A True Sense Of Belonging In Centrale

A True Sense

OF BELONGING IN CENTRALE

Marko Ristanović, an infrastructure project manager at Luštica Bay, has just been handed the keys to his cosy new apartment in Centrale neighbourhood. His account is a testament to Luštica Bay’s commitment to creating a thriving and breathing community, reflecting a genuine sense of belonging in the destination. Having held a professional role as an employee in the construction of the building he now resides in, only adds to the distinctiveness of his story and this special corporate project. We found out how he and his family are getting along in their tailor-made, Centrale home.

You recently received the keys to your apartment in the new Centrale neighbourhood - how does it feel to live every day in the town you’re building together with your colleagues? If I had to describe it in one word – UNREAL! This is something you can’t compare with an everyday event or one isolated moment of joy; the joy is permanent and omnipresent in our new microworld. Needless to say, the Company carefully planned out the whole process, and on our side, we were just patiently waiting and preparing for, to date, the move of our lives. We are just so happy. Naturally, much of it has to do with the fact that I was also personally involved in the construction phase together with the rest of my projects and design colleagues, who were slowly giving the life to my family’s new nest. I had a touch of stage fright having to step into ‘the client’ shoes, but it is a true privilege and an honour to be a buyer in Luštica Bay.

You mentioned your personal engagement in the construction process. How does this dimension add to the overall experience, and does it bring a higher level of commitment or emotional connection in completing the project?

I suspect that it might not be entirely professional to say that your personal emotions can be so present during one engineering phase of the project, but I must admit that there were plenty of emotions there from start to finish and ultimately, it really was a very personal thing to me. Basically, this whole journey from its conceptual phases to the final realisation ignited a unique emotional connection between me and the project, and naturally so, solidified my relationship with the development as a whole. Similarly, although some of my team members in the projects department did not partake in the program, their dedication to this project was very inspiring, being aware that they are building homes for their colleagues.

Finally, commitment to good and hard work is always there, when you are operating in a development such as Luštica Bay. It was the same for the building in question and we are always very motivated to bring joy and happiness to all our clients (or better yet, neighbours). The dedication was naturally heightened here, given that we all personally knew and felt how important our product is to the end-user.

Luštica Bay, as is the case in a number Orascom destinations, developed this employee scheme enabling employees to purchase apartments under favourable financial and payment terms. How important was this to you and why did you ultimately opt to be a part of this destination? Luštica Bay is part of Orascom’s big family, where employees do feel a sense of belonging to a wider family, and a program such as this one reflects just that. Being a part of this employee scheme has changed many things in life for me and my family and it has allowed us to reach a major milestone in life. Being part of this destination is not just about owning the apartment itself, it is also about the added benefits, services and possibilities that cater to our daily family needs. Our kids just love the sports courts and beaches, and we are overjoyed that we have these amenities and this nature just a couple of minutes from the apartment.

Centrale a very peaceful place, but not one without its vigour and character; it really is designed to suit various types of buyers and residents, but perhaps especially those who want to nurture the ultimate family vibe. If and when we feel like going out for a nice sunset dinner, Marina Village with the wealth of its offer, is just around the corner

As a new homeowner, how do you experience Luštica’s slogan ‘a place to belong’, compared to when you were “just” an employee? What are your family’s impressions of life in Luštica?

We’ve been living in Tivat for the last fourteen years, but Luštica was part of our lives for much of that time in a way. Now that we’ve really become part of it in our new home, my family couldn’t be happier! The kids are very excited to meet their new friends, they are already attending classes in their new local school here and are slowly getting exposed to a variety of activities available in the destination.

What do you do together as a family here?

My wife and myself are just in love with the positive energy of being near the sea and nature. Beyond that, Luštica’s dining and hospitality scene in general is exquisite, with a high level of service, making your life that much more tasteful. The kids are having the time of their lives with the great choice of outdoor activities and sports. We often go hiking, fishing, biking, swimming (not these days obviously but we cannot wait for spring and summer 2023 to start!). Most of the time we are spending quality time with our friends in the garden, with some ‘pršut’, cheese, wine and few drops of cold ‘rakija’. Today life truly couldn’t be better!

I just realised during that interview that, since we moved from Tivat to Centrale, we haven’t left Luštica peninsula at all. We’ve settled into this neighbourhood so quickly, naturally and effortlessly that I haven’t even realized this. That is to say that, without a shadow of a doubt, we feel like we belong to this place. To be honest, even before my new “resident” role, my family always loved hanging out around Luštica Bay – weekends, free-time, after work, we were always heading here. Now we are homeowners and we get to enjoy it that much more. “This is something you

can’t compare with an everyday event or one isolated moment of joy; the joy is permanent and omnipresent in our new microworld. ”