charms of the Chedi Lustica Bay, Montenegro
From autochthonous Montenegrin architecture, crystal clear sea, and superb service and cuisine, the resort known as “a Jewel on the Adriatic Sea,” certainly lives up to its title. The Chedi Lustica Bay, Montenegro, is the spot to escape to, if you are looking for a total detox and royal-style relaxation. I will share my impressions and some of the highlights of my six-day stay at the resort, as well as reasons why this dream vacation should be an item on your bucketlist.
A Secluded Haven
Lustica Bay (LB) is located in the Tivat Municipality of Montenegro, and it encompasses a yacht harbor, private beach, a diverse palette of seafront eateries, a hotel and more accommodation options such as waterfront apartments, townhouses and luxurious villas. Arriving at the resort feels like discovering a brand new town. Sights of endless golf courses, sparkling sea, and beautifully designed residences and neighborhoods fill your view.
The resort has an elaborate entry system, which ensures the safety of all its residents and guests at all times. There are several gates for easier access to different parts but the principle is the same - your arrival has to be announced to the Lustica Bay security along with your car registration plates. Once the gates of this secluded haven open for you, everything else dissipates and you feel like you’ve entered a Hollywood movie set.
The company behind this sanctuary, Orascom, takes pride in utilizing cutting-edge technology and innovative design to build sustainable neighborhoods that harmonize with nature and promote strong communities.
Home, Sweet Magnolia
In the spirit of embracing the gifts of nature, the streets of the resort are named after flowers. I stayed at an apartment in the Magnolia street. The decision to choose an apartment over a standard hotel room turned out to be ideal, especially since I had company on this trip, and the apartment perfectly balanced comfort with a touch of luxury.
As you drive through the flower path to your place, you are mesmerized by the beautiful architecture of light stone buildings topped with red roofs, which shape a bright and relaxing atmosphere. The entire resort is diligently maintained by the LB staff, so you will not see as much as a stain or a piece of paper in the streets. I was also pleasantly surprised by the thoughtfulness of designating modern garbage bins with a sanitizer attached for each of the residential buildings.
As we entered our sweet home for the next six days, I was delighted to see that the design was as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. The apartment has a minimalist and spacious interior design, with a living room, kitchen, dining area, bedroom, bathroom, and a large balcony with two lounge areas and another dining area. What I loved the most was the perfect view of the sea and the symbol of Lustica Bay - the white lighthouse.
Once we settled in our temporary home, we slipped into our swimsuits (in the blink of an eye) and off to the beach we were! There are a couple of ways to move around the resort: 1. walk or 2. take the LB shuttle/buggy service. For buggies, you are given a phone number through which you can text the buggy service and order one to come to your address. They usually arrive within 5 minutes and can take you anywhere in your part of the resort.
However, everything is very close, so you would be fine walking - unless it’s in killer heat. If you wish to go to another resort area, such as the Central, you can take a shuttle buss that goes in set intervals. They also offer shuttle boats for visits to other beach areas, but bear in mind that those are public beaches and have a very different vibe than the Chedi LB’s private one.
The Rok World Tour Adventure
A standout memory from my journey was relishing the tranquility of The Rok beach, an exclusive stretch of half-sand and half-rocky beach complemented by a beach bar and lounge bearing the same name. The beach exuded tranquility, while the beach bar delighted with a diverse menu. You have the option of being served at the outdoor restaurant or at your beach spot - either way, the culinary artistry will transport you to Greece, Korea, Italy, India and more through their delicious delicacies. You can see their dishes here.
The most memorable dish for me was the 안녕 (Annyeong) Korean burger, which is a fusion of flavors that tickled my taste buds in the best way. It is made with grilled beef rillettes marinated in Thai chili sauce, a homemade bun, peppers and spring onion, toasted peanuts, and Kimchi mayonnaise. Now, tell me that didn’t just make your mouth water. I almost spoke Korean after eating it. If you have a chance to visit LB, don’t miss this burger - you can thank me later. Other than that, I highly recommend their pizzas, which would make any Italian proud, without a doubt.
Beachy Vibes or Poolside Cool?
Since we decided to visit the resort mid-July, the temperature varied between 33 and 37 degrees Celsius during our stay. For this reason, the sea was initially much warmer than what I’ve experienced before. Our first day, the water was slightly tainted by seaweed due to such high temperatures affecting the aquamarine life, but luckily, during the rest of our stay the water was crystal clear and the temperature of the water was lower - perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
Our accommodation also came with access to a communal private pool for residents, where the water always welcomed us with warmth. It became our go-to spot for unwinding after beach days, and many sunsets were spent lounging by the pool, soaking in the serene ambiance and scenic beauty.
Stay Calm and Carry On With Culinary Adventures
While we did venture into the local culinary landscape, our frequent stops at Voli market and the renowned Davidovic bakery became cherished rituals. The bakery's offerings, including their soft, fluffy bread and pastries, were absolute delights for our senses. Despite the sweltering weather tempering our appetites, the bakery's heavenly treats never failed to hit the spot.
[ Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos, since the snacks disappeared at the speed of light :) ]
Game on: Escaping to Playground Paradise
Is there a better way to escape the heat than to get lost in an indoor playground that can be found in the Chedi Lustica Bay hotel? I think not. After our day at the beach, we had a blast in the hotel's playroom, which features a creative golf 3D simulator, PlayStation, Switch, pool, table soccer, table tennis, and more.
The space offers entertainment for everyone and is a great place to spend time, especially during the hotter parts of the day. When you get into your competitive spirit, hours feel like minutes - which is exactly what you need while waiting for the evening delights yet to come. This time, table soccer was our go-to for passing time. :)
Lights, Tunes, and Lighthouse Views: A Nighttime Adventure
As night falls, the resort transforms into a vibrant hub of entertainment and a perfect romantic getaway. Restaurants in the Marina Village are lit up beautifully, each offering its own style and vibe with acoustic performances and other live entertainment. It is a joy to wander from place to place, soaking in the ambiance and enjoy the music.
A place that stood out to us with its cozy atmosphere and an irresistible menu is Ciao Bella Gelateria. From ice creams, to cakes, to flavored lemonades - I couldn’t tell you what is more perfect. What I enjoyed most in this sweet corner of LB is the Watermelon lemonade and strawberry cake, which had us coming back.
One of the most memorable aspects of the resort, the signature landmark of the LB, is the lighthouse. Its shining night costume adds a magical touch to the entire experience. This lighthouse not only serves as a beacon but also symbolizes the unique charm and allure of Lustica Bay. A video speaks a 1000 words, so I will just leave this here:
From LB, With Love
Our summer escape to The Chedi Lustica Bay was truly like stepping into a Hollywood movie. It was the perfect detox from the daily routine, with poolside lounging, delicious local bites, and serene nights. The stunning lighthouse and the overall vibe of the resort made this trip truly unforgettable. If you're hunting for a spot with a dash of everything, Lustica Bay needs to be at the top of your travel bucket list.
