Photo courtesy of Amanresorts

Attached to the coast by a narrow isthmus, the island, Sveti Stefan, was once a fortified fishing village dating back to the 1400s. Sveti Stefan's fortunes dwindled over the centuries, but it saw its renaissance in 1960, when the few remaining villagers moved to the mainland and the island opened as a high-profile hotel for stars from the silver screen and fashion worlds. Times changed again, and 50 years later, the island is undergoing its second renaissance: Its exciting and painstaking transition to become the second phase of Aman Sveti Stefan, following on from the launch of Villa Milo_er across the bay in 2009.

The time-consuming and detailed restoration of Sveti Stefan has retained the island's historic air, carefully preserving the cluster of sturdy stone buildings with red tiled roofs cheerful amongst hardy evergreen trees. This is something that Amanresorts knows well.

Photo courtesy of Amanresorts

From its beginnings as a 15th century fortress for 12 families of the Pa_trovi_ tribe, to its heyday as a fishing village supporting 400 inhabitants in the early 1800s, and even to its fading years in the early 20th century, the island has always maintained a high profile in Montenegro's consciousness. After World War II, painters Milo Milunovi_ and Petar Lubarda wanted to convert Sveti Stefan into a painter's colony, but it was politician Edvard Kardeli who first conceived of the idea to turn the island into a hotel.

Architect Branko Bon from Belgrade was chosen to make this a reality, and on July 13th, 1960, the hotel which was to become the jewel of the Mediterranean, graced by the likes of Sophia Loren and Britain's Princess Margaret amongst many others from the elite ranks of royals, politicians and celebrities, was opened. The breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s brought this period to an end, but 50 years after its first renaissance as a luxury retreat, Sveti Stefan is once again set to shine in the Adriatic. In 2005, the government decided to revitalise Sveti Stefan and bring it back to its former pre-eminence, and after an international tender, Amanresorts was selected to take on the project in 2007. Says Zecha of the opportunity: "Montenegro has the reputation of being one of the last unspoilt Mediterranean destinations - an extremely rare phenomenon in Europe. Combine this with Sveti Stefan's exceptional heritage, outstanding environment, architectural merit and promise of privacy and you have a destination which is utterly unique. I have no doubt that we are launching Amanresorts' new European flagship."

Photo courtesy of Amanresorts

Located in the centre of Montenegro's Adriatic coast, Aman Sveti Stefan incorporates two kilometres of coastline including the pink sandy beaches of Sveti Stefan, Milo_er Beach and the renowned Queen's Beach. The island itself measures 12,400 square metres. While its historic exterior remains largely unchanged, the resort's interiors have been restored and updated to meet contemporary expectations. Aman Sveti Stefan already offers Villa Milo_er's six suites, two one-bedroom Queen Marija Suites on the Villa's grounds. The island's 50 guest cottages and suites will unveil themselves in stages, welcoming the first guests this July.

Amanresorts was founded by Adrian Zecha who envisioned a collection of intimate retreats in beautiful surrounds with the unassuming, warm hospitality of a gracious private residence. The first resort, Amanpuri (place of peace) in Phuket, Thailand, introduced the concept, and since then, Amanresorts has grown to encompass 23 resorts located in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, France, French Polynesia, Indonesia, India, Laos, Montenegro, Morocco, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Turks & Caicos Islands and the USA.

For more information go to www.amanresorts.com

Published 05.08.2010