Montenegro, the latest luxury addition to your travel bucket List by Sabrina Chakici

15 November 2019

Ever thought about travelling to Montenegro? If the answer is yes, read on. If the answer is no, allow me to introduce you to Lustica Bay.

Sabrina in Lustica Bay

The country of Montenegro has so much to offer as a holiday destination from the glamorous marinas to the rustic old town and with 280 days of sunshine each year it’s especially inviting for us Brits who can travel there by spending just 3 hours in the sky.

The Southern European destination receives far less attention from international tourists than it’s bordering country of Dubrovnik and yet such similar splendor. That being said, discovering is still very much reserved for those who are ‘in the know’ and with the luxury addition of Lustica Bay the intrigue has never been so rewarding.

The up and coming marina town is the latest touristic development in the country and though it’s still in the very early stages the location effortlessly exudes glamour and sophistication. The bay has spent the last couple of years creating a luxury profile which has attracted the international travel elite with A-listers utilizing the upscale seclusion.

The elegant resort which I would best describe as a ‘Monaco meets Dubrovnik’ scene caters wonderfully to visitors looking for a special get-a-way with luxury accommodation and restaurants. Whilst a handful more hotels are yet to be built, the current Palace of the Plaza is The Chedi Lustica Bay, a dreamy five star hotel that has a reputation of pure excellence around the world. The new-build has sea views from every window, a stylish décor that wouldn’t look out of place in a glossy interiors magazine, spaciously dramatic rooms with all the mod cons and plush bathroom ‘extras’ and a Whisky Sour that’ll beckon my swift return! It’s an amazing base to explore the surrounding area whilst providing everything you need should you never wish to leave.

When it does come to exploring the local area you are beyond spoilt for choice with picturesque restaurants, sparkling shopping promenades, the crystal clear Adriatic Sea and the historically fascinating Old Town of Kotor. A visit to Montenegro would, however, be a wasted one if you didn’t make it out on The Bay of Kotor. The UNESCO as a world heritage site stole the show for me. By boat the bay is simply breath-taking looking up at the pastel coloured coastline and then looking down into the incredibly inviting Adriatic Sea.

The bay offers a pretty glimpse of Montenegrin culture with the Church of our Lady of the Rock, the picture perfect structure showcases a great tale of the Balkans. Historically so many locals would battle the harsh surrounding waters in small wooden boats, fishing or travelling out by sea was a risky but necessary trade and every time the fishermen or sailors would return to the bay they would throw a rock into the ocean as a thank-you for returning safety. Over time these rocks stacked up and on top of the grateful foundations they built a church to commemorate the triumphs as well as creating a remembrance for those that did not make it back.

Montenegro has so much to offer as an all-round holiday destination and with the exciting new Lustica Bay expanding the luxury lure; it’s definitely time to add it to your list!