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Key Points
- Banyan Tree will rebrand Mamula Island by 2026, integrating spa rituals, refreshed dining and design enhancements over the next year.
- Samih Sawiris led a seven-year restoration of the 19th-century fortress, transforming it into a luxury hotel that debuted in 2023.
- The resort offers a 748sq m spa, private beach, pools, and historic architecture, positioning it as an Adriatic flagship retreat.
Montenegro’s Mamula Island, the historic fortress transformed into a luxury hotel by Egyptian billionaire Samih Sawiris, has begun operating under the Banyan Tree brand as part of an ambitious repositioning to be completed in 2026 by Banyan Group, the independent global hospitality company.
The move follows Sawiris’ seven-year restoration of the 19th-century fortress with heritage specialists MCM Lisbon, culminating in the hotel’s 2023 opening. Formerly known simply as Mamula Island, the property now joins the Banyan Tree portfolio, advancing the group’s strategic expansion across Europe.
A heritage landmark reimagined as a luxury destination
Originally built in the 1850s by General Lazar Mamula to guard the Bay of Kotor, the fortress had stood derelict since the 1970s after serving as an Italian prison camp during WWII. Sawiris, who chairs Orascom Development Holding and founded The Chedi luxury hotel brand, signed a lease for the island in 2016. Over seven years, he led an extensive restoration in partnership with heritage specialists MCM Lisbon, culminating in the hotel’s 2023 opening.
Today, the 32-key resort offers a unique blend of history and modern luxury, featuring a 748-square-metre spa with Finnish and aromatherapy saunas, a halotherapy room, a flotation chamber, and three treatment suites. The property also boasts a private beach, three pools, a fitness center, three restaurants, and four bars.
Banyan Tree’s signature experience to elevate guest offering
According to Banyan Group’s update, the hotel will operate as Mamula Island by Banyan Tree through 2025, with a full rebrand to follow. Guests can expect gradual upgrades, including new spa rituals, refreshed dining, and updated design.
“For over a decade, I envisioned Mamula as a jewel at the bay’s entrance, showcasing the region’s potential,” Sawiris said. “We look forward to seeing it thrive with Banyan.” His investment reflects strong confidence in Montenegro’s rise as a luxury destination. With Banyan Tree’s signature service set to debut in 2026, Mamula Island is poised to become one of Europe’s most distinctive retreats—where history, design, and natural beauty meet.
Positioning Mamula as a landmark retreat on the Adriatic
Set near Herceg Novi at the entrance to the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor, Mamula Island is being reimagined as a standout destination in the Adriatic’s growing luxury travel scene. The resort brings together Samih Sawiris’ commitment to preserving cultural heritage with Banyan Tree’s strength in creating thoughtful, experience-led stays. The transformation is being driven by ODE, part of the Sawiris family’s real estate and tourism group.
Established in 2008 by Samih Sawiris through the merger of Orascom Projects for Touristic Development and Orascom Hotels and Development, ODE has become a major force in Egypt’s real estate sector. In recent years, the company has expanded its footprint through high-profile developments beyond Egypt’s borders—Mamula Island among the most ambitious.
As work continues, Mamula is drawing interest from travelers looking for more than just a getaway. With its mix of history, wellness, and striking natural beauty, the island is shaping up to be a rare retreat in one of Europe’s most scenic coastal regions.
