Montenegro is rapidly proving itself as one of Europe’s most captivating hidden gems for luxury travel. During a recent expedition to the Kotor Bay area in May 2026, I had the pleasure of spending three nights at The Chedi Luštica Bay. Known for its elegant approach to hospitality, this property left a lasting impression. Let’s dive deep into what makes this hotel a standout on the Adriatic coast.
Location and Direction
The Chedi Luštica Bay sits in a highly strategic and exclusive enclave within the Luštica Bay Marina Village. If you are flying into Tivat Airport (TIV), it’s an effortless 15-minute drive. While the journey is exceptionally scenic, do be mindful of occasional roadworks along the way, and try not to let the gorgeous coastal views distract you too much.
The real luxury of privacy begins upon arrival. The property is nestled within a gated residential community. On your first entry, a manned security checkpoint requires a quick registration of your name. After this seamless initial process, the gates utilize automatic license plate recognition, offering zero-hassle entry and exit for the remainder of your stay. This prime location also places you just a short drive from key regional attractions, including the Kotor Cable Car and Porto Montenegro, making it an excellent base for exploring.
Neighbourhood
During my May visit, the Marina Village was blissfully quiet, which perfectly aligned with my preference for exclusivity and relaxation. Wandering the boardwalk during the day, you’ll encounter only a handful of people, reinforcing the private, upscale atmosphere.
Despite the tranquility, the neighbourhood is well-appointed with a curated selection of outlets, including restaurants, boutique clothing stores, a spa, and a convenient small supermarket. A significant perk of staying at The Chedi is direct access to a private beach. Taking a stroll by the marina, feeling the light sea breeze, and looking out toward the lighthouse offers a profound sense of serenity. It is a neighbourhood designed for leaving the world behind and unwinding in style.
Check-In and First Impressions
First impressions matter, and The Chedi excels here. Upon arrival, the valet and bell staff immediately took care of our car and luggage with warm, professional efficiency. Stepping into the lobby feels incredibly special; the aesthetic effortlessly blends maritime hues with natural wood elements—from the flooring and pillars to the soaring ceilings.
Rather than overwhelming you with flashy, ostentatious decor, the design breathes. The lobby isn't massively sprawling, but thanks to the impressive floor height and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the marina, it feels expansive and deeply comforting. It feels less like a traditional hotel and more like returning to a very elegant home.
We were invited to bypass the traditional standing check-in. Instead, after handing over our passports, we were seated in the lounge and presented with refreshing scented towels and a beautifully crafted welcome beverage. By the time we finished our iced tea, the formalities were complete, our passports were returned, and our rooms were waiting for us.
The Room: Grand Deluxe Room with Sea View
For this stay, we secured a Grand Deluxe Room with Sea View. After a short stroll down the elegantly understated, ocean-themed corridors, we arrived at our suite. Upon entering, you are immediately greeted by a beautifully clean, signature room scent that perfectly evokes the surrounding Adriatic breeze.
The entrance opens into a highly practical kitchenette area, complete with induction stovetops, a sleek sink, a fully stocked minibar, and an espresso machine for that essential morning caffeine hit. Conveniently, there is also a secondary powder room situated just off this entryway.
Rounding the corner, the space expands into a generously sized living area. It features a wide working desk—perfect for catching up on a bit of writing on the road—a spacious floor-to-ceiling wardrobe in beautiful timber tones, and a plush curved sofa. Taking center stage is the king-sized Simmons Sweet Sleeper bed, assuring a deeply restful night after a day of exploration.
Stepping further into the room reveals one of its strongest assets: a private balcony directly overlooking the marina and the property's iconic lighthouse. It is dangerously easy to lose track of time out here, simply lounging with an espresso and soaking in the sweeping, panoramic views as the day passes by.
Adjacent to the balcony is the master bathroom, a light-filled sanctuary boasting a double vanity, a revitalizing rain shower, and a deep soaking bathtub perfectly positioned to take in the marina views through the window. The hotel generously provides premium Acqua Di Parma amenities, including their exquisite hand cream and wash, which add a distinct touch of high-end luxury.
However, from a discerning traveler's perspective, not all amenities hit the same high mark. While the hotel's shift toward environmentally friendly products is commendable, the quality of the wooden toothbrushes leaves much to be desired. The bristles flare out completely after a single use. Frankly, producing low-quality items that require daily replacement feels entirely counterproductive to the sustainability mission they are trying to achieve.
On a sweeter note, the arrival experience was excellent. We found a beautifully presented plate of welcome snacks waiting on the table, featuring savoury bite-sized cakes and fresh tangerines, accompanied by a warm, personalized welcome letter.
