Banyan Tree’s Mamula Island celebrates its official debut season | News

Banyan Group, an independent global hospitality company, officially unveils Mamula Island by Banyan Tree in its first full season under the flagship Banyan Tree brand, marking Banyan Tree’s first resort in Europe.

Mamula Island by Banyan Tree is located on a secluded islet at the entrance to the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor (locally known as Boka Bay). It is housed in a restored 19th-century fortress surrounded by sea and sky, with far-reaching views over the Adriatic Sea. Following the addition to the Banyan Tree portfolio, the 32-room island sanctuary now features the brand’s award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, in addition to refreshed brand experiences in destination-focused dining, cultural programming, wellness and nature-based exploration.

A guardian of the Bay of Kotor

Originally built in the 1850s, Fort Mamula once served as a coastal defense fortress at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. The seven-year restoration was led by developer Samih Sawiris, in collaboration with Lisbon-based MCM Architecture & Design, Montenegrin conservation and architecture studio Projektor and local heritage authorities.

The interior design was overseen by Piotr Wisniewski and weStudio Berlin, combining mid-century influences, local craftsmanship and custom furnishings. Throughout the resort, natural stone, aged brass, solid oak and organic textiles create an interior that is warm, understated and sustainable.

The arch, a defining feature of the original fortress, is being reinterpreted throughout the resort, including in a bespoke furniture line developed for the hotel. The design also draws on local craft traditions, from pottery and joinery to abstract visual art, creating a contemporary retreat on the island and wider region.

Rooms and suites overlooking the Adriatic Sea

The trip to the island starts with a private boat transfer across Boka Bay or a helicopter flight from Dubrovnik or Tivat, with views over Montenegro’s coastline and the Adriatic Sea.

The Adriatic Sea is a constant presence throughout the resort, with all rooms and suites offering sea views. Heritage Suites are set within the original fortress structure, retaining stone walls and historic features. The newly built rooms and suites have modern interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace. The Heritage Sky Suites have been recognized as “Best Hotel Suite” at the AHEAD Awards Europe and are among the top ten suites in the world.

Dining by land and sea

Dining at Mamula Island by Banyan Tree is defined by local produce, fresh seafood and the micro-seasonality of the Montenegrin coast. Located in the heart of the fortress next to three outdoor pools, Parasol offers a crudo concept focused on just-caught fish, while Kamena Restaurant overlooks the Adriatic Sea and highlights the flavors of the land and locally harvested ingredients.

Located on the edge of the island, Celeste offers a relaxing patio experience inspired by coastal cooking traditions from Italy, the Caribbean and the Levant. As night falls, guests can gather at the Pinea Bar, an intimate speakeasy-style bar serving handcrafted cocktails and vinyl nights under the stars.

A restorative island journey

Located in the historic fortress tower, Banyan Tree Spa offers a wellness experience guided by the brand’s 8 pillars of wellness. The treatments are based on local plants, oils and natural elements, with rituals designed to reflect the island’s environment and the restorative properties of the surrounding landscape.

The spa features an indoor gym, ritual rooms, Finnish and herbal saunas, a steam room, a halotherapy room, a floating room and an experience shower. Guests can also enjoy hydro and weightless therapies, including a meditative float experience, as well as traditional Thai, Javanese-Indonesian and Chinese medicine, therapeutic bodywork and the brand’s signature Royal Banyan treatment.

In addition to the spa, the island offers space for quiet restoration and discovery in the open air. On the northern tip of the island is a maintained beach with sunbeds, individual coves and views towards Herceg Novi, with direct access to the island’s natural coastline.

You can explore the island, its coastline and the Luštica Peninsula by kayak, paddleboard, pedal boat or e-bike. Further afield there are curated experiences such as Boka Bay, sunrise swimming in the Blue Cave, Kotor Old Town, Royal Lovćen and Cetinje, Lake Skadar and the Tara River. Luštica food tours and local discovery experiences connect guests with the history, landscapes and coastal life of Montenegro.

Creative and cultural programming

Cultural programming is central to the Mamula Island experience. A new Artists-in-Residence program brings local and regional creatives to the island, with workshops, exhibitions, maker sessions, opera nights, live music and the Operosa Music Festival, offering guests a closer connection to the region’s creative community.

Mamula Island by Banyan Tree is also available for a full island buyout for weddings, private events and retreats, with a collection of distinctive venues spanning the restored fort, open-air terraces, gardens, spa facilities and beach.

For more information and reservations, visit banyantree.com.