Olivia Celest Blanchard

1. Olivia, what’s important to you as an artist? Does the environment you live in affect your work?

Years ago, before there was anything built around here, I used to arrive at the Bay by boat when it was just wild untouched nature. When I heard the news about the development of a new resort town in the making, my first reaction was one of absolute devastation, thinking the bay will be taken over by construction. As time went by, we came to see the project and witnessed how beautiful it was and saw the potential of its growth; that’s when we decided to become part of it. I can see how it’s sustainably growing with respect to its surrounding nature; I like the communal village feel it has and the Mediterranean green surroundings, which I can’t get enough of, always wishing to see more. I also admire their use of natural stones in building sidewalks and open parks. The quality of construction and the environmental care that comes with it is quite notable as well. As an artist, I enjoy and appreciate overwhelmingly beautiful surroundings that develop in harmony with mother nature’s proportions. I do not think I can ever leave the Mediterranean Sea; I know that if I lived farther away from the sea in a place with less natural light, I would simply feel sad.

AN ARTIST, NATURE LOVER AND SEA WANDERER – MEET OLIVIA CELEST BLANCHARD, ONE OF OUR BELOVED HOMEOWNERS WHO HAS WITNESSED THE GROWTH OF LUŠTICA BAY FROM ITS FIRST CONTOURS TO ITS CURRENT PROPOSITION.

2. As cultural and art enthusiasts, what makes Montenegro special in that sense? Is there a historic site here that you feel strongly about?

Montenegro has a rich music culture and it is always nice to hear bands playing live in the streets of Kotor or in Luštica; violins and bass are the closest to my heart. The coastal town of Kotor Bay has a special charm to it, its geography makes me feel like I am being embraced in between its hills; it has always been a symbol of security to me. It is very exotic, with natural stone-like construction and authentic aged houses and churches giving it its recognizable uniqueness. Wandering on the serpentine road, I always come across scenic and breath-taking spots of some of the most beautiful places in Montenegro.

Exploring the old city of Bar is also a must-do; so is Lake Skadar, the largest in the Balkan Peninsula with its preserved and protected national park.

“Somehow, everywhere I look,

it feels like each detail has been

designed to please my senses.”

3. When you take your boat out, how do you spend your day at sea?

We usually love to start with an early morning swim in the Blue Grotto, one of the biggest and most picturesque caves I have ever seen. It is always an exciting experience, especially when we have new guests exploring the country and its coast for the first time. Mamula Island is quite a pristine visit, away from the crowded summer season. We also like to visit Perast - a tiny, idyllic village with jaw-dropping views and the picturesque islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, as the crowning point.

4. What keeps you coming back to Luštica Bay? How has it become your true place of belonging ?

The simplicity, peacefulness, and tranquillity. The warm and friendly community. The fact that I can daily opt between swimming in the pool or enjoying the sea; wherever my strolls take me, ice-cream stops are always a few seconds away! Somehow, everywhere I look, it feels like each detail has been designed to please my senses.