INFORMAL LUXURY 2.22
LOCATION
Upon our last visit to The Chedi Luštica Bay, we wrote that a new tourist city is emerging within the Trašte Bay. More precisely, a modern village is growing in the peninsula of Luštica, which surrounds the iconic entrance to the Bay of Kotor. Orascom, an international construction corporation based in Egypt, has already finished constructing the central part of its coastal investment. They are moving inland, where a new golf field and a city within a city will soon greet visitors. Those who make Luštica Bay their annual vacation destination are thus greeted by new shops, restaurants and improving public infrastructure each year. The heart of Luštica remains The Chedi Luštica Bay hotel, a hotel constructed in cooperation with the Asian hotel chain GHM. Seamlessly blending with the Mediterranean architecture of the city, we were impressed by its awe-inspiring horticulture during our latest visit. What renders the location prestigious are the views of the Adriatic blue sea, with the Lovčen mountain chain embracing the bustling marina in the background.
ACCESSIBILITY
The airport in Tivat is now closer than ever as the motorway connects the two destinations ten kilometres apart. Airports in Dubrovnik and Podgorica are relatively close, and most guests opt to arrive in Montenegro by plane. The hotel is only 16 kilometres away from the centre of Tivat. Guests arriving by car need not worry, as spacious parking awaits. In addition, valet parking functions flawlessly. The resort is compact enough for casual walks or enjoying a ride in handy electric buggies. Sport-oriented guests can rent bicycles or go for a morning trek around the bay. Every year, infrastructural novelties surprise guests, making their journey easier and their stay more pleasant.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
At first glance, the hotel does not stand out from the architecture of the recently-constructed Mediterranean village next to it. It seems it has been there forever, albeit it grew from nothing. With its diverse architectural composition, it organically blends with the area. The lobby serves unparalleled views and represents the heart and soul of the hotel, always mesmerising guests with details, particularly the egg swing chairs. Much like the design interconnecting several buildings, the lighting appears thought-out and sophisticated. All paths lead to the coastal promenade that is the aorta of the village and where social life is concentrated in bars. The refined interior design complements the public space, reminiscent of an art gallery. Gauthier Guillaume, a renowned interior designer, created an open and relaxing zen oasis with eye-catching materials that will have easily stood the test of time by our next visit. There are countless Instagrammable points in the city and the entire village.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
The meeting point within the hotel is the reception and lobby, which comes to life due to the exceptional staff. Their uniforms appear relaxed, casual and youthful. To find an unfriendly staff member in Chedi Lustica Bay is pointless as the personnel is, above all, hospitable. Understandably, tidiness and cleanliness come above all else. The positive measures from covid times are still indiscreetly upheld by the hotel. The Spot Restaurant thrilled us upon our first visit. This time, it featured a more refined, sophisticated menu. They discovered a winning combination by following the philosophy of less is more and using local ingredients. With outstanding steaks and a top-notch wine list, the restaurant is head and shoulders above the unimaginative competition, who can find inspiration in the hotel. We were mesmerised by the hotel’s culinary story, which draws inspiration from the richness of the sea and the abundance of flavours found in the Montenegrin mountains. Their approach is reflected in the phenomenal breakfast, including the eggs benedict par excellence. Umami.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
We were stunned by the spacious room that measures 50 square metres. The Grand Deluxe Room comprises a well-equipped kitchen space, bathroom and separate toilet. The panoramic bathroom with a bath is a feast for the eyes. Adding a unique touch to the room is the technique on the walls, which goes hand in hand with the minimalist furniture made from bright oak wood and the floor reminiscent of terrazzo tiles. High-tech illumination in the room oozes the feeling of prestige, while the bed and bed lining is world-class, as expected of the hotel chain. The room is equipped with modern technology and filled with tiny surprises such as the Bose speakers, the Illy coffee machine and an array of excellent wines at affordable prices. One could easily spend months in such a room as a digital nomad. The easy-to-use concept applies to the lighting, the kitchen equipment and the stable internet.
Meetings centre
The central meeting hall, The Ballroom, is the best of the hotel’s meeting offer. It can capacitate 168 guests or 96 participants in a banquet setting. In the heart of the conference centre, a spacious lobby (195 m2) awaits guests, adding value to the hotel. It has become a hit among event organisers and wedding organisers. Adjoining the hall is a small conference room and additional space for events. The Rock Beach Bar seems ideal for various parties, and The Marina is no stranger to events. The sky is the limit when organising your event here, given how adaptable the hotel team is.
DESSERT – The extras
A spa with two saunas and an infinity pool is a harmonically-designed oasis, offering a retreat from the crowded outdoor pool. We recommend trying the Chedi treatments by professional Thai massage therapists.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
The city is still a construction site, and one cannot avoid the sound of heavy machinery. Considering the complexity of the project, it cannot be constructed in one phase. Nonetheless, most construction work is ongoing outside of the marina.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the marina is a unique venue worth reserving for your next event. It can capacitate up to 100 attendees. Your attendees will never forget your presentation or event in such an ambient.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
The Chedi Luštica Bay stands out from the crowd with its urban hotel philosophy, quality service and architectural approach. The hotel boasts prestigious natural materials and a refined style. Comparing it with more renowned competitors is rightful once you have visited the hotel because Chedi offers a different kind of luxury – less formal and thus more apt for the urban population. At the same time, the diverse offer and numerous incentive programs available within the resort or in its vicinity render the hotel ideal for exploring the astounding beauty of Montenegro or hosting demanding incentive groups. Not only is the design excellent, but the well-being while staying at the hotel is also unmatched. We can only praise the staff who seem highly motivated. Even though we could not discern what drives them, their approach makes Chedi a one-off hotel. Once the resort is complete with a professional golf court, we dare say it will be the epicentre of incentives in the Adriatic.
FINAL GRADE: 4.92 GOLD Resort Meeting Hotel
GOLD final score from 4.81 to 5.00
SILVER final score from 4.61 to 4.80
BRONZE final score from 4.41 to 4.60