The attention to detail extends beyond the well-appointed room amenities—like the highly practical kitchenette and premium Lavazza espresso setup—to the evening turndown service. Instead of standard chocolates, the hotel thoughtfully provides interesting local products. During our stay, we were gifted a bottle of fragrant lavender olive oil and a decorative miniature traditional spinning distaff, a charming nod to Montenegrin culture.
Weekend Dinner At The Japanese
As the name suggests, The Japanese delivers a unique Montenegrin take on classic Japanese cuisine. Operating exclusively on Friday and Saturday nights, this small, intimate venue is discreetly tucked away and notoriously difficult to book. After initially being told they were full, we were offered the chance to wait for a potential no-show. We happily spent the half-hour enjoying the marina views from our room before receiving the welcome call that a table had opened up.
Walking through the neon-lit entrance, you are led down a narrow corridor right past the open kitchen, watching the chefs in action before emerging into the dining space. The room is anchored by a sleek central bar, with striking noren-style fabric panels cascading from the ceiling. Adding a fun, thematic touch, the menu is playfully presented like a traditional makimono scroll, boasting a diverse selection of sushi, hand rolls, tempura, and ramen.
For our meal, we sampled the sweet potato and zucchini flower kogane crunch (tempura), kamo (duck) ramen, tako (octopus) soba, and yakitori chicken skewers. The plating was visually spectacular, and the flavors genuinely hit the mark for an authentic Asian palate. It is remarkably impressive to find such expertly crafted Japanese fare in this secluded corner of the Adriatic. The sweet potato tempura was such a standout that we immediately ordered an encore.
To finish, we opted for the matcha purine and a selection of ice cream mochi. The desserts were perfectly balanced, hitting the ideal sweet-and-tart notes without being overly sugary. Overall, it was a genuinely fantastic dining experience from start to finish.
Breakfast At The Restaurant
Located just off the lobby adjacent to The Japanese, The Restaurant serves as the property's primary breakfast venue. Upon arrival, the host provides a warm greeting and a refreshing, daily-rotating healthy smoothie shot before guiding you to your table.
The dining space beautifully capitalizes on its waterfront location. The room is exceptionally well-lit, relaxing, and comfortable, adorned with striking blue-and-white porcelain displays and a decorative white grand piano. Since our visit coincided with a period of lower occupancy, the morning atmosphere remained wonderfully tranquil. On pleasant days, the small outdoor terrace is the absolute perfect spot to soak in the marina views alongside a gentle sea breeze and morning sunshine.
Breakfast operates on a refined semi-buffet model. An à la carte menu of made-to-order dishes covers both sweet and savory cravings—featuring everything from perfectly executed omelettes and salmon benedicts to fluffy American pancakes. Barista-made coffee and fresh juices are also conveniently ordered table-side.
The self-serve buffet component is beautifully presented. You will find a generous spread of freshly baked breads and pastries, vibrant seasonal fruits, and an impressive charcuterie and cheese selection. During the weekends, the buffet expands to include hot items in chafing dishes, such as bacon and roasted cherry tomatoes.
While the overall ingredient quality is undeniably high, there were a few minor inconsistencies. For instance, the cocoa-chia pudding from the à la carte menu sometimes felt a bit under-set. Additionally, having the self-serve hot buffet items restricted strictly to weekends felt slightly limiting for weekday guests who might prefer a quick hot option without having to order from the menu.
Dinner At The Spot
For our evening meals, we dined twice at The Spot, the hotel's acclaimed restaurant situated directly at the marina level. Recognized by the World Luxury Restaurant Awards, the venue offers both indoor and alfresco seating options. The vibe here is wonderfully relaxed during the day, but the ambiance truly sublimes as the sky turns dark and the warm, ambient lights of the marina illuminate the promenade.
Dinner service always commences with a lovely touch: a complimentary amuse-bouche featuring warm brioche paired with a small, elegant glass of creamy soup to awaken the palate.
Our first visit was an absolute delight. We explored a few of their signature starters, which are presented with an elegant table-side pour. The Bouillabaisse featured locally sourced sea bass and perfectly grilled shrimp skewers, offering a rich, savory depth. We also sampled the Root Potage, a creamy parsnip soup elevated by a crispy potato croquette and a touch of chilli oil.
For the main course, we tried The Land, a beautifully plated slow-cooked pork fillet served alongside a smooth butternut squash purée, glazed walnuts, and an intriguing bacon and organic coffee quenelle. The flavors were incredibly well-balanced, and the service throughout the evening was warm, attentive, and entirely aligned with luxury expectations.
Unfortunately, our second visit revealed some inconsistency in the kitchen's execution. While the ambiance remained stunning, our dishes were served lukewarm—a noticeable misstep that falls short of the exacting standards expected at a luxury property. When we politely provided this feedback to our server, they were highly apologetic and graciously offered us complimentary desserts on the house to make up for the oversight. While we declined the offer, we did appreciate the prompt and professional service recovery attempt.
