Lustica Bay Montenegro: The newest heaven in Europe to visit

I’ve just returned from a mini-break in Lustica Bay, Montenegro, and as I sit here reliving my trip, I’m daydreaming about when I can next go back, and wondering why I hadn’t been to that part of the world sooner.

Nestled along the Adriatic coast, this new development is a true hidden gem – an effortlessly elegant haven that blends modern luxury with serene, authentic charm.

(Image: Immy Share, Newsquest) I stayed at The Chedi, and from the moment I arrived, I knew I was somewhere special.

The lobby’s soaring ceilings, warm stone accents, and panoramic views set the tone, but it was the staff’s heartfelt hospitality that took my breath away.

My suite overlooked the marina, its private terrace a perfect nook for morning coffee as yachts glided by and the sun spilled across the water.

Bedroom views at The Chedi (Image: Immy Share, Newsquest)Every morning, I walked down to the beach just a few steps from the hotel.

It’s one of the most peaceful beaches I’ve been on – small pebbles, crystal-clear water in varying shades of turquoise, and not a soul crowding the space.

Caves and crystal clear blue sea (Image: Immy Share, Newsquest) During my trip I boarded a Boka Bay boat tour, and wow – if you’re looking to understand Lustica Bay’s magic, this is it.

We cruised through the dramatic fjord-like bay, skirted beneath vertical cliffs, and paused in secluded coves only accessible by water.

Stunning clear blue waters on the Boka Bay boat experience (Image: Immy Share, Newsquest) The captain anchored in one spot, and we swam in the sea. The water was so clear, I could see fish darting beneath.

We visited Mamula Island, Lady of the Rocks, Kotor and Perast.

Mamula Island, a restored 19th century fortress with 32 rooms, a spa, a beach, three pools, three restaurants and four bars with panoramic sea views, allowing you to explore history and luxury paired like no other.

Mamula Island hotel views (Image: Immy Share, Newsquest) Lady of the Rocks, a museum in the middle of the sea, Kotor, mainland featuring a beautiful old town, and Perast, perfect for a spot of lunch on a cliff over the water.

Lady of the Rocks (Image: Immy Share, Newsquest) Back on land, Marina Village is a sophisticated cluster of restaurants and boutiques, all with glorious water views. 21 Bistro quickly became a favourite.

Their approach to Mediterranean cuisine – fresh seafood, locally sourced vegetables, and a nuanced wine list – hit all the right notes.

Another favourite was Kiki’s, a marina-front bar-restaurant with more laid-back vibes. Picture low lounge chairs and gentle music, perfect with fresh fish and some crisp rosé while the lights of the marina winked in the water beside us.

Fresh food at Kiki’s (Image: Immy Share, Newsquest) What strikes me most about Lustica Bay is its balance – it feels utterly new but not forced; luxurious but unpretentious; curated yet unpretentious.

The development is peaceful: no high-rise chaos, no blaring beach bars, no souvenir hawkers. Just low-key sophistication with nodes of social life when you want it.

Lustica Bay is exactly the place I didn’t know my soul needed: a peaceful retreat with enough life and culture to keep every moment interesting. And The Chedi served as that perfect cocoon/

If you’re craving a beautifully balanced escape – fresh, elegant, under-the-radar – pack your bags for Montenegro.

Lustica Bay is waiting, and I just hope I can go back soon.

The golf course

We visited the golf course, designed by the legendary Gary Player, and hit some balls on the first couple of holes which are ready, with mountain and sea views and the sun blaring onto us.

(Image: Immy Share, Newsquest) As the first course in Montenegro, the accompanying residential collection is being created with sophisticated design and commanding views of the sea and the bay, comprising apartments, townhouses, and villas.

The Peaks golf villa (Image: Lustica Bay)

The hilltop property will join an elite group of under 10 per cent 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.

What will Lustica Bay be when it’s complete?

Marina Village (Image: Lustica Bay) Already feeling so, Lustica Bay is set to be “a place to belong”.

It’s being developed by Orascom Development Holding, a leading international developer of integrated communities in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa including; Andermatt Swiss Alps in Switzerland and El Gouna on the Red Sea in Egypt.

It is one of the largest investment projects (1.5 billion EUR) in south-eastern Europe and the first and largest greenfield development in Montenegro with total investment to date (2023) of over 380 million euros.

It will be home to 400 families of over 40 nationalities with approximately 600 constructed residences