While its neighbour Croatia has long been in the tourism spotlight, the tiny Balkan nation of Montenegro, at least for now, retains much of its undiscovered peace and charm. The small country is carpeted in rugged mountains, ancient cedar and pine forests and deep blue lakes, and fringed by soft pebble and pink sand beaches and dazzling turquoise Adriatic waters. While Montenegro’s hotel scene has flourished in recent years, Aman Sveti Stefan is undoubtedly the nation’s most prized hotel property.
The setting for the 2014 nuptials of tennis legend Novak Djokovic and loved by the world’s elite, Aman Sveti Stefan sits on the historic inlet in the Adriatic, three miles south of Budva. While the main resort has been closed since the Covid-19 pandemic, a glimmer of hope has been granted to lovers of the property, as Aman Sveti Stefan has re-opened its historic and lavish private rental, Villa Miločer.
Hidden in cedar pines and olive groves, Villa Miločer is the most exclusive accommodation at Aman Sveti Stefan and is set on the pink sands of King Beach – considered by many as the most beautiful beach in Montenegro. The elegant villa itself dates back to the 19th century, built as the summer residence of the first queen of Yugoslavia – Queen Marija Karadordevic, at a time when the historic inlet of Sveti Stefan was still inhabited.
Rented in its entirety, the villa is currently the only access travellers can have to Aman Sveti Stefan, one of the ultra-luxury hotel group‘s most stunning properties. Guests can enjoy six elegant suites, alongside two further suites in a separate building, beautiful sea and garden views and Juliet balconies overlooking the Adriatic and Sveti Stefan itself.
A charming way to spend the bay is by grabbing a book and heading to the wisteria-draped al-fresco terrace, complete with sumptuous seating and the setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. While Sveti Stefan itself remains closed, guests of Villa Miločer will have full and exclusive access to the Aman Spa, the serene cove of Queen’s Beach and be able to visit the island by way of private, pre-arranged tours.
The Adriatic coast is one of the most promising destinations for summer 2023 – located in the east of Europe and with direct flights from the GCC. Bordering Montengro, Albania is penned to be the next big Balkan Riviera. Discover the up-and-coming summer hotspot with direct flights from the UAE here.
