Aman Sveti Stefan, the historic island resort on the Montenegrin coast, will reopen for the summer season on 1 July 2026, five years after a beach access dispute forced its closure.
The resort, set on the island town of Sveti Stefan around 10 kilometres from Budva, closed in 2021 following demands by local residents for free access to the beaches opposite the hotel. Under the new agreement, both Sveti Stefan Beach and King’s Beach will be open to nearby residents, while Queen’s Beach will remain exclusive to Aman guests.
Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić confirmed the deal on X, adding that the state will receive a 10% share of profits from the resort. He also said there will be no additional construction in Miločer Park beyond existing permits.
The island, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand, was turned into a hotel by the Yugoslav government in the 1950s. The property previously attracted guests, including Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe, before reopening as Aman Sveti Stefan following extensive renovations in 2009.
Accommodation
Aman Sveti Stefan comprises 33 cottages and suites on the island itself, housed within restored 15th-century stone cottages with sea or garden views. The largest unit, the Sveti Stefan Suite, features a private pool, a separate living room, a dining area, a pantry, and a steam room.
Villa Miločer, the mainland component of the resort and formerly the summer residence of Queen Marija Karađorđević, offers six residences in the main building and two in a separate structure. Unlike the island resort, Villa Miločer will operate year-round and opens on 22 May.
Spa, beaches and facilities
The Aman Spa is located in the private bay of Queen’s Beach and includes four double treatment rooms, a 24-metre indoor swimming pool, and three hydrotherapy areas with a steam room, sauna, and cold-plunge pool or bathtub.
The fitness centre covers 140 square metres and includes a pilates and yoga studio for private or small group sessions. Two swimming pools are available on the island, one of which is adults-only.
Sveti Stefan Beach stretches 170 metres and is known for its pink pebbles, while King’s Beach runs 280 metres along the coast. Queen’s Beach sits within a lagoon and is noted for its emerald-green water and pink sand.
Dining
Three seasonal restaurants operate on the island. Arva serves Italian cuisine for dinner and features a Rakija Bar on its upper terrace. Piazza offers rustic Mediterranean dishes for breakfast and lunch in a taverna-style setting. The Cliff Pool Bar sits beside the adults-only pool.
Villa Miločer Restaurant, which overlooks King’s Beach, operates year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu drawing on classic and contemporary dishes from across the Adriatic region.
All bookings include daily breakfast, in-room refreshments such as soft drinks, tea, and coffee, along with access to snorkelling equipment and paddle boards.
Photo Credit: George Khelashvili / Shutterstock.com
