Mamula Island by Banyan Tree — Hotel in Luštica

Having lived in the USA since the age of 16 for the past 15 years, I have not kept up with the most recent developments in my home country of Montenegro. In 2023, I chartered a boat in Tivat with my family. On one of the cruises, while en route to our destination, we passed by this beautiful historical structure that looked and felt better kept than most things I’d seen traveling around the world in the past decade. It appeared quiet, pristine, exclusive—almost unreachable.

My captain briefly explained its history. As someone born and raised in Montenegro, who studied its history up to sophomore year of high school, I felt slightly upset that I had never heard of this place before—or perhaps I had simply missed it.

Passionate about Montenegro’s national identity, culture, and history, I was intrigued. For 2024, I booked two rooms for a week—for myself, my girlfriend, and my parents. To say we had the family time of our lives is an understatement. To be in my home country, experiencing something rare to find even among the world’s most luxurious destinations, was deeply satisfying.

At the entrance to the fort, there is a museum honoring the island’s history. It brings to life events otherwise forgotten by most who were not personally impacted. It educates both locals and foreigners about the fort, the island, and the struggle of Montenegrin people for a better future—a future we might be living in today, where young people have work opportunities unlike anywhere else in the world, in a place where we can welcome both locals and international guests to experience the new, modern Montenegro.

This was a surreal experience. Beyond the incredible amenities, spa, pools, one-of-a-kind nature and beach, what stood out most was the staff—their warmth, professionalism, and personal connection to the island. For me, that is Mamula’s greatest strength.

In 2025, we returned, booking a Junior Suite online. Upon arrival, familiar faces welcomed us back. It was amazing to see the same team from the year before. From booking to check-out, every step was handled with the highest standard of luxury and professionalism—by everyone from the boat captain in Miriste to the reception staff, restaurant servers, and even the landscapers who greeted us daily.

We were generously upgraded to the Panoramic Suite—the best room on the island. Sea views everywhere, and my favorite sight of Mount Lovćen, visible from almost every angle, filled me with pride for our people and our history.

Days flowed from casual poolside lunches and spicy margaritas to fine dining dinners at Kamena, sunset drinks at Sun Deck, and late-night espresso martinis at Pinea Bar. Paradise.

Ahmed, our incredible concierge, is one of the main reasons we returned. His attention to detail, warmth, and genuine care were unmatched. He ensured we had everything we needed, tailoring every request to perfection for us and our guests. Ahmed is a rare talent in hospitality—someone who makes you feel both at home and like royalty.

Mohammed, Omar Haytem, and Abdul were equally remarkable—true professionals and wonderful people. Viktor and Darko delivered exceptional cocktails daily, and Ivan, the reception manager, is another reason we’ll be back next year.

If you’re American—or anyone in the world—looking to enjoy the charm of the Adriatic and the bluest skies imaginable, Mamula Island is the way to go. It’s the closest US-level luxury wellness experience in Europe, offering unmatched relaxation and renewal.

Juan, the culture you’ve created here is extraordinary. It’s felt in every part of the guest experience. You and your vision are a major reason Mamula is Europe’s most exclusive...

We visited Mamula just for the day since we were staying in Budva, but as soon as I stepped on the grounds I didn’t want to leave. A boat picked us up on the Mistra side. And once we arrived to the island, we were greeted by 3 employees who escorted us into the fort. The spa manager personally greeted me and made sure we were ok (they are very communicative via email or WhatsApp). We utilized the pool for a few hours before our spa treatments and the poolside service was attentive, friendly, luxurious. If the attendant saw my squinting in the sun, he would ask if I wanted my umbrella moved. We enjoyed the Montenegro charcuterie plate which was delicious and very local, perfect for poolside snacking. We also indulged in pasta and fries, we couldn’t resist, we wanted to savor the moment.

After the relaxing pool time, we went to the spa which was one of the most stunning experiences I’ve had. Integrating the stone of the fort yet making it feel soft and warm was done with the most stylish touch. My room had a bathtub for two, a shower, and a view of the water. Suszana my massage therapist personalized experience with some stretching and stone work, since I told her my legs were tired from a hike. The stones she used aren’t your average round polished stones you see staying warm in a crock pot at other spas. NO. This was a bespoke handheld tool that was made specifically for the spa. One side of the stone has a grittier texture which is meant to exfoliate and help with circulation. It was DIVINE. If it wasn’t so late in the day, I would’ve asked if Suzana could go for another hour!

The amenities in the spa were top tier: two dry saunas (Finnish and herbal) one Wet sauna, Himalayan pink rock salt room, cold showers, cold plunge “bucket” dump, small crunchy ice cubes you can put a washcloth into and press on your face while in the hot sauna….My only problem was that I didn’t give myself enough time! We showered in their beautiful locker room and got ready for Dinner at Kamena which was a 6 course prix fixe. The somm was so kind and made us Mocktails since we didn’t drink. The staff their alerted our taxi cab driver that we were running late and escorted us back to the boat and then to the mainland. This one-of-a-kind experience would make me return, I was given a tour of the rooms and they are exquisite. Some have bathrooms that are the same size of the sleeping quarters! I highly recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking for a memorable experience that feels luxe...

The view is beautiful, the bed is confortable and the restaurant staff is amazing. Dont book room 107 if the view is important to you it has a metal post in front of the Window. It took 4 hours to change rooms even if the hotel had 7 clients they told us its because some of their rooms are broken. ||The front desk service is a bit awkward with multiple employees in the office adressing your question but the employes are nice. Alot of things are broken (elevator rod, our shower door etc) they dont know yet the important information when the spa closes and which pool is heated or that we need to ask to have it heated. So we pretty much lost our whole days doing noting because we were trying to get information. Also theres a dog for the seagulls that roams free but is friendly. They completly changed management and restaurant chef (they told us the canadian chef is not there anymore). Maybe with more years of experience it will be better. We got to know the history of the place there its very terrible what happened. ||We also never were able to get the number of the local taxi company only their service that is alot more expensive come by car its alot more simple. An employee said they were not allowed. We didnt ask if it was policy.|||| Its our personnal experience i think we are not the clientèle they look for. ||||If they recommend à restaurant in mirista its rated 3.8 on...