Montenegro Resort Reopens With Free Beach Access for Locals

After five years of closure over beach access disputes, one of Montenegro's most iconic resorts is welcoming back guests with a groundbreaking agreement that puts locals first.

Aman Sveti Stefan, a luxury hotel set on a picturesque island near Budva, will reopen on July 1 with a new arrangement. Residents now have free access to both Sveti Stefan Beach and King's Beach, while Queen's Beach remains exclusive to hotel guests.

The resort has a storied past. Built within a 15th-century fortified village, the island was transformed into a hotel by Yugoslavia in the 1950s. Stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe once vacationed there.

After extensive renovations, it reopened as an Aman property in 2009. But tensions grew when locals felt shut out from beaches they'd enjoyed for generations. The resort closed in 2021 as residents demanded access.

Now, a new deal brings everyone to the table. Montenegro's Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced the state will receive 10% of resort profits. Even better, the agreement protects Miločer Park from any new construction beyond existing permits.

The Ripple Effect

This resolution shows what's possible when luxury tourism and community needs work together instead of competing. The compromise preserves Montenegro's natural beauty while ensuring economic benefits flow to local residents, not just international visitors.

The agreement sets a precedent for coastal communities worldwide facing similar tensions. When developers and residents negotiate in good faith, everyone wins.

The resort itself remains spectacular. Guests stay in carefully restored stone cottages on the island or at Villa Miločer, once a queen's summer residence. The spa sits in a private bay, and three restaurants serve everything from Italian cuisine to Adriatic classics.

Villa Miločer will even operate year-round starting May 22, bringing jobs and economic activity beyond the typical summer season.

For Montenegrins, the victory goes beyond beach towels and swimming. It's about reclaiming shared spaces and ensuring tourism development respects the people who call these places home.