Despite the temperature hiccup on night two, The Spot remains a very nice restaurant with a highly appealing, diverse menu. The breathtaking marina views alone make it worth a visit during your stay.
The Lobby Bar
Serving as the social heart of the hotel, the Lobby Bar strikes a perfect balance between being wonderfully airy and spacious while maintaining a distinctly warm, inviting tone. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the lounge with natural light, while plush leather sofas, warm metallic accents, and thoughtful touches—like a classic chessboard awaiting a game—create an environment that encourages you to linger.
One of the most unique features of the lounge is the dedicated Tétonic table, which immediately caught my eye. The setup is an interactive mixology station exploring the complex flavor profiles and interplay between premium teas and gins. The friendly bartender was incredibly knowledgeable, expertly walking us through the various botanical pairings. I jokingly asked what the most chaotic flavor combination we could possibly create would be—and while I did get a brilliant answer, I will leave that for you to discover yourself when you visit!
If you have a penchant for exquisite pastries, a post-dinner visit to the Lobby Bar’s cake counter is an absolute must. The display is a work of art in itself, featuring an array of meticulously crafted tarts, cakes, and éclairs.
I opted for the sour cherry crumble, and it was simply divine. To elevate the dessert even further, I paired it with their signature Angostura Touch cocktail—a masterful and complex blend of espresso, tonic, Angostura bitters, and chocolate bitters. The deep, roasted, and bitter notes of the cocktail proved to be the absolute perfect counterpoint to the tart sweetness of the cherry crumble.
Leisure, Wellness, and Amenities
A truly premium hotel experience is defined just as much by its communal spaces and facilities as it is by the suites themselves. Whether you are looking to soak up the sun, maintain your fitness routine, or simply unwind, the property offers a beautifully curated selection of amenities.
Leisure & Sun
For those looking to relax on the marina level, the communal area features a pool table, set beneath an intricate glass-blown fish chandelier—a perfect spot for a casual evening game.
Stepping outside, the outdoor pool is a showstopper. Lined with in-water loungers, the pool draws your eye straight out to the marina, offering a serene environment to watch the yachts drift by. If you prefer the sand and sea, the hotel boasts a private beach area complete with The ROK Beach Bar & Lounge, providing an exclusive waterfront enclave for guests.
Wellness & Fitness
The Spa is an absolute sanctuary. The wellness center is expansive, featuring a gorgeous indoor pool framed by sheer drapery and elegant lighting.
The hotel also offers hydrotherapy and thermal experiences, featuring dedicated, beautifully designed Sauna and Steam Bath rooms. Afterward, you can retreat to the relaxation area, which includes a charming, heavy-rope swing sofa set against a textured stone wall.
For those who want to keep up with their routine while traveling, the gym does not disappoint. It is spacious and fully equipped with top-of-the-line Technogym machines, ensuring you can get a comprehensive workout in before heading out for the day.
Business & Events
Should you need to mix business with pleasure, the property also features a highly versatile, modern function room. Equipped with a massive digital display and sleek furnishings, it’s a brilliant space for private meetings or corporate events.
Curated Activities & Excursions
The Chedi Luštica Bay offers an impressive array of curated activities, subtly showcased on digital displays throughout the lobby. For this trip, we opted for a private boat tour along the stunning Montenegrin coast. The itinerary was spectacular, encompassing the iridescent waters of the famous Blue Cave, a fascinating former submarine tunnel, the historic islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, and culminating in a fantastic seaside lunch in the picturesque town of Perast.
The concierge and hotel staff were remarkably helpful in orchestrating the entire excursion, ensuring every logistical detail was handled seamlessly. I highly recommend booking these tours directly through the hotel. Not only do the local staff possess invaluable insights into the shifting coastal weather—allowing them to suggest the absolute optimal day for your sail—but the pricing was also surprisingly fair and transparent for a luxury property.
The Verdict
Ultimately, my time at The Chedi Luštica Bay was an exceptionally comfortable and memorable experience. Between the spacious, immaculately clean rooms, the extensive array of high-end amenities, and the genuinely warm, personalized service, the property succeeds on almost every front. Above all, it provides a highly exclusive, private environment that allows you to disconnect and truly relax. If you are looking for a luxurious, tranquil base to explore the Kotor Bay area, this hidden gem is a spectacular choice.
| Stay Details | |
|---|---|
| Time of Stay | May, 2026 |
| Duration | 3 Nights |
| Room Cost (Grand Deluxe Room Sea View) | 453 EUR/night (~740 AUD/night) |
| Inclusions | Breakfast included |
| Booked through | Trip.com (8% off with VISA card) |
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