Luštica Bay, Montenegro’s most prestigious coastal development, is fast becoming the country’s most sought-after enclave. Umesh Patel explores this emerging lifestyle destination to uncover why it’s capturing the imaginations of investors and bon vivants alike.
Montenegro’s appeal reveals itself long before the plane touches down at Tivat Airport. High above the Adriatic, as it banks sharply right for its descent, the landscape unfolds: mountains tumbling into a cerulean sea so blue it almost doesn’t look real. It’s no wonder Lord Byron is said to have mused, “At the birth of our planet, the most beautiful encounter between land and sea must have been in Montenegro.” Lyrical hyperbole? Perhaps. But from this altitude, it’s hard to argue with poetry’s original bad boy.
Just over two and a half hours from London, Montenegro feels like it’s a lot further away – in a good way. The weather is reliably warm, the scenery spectacular, and the tax benefits attractive. It’s easy to see why the Adriatic coast is pulling in international buyers, all hoping to carve out their own little piece of the Balkans.
Among the notable developments is Luštica Bay. If you’re into good food, a bit of peace and quiet and somewhere that still feels a little undiscovered, this luxury resort and residential community is a strong contender. It’s glamorous yet grounded. Set along the coastline, it feels miles away from the chaos of Europe’s more crowded hotspots.
I ended up in Centrale, the residential hub of the development, though that wasn’t the original plan. A wedding party from London had swooped in and taken over our marina apartment, so we were politely relocated.
As consolation prizes go, my apartment was nothing short of splendid, sea view notwithstanding. Spacious and comfortable, it offered plenty of room and a sense of quiet refinement. Inside, the décor had that understated luxury quality: clean lines, muted tones and meticulous attention to detail. The private balcony looked out over the square below, where modern buildings framed sunlit cafés and the usual mix of restaurants and bars spilled onto terraced walkways.
That evening, we had dinner at Luča, a cosy little place known for Montenegrin food: think slow-cooked meats, grilled fish and rich, hearty flavours. A standout dish was the pileći file – chicken fillet served with potatoes, pear and a subtle hint of dill.
The walk there was surprisingly quiet. June might be the start of summer, but this place still feels a bit under the radar. The real crowds don’t arrive until peak season in July and August. For now, there’s a gentle, unhurried rhythm that suits the setting perfectly.
Next to the restaurant, a former warehouse is being converted into a boutique hotel by the developers. It’s a clear sign the area is still evolving.
The design across Luštica Bay is all about fitting in with the surroundings. Centrale is one of four distinct neighbourhoods here, alongside Marina Village, Horizon and The Peaks, which is home to Montenegro’s first 18-hole golf course.
The marina units have already sold out off-plan. There’s still availability in the other areas, including the new Golf Residences. Options range from one to three-bedroom apartments to townhouses and villas, with prices starting at €740,000 and rising to €4.2 million for a four-bedroom villa.
Tamara, an impeccably styled property advisor, explains that the development is progressing in carefully phased stages to ensure steady growth. Most homes are expected to be completed between late 2027 and mid-2028, with further phases to follow. She later drives us to the Horizon construction site in a 4×4, a wise choice given the rugged terrain. The road winds up the hillside, offering no shortage of views. Every jolt and judder felt worth it, although I was secretly glad we tackled it before lunch, otherwise I might have been paying for that ride in other ways.
At the summit, the buildings are still taking shape, carefully positioned to make the most of the view. A fresh breeze catches me by surprise, carrying the scent of the wild flora. Down below, the coastline glimmers in the light.
Just beyond the site is The Peaks, where homes nestle into the hillside above the first hole of a golf course designed by the legendary Gary Player. It’s set to be a tough course, with stunning views in every direction from every hole. So far, only three holes are finished, but six more should be ready by next spring as the course slowly comes together.
That evening, we headed back to the clubhouse for a drinks reception with some of Luštica Bay’s residents and potential buyers. The golf instructor was there too, happily giving tips to anyone wanting to sharpen their swing while everyone mingled nearby.
