Inspired by global experiences and rooted in local heritage, Mamula Island reimagines a previously uninhabited islet and 19th-century fortress off the coast of Montenegro.
Softly opening this month and with a full-scale opening in April, the historically renovated structure is augmented with bespoke, modern furnishings to offer guests a sophisticated one-of-a-kind experience. Onsite amenities of the Design Hotels member include a fine-dining restaurant with a continually changing seasonal menu, two all-day eateries with more casual fare, a lavish spa in the former fortress tower, three fresh- and saltwater pools, and a serviced beach—all of which is encircled by sea and sky, with far-reaching views of the crystal-clear waters and wild scenery beyond.
Located at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mamula Island is a carefully restored 19th-century fortress off the coast of Herceg Novi, Montenegro. With Lisbon-based studio MCM Architecture & Design leading the architectural concept and Piotr Wisniewski and his agency weStudio Berlin overseeing the interior design, everything at this new property has been designed to give guests time to think, move, make, meet, soothe, and share. After a thorough and extensive restoration process, the hotel is formally opening to inaugurate its seasonal operation in April following a soft launch this month.
The island itself is of historical importance and holds sentimental value among locals. As such, MCM worked closely with heritage authorities on the entire restoration process to bring the original beauty of the building, constructed in 1852 by the Austro-Hungarian general Lazar Mamula, to the fore. Simultaneously, Piotr and weStudio found inspiration in regional cultural references and the heritage of local artisanal trades, including pottery and traditional carpentry techniques, as well as minimalist mid-century styles and abstract art. Combined, these references create a distinct design language that is at once sophisticated and refined yet deeply connected to the vernacular of the island and region.
Both the architecture and design concepts are united through the motif of the arch, a symbol of strength and support as well as renewal and openness, which dominated the original fortress. In ancient mythology, arches and doorways were seen as thresholds between time and space; in more modern times, they became symbols of the expansiveness of the sky. When renovating the existing building and adding new spaces, this motif was recreated by MCM in many of the interior structures. It was also the starting point for the custom geometrical furniture designed by weStudio that is found throughout the hotel.
Although the majority of furnishings are bespoke, select lamps, chairs, and lounge pieces by Gubi, Roda, Santa&Cole, Flos, and Menu are also found in guestrooms and communal spaces. Meanwhile, the overarching color palette and materials draw directly from the island’s landscape: natural, earthy tones mix in contrasting harmony with bright hues of the sky and sea; local stone and solid oak are complemented by aged brass and breathable, organic textiles.
Mamula Island offers four room categories—Garden, Sea, Sky, and Panoramic—with a total of 10 rooms, 14 junior suites, and 8 suites. Garden rooms and Panoramic rooms and suites are located in modern additions to the fortress, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces. The Sea junior suites and Sky suites are situated within the historic structure and include original windows and stone features. Some Sky suites even feature original frescoes on the ceilings, and two also boast private Jacuzzis. Plus, 31 of the 32 guestrooms have cozy private fireplaces, and all rooms feature bespoke furniture designed by weStudio, a curated selection of artworks by local artists, toiletries developed by the all-natural Swiss spa brand Ananné with a custom Mamula scent, and stunning sea views.
Each of the three restaurants and a specialty mixology bar has a distinct identity, united through a focus on seasonal, local products. At the heart of the island and fortress’s footprint, under the open sky, the Pool Deck offers a casual all-day restaurant and bar, located next to three pools—one freshwater lap pool and two circular relaxation pools, one with freshwater, the other with salt—with sunbeds and lounge furniture. The Pool Deck’s à-la-carte menus focus on comforting Mediterranean small bites, like pickled vegetables in acacia vinegar or oyster ceviche with rhubarb, white asparagus, and verbena oil, as well as main dishes, like homemade cheese-and-hazelnut ravioli or saffron-pumpkin tortellini.
On the top level of the west wing of the fortress is Kamena, the property’s signature fine-dining restaurant, where seasonal vegetables and freshly caught fish take center stage. The continually changing six-course set menu—developed by French-Canadian chef Erica Archambault, who previously worked at the Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant Septime—is paired with a carefully curated wine list focused on the best Balkan, French, and Italian producers, as well as incomparable sunset views over the Adriatic Sea and nearby Croatian coastline. On the top floor of the opposite wing is Pinea Bar, a speakeasy-style mixology bar serving signature cocktails and homemade infusions in an intimate setting; inside there are 12 seats, with a sheltered terrace offering an additional 12 alongside a fireplace.
Outside the walls of the fortress are the Beach and the Sun Deck. Situated on the northern tip of the island is the serviced, private Beach, where guests can have picnic baskets filled with Côte D’Azur-inspired specialties delivered to their sunbeds. On the southern side, the Sun Deck is open to both overnight guests and day visitors, serving a selection of freshly caught seafood from its raw bar as well as light salads and wood-oven-baked specialties, including pizzas made with slow-fermented dough.
Another central feature of Mamula Island is the spa, housed on the ground level of the fortress’s main tower. Here, guests can restore, release, and revive their minds and bodies through massage, facial, and body treatments performed with Ananné premium organic natural skincare. Beyond treatments—which are carried out in one of two rooms or the couples treatment suite and combine traditional techniques with forward-thinking therapies—the spa also boasts an indoor gym, two ritual rooms, a Finnish sauna, a herbal sauna, a steam room, a halotherapy room, and an aqua floating tank. Communal, private, and bespoke activities such as yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound and energy healing, and ritual-oriented remedies are also offered.
Mamula Island also organizes cultural excursions and activities for guests on the mainland. A range of watersports equipment, including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and water bikes, are available for complimentary use to explore the sheltered bay of Mirista. Complimentary electric bikes are also available to enjoy the undisturbed trails of the Luštica peninsula. A number of private experiences can also be booked, including tours of Boka Bay, Lake Skadar National Park, and the city of Herceg Novi.
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