With idyllic beaches, iconic history, medieval villages, and majestic mountains, the magic of Montenegro are world-renowned. And just six kilometers southeast of the picturesque town of Budva on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast lies the country’s iconic gem – the fairytale islet and five-star hotel resort, Sveti Stefan.
Connected to the mainland by a stone causeway, the intimate 12,400 square meter island is a spectacular display of 15th-century stone villas, impeccable pink-sand beaches, and tempting turquoise waters.
An elite holiday destination of the 60s and the Adriatic playground of the rich and famous during the 70s, the stunning holiday hotspot has been frequented by Marilyn Monroe, Orson Welles, Kirk Douglas, and Liz Taylor.
Today, Aman Sveti Stefan is a world-class resort operated by Aman Resorts and comprises 51 rooms, cottages, and suites on the island, and eight grand suites at the Villa Miločer on the mainland.
Accommodation
Aman Sveti Stefan offers two main accommodation options: staying on Sveti Stefan Island or on the mainland at Villa Milocer. Staying on the island itself will give you a beautiful old-world experience with 15th-century stone cottages, cobbled lanes, characterful courtyards, and serene sea views.
St. Sava Cottage
The 105-square-meter St. Sava Cottage delivers an authentic island experience where your own private terrace overlooks Miločer Bay and Sveti Stefan beach. Guests get two bedrooms including a master bedroom with an integrated living area, a spacious shared bathroom with a bathtub, and a separate shower.
Adriatic Suite
If you’re looking for a more spacious stay, the Adriatic Suite is perfect for families. Two king-sized bedrooms, a large living room, and three spacious terraces are spread across two floors giving guests 155 square meters of space. Each bedroom boasts an ensuite, and a bright, neutral color scheme creates a calming atmosphere filled with natural light, all framed by Adriatic Sea views.
Villa Miločer
If you’re after a more palatial experience, the graceful Villa Miločer on the mainland ticks all the boxes. Formerly Queen Marija Karađorđević’s summer residence, the charming stone villa boasts elegant suites, a flowing communal living room, an expansive meeting room, and a library. Embraced on three sides by dense forests of cedar, pine, and olive trees, choose from three suites with sea and/or garden views.
Villa Miločer – Queen Marija Suite
Sitting in one of the resort’s most private locations, the Queen Marija Suite is a separate building spanning 210 square meters with interiors blending heritage charm with modern details. The suite comprises a king-sized bedroom, a living room with a fireplace, and an ensuite complete with a large freestanding bathtub. You also get a choice of sea or garden views from the suites’ terraces.
Villa Miločer – Garden View Suite
Villa Miločer’s Garden View Suites provide guests with an exclusive 70 square meters of space that includes a gorgeous Juliet balcony overlooking the tranquil gardens. The suite is a secluded haven where a king-sized bedroom, living room with fireplace, and ensuite feature beautiful luxury details such as silk accents, parquetry or Antico floors, and large double windows.
Dining
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining at Sveti Stefan where multiple restaurants, bars, and a piazza cater to every taste. Resting on both Sveti Island and Villa Miločer, most of the dining options are available to both guests and non-residents.
Arva at Aman Sveti Stefan
A pure haven for Italian dining aficionados, Arva, meaning “cultivated” is a magnificent tribute to the heartwarming dishes of the country. Sitting on the island itself, you’ll find a menu of contemporary Italian classics such as fresh pasta and risottos mingling with signature dishes including a three-hour braised octopus. An exceptional range of fresh produce and local seafood is sourced from Monenegro’s fertile land and the Adriatic Sea that pair wonderfully with the region’s one-of-a-kind wines.
The Piazza
Channelling the welcoming heart and soul of the island, this laidback open square features a sea-facing terrace and an antipasti bar complimented by local delicacies. Early in the day, a taverna serves European and American food, with Mediterranean dishes taking the limelight as the sun begins to set. This is also the prime spot to enjoy wonderful Montenegro cuisine paired with wines from Radevic Estate – the finest prestige producer of Vranac in the Balkans.
Aman Spa
If relaxation and rejuvenation are crucial to your holiday at Sveti Stefan there’s one place you must visit: the Aman Spa. A standalone Aman Spa on Queen’s Beach features four double treatment rooms delivering a range of signature treatments incorporating wild Montenegrin herbs and flowers.
A 24-meter indoor-outdoor spa pool and three hydrotherapy areas with steam rooms, saunas, and cold-plunge pools offer a wide selection of nurturing treatments such as scrubs, wraps, and baths. There’s also a finishing salon offering manicures, pedicures, and hairstyling as well as dedicated spa cottages on Sveti Island. And those looking to maintain a fitness regime while on holiday can get a morning workout in at the fully-equipped fitness center followed by a cool down in the pilates/yoga studio.
This article originally appeared on Fancy and do not necessarily represent the views of australiaexploring.com
