Opened July 2025

Mamula Island by Banyan Tree

Name: Mamula Island by Banyan Tree
Address: Mamula Island, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Mamula Island, Montenegro. Banyan Group.

Opened: July 2025
Rooms: 32
Operator: Banyan Group
Type: Resort

Mamula Island by Banyan Tree is a 32-room hotel in a restored 19th-century fortress at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. It joined the Banyan Tree portfolio in 2025: a Banyan Group release of 1 July 2025 said the former Mamula Island hotel was welcoming guests for that season, ahead of a full reimagination in 2026. The 29 June 2026 release unveils it in its first full season under the brand, as Banyan Tree's first resort in Europe.

Fort Mamula was built in the 1850s as a coastal defence fortification. A seven-year restoration led by developer Samih Sawiris, with MCM Architecture & Design and the studio Projektor, turned it into a hotel, and Piotr Wisniewski and weStudio Berlin oversaw the interiors. All rooms and suites have sea views. Heritage Suites sit inside the original fortress structure, and the Heritage Sky Suites were named Best Hotel Suite at the AHEAD Awards Europe. Guests arrive by private boat across Boka Bay or by helicopter from Dubrovnik or Tivat.

There are three pools, a serviced beach and four places to eat and drink: Parasol, Kamena, Celeste and Pinea Bar. The Banyan Tree Spa occupies the fortress tower and has Finnish and herbal saunas, a halotherapy room and a flotation chamber. The whole island can be booked for weddings, private events and retreats.

“Formerly known as Mamula Island, the hotel now joins the Banyan Tree portfolio, welcoming guests throughout the 2025 season ahead of a full reimagination with the brand's signature experiences in 2026.”

The operator’s wording, read on its own page and last checked 1 November 2026.

Photographs

The pool deck inside the fortress walls. Photo: Banyan Group
Sky Suite with an original fresco. Photo: Banyan Group
Panoramic Suite. Photo: Banyan Group
Kamena restaurant, with windows onto the bay. Photo: Banyan Group
The fortress entrance. Photo: Banyan Group

The facts

Each line links to the operator's page it was read on.

Rooms: Following its addition to the Banyan Tree portfolio, the 32-room island sanctuary now features the brand's award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, alongside refreshed brand experiences spanning destination-led dining, cultural programming, wellbeing and nature-based discovery. Source
Suites: The Adriatic is a constant presence throughout the resort, with all rooms and suites offering sea views. Heritage Suites are set within the original fortress structure, preserving stonework and heritage features, while newly built rooms and suites feature contemporary interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces. The Heritage Sky Suites have been recognised as "Best Hotel Suite" at AHEAD Awards Europe and ranked among the world's top ten suites. Source
Setting: Set on a secluded islet at the entrance of the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor (known locally as Boka Bay), Mamula Island by Banyan Tree is housed in a restored 19th-century fortress encircled by sea and sky, with far-reaching views across the Adriatic. Source
History: Originally built in the 1850s, Fort Mamula once served as a coastal defence fortification at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor. Its seven-year restoration was led by developer Samih Sawiris, in partnership with Lisbon-based MCM Architecture & Design, Montenegrin conservation and architecture studio Projektor, and local heritage authorities. Source
Designer: Interior design was overseen by Piotr Wisniewski and weStudio Berlin, combining mid-century influences, local craftsmanship and bespoke furniture. Source
Getting there: The journey to the island begins 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. Source
Dining: Parasol, set at the heart of the fortress beside three outdoor pools, offers a crudo concept centred on just-caught seafood, while Kamena Restaurant overlooks the Adriatic and highlights land-led flavours and locally harvested ingredients. Perched on the edge of the island, Celeste offers a relaxed outdoor terrace experience inspired by coastal cooking traditions from Italy, the Caribbean and the Levant. Source
Bar: As evening falls, guests can gather at Pinea Bar, an intimate speakeasy-style bar offering handcrafted cocktails and vinyl nights under the stars. Source
Spa: Located within the historic fortress tower, Banyan Tree Spa offers a wellbeing experience guided by the brand's 8 Pillars of Wellbeing. Source
Spa: The spa features an indoor gym, ritual rooms, Finnish and herbal saunas, steam room, halotherapy room, flotation chamber and experience shower. Source
Pool: Guests can spend their days by the sea at one of the three pools, retreating to quiet inlets or lounging along the panoramic Sun Deck, where the horizon stretches endlessly before them. Source
Beach: At the northern tip of the island, a serviced beach features sunbeds, individual coves and views towards Herceg Novi, with direct access to the island's natural coastline. Source
Activities: Guests can explore the island, coastline and Luštica Peninsula by kayak, paddleboard, water bike or e-bike. Source
Website: banyantree.com

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