ISLAND STAY IN MONTENEGRO
Within Montenegro’s UNESCO-listed Boka Bay, Mamula Island is a striking transformation of a 19th-century Austro-Hungarian fortress into an ultra-luxury retreat. Officially opening in July 2025, the resort blends historic preservation with modern sophistication. The original stonework and architectural features have been meticulously restored, while thoughtful contemporary design elements elevate the experience, offering guests a rare fusion of heritage and high-end hospitality.
The island features just 32 rooms, each offering a distinct perspective on the Adriatic. Options range from panoramic tower suites and Sky Suites to sea-view junior suites and cosy Adriatic Balcony rooms. Many accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, and some Sky Suites include outdoor Jacuzzis. The interiors, designed by weStudio and adorned with pieces curated in collaboration with the Montenegrin arts faculty, reflect a sense of calm minimalism that honours the island’s history while embracing modern comfort.
Dining on Mamula Island is a standout experience, with three unique venues to explore. The Pool-Deck restaurant offers relaxed, all-day dining, while the Sun-Deck serves wood-fired pizza and fresh seafood in a casual, sun-soaked setting. For something more refined, Kamena, a fine-dining space built into a former bunker, offers a six-course tasting menu that showcases the region’s culinary depth. Guests can also enjoy handcrafted cocktails at Pinea, an intimate speakeasy bar inspired by the island’s natural surroundings.
For wellness seekers, the island offers a serene spa experience housed within its historic vaulted chambers. The spa includes Finnish and aromatherapy saunas, steam and halotherapy rooms, flotation tanks, and experience showers. Signature treatments use local materials such as Adriatic limestone. Guests can also take part in yoga, Pilates, and high-intensity training classes, or unwind in the fitness suite. Outdoor amenities include three pools, private coves, and a sandy beach—each designed for both relaxation and seclusion.
Mamula Island also serves as a hub for cultural and natural exploration. Guests can embark on guided speedboat tours to explore nearby towns like Perast and Kotor or venture further inland to visit Lake Skadar or the Tara River Canyon. The island regularly hosts art residencies, concerts, and exhibitions, while a memorial gallery offers a respectful acknowledgement of its complex past, including its use as a prison during World War II, ensuring that the island’s layered history is never forgotten.
Sustainability is central to Mamula’s philosophy. The resort uses eco-conscious systems such as greywater recycling through restored cisterns, an on-site desalination plant, and the integration of biodegradable materials. Furnishings are sustainably sourced, and even glass waste is crushed and reused on-site. This commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with the island’s broader mission to create a luxurious experience that is also mindful of its ecological footprint.
Though secluded, Mamula Island is easily accessible via boat or private helicopter from Tivat, Dubrovnik, or Podgorica. Once there, guests find themselves immersed in an experience that feels far removed from the everyday. Whether seeking a romantic getaway, cultural adventure, or holistic wellness retreat, Mamula Island promises a harmonious blend of history, nature, and luxury, crafted to create truly lasting memories.