LUŠTICA BAY
GAZETTE
Autumn at Luštica Bay: What’s Coming Next
October Highlights: Can’t-Miss Events
Leila Vujosevic in the Spotlight: Inspiring Our Community
Together for Nature: Green Steps for a Cleaner Bay
In this issue
THE PLACE
As Luštica Bay shifts into autumn, our team is making sure the town is ready for the months ahead. This includes essential maintenance and safety inspections. We share a few updates on this, as well as notices about changing operating hours at The ClubHouse, an overview of October’s best events, and news of our Autumn Harvest festival.
THE PEOPLE
For our latest community spotlight, we speak with longtime Luštica resident Leila Vujosevic. Leila’s story and past is both varied and fascinating. She explains what brought her and husband to the Bay, and shares an insight into her work with children and as a community builder.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
This summer was one of our most golden, and our most green thanks to new sustainability initiatives. Relive some of the greatest hits by reading the results of your feedback, and see what happened at our first Community Business Fair.
The place
october highlights, best events
How we’re preparing for autumn
As summer comes to a close, and a more gentle energy settles around Luštica Bay, our team is working behind the scenes to make sure the town is ready for the cosy months ahead. This includes carrying out essential maintenance and seasonal preparation.
The following work is being done:
Elevators checked for safety
Servicing of heating systems
Inspection of generators
Testing of fire safety equipment, including extinguishers and emergency lights
Roofs, sprinklers, and sewage systems cleaned and serviced
Our landscaping team is also preparing the gardens for autumn. Mulch is laid, hedges are trimmed, plants are watered and protected against frost, and public areas, pathways, and bins are kept spotless. Even private pergolas will receive attention.
Whether you’re still with us in the coming months, or planning a return later in the year, please rest assured that we’re keeping Luštica Bay safe, beautiful, and welcoming.
Living well together
Life at Luštica Bay is all about enjoying the surroundings, feeling at ease, and respecting one another’s space and rhythm. With that in mind, please help us keep our community safe, beautiful, and welcoming with a few small habits…
Parking: improper parking and leaving cars on the street are not allowed.
Personal belongings: these should not be left in shared hallways or garages.
Balconies: no towels or laundry should be hung on railings.
Swimming pools: No food, drinks, large equipment, jumping, or diving in the pools.
Pets: don’t forget to clean up after them!
These gestures of respect and consideration are what truly define the spirit of life here, making Luštica Bay feel so special. As if there were no place you’d rather be.
Wrapping up our first summer of golf
The opening of The ClubHouse, and the gradual debut of the golf course, has brought a new dimension to Luštica Bay this summer.
It’s with immense pride that we’ve seen beginners, enthusiasts, and seasoned players step onto the 3-hole course and find joy amongst the greens. Many have had their first lessons under the watchful eye of golf pro Deni, while our ‘Golf Meets Fun’ initiative brought everyone together for a little friendly competition.
The ClubHouse has also become an important focal point for the community: a space for neighbours to gather at the restaurant, for friendships to be forged, and for a new activelifestyle to thrive.
This is just the beginning…
Golf is a year-round game at Luštica Bay, and we remain open throughout the winter with the following hours: The ClubHouse Restaurant, Pro Shop, and Reception will open from 8am - 4pm.
For more information and reservations, email golf@lusticabay.com or call +382 67 003 843.
By autumn 2026, the course will have six additional holes, making the experience even richer. In the meantime, we look forward to many more swings, stories, and sunset drinks at The ClubHouse.
Two epic events for October
1.
Saturday 4th at 8am: UltraSwim 33.3 returns
Luštica Bay is once again the setting for Day 2 of UltraSwim 33.3 - an epic four-day, open-water adventure that sees swimmers cross the channel from Croatia to Montenegro.
This year’s edition carries special importance as it’s 150 years since Captain Matthew Webb’s legendary first swim across the English Channel in 1875, a feat that opened the waves to generations of swimmers.
