The Adriatic destination that brings sunshine to the winter holidays

I recently found myself researching where to travel during winter without the cold, somewhere with a mild climate and enough sunshine to brighten even December days. Shortly after that, I came across photos of Montenegro and thought: that is exactly where I should go.

The scenes reaching us these days from Montenegro, more precisely from Luštica Bay, look like something straight off a postcard. While the sea shimmers softly in the background, the sun feels like the most beautiful winter guest, quietly observing the preparations for the most magical holidays of the year. Spending time by the sea while talking about winter breaks, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations has officially made it onto our winter to do list. The best part of this postcard? Montenegro is right here, close by, in the neighbourhood, and there is no need to look any further for a sun drenched destination this winter.

The most beautiful holiday scenes of the season

Luštica Bay is the central point of this season, ready to tell a special festive story through its Winter Wonderland, while the promenade in front of The Chedi hotel buzzes with offerings and events throughout the winter. With the grand opening of the holiday programme on December 12, the most beautiful winter in Luštica began, and we have to admit it promises excitement and a great travel choice. A winter forest of almost one hundred real fir trees has been arranged so that every corner feels like a new chapter of a Christmas fairytale, fragrant, decorated, and thoughtfully placed in every decorative nook. Among them, one detail stands out to me in particular: all of these fir trees will be donated for reforestation in Montenegro after the holidays, which feels like a very good reason to appreciate this destination even more. The promenade in front of The Chedi hotel is beautiful on its own, and the view of the decorated fir trees earns it every extra winter point.

Courtesy of Luštica Bay

Scents of winter paired with the sea

As someone who lives in the continental part of the country, the sea is always a longed for dream, and winter is the time when I am most reluctant to give it up. This season, however, I realised I did not want to, so the option of enjoying the scents of mulled wine and cinnamon spiced winter treats combined with a sea view and mild Adriatic temperatures felt more than welcome. Luštica Bay is the place where this experience comes to life. Along the promenade in front of The Chedi hotel, charming stalls will rotate, looking as if they were transported from a Northern European Christmas fairytale, but infused with southern warmth. There is the House of Cheesy Wonders, a stall offering melted and crispy bites with both sweet and savoury options, followed by the North Pole Café, where you can expect workshops dedicated to creating unique holiday sandwiches.

That moment when you realise you are far from the city rush, yet right in the heart of the gentlest holiday rhythm, that is the magic you are grateful to have chosen for your winter break. Watching children emerge from the Igloo with Santa Claus, their cheeks rosy, while you stand comfortably by one of the promenade stalls, is exactly what awaits you in Luštica this winter. Trust me, this is a true Winter Wonderland, and you are free to lose yourself in it. For the full programme of winter events, I suggest taking a look at this link and saving it to your bookmarks, you will need it.

Courtesy of Luštica Bay

The Chedi: Rest, and nothing more

When the outdoor festivities fill you with enough excitement and you feel the need to retreat into your own space of rest and relaxation, Luštica has the solution. That is when the moment arrives for your mind and body to say: thank you. And you will not have to go far, because you are already here, at the source of ideas. The premium hotel The Chedi Luštica Bay has prepared a specially designed programme for the New Year’s weekend, without rush and full of positive energy. Everything is tailored to your preferences, with options including evening SPA sessions, floating meditation, morning yoga, interval training, sound therapy and intensive workouts. You do not have to chase rest, it is already waiting for you.

Courtesy of Luštica Bay

Festive gastronomy as the final touch

The Chedi hotel has also taken care of the festive culinary moments. Christmas lunch on December 25 and lunch on January 7 are envisioned as three carefully curated courses that blend seasonality, tradition and a fine dining approach. Everything takes place at The Spot restaurant within The Chedi Luštica Bay hotel, which will also host the New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a live performance by Nina Žižić. Guests will be able to choose between a set menu and an à la carte selection. For those seeking gastronomy elevated to the level of art, The Japanese restaurant is preparing a New Year’s Eve celebration with a seven course Omakase menu. The youngest guests are offered their own special magic as well, with a dedicated hall, their own buffet, time spent with Santa Claus and a programme thoughtfully designed just for them.

Courtesy of Luštica Bay

A place remembered by feeling

In the end, where you stay matters greatly for a truly complete holiday, and the Luštica Bay residences are modern, comfortable and spacious, as if designed to make you stay longer than planned, much longer. Nothing feels too loud. Nothing excessive. Everything is exactly where it should be. With the offer mentioned above, the touch of sun and the view of the sea, you will feel a special sense of comfort this winter season. Winters do not always have to be cold and grey. This time, I choose warmth, I choose sun, sea and Luštica Bay as the place where I want to spend the holidays.

All information is available via email at [email protected], and reservations can be made at [email protected].

The article was created in collaboration with Luštica Bay.