Once a jewel of the Adriatic coast, the island hotel Sveti Stefan today stands silent and closed – wrapped in a silence that pierces nostalgic souls and stirs the imagination of all who once walked its stone paths.
In the golden age of global glamour, this exclusive haven of Montenegrin luxury was a playground for style icons, political powerhouses, and Hollywood legends. Today, that lavish paradise remains closed to the public, shrouded in mystery and uncertainty.
From a fishing village to a royal retreat
Sveti Stefan was not always synonymous with luxury. Its roots lie in a humble 15th-century fishing settlement, which preserved authenticity and tranquility through the centuries. But in the 1950s, under the watchful eye of the then-Yugoslav authorities, the islet was transformed into an exclusive hotel complex – an architectural marvel that managed to blend traditional Mediterranean beauty with top-tier comfort and discreet elegance.
The golden age of famous guests
In the decades that followed, Sveti Stefan became the glamorous epicenter of the global jet set. With the sound of the sea and the scent of pine trees, Liz Taylor, Sophia Loren, Kirk Douglas, Karl Lagerfeld, Claudia Schiffer… all walked its paths. The rooms bore the names of famous guests, and evenings on the terraces were enriched by the sound of champagne, lavish dinners, and starry skies. It was not just a hotel, but a way of life – the embodiment of a Mediterranean fairy tale with the signature of Montenegro.
A new chapter: Aman and the return of luxury
In 2007, the Montenegrin government signed a contract with the prestigious hotel chain Aman Resorts, known for its ultra-luxurious resorts around the world. After a detailed and carefully executed restoration, Sveti Stefan reopened in 2009, now under the brand Aman Sveti Stefan. The islet became synonymous with quiet luxury, privacy, and an authentic experience that erased the line between history and modern comfort.
The silence that lasts: Why is the paradise closed?
In August 2020, the island hotel closed its doors – first due to the pandemic, and then due to increasingly tense relations between the Montenegrin state and the hotel operator. The legal-administrative knot between the government and the company Adriatic Properties, which manages the resort on behalf of Aman, remains untangled to this day. In 2023, the Minister of Economic Development announced that “Sveti Stefan is practically ready to operate,” but the doors remain closed. Even in the summer season of 2024, this gem did not host a single guest.
The unrealized potential of the Adriatic
Sveti Stefan is not just a hotel – it is a symbol. Its closure is not only a loss for Montenegrin tourism but also a missed opportunity for Montenegro to once again position itself on the global map of luxury destinations. While the world seeks authentic and exclusive experiences, Sveti Stefan could be just that: a place where history breathes, and luxury has a soul.
The future is in the hands of diplomacy
Will Sveti Stefan shine again? The answer remains in the shadow of political decisions and strategic partnerships. One thing is certain: this paradise is waiting for its awakening. And when that happens – if it happens – the world will once again look to Montenegro, not just as a tourist destination, but as the keeper of one of the most beautiful stories of luxury, silence, and surreal beauty.
Photo: Tripadvisor
