A luxurious resort in Montenegro once frequented by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe is set to reopen.
The island town of Sveti Stefan, which is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand around 10km away from Budva, was turned into a hotel by the Yugoslav government in the 1950s.
Following extensive renovations, the property reopened as Aman Sveti Stefan in 2009, but closed again in 2021 after locals demanded free use of the beaches opposite the hotel.
Now, the resort will return for the summer season from 1 July – and nearby residents will have access to both Sveti Stefan Beach and King’s Beach, while Queen’s Beach will remain exclusive to Aman guests.
Writing about the legal dispute on X, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić revealed that the state will also receive a 10% share of profits, and that they have agreed there will be no additional construction in Miločer Park, beyond existing permits.
What to expect at Aman Sveti Stefan
Aman Sveti Stefan consists of 33 cottages and suites on Sveti Stefan island itself, as well as a number of suites that are part of Villa Miločer on the mainland.
While the island resort will remain seasonal, Villa Miločer, which was once the summer residence of Queen Marija Karađorđević, will open year-round from 22 May.
The accommodation on the island is found within carefully restored 15th-century stone cottages, boasting either sea or garden views. The largest, the Sveti Stefan Suite, has a private pool, a separate living room, a dining area and pantry, plus a steam room.
As for Villa Miločer, there are six residences in the main residence, with a further two in a separate building.
The Aman Spa is found in the private bay of Queen’s Beach, and boasts four double treatment rooms, a 24 metre indoor swimming pool, plus three hydrotherapy areas with a steam room, sauna and either a cold-plunge pool or a bathtub.
The fitness centre spans 140 square metres and also has a pilates and yoga studio for private or small group sessions.
For those looking to take advantage of the gorgeous Montegrin weather, there are two swimming pools on the island, one of which is adults-only. Sveti Stefan Beach is a 170 metre pink-pebble beach, while the King’s Beach is 280 metres long. Queen’s Beach is set within a lagoon, and is known for its emerald-green water and pink sand.
There are three seasonal restaurants on Sveti Stefan Island: Arva, which serves up Italian cuisine with a side of sea views for dinner, and features a Rakija Bar on the upper terrace; Piazza, a bar-slash-taverna-slash-enoteca-slash-antipasti bar offering rustic Mediterranean dishes for breakfast and lunch; and the Cliff Pool Bar, next to the adults-only swimming pool.
In addition, Villa Miločer Restaurant overlooking King’s Beach is open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu spans a mix of classic and contemporary dishes from across the Adriatic region.
Bookings include daily breakfast, in-room refreshments including soft drinks, tea and coffee, as well as access to snorkelling equipment and paddle boards.