Mamula Island, Montenegro
Standing at the entrance of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Bay of Kotor, this Austro-Hungarian Empire fortress has been artfully transformed into a slick and smooth boutique retreat. Every layer of the crenellated building – a protected monument – has become a sophisticated space for unwinding and taking in the 360 degree views of the Adriatic and dramatically beautiful coastline.
The wooden drawbridge, arched entrance, frescoed walls and parapets are reminders of its past, whilst glass walls and contemporary design features add a fabulous contrast. And every modern comfort has been thought of. This is intimate luxury at its best, for guests who love one offs.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
Without doubt for its magnificent uniqueness and for the incredible way it has been transformed.Style:
More Ritz than Colditz.Location:
In the Bay of Kotor, facing the Luštica and Prevlaka Peninsulas.Rooms:
10 sophisticated rooms and 22 elegant suites, all with sweeping views of the Adriatic.Swimming:
A pool deck with three pools and a private beach.Children:
Quite a grown up retreat, children need to be aged 12 and over to stay here.Accessibility:
There are no facilities for guests with limited mobility.rooms
Exquisitely styled, with earthy tones reflecting the surrounding landscape, the rooms and suites are modern and very intimate. Private terraces look out over the sea; furniture is bespoke and slick, and floor to ceiling windows make them bright and airy. The spacious and contemporary Adriatic Balcony Rooms are all on the pool deck level, with concealed terraces and sharing a communal garden. They’re crowning feature is a free-standing bath with views out over the bay.
On top of one of the towers are the Panoramic Rooms which feature private terraces complete with sunbeds. Up here are also the larger Panoramic Suites which come with a stargazing telescope on a very spacious terrace, and a private cinema for two. Built into the walls of the fortress, the Junior Suite Sea Views are atmospheric bolt holes. With a large living area, and a daybed looking out over the Adriatic, each one promises romance. There are eight Sky Suites – each of which is different to the others – and each sultry and sophisticated. Some feature the original wall frescos, whilst others face the morning sun. And each is very seductive.
food
Each of the island’s three restaurants celebrate Montenegro’s rich culinary heritage. Ingredients are sourced or grown locally, resulting in Mediterranean dishes, full of flair and flavour. Begin the day at the Pool Deck, with fresh croissants, and maybe don’t move from there all day, with a light seafood lunch in between.
The Sun Deck with its glorious Adriatic and coast views is where you’ll want long, lazy lunches, then wrap it all up in the evening at the fine dining Kamena with a six course degustation menu, with wine paired with each plate. But before you head there, go via Pinea in the parapets for a sundowner.
activities
From the moment you step off the boat onto the shores of Mamula, you’ll feel cocooned and quite possibly rather lazy. It’s a place to savour your magnificent setting and do very little. If wanderlust gets the better of you, private boats will whisk you across the bay for bespoke tours (with or without a guide) of the beautiful stone town of Perast and the UNESCO site of Kotor. The Luštica peninsula has much to discover, and the former royal capital Cetinje is not far away.
Mamula Island hosts a spectacular range of events throughout the year, with many local Montenegrin musicians visiting – be sure to get a seat. The vaulted ground floor of the main tower houses the Spa, with a flotation tank, experience shower, halotherapy chamber and ritual rooms for a range of holistic wellness treatments. Each morning there’s yoga on the sundeck and training sessions in the gym.
family
Children need to be 12 and over to stay here, and there are no specific facilities. |
One of the Sky Suites has two bedrooms, ideal for older families.
sustainability
The careful renovation of the fortress ensured that its monument status was respected, together with the surrounding landscape. Produce is locally sourced and the bespoke furniture made from sustainable sources. In addition, greywater is stored for recycling in the original cisterns, and drinking water is produced from an on-site desalination plant.
Location
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
In the Bay of Kotor, facing the Luštica and Prevlaka Peninsulas – an hour from Dubrovnik or Tivat airport, then a 30 minute boat transfer. Or arrive by helicopter direct to the fort’s helipad.
