In Brief: Banyan Tree has officially opened Mamula Island by Banyan Tree, its first resort in Europe, located at the entrance of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.
-
Mamula Island by Banyan Tree – Image Credit Banyan Group
Mamula Island by Banyan Tree has commenced its first full season under the Banyan Tree brand, marking the company’s initial resort opening in Europe. The property is located on a secluded islet at the entrance of the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor and is housed in a restored 19th-century fortress. The 32-room resort features the Banyan Tree Spa and offers dining, cultural programming, wellbeing, and nature-based activities.
The fortress, originally built in the 1850s as a coastal defense, underwent a seven-year restoration led by developer Samih Sawiris, with involvement from Lisbon-based MCM Architecture & Design, Montenegrin studio Projektor, and local heritage authorities. Interior design was managed by Piotr Wisniewski and weStudio Berlin, incorporating mid-century influences, local craftsmanship, and custom-made furniture. The design references the original fortress architecture and includes elements from local artisanal traditions.
Access to the island is available by private boat transfer across Boka Bay or by helicopter from Dubrovnik or Tivat. All rooms and suites have sea views. Heritage Suites are located within the original fortress structure, while newly built rooms and suites feature contemporary interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private terraces. The Heritage Sky Suites have been recognized as “Best Hotel Suite” at AHEAD Awards Europe and ranked among the world’s top ten suites.
Dining options include Parasol, which offers a crudo concept with seafood; Kamena Restaurant, which highlights land-based flavors and locally sourced ingredients; and Celeste, an outdoor terrace venue inspired by coastal cooking traditions from Italy, the Caribbean, and the Levant. Pinea Bar offers cocktails and vinyl nights.
The Banyan Tree Spa is located within the fortress tower and provides treatments using local plants, oils, and natural elements. The spa includes an indoor gym, ritual rooms, Finnish and herbal saunas, a steam room, a halotherapy room, a flotation chamber, and an experience shower. Therapies offered include hydro and weightless therapies, traditional Thai, Javanese Indonesian, and Chinese healing therapies, therapeutic bodywork, and the Royal Banyan treatment.
The island features a serviced beach with sunbeds, coves, and views toward Herceg Novi. Activities available include kayaking, paddleboarding, water biking, and e-biking, as well as excursions to Boka Bay, the Blue Cave, Kotor Old Town, Royal Lovćen and Cetinje, Skadar Lake, and the Tara River. Food tours and local experiences are also offered.
Mamula Island by Banyan Tree hosts an Artists-in-Residence program, workshops, exhibitions, maker sessions, opera evenings, live music, and the Operosa Music Festival. The resort is available for a full island buyout for weddings, private events, and retreats, with venues across the restored fortress, terraces, gardens, spa facilities, and beach.
