Luštica Bay is nestled in the sweeping Luštica Peninsula in idyllic Trašte bay, poised between the entrance to the stunning Boka Bay and the Adriatic Sea. Jane Lees took a first look.
Developed by Orascom Development Holding, a leading international developer of integrated communities in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Luštica Bay is a new town in the making on the banks of the south Adriatic.
This is the first and largest greenfield development in Montenegro. Nearly 600 million euros have already been spent with an estimated project cost of 1.5 billion euros.
Currently covering nearly 6km of coastline, it is home to 450 families from over 50 nationalities with around 600 residences already built.
It is an amazing project with only 10% of the build complete to date.
The jewel in the crown will be Montenegro’s first residential golf course development. The Gary Player-designed hilltop property will join an elite group of under 10% of the world’s golf courses to have a sea view from every hole, either over the sparkling Adriatic Sea or the spectacular Boka Bay.
A Thriving Community
During a recent holiday to Montenegro, I took a detour to visit Luštica Bay. A town in the making, it is only 15 minutes from Tivat International Airport. Once completed it will be home to more than 6,000 residents, 300+ apartments, 300 luxury villas with sea view and seven hotels.
Currently developing as a thriving community with three neighbourhoods, I visited to see how the development of The Peaks neighbourhood was coming along. It will eventually consist of an 18-hole golf course, a hotel, clubhouse, practice range and short game facilities plus some spectacular residences.
The Chedi
In the heart of the community is Marina Village. Here, you will find The Chedi, a five-star hotel, overlooking the marina and promenade.
From the welcome drink and hot towel to the daily turndown and gift, the understated luxury and comfort of the hotel is plain to see. The spacious and airy room had beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea, and the place had the feeling of your own personal seaside town.
The Chedi is home to 111 rooms, 60 available for purchase condominiums, two restaurants, three bars, a ballroom, an outdoor heated pool, a spa, fitness centre with an indoor heated pool and a gym.
The Rok Beach Bar – ideal spot for lunch during a day on Chedi beach. Enjoy freshly made pizzas, burgers and beautiful salads. Kiki’s – great place for lunch or dinner with a rich selection of Mediterranean and national dishes.
The Spot – ideal venue for all-day dining. Whether you’re craving a leisurely brunch, a light snack, a full course lunch, a casual dinner, or cocktails on the terrace.
A Japanese restaurant has recently opened which is well worth a visit.
Spa Treatments
Sadly I had no time for a treatment, but the Spa has a specially selected range of organic, seaweed-based VOYA products. The expert treatment range includes massage, body scrub, body wraps and facial treatments. Plus, you’re welcome to enjoy the indoor spa pool, outdoor infinity pool, a sauna, a steam room and an experience shower.
It’s easy to stay active. In addition to an indoor and outdoor gym, you can play volleyball, padel, basketball or tennis. There’s also the option to golf, dive, sail, bike, hike, kayak and go rafting.
The Golf
The main reason for the detour on my holiday was to see the progress of the Luštica Bay golf resort in The Peaks community.
Designed by the legendary Gary Player, the golf course will feature views across the Adriatic and the magnificent, UNESCO protected Boka Bay from EVERY hole.
The 18-hole golf course is currently under construction but Holes 1 to 3 are already in use and and you are able to play on them.
I had the pleasure of playing three holes in my sandals, which was a first, and I can honestly say this place is going to be magical.
The natural topography of the terrain has been thoughtfully incorporated into the design. And despite its elevated status most of the holes will be fairly flat with the incline/decline happening between green and tee. Buggies will be needed.
The hilltop property will join an elite group of under 10% of the world’s golf courses to have a sea view from every hole.
This is going to be a bucket list course for the golf traveller.
Beyond the town
It’s easy to stay on-site for the duration of your stay with various restaurants and shops on the harbour promenade, a spa, swimming pool and five beaches with regular water taxis to take you there. But there are some fantastic UNESCO Heritage sites only a boat or car ride away:
- Kotor Old Town – known for medieval architecture and rich history
- Perast Old Town – preserved baroque architecture, deep-rooted naval legacy and two islets of mythical beauty – Our Lady of the Rocks and Sveti Dorde Island
- Tara Canyon
- Durmitor National Park
Getting there
Three international airports:
- Tivat International Airport (TIV) – 12km / 15mins
- Podgorica (TGD) – 92km
- Dubrovnik (DBV) in Croatia – 62km from Luštica Bay
Flight times:
- London Stansted – 2h 30
- Manchester – 3h 15
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Scotland.
It’s a small undeveloped airport with two terminals but extremely quick through customs. No duty free but the terminal is undergoing development.
Best time to visit: May to September.
Final thoughts
On a number of occasions during my short stay at Luštica Bay, I was taken back to my trip to Costa Navarino in Greece.
There are many similarities – five-star service, excellent facilities, beautiful rooms, top-notch hospitality and fabulous golf courses.
The one thing missing at the moment is a golf course. But, make no mistake this resort is in one of the most beautiful places in Europe. And there are lots of sights and culture to behold before the course and associated residences come online.
For more information on this magical place, visit https://lusticabay.com/
