Mamula Island Hotel – Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
A 19th-century fortress reborn as a sanctuary of heritage and design
Where History Shapes Hospitality
At the entrance to Montenegro’s spectacular Bay of Kotor, the Mamula Island Hotel transforms a 19th-century fortress into a unique blend of remembrance and refined escape. Once an uninhabited island—and during World War II, a tragic concentration camp—it has been reimagined with reverence, preserving its layered history while introducing contemporary comforts.
Architecture That Remembers
Original stone walls and defensive arches stand alongside sensitive new interventions: a memorial space honoring the island’s wartime past, a glass-roofed central courtyard that bathes the interiors in natural light, and serene wellness areas designed to soothe both body and mind. The design approach bridges centuries, using the past not as ornament, but as the foundation for the present.
Rooted in the Landscape
Earthy tones drawn from the surrounding Adriatic landscape set the stage for brighter accents and works by Montenegrin artists. Locally sourced Cevsky stone, aged brass, and organic fabrics provide a tactile connection to place, while oak joinery and handwoven textiles lend warmth to the fortress’s formidable structure.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Part sanctuary, part memorial, Mamula Island Hotel is a rare destination where history and hospitality share the same walls—offering guests not just a stay, but an encounter with the soul of a place. Now under the management of Banyan Group, the hotel remains open for the 2025 season and will be fully reimagined with the signature Banyan Tree experience in 2026.
