Montenegro is becoming one of Europe's most compelling luxury destinations, and the arrival of Mamula Island by Banyan Tree marks an important milestone in that evolution. With internationally renowned brands now investing in the region, the country appeals not only to travellers drawn by a destination itself, but increasingly to those who choose where to go based on an exceptional property – a rare overlap that few emerging destinations can genuinely claim. Geographically and climatically, Montenegro sits comfortably alongside Croatia, Italy and Greece, yet culturally it still feels refreshingly undiscovered, and that sense of novelty is part of its allure. Set on a meticulously restored 19th-century fortified island at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, Mamula Island is unlike anywhere else in the Adriatic, balancing contemporary design with the building's remarkable history. Picture stone walls, minimalist interiors and panoramic sea views.