Aman Sveti Stefan Resort Montenegro

A rooftop pool at the Man Sveti Stefan — Not a bad spot.

Though it has a booming tourist industry, the Eastern European country of Montenegro has managed to remain slightly off the radar in comparison to neighbouring Croatia. Its beauty however is equally as breathtaking, and perhaps even more extraordinary with a diverse landscape dominated by snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, and an expansive crystal-clear coastline. I was lucky enough to spend five days on the private island resort of Sveti Stefan, a small fifteenth-century fishing village connected to the coast by a narrow isthmus.

The Island Village Resort of Sveti Stefan

After being the Adriatic playground for the rich and famous in throughout the 60s-80s, Sveti Stefan was leased to the Aman group in 2009 with the provision that the heritage of the island remains intact.

The charming, shaded courtyards, open dining restaurants, two sea view swimming pools, and unique cottages are all accessed by stone footpaths designed to follow the organic contours of the island. The island houses 50 hand-restored rooms, cottages, and suites for guest use, and two small original functioning chapels for locals to use. The identity and soul of the island is excellently preserved with its 600-year-old tiled roofs and, cobbled walkways and wild gardens scenting the air with notes of flora and pine.

The resort has a private boat which transports guests to the property’s villa on the mainland and one of three private beaches under its care. The Villa Milocer which was once the summer residence for Serbian royals has eight grand suites overlooking the sea and an incredible al-fresco restaurant.

Villa Milocer in Montenegro by Ainsley DS Creative — A view of Villa Milocer from the island.

A five-minute walk along the coast reveals the smaller “queens' residence” with its own private bay. The stunning restored building has been made into a 1,600-square-metre spa and wellness facility and includes a gym and studios for Pilates and yoga.

The food at all three restaurants has a similar menu with fresh, local produce filling the pages. Beef is pasture fed from the north of Montenegro, organic fruits and vegetables are market bought and the sea bass, octopus and rock oysters come directly from the Adriatic Sea surrounding the island. The menus at the three different restaurants each have a different focus, with the piazza being used mainly for breakfast, the ocean side villa for lunch, and the sea view terrace used for stunning sunset dinners. And if you’re feeling lazy, the in-room dining menu has a variety of choices including a delicious cheese platter filled with a variety of local cheeses, pickles, and olives.

Rooftop views of the Adriatic by Ainsley DS Photography — One of the many dining and lounging areas on the island.

Luxury hotels and resort reviews by Ainsley DS Travel — Serene spots on the property, looking at the island from the mainland villa.

The Aman resort was unlike any place I had ever stayed before. From the moment we walked in the door to our seaside cottage it felt like my soul had found its home. The sound of soothing Spanish guitar was playing on the stereo and the lights had been perfectly dimmed. The open plan living space, large, exposed beams and smell of cedar wood was beckoning me to make a cup of tea and snuggle up into a cosy waffle blanket while overlooking the ocean below. The bathroom was also open plan, connecting to the adjacent bedroom through a large concrete archway exposing the thickness of the ancient solid walls. Two opposing closets were big enough to house an extensive holiday wardrobe selection, and the matching vanities each had individually equipped amenities in refillable, handmade ceramic pots.