Yet it was the sky that stole the show. Standing on the perfectly kept grass and looking out over the driving range, the sun slipped behind the dark outlines of the mountain shapes. It painted the sky in shades of pink and red and bathed the clubhouse in a warm, golden glow.
The next morning at the marina, the scene felt just as cinematic. A stroll along the promenade took me past a neat row of waterfront restaurants, including Kiki’s, a chic Mediterranean spot I’d recommend, especially for its fresh seafood and beautifully presented dishes.
The walk ended at The Chedi, a five-star hotel where we had breakfast. It felt more like an occasion than a meal. A three-tiered stand arrived piled high with pastries, cold meats and fresh fruit, and my eggs royale turned up soon after. It was the kind of spread that sends influencers into a photographic frenzy, especially with the marina and its gleaming yachts bobbing gently in the sun as your backdrop.
Meanwhile, preparations were well underway for the itinerary-disrupting wedding at the hotel. Honestly, you’d think Bezos was tying the knot.
I headed over to Marina Beach, which Luštica Bay’s residents have access to, and by 11 a.m. I had a spicy margarita in hand, happily relaxing under my parasol. Some might call it indulgent. I called it research. It’s midday somewhere, right?
The beach was calm, with nothing but the soft swish of waves rolling over the pebbles. It was all very peaceful, but if you’re after a bit more action, the open water is calling. You can hop on a boat and head off to explore hidden coves only reachable by sea.
We set off from the marina towards the Bay of Kotor, only to be stopped mid-journey by the Maritime Border Police. Because what’s a boat trip without a bit of drama? A stone-faced officer appeared, scanned our captain’s paperwork, asked a few questions, then gave a quick nod. Just enough to remind us that even out here in these idyllic waters, someone’s always keeping an eye on things.
We carried on with the journey, and the water was far too tempting to ignore. I gave in and jumped straight in. Floating on my back, staring up at a cloudless sky, I took in the full 360-degree view of the landscape surrounding me. Warm and cool currents moved beneath me. It was completely still. It was the kind of moment that makes you stop and really take in just how beautiful this part of the world is.
Back on the boat, still a bit damp from the swim, with the wind in my face and my appetite kicking in, we headed for lunch. Not long after, we moored at Conte, a family-run gem right on the water in the small town of Perast.
There is something oddly satisfying about stepping off a boat and walking straight to your lunch table. And what a lunch it was. Fresh oysters to start, followed by a line-up of seafood dishes, all leading up to my monkfish poached in white wine and truffle. It was the kind of place that reminds you why it is worth going beyond the beach. I was already planning my return before I had even seen the dessert menu.
From the sea to the stones of the past, no trip to this part of Montenegro is complete without a wander around Kotor and its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old town is a maze of Venetian stone walls and churches, tucked away in shadowy squares. Inside the medieval fortress, every step feels soaked in history.
Along the way, I spotted plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants, many of which proudly and without a hint of irony claim to serve “the best pizza ever.” Whether that’s true, who knows, but I doubt the pizzerias of Naples would be too impressed.
Kotor old town (photo courtesy of Conte)
Lord Byron waxed lyrical about Montenegro’s beauty, but even he probably couldn’t have pictured Luštica Bay as he looked out to sea for inspiration. These days, he’d probably swap his quill for a laptop and write verses from his balcony, glass in hand — make that a bottle — of Malvasia Virgola, a local wine.
Luštica Bay doesn’t need to shout for your attention. It draws you in slowly. There’s a stillness here, a quiet ease, a feeling of connection—even if you’ve only just unpacked your weekend bag. This isn’t just about investing in property or planning your next escape. It’s about discovering a place where life feels unusually well calibrated. The kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Umesh flew directly from London Gatwick to Tivat, with easyJet. Return fares start from £400 per person. For more details on flight schedules and prices, visit the easyJet website.
During his visit, Umesh stayed in Centrale, where apartments are priced from €280 per night. For more information, visit LusticaBay Centrale.
And of course, for more information on Luštica Bay properties, visit their website at www.lusticabay.com.
For a taste of delicious seafood, visit Conte or Kiki’s. For Montenegrin cuisine, visit Luca.