Day 2 will start in Marina Village and, whether you decide to take part or simply cheer from the shoreline, UltraSwim 33.3 is an unforgettable celebration of endurance, community, and the sea itself. For more information and participation, visit UltraSwim 33.3.
2.
Saturday 18th at 8pm: jazz ‘n pop classics with Harfoush
Listen to a captivating fusion of East and West with the London-based, Egyptian jazz vocalist Ahmed Harfoush. Having graced international stages including the Royal Albert Hall and Dubai Opera, Harfoush’s soulful interpretations and dynamic arrangements offer a nostalgic-with-a-twist journey that transcends cultural boundaries.
This performance will take place in Piazza Centrale.
The weekend starts on Friday!
This October, we’re hosting three special community events on consecutive Fridays to help you get into the weekend spirit a little earlier.
10th - Tour to Village Klinci
10am
Delve into history on a guided walk of the nearby village of Klinci. You’ll pick wild aromatic plants, and craft your own essential oils, as you journey through the roots of Montenegrin traditions, culture and hospitality. Space is limited so please RSVP.
17th - Small Group Brunch
11am at Kiki’s
Our brunch series continues, giving you the chance to meet your neighbours and the Luštica Bay team. You can ask questions, share ideas, and give your feedback on any area of Luštica life, all while enjoying some delicious bites. Space is limited so please RSVP.
24th - Wine & Shine
6pm at Centrale Beauty Bar
One for the women: join us for an evening of self-care and connection. A professional makeup artist will share expert tips and guide a hands-on session for you to master new skills. Paired with a glass of wine, great company, thoughtful gifts and a touch of pampering, this is the perfect recipe for a beautiful evening. Please RSVP.
SEPTEMBER15th - DECEMBER1st , 2025
Golden drops of tradition
October weekends | Marina Village & Centrale
Experience the richness of Montenegro’s most cherished tradition – olive -oil making. From grove to table, discover the stories hidden in every golden drop and celebrate a heritage that has nourished generations.
LIQUID GOLD
A glimpse into the moments we shared together this September.
The people
lifeat thebay, buildingcommunity
ilovemy morning swim in the calm water
THE MAKING OF A MODERN VILLAGE
A resident’s perspective
For our latest community spotlight, we speak with Leila Vujosevic, a longtime Luštica resident, to hear how she makes the most of her life here, and to learn how children, families and neighbours all play a part in shaping the spirit of the Bay.
What first drew you to Luštica Bay?
After retiring in the USA, my husband and I kept visiting Montenegro as he had spent previous family vacations in Perast visiting his grandma. We were looking for a summer home on the Adriatic coast, and were immediately won over by the beauty of Luštica Bay’s natural landscape. As architects, we were also deeply impressed by the master-planned Marina Village which has the cosy charm of a traditional Mediterranean town, and by the quality of interior finishes, furnishings and craftsmanship. What we didn’t expect was the
genuine sense of community that the Luštica Bay team has cultivated. The respect they extend to both residents and staff creates an atmosphere of inclusion. It encourages participation. We have more and more people to say ‘hi’ to each day, which makes Luštica Bay feel like a true second home.
How do you and your family usually spend your time here?
Our days often begin with a long breakfast on the terrace, watching Marina Village wake up before our eyes. I love my morning swim in the calm water, it reminds me how much this place nurtures me, while my husband enjoys long walks, reading his favourite authors, and
visiting The Chedi gym and spa. Lunch is for cooking at home with fresh ingredients from the local stores and the Kotor farmers’ market, followed by an evening stroll along the promenade and occasional drinks with friends. I love spending time in the Feel Alive Hub and watching Marina Village sink into the night.
I also never thought I’d play golf but, after an event at The ClubHouse, I was inspired to take lessons. Now, I’m at The Peaks almost every other day. I feel so welcome there as everybody wants me to do well. We hardly need to leave Luštica Bay. It is a life where every day feels complete.
