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Mamula Island
by MCM Architecture & Design

Mamula Island

by MCM Architecture & Design

Shortlisted: Hotel Under 50 Rooms Award

The International Hotel & Property Awards 2026

MCM Architecture & Design has played a central role in transforming a 19th-century fortress at the entrance of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, into a destination hotel where culture, hospitality and nature work together to elevate life’s best moments. Their approach focuses on enhancing what already existed, allowing the historic structure to guide every design decision.

The practice has restored the original stone walls and defensive arches with great care, introducing contemporary elements only where they genuinely enhance the guest experience. A memorial space reflects the island’s wartime past with quiet dignity, while a glass-roofed central courtyard fills the interior with natural light, creating a calm and uplifting atmosphere. Serenity remains a clear priority throughout, most notably in the wellness areas, which have been designed to soothe both body and mind.

MCM Architecture & Design has created interiors that bridge centuries without using the past as decoration. Their work treats the fortress’s history as the foundation for the present, ensuring that new interventions feel respectful, purposeful and timeless.

Set within sweeping views of the Adriatic waters and dramatic scenery, the hotel’s 32 suites and rooms have been shaped to maximise light and intimacy. Each space allows guests to wake to the sounds and sights of nature, reinforcing the strong relationship between place and design. Carefully chosen materials support this connection, ensuring the building’s character remains at the heart of the experience.

Throughout the project, the protection of Montenegro’s state heritage was monitored, recognising the significance of this site. The outcomes have received highly prestigious awards, celebrated for their visibility and international reach.

Location: Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Architect: MCM Architecture & Design

MCM Architecture & Design has been shortlisted for Hotel Under 50 Rooms Award in The International Hotel & Property Awards 2026.

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