”The Chedi is part of the new and upscale Lustica Bay marina village. It’s cradled by the tranquil embrace of Traste Bay, where the Montenegrin coast collides with the waters of the Adriatic Sea.”
Location
The hotel overlooks a man-made marina at the bottom of a series of serpentine bends, in a secluded bay. It’s approximately a 10-minute drive from Tivat Airport. The Unesco World Heritage-listed Bay of Kotor, and its fortified old town built by the Venetians, one of Montenegro’s scenic showstoppers, is just a 15-minute drive away. The ritzy Porto Montenegro marina, on the edge of Tivat, attracts the superyacht bound, while Budva, the neighbouring town, known for its sandy beaches, is further south, approximately an hour away. A car is advantageous to make the most of the area.
Style and Character
Inspiration was taken from the vernacular architecture of local villages, so it’s a sensitive, albeit shiny, new iteration echoing tradition with red pantiled roofs, limestone and cobblestones – but don’t come expecting aged, historic charm. This is the first phase of development that will eventually extend to seven hotels, villas, a golf course, two marinas, shops and a village.
The hotel channels a contemporary look inside and is set over four levels overlooking the harbor with slick and stylish sunlit interiors. The soaring lobby is an inviting space, filled with white, silver and aquamarine colors and shimmering sea views.
Service and Facilities
Staff could not be more friendly and eager to please. That being said, during my visit soon after the hotel’s opening, the service had not quite attained the level you would expect from The Chedi marque, but this is sure to evolve. The spa headlines treatments by organic Irish seaweed brand, Voya, plus there’s an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, 24-hour gym and experience shower, where you can be drenched by a tropical thunderstorm.
The hotel has an infinity pool and private, pebbly beach with sun loungers and pontoons for easy access to the water. There are soon to be water sports like paddle-boarding, jet skiing, boat trips and an 18-hole golf course available.
- Parking
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Laundry
- Room service
- Pool
- Sauna
- Spa
- Wi-Fi
- Steam room/hammam
- Fitness centre
- Beach
Rooms
There are 111 rooms in 10 different categories. Not all have views of the sea but the ones that do also have balconies. A subdued palette of aquamarine, grey and white prevails in rooms, which also have reassuringly expensive oak joinery, mid-century inspired furniture and grey limestone floors. Rooms are well thought-out and easy to operate with everything you need. Some rooms also have their own kitchenettes. Bathrooms are a tasteful medley of white, buff marble, mosaic and limestone with a separate bath and shower.
Food and Drink
The Spot, whose tables spill out onto the waterfront promenade, takes a globetrotting approach to its menu with with some Asian-inspired dishes, Spanish-style tapas, Italian and American touches using as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible. A fried squid po’boy baguette with lemon aioli was moreish as was the juicy Côte de Boeuf for two and the Malaysian stir fried noodles with bay prawns. Serbian and Montenegrin wine was a bit of a revelation.
Service was amicable but frustratingly patchy, but it was very early days. The slightly more formal The Restaurant off the lobby is where breakfast is served with views of the bay, encompassing everything from fresh fruit, juices, pastries and a made to order chef station serving eggs, pancakes and waffles. There are Italian and Middle Eastern accented choices for lunch and dinner. There is also a lobby lounge and bar serving drinks and snacks, while The Rok is an al fresco beach bar with cocktails and snacks.
Value for Money
Double rooms from €180 (£161) in low season; and from €350 (£312) in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Access for guests with disabilities?
Three rooms are accessible for guests with disabilities.
Family-Friendly?
There’s a small playground for younger children and babysitting can be arranged. There is also a dedicated menu with its own mocktail list. Entry-level Superior rooms sleep up to three.
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