Simply Abu Dhabi XXXI

Reflecting on his evolving creation in Montenegro, Mr. Sawiris says, “The thing that sets Luštica Bay apart is that it’s built around a place that has existed for many, many years. I compare it to mixing a new wine with a vintage. The result is so much better. The fact that Luštica Bay has original buildings at its core will give it such incredible charm. It has a better chance of looking like a proper town in 10 years, rather than in 30 years. And Montenegro itself is such a quaint country. I really believe that Kotor Bay will soon be the best place on the Adriatic… it’s going to be incredible.” Mr. Sawiris has a Midas touch and his company also took the unknown and inaccessible village of Andermatt high in the Swiss Alps and transformed it into an internationally renowned luxury ski resort. It was the first location in Europe where The Chedi Hotel opened, and the second European opening, in Luštica Bay, was just celebrated in July. The first of seven hotels, the five-star The Chedi Luštica Bay is a grand property that is perfectly placed overseeing the shore of the Marina – a well-heeled enclave of stylish restaurants and laid back cafés that bask in the sun on the waterfront. Marc de Ruijter, the General Manager of The Chedi Luštica Bay, has worked in some of the world’s leading hotels in locations such as the USA, Mauritius and in dubai for the Sofitel Brand and on the Palm at the Jumeirah Beach Residence. Commenting on his position at Luštica Bay he says, “My experience here so far has been incomparable to my previous ones because I’m among kindred souls. Here, I have the opportunity to craft a team of hospitality specialists and like-minded enthusiasts, which, in my opinion, will be the greatest strength of The Chedi Luštica Bay. “Working in hospitality means that we are in the business of creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, and adding value to them and to the stakeholders. The ability to do this in Montenegro as a part of the Luštica development, and integrating the resort into the destination, with its marina, golf and retail units, makes my experience here even more unique.” The access and view of the sea is essential to Luštica Bay and the maritime history here spans from the early 15th century to the end of the 18th century. Over this three- hundred-year period merchants and ship owners amassed great wealth and constructed palatial mansions on the shoreline. The connection to shipping endures to this day and increasingly the world’s finest super-yachts are making a bee-line for the long stretches of jaw- dropping coastline in Montenegro, with so historical treasures, architectural attractions and charming towns tucked into many bays and inlets. The latter half of the 20th century saw turbulent times in Montenegro but peace has returned and the future is looking bright, especially with the Montenegro government promising to bolster tourism, investment and the greater economy. Montenegro is an emerging real estate development hotspot and early buyers stand to gain from low entry price points and price appreciation over time. Luštica Bay’s properties start at €120,000 and go up to €2.4 million, and with easy access via the three international airports of Tivat, Podgorica and dubrovnik, interest is electric and sales are constant. Since gaining independence from Serbia in 2006, Montenegro has been steadily blossoming. Its evolution into a breath-taking coastal and cultural treasure on the world stage is assured. Luštica Bay is perfectly placed to offer tranquillity and adventure, discovery and peace – or according to Orascom’s motto: “Life as it Should Be.”