Tell us a bit about your professional background…
My husband and I are architects, graduating from Belgrade University before moving to the US with our two young daughters in 1986. After early struggles, we established a practice in New York City, working mostly on educationrelated projects.
It was through this work that I began to use architecture as a ‘teaching tool’ in public schools, which revealed both the extraordinary capacities of children and how little I truly understood about their development. To fill this gap, I completed a Master’s program at New York University at the age of 59. This experience became a turning point, opening my eyes to children’s genuine developmental needs.
Equipped with this new knowledge, I founded a children’s
community group on Roosevelt Island, a diverse and vibrant NYC community with around 14,000 residents. We created an outdoor classroom and organised largescale events that engaged children and made them visible to the wider community. This work led to a dialogue about children’s rights and the wellbeing of the community at large.
What inspires you to dedicate your time and knowledge to building stronger communities?
Creating spaces where life takes place in multiple forms comes with great responsibility. This conviction deepened during my Master’s studies where the concept of community became a central focus. Regardless of what binds us - land, ethnicity, language, spirituality or profession - a sense of belonging is essential for the healthy existence of any group.
My work shifted when a mentor wisely advised me that a project’s success, specifically a school I was thinking of starting, depends on how the community itself decides it wants to care for its members. This inspired me to focus on strengthening communities, guided by the old proverb, ‘it takes a village,’ and an Italian educator who said that ‘every child is a possibility of humanity.’
This is a challenging but worthy goal, and I feel that at Luštica Bay we have a unique opportunity to work towards it.
What is the most important first step to creating a meaningful children’s programme?
The challenge lies in how we, as a community, perceive them. I believe they should be seen as rightful and capable members of the community, not as ‘little rascals.’
My goal is to provide them with opportunities for open-ended, free-spirited exploration, where we listen to their lead rather than try to teach or control them. This approach allows children to engage meaningfully with their environment and with each other, creating a truly vibrant and dynamic community for everyone.
How do you envision the kids’ and teenagers’ programmes shaping life at Luštica Bay?
When children are here, they’re away from their schools and classrooms, but not away from learning. If an environment is created where they engage in activities meaningful to them, Luštica Bay may become their favourite school. That is the aim. Children, babies and teenagers all crave independence, which means limiting adult intervention. Adults
must facilitate the exploratory process - creating an inspiring environment with abundant time, space, and materials - but should only intervene when necessary. Children also enjoy doing things grown-ups do, so engaging them in local businesses or activities, like visiting the firehouse or watching a concrete mixer, can be very rewarding.
To truly empower children, it’s important they have a place that they ‘rule’, like in ongoing workshops or at the kids’ bazaar. If we listen to them, they will let us know, loud and clear, what makes sense to them.
What would you like to see our community achieve together in the next few years?
I feel a compelling desire to help this community reach new heights. While many of us come here to
escape busy lives, some may be interested in offering their time or expertise for the benefit of the entire community. We have a real opportunity here to not only exercise community-building, but also to succeed in a way we’ve always wanted.
We must sustain an inclusive and open-minded environment, uphold the principle of EXCELLENCE to maintain quality, and, most importantly, recognise children as active community members capable of shaping our community life. There is already a small group of residents who call themselves ‘Luštica Lovers’ and I hope this grows.
If you could describe Luštica Bay in three words?
Beauty, community, quality.
The highlights
greatest hits of summer, your voice our change
Celebrating local talent and entrepreneurial spirit
Luštica Bay’s first Community Business Fair took place at Hotel Centrale in August, wonderfully showcasing the skills and spirit that exist within our community. The Fair gave participants the opportunity to exhibit their businesses, services or passion projects, and served as a platform for new relationships and potential collaborations.
What was most striking was how the event created a different kind of neighbourly connection, with residents feeling a sense of shared purpose and contribution to the culture and economy of the destination.
As Branko Džakula, who presented his innovative digital products alongside his business partner Nebojša Lalić, explains: “This thoughtfully organised initiative created a meaningful space for exchanging ideas, showcasing ventures, and building genuine connections. It was a clear reflection of just how many accomplished and passionate individuals make up the Luštica Bay community.”
Igor Strugar echoed the sentiment: “It was a true pleasure meeting so many inspiring people and hearing the stories behind their journeys.” Igor was representing his company Synersis which specialises in the design, revision, and expert supervision of high and low-current electrical installations, as well as lighting control system integration.
Another attendee was Milica Anđelković, owner of Kids Club at Belgrade Waterfront. “The Fair was a wonderfully organised platform to showcase my work and connect with fellow entrepreneurs,” said Milica. “As the owner of a children’s club, I especially appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas with people who value family-focused services and creative education.”
We’re delighted that this first Fair was such a success. It’s a testament to the creativity, initiative, and drive that exists in this community, and we’re already planning similar events to help supercharge those attributes.
THE RESULTS OF YOUR FEEDBACK
Summer 2025 in review
This summer was one of our most golden and, thanks to your feedback, we now have a clear picture of what made it so special for you and what you’d like to see more of.
What you most loved:
1. Community gatherings: events that brought neighbours together were a clear favourite. Over 80% of you said that these initiatives helped you feel more connected.
2. Family-friendly activities: moments such as the Kids’ Bazaar and fun trivia nights got a big thumbs up.
3. Village and farm tours: we’re especially pleased to see that these authentic tours along the Luštica peninsula were a highlight for so many.
What you said:
• “I really liked all the events for the owners… Thanks to them we met many of our neighbours.”
• “We truly enjoyed almost all the events… The Boho Party, Sunset Session Party, and Sparkle Summer Party were exceptional highlights.”
• “The kayak tours, trips to Luštica villages, community business fairs, and tennis tournaments were all fantastic. It would be great if they can be repeated next season.”
What’s next?
Thank you for sharing your feedback - it makes such a difference as we start to plan bigger and better experiences for you next year. On that note: many of you expressed an interest in co-hosting or contributing to future events, a wonderful sign of community togetherness. We can’t wait to bring those to life, so please do keep your ideas and insights coming.
‘Together for Nature’green steps towards a cleaner Luštica Bay
Throughout summer and September, we sought to create a cleaner, more sustainable town through our Together for Nature programme. Below is a brief summary of what’s been achieved…
Upgraded waste management
Community care
We organised a community clean-up and beautification initiative focused on the beach and Centrale area. Residents, staff, and friends of the destination came together to clear litter, revitalise shared spaces, and reaffirm our collective responsibility to look after our surroundings. The day concluded at the Hangout Zone with light refreshments, snacks, and well-deserved tokens of appreciation.
We’ve made further improvements to this infrastructure, installing new signage for selective waste separation that makes it easier and more intuitive for everyone to dispose of rubbish responsibly.
The new system allows all of us to separate waste into four categories:
• Packaging waste (such as plastic, metal and tetra packs)
• Mixed municipal waste
• Organic waste (food scraps, fruit and vegetable remains)
• Paper recycling (dedicated drop-off points are marked with ‘PAPER RECYCLING’)
This will streamline waste sorting and reduce our environmental impact, supporting our long-term vision of a sustainable Luštica Bay.
CENTRALE RECYCLING MAP
MARINA VILLAGE RECYCLING MAP
More to come
These initiatives reflect our continued commitment to environmental stewardship, and to cultivating a destination where nature is not only present, but actively respected, protected, and preserved. Thank you for all your support in this area.
MAIN ROAD.
Summer recap video
See the full video HERE.
Our Community Engagement and Communication team is dedicated to fostering a strong, connected community. We create meaningful opportunities for engagement, facilitate open dialogue, and ensure every resident feels heard, valued, and actively involved in shaping the Luštica Bay experience.
CONTACT US
67 759 666
67 070 101
67 143 764