Sveti Stefan is a little islet located in Montenegro, 7.5 Km south of Budva. Historically, the islet was home of an ancient fishing village characterized by red-tiled roofs and cypress trees. The fortified village has a unique atmosphere thanks to its cobbled lanes, courtyards and serene sea views. The history of Sveti Stefan dates back to the 16th century. During this time, the Patrovici clan seized it from pirates and decided to build 12 houses there. The first church that was built on the small islet was dedicated to Saint Stephen – the Patron Saint of the Patrovici clan – hence the name of the village.
In the 20th century, the village has undergone a dramatic transformation. After World War II, the population of Sveti Stefan was decimated. In that moment, a group of Montenegrin architects and artists decided to restore the ancient buildings, and, in a very short amount of time, the village became a huge hospitality complex. Today, the entire islet of Sveti Stefan is occupied by a luxury 5-star resort, owned by the franchise group Aman Resorts. The resort has three idyllic beaches with pink sand, including a private beach set in an emerald lagoon.
The resort boosts 51 beautiful rooms, suites, and fishermen’s cottages overlooking the Adriatic Sea. All rooms have been restored and individually styled to showcase their original details and harmonize them with the old stone style of the village. The resort includes the 15th-century property on Sveti Stefan islet and the 19th-century Villa Milocer on the mainland, connected together by a sandy isthmus. Both properties occupy an area of 80 acres.
The mainland in front of the islet, called New Sveti Stefan, is the perfect spot to admire the islet in all its beauty. Not very far from it, there are several other tourist places, such as Przno, a small village with beautiful sandy beaches, or the Praskvika Monastery established in 1413. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, this fabulous destination attracts each year visitors from all around the world, including Hollywood celebrities and European VIP such as Sofia Loren, Kirk Douglas, and Queen Elizabeth.
