AFTER five years of being shut-off, one small island off the coast of Montenegro is set to reopen, as is its luxury resort.
Called Sveti Stefan, the pretty spot has been closed for half a decade due to backlash from locals.
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A few miles away from Montenegro‘s town of Budva is the small and beautiful island of Sveti Stefan which is home to a luxury resort, Aman Sveti Stefan.
The hotel is accessible only to its guests who have to walk across a small strip of land which connects it to the mainland.
Historically, the island has been popular with celebrity clientele like Marilyn Monroe, Princess Margaret and Brad Pitt.
But the hotel closed back in 2021 due to a dispute between the property operator and locals over access to its public beaches.
When the hotel first opened in 2009, it made its surrounding beaches including Miločer Beach (King’s Beach) and Queen’s Beach accessible to its guests only.
Access for locals was made difficult with the luxury resort charging high fees around €200 (£172.63) for sunbeds and umbrellas.
However, these had historically been free for all to enjoy with space for locals to lay down a towel.
Restriction of the beaches caused a lot of backlash and there were even protests back in 2021.
The dispute between locals and the hotel ended up with the temporary closure of the resort which stretched on for five years.
In 2023, Europa Nostra, the European Voice of Civil Society committed to Cultural Heritage, said: “The Montenegro State has almost half privatised this national treasure and disenfranchised its own citizens from their own public domain.
“Public access to Sveti Stefan old town and other parts of the site has been forbidden, even during winter months when the hotel is closed, making it impossible for locals and non-hotel guest tourists to enjoy this cultural landscape.”
Five years on and the hotel operator, Aman, has confirmed the island retreat in Montenegro will be reopen on July 1, 2026.
The luxury resort still looks like a small village, and is made up of hand-restored stone cottages and suites all updated with modern furnishings.
Some of the more luxurious suites even have private swimming pools, courtyards and terraces.
Stays include a daily breakfast, in-room refreshments and access to snorkelling equipment and paddle boards.
A stay in the Deluxe Cottage which is based on an original island home starts from €2,973 (£2,566.12) per night.
The resort has a mainland retreat called Villa Miločer, that and its Aman Spa will welcome guests back on May 22, 2026.
As for its surrounding beaches, these are open to the public once more with free access – but there are no shower, changing cabins or toilets.
For anyone who wants a glimpse of Sveti Stefan, the nearest airport is Tivat which is a three-hour direct flights from the UK and as little as £38 each way with easyJet.