Recharge your soul

THIS WINTER AT LUŠTICA BAY

In November, we had the pleasure of hosting Jelena Karakash, editor in chief at Buro247 from Belgrade, Serbia and her colleague Iva Chuljak, a columnist. For both, the allure of living by the sea during the wintertime came as a surprise, inspiring them to create content for their readers. Read on to hear Jelena’s impressions and recommendations!

“There is a date which we look forward to all year, secretly and eagerly crossing off the days in the calendar, until it comes knocking. As it approaches, the excitement multiplies! Naturally, I am talking about the moment when the eyes meet the open sea horizon, the mighty sea in all its magnificence! Pupils dilate, palms sweat, while the smell of salty air wafts through open windows. It was exciting both when I was a child, and it is equally electrifying now, decades later. There is something special about the sea that removes all my doubt and fear, welcoming a moment where everything seems fine, and life is as is, in the now. Surrendering to this moment becomes the sole mission. What have I learned over the years; you may ask? To bottle that magical feeling, pack it with me and carry that cloud of memories throughout the year, until I get to relive it again.

I am somewhat wiser now, though. I stretch the summer moments to the absolute maximum, combining days off and business trips, vacations and holidays, grabbing every chance I get to run to the seashore. Time and again, the euphoria takes over and all worries recede, as I fly over the sea on my way to reach the coast one more time. However, the truth is - and I discovered this only recently - living by the sea during the off season is unmatchable.

Theoretically, I did experience the off-season sea during May and in September but, when I first got exposed to what November on the coast has to offer, I found a new religion. Days until the summer calendar became redundant because now, I know that the sea will nourish my soul and body, regardless of the part of the year.

A few weeks ago, I was in Luštica Bay for the first time, while the wind was blowing, the waves were crashing, and the rain was roaring. Temperature? Low. Colour? All shades of grey. Mood? Perfect! You don’t have to take my word for it, just test this ambience for yourself, I guarantee that you will fall in love with it.

During those days, my address was an apartment at Luštica Bay, building Maslina 2, and a seemingly ordinary white armchair opposite the glass terrace door was where I spent hour after hour, mesmerized and serene. From there, you could see that glowing spot where the sea and the sky collide, with the sea foam pounding and spilling over the shore - a roar that rhythmically repeats, calming and nurturing, a sharp contrast to the city noise. That rhythmic sound clears the low energy and allows me to finally unpack the emotional baggage, that I persistently carry with me. From the white armchair, the tender marina on my right, protected by the breakwaters, and the cinematic scene on my left - the waves shattering against the sharp rocks, displaying all the power and grace of nature, dissolving and liberating all my negative thoughts, leaving them to be released somewhere in the water and its currents. “There is something special about the sea that removes all my doubt and fear, welcoming a moment where everything seems fine, and life is as is, in the now.

Surrendering to this moment becomes the sole mission.”

The Luštica Bay motto is A Place to Belong, and you get to feel this as soon as you unpack. Whether you are staying for a day, two, or more (which is my recommendation following their Stay Work Play program), you instantly become a part of the community of this minute resort town.

Some days, I dreamt of being a potent heroine, standing on the terrace in my nightgown and staring at the wild sea. When I get tired of that role, I go 25 steps down to the marina promenade, where a lot of charming restaurants, bars and wineries are proposing different aromas. For instance, Finestra Winery is the right place to start the wine path of Montenegro. Restaurants Kiki’s and Villa Cesare prepare great Italian dishes, playing bravely with ingredients and recipes, while delicious seafood is served at 21 Bistro and Asian delicacies at The Spot restaurant. I suggest you try all with no rush, indulging in life as it should be at Luštica Bay, opening opportunities to meet new people and make new connections. That is exactly how this community is being created! Almost everyone with whom you interact, will reveal that they bought a property in this very place, merely after a few days of visiting as a tourist. The perfect location, several beautiful beaches, and subtle content to be enjoyed, are some of the reasons which inspired them to ultimately become residents of Luštica Bay. I admit that I am jealous of their courage and prompt decision making. At Luštica Bay, you will instantly start thinking that anything is possible and that everything is okay. Here, optimism is served in cocktail glasses, hypnotising you throughout.

“Some days, I dreamt of being a potent heroine, standing on the terrace in my nightgown and staring at the wild sea.”

If you are one of those dynamic people, this place will be able to meet your workaholic criteria too. Firstly, there is The Chedi Hotel and investors plan to open another 6 hotels with similar standards, and facilities that satisfy even the most demanding of us. A chic and multifunctional Lobby Bar, with a patisserie at the terrace overlooking the marina and a weekly movie screening for the whole family, render it your perfect day spot. Hotel The Chedi features an outstanding spa, known for its Balinese massage offer. And the list does not end here, as there is a golf simulator at the hotel where you can practice this game and prepare for the first 18-holes golf course in Montenegro, which will be located right here, in the charming sanctuary of Luštica Bay. Also, on request, a smart-mirror Fittar is available with built-in exercise programs, providing a type of virtual personal trainer, in your hotel room.

Finally, my warm recommendation is to put a wind jacket on and explore the Luštica coast, the fragrant vegetation, the indigenous species. Go and visit organic farms and petite wineries, breathe deeply, carrying the fragrance of the herbs in your nostrils. Toast with homemade drinks, learn about the tradition of the eversurprising Luštica peninsula. Sit on the dock with your thoughts, forgetting deadlines and promises. Listen to the rain and get into its rhythm as you meditate. When the time comes to go home, simply book a new ticket instead of promising to come back someday. Over the years, I realised that no one will take care of your soul better than you can and should, and it is clear that the stay at Luštica Bay returned mine to its factory settings. Well, see you soon, Luštica Bay!”