The luxury hotel complex of Sveti Stefan has reopened after nearly five years of closure, marking a significant return to the global tourism map. The island resort, known as one of Montenegro’s most iconic tourist attractions, was previously shut down due to disputes between its landlord, Adriatic Properties, and the government over access to public areas such as beaches and pathways. Now, following a legal settlement reached earlier this year, the complex is once again welcoming guests, though tensions remain among local residents who feel their rights have been overlooked.
The reopening began in mid-May when the nearby villa Miločer, situated opposite the island of Sveti Stefan and surrounded by dense forests of pine and olive trees, was opened to visitors. According to reports, Miločer has already been fully booked for the entire summer season. The main hotel complex on the island itself will open officially on July 1st. This historic village, originally built in the 15th century and transformed into a luxurious hotel in 1960 during the Yugoslav era, features restored stone buildings housing high-end holiday homes and apartments.
As part of the agreement with the government, Adriatic Properties has also opened four elite beaches stretching from Miločer to Sveti Stefan. One of these, Queen's Beach, offers panoramic views of the island and is reserved exclusively for hotel guests from 8 AM to 8 PM. A portion of the beach loungers is available for local residents, but renting two loungers with an umbrella and service costs them 240 euros per day. The same price applies to the western beach of Sveti Stefan, according to Croatian media outlets.
However, the recent installation of fences along Queen’s Beach has sparked outrage among locals. The town council of Sveti Stefan has filed a criminal complaint against Adriatic Properties and several state and municipal authorities, alleging violations of freedom of movement. This decision followed Adriatic Properties' actions, which contradicted the terms of the judicial settlement that resolved the dispute with the government. By reinstalling fences on the beach between 8 AM and 8 PM, the company effectively blocked access to walking paths for residents. Local authorities have demanded the removal of the fence, citing the need to ensure public access.
The conflict between Montenegro and Adriatic Properties dates back to 2021, when the company closed the hotel complex amid protests over restricted access to beaches and other public spaces on the small island near Budva. The dispute continued before an international arbitration court in London, where Adriatic Properties sought approximately 100 million euros in compensation from the state. The government agreed to a settlement in April of this year, allowing the complex to reopen. Despite this resolution, relations with the local community remain strained, particularly regarding access to public areas.
While the island remains accessible only to guests, the hotel plans to organize visits for a limited number of people. The bridge connecting the island to the mainland is publicly accessible, although the hotel may restrict access to protect guest privacy. The transformation of the fishing village with medieval fortifications into a unique seaside resort has made Sveti Stefan a magnet for global elites for decades.
Local residents have expressed frustration over the high prices associated with using the beaches. Renting two loungers and an umbrella on the newly opened beaches can cost up to 240 euros per day, while accommodation in the resort starts at a minimum of 2000 euros per night. These figures have raised concerns about the economic impact on the local population, especially given the ongoing disputes over access to public spaces.
Despite the unresolved tensions, the reopening of Sveti Stefan signals a major boost for Montenegro’s tourism industry. The resort’s reputation as a premier destination continues to attract high-profile visitors, even as local communities grapple with the implications of increased commercialization and restricted access to shared resources. As the summer season approaches, the balance between preserving local interests and accommodating the demands of international tourists will likely remain a focal point of discussion and action.
4 reports
24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 7514 days agoThe article discusses the reopening of the Miločer villa complex and the Sveti Stefan town-hotel in Montenegro, which are located opposite the island of Sveti Stefan. The area has been fully booked for the summer season, with luxury accommodations available in restored stone buildings. Four elite beaches have been opened by the company Adriatic Properties, including Kraljičina Beach, which offers views of the island and is reserved for hotel guests between 8 AM and 8 PM. Local residents pay 240 euros for two sunbeds with an umbrella and service. The city council of Sveti Stefan filed a criminal complaint against Adriatic Properties and state and municipal