Banyan Group opens Mamula Island by Banyan Tree in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor in its first full season as the Banyan Tree brand’s inaugural resort in Europe.

The resort was set on a secluded islet at the entrance of the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor and housed in a restored 19th-century fortress. All 32 rooms and suites offered sea views and included Heritage Suites within the original structure and newly built units with contemporary interiors.

The seven-year restoration was led by developer Samih Sawiris with MCM Architecture & Design, Projektor and local heritage authorities. Interior design was overseen by Piotr Wisniewski and weStudio Berlin, using natural stone, aged brass, solid oak and local craftsmanship.

Dining venues such as Parasol, Kamena Restaurant, Celeste and Pinea Bar focused on local produce, fresh seafood and regional and international coastal cooking traditions. The resort also offered multiple outdoor pools and a serviced beach with views towards Herceg Novi.

Banyan Tree Spa was located in the historic fortress tower and provided treatments based on the brand’s 8 Pillars of Wellbeing, using local plants and natural elements. Facilities included ritual rooms, saunas, steam room, halotherapy room, flotation chamber, gym and hydro therapies.

The property offered activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, water biking, e-biking and excursions around Boka Bay and the Luštica Peninsula. Mamula Island by Banyan Tree was also available for full-island buyouts for weddings, private events and retreats, and hosted cultural programming such as an Artists-in-Residence programme and the Operosa Music Festival.