Europe’s first Banyan Tree resort has opened on a secluded islet on the Bay of Kotor, revamping a centuries-old fortress into a luxury Adriatic escape.
The UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor, known locally as Boka Bay, winds into Montenegro’s coastline on the Adriatic Sea, where views of striking mountains meet calm fjord-like waters.
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Now, one of its secluded islets is home to Banyan Tree’s first resort in Europe. Called Mamula Island by Banyan Tree, the resort is tucked away in a restored 19th-century fortress at the entrance to the bay.
The resort is the result of a seven-year restoration that carefully preserves the site’s historic character while blending it with a contemporary luxury flair.
Originally built in the 1850s, Fort Mamula was once a coastal defence fortification. The arch, a feature of the original fortress, was reimagined throughout the resort, including bespoke furniture created specially for the property.
The design in its entirety draws on mid-century influences, featuring natural stone, aged brass and solid oak, as well as highlighting local artisanal traditions of pottery and joinery to reflect the location’s heritage.
A stay overlooking the Adriatic
Access to the 32-key sanctuary starts at one of the several nearby airports, with the closest being Montenegro’s Tivat International Airport. From there, guests can request either a direct boat transfer from the airport’s water terminal or opt to arrive via helicopter instead.
Whether by sea or air, guests are sure to see stunning views of the Adriatic Sea – a theme which continues throughout one’s stay.
On offer are guest rooms and three suite categories to choose from, each designed to maximise the views of the Adriatic.
Starting at €1,727 on average per night, excluding taxes and fees, the Adriatic Balcony Room can sleep two guests and includes access to a shared garden complete with olive trees.
Other amenities include a stargazing telescope, floor-to-ceiling windows as well as a private cinema.
Dining at the resort focuses on the micro-seasonality of the Montenegrin coast, with fresh seafood and local produce always served up on the menu.
The Parasol restaurant, a stone's throw away from the three outdoor pools, gives diners a crudo experience with the catches of the day.
Other dining concepts include Kamena Restaurant, which spotlights local land-led flavours, and Celeste, which offers relaxed outdoor dining and a choice of Italian, Caribbean and Levantine flavours.
Refresh, relax and explore
The Banyan Tree Spa, located within the historic fortress tower, utilises local fauna, oils and natural elements, as well as making use of the stunning landscape.
Guests can take advantage of the spa’s Finnish and herbal saunas, steam room as well as traditional Thai, Javanese, Indonesian and Chinese healing therapies and therapeutic bodywork on offer.
For a more dynamic approach to wellbeing, the resort also encourages being active in the great outdoors. Guests can explore the coast onboard a kayak, paddleboard or water bike.
Other experiences include sunrise swims in the Blue Cave, right off of the Bay of Kotor in the Luštica Peninsula, which gets its name from the strikingly blue waters. Beyond the bay, the resort also curates excursions to Kotor Old Town, Royal Lovćen and Cetinje, Skadar Lake and the Tara River.
