Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Aman Sveti Stefan
Aman-style serenity on the Adriatic.
What it is
A fortified medieval village turned romantic getaway.
What it isn't
On the beaten path. Montenegro remains largely undiscovered, with all the pros and cons that implies.
What we think
A tiny island attached to the mainland by a short isthmus—like an Montenegrin version of Mont St-Michel— Sveti Stefan has roots that stretch back to the 15th century. The cobblestone paths of the fortified fishing village have been trod upon by everyone from conquering Ottomans and marauding pirates to Agent 007 in "Casino Royale." Now, after a massive restoration of its terra cotta roofs and stone cottages, it welcomes affluent globetrotters as the Aman Sveti Stefan resort. As expected from Aman’s adroit team, the project maintained the integrity and aesthetic of the original settlement, while imbuing it with a contemporary sophistication fit for modern travelers (Aman regular Jean-Michel Gathy did the design). There are 50 rooms, suites and stand-alone cottages on the island, all marrying rustic original elements with unfussy modern furnishings. Multiple dining options are located in the former shops, taverns and houses. Over on the mainland, an 80-acre estate contains vast olive and cypress groves and Villa Miločer, the grand former summer residence of one of Yugoslavia’s last royals, Queen Marija. The 1930s stone mansion sits on a gentle curve of pink sand facing Sveti Stefan and contains eight suites and a standout spa. Facing the sea, spa treatments and yoga sessions here are exemplary rituals of quiet rejuvenation.
You're here because
You’re looking for something unusual—but with Aman’s signature peaceful-luxe sensibility. (And you don't mind the quirks of historic properties, like small windows or limited storage.) This is a great add-on to a trip to Croatia or Greece.
The Moment
Slowly wandering along a quiet cobblestone path, you pass through a shaded courtyard and continue up the hill. Reaching the crest, you place a hand on the sun-warmed, ancient stone wall and look out at the sea. Sunshine sparkles brightly on the tips of gentle waves; the subtle breeze carries a cocktail of fresh rosemary, fig and pomegranate.
Restaurants & Bars
Enoteca
Taverna - European and American cuisine
The Antipasti Bar - Tapas
Aman - International and Montenegrin cuisines.
The Dining Room
Loggia
The Beach Café - Casual al fresco beachside
The Queens Chair- Local cuisine with an Italian twist
The Living Room
The Antipasta Bar
Location
The coast of Montenegro, just south of Croatia on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. The resort is about 30 minutes south of the international airport at Tivat. Two-thousand-year-old Budva, currently a buzzy hotspot for vacationing Europeans and yachters, is a few minutes away by car or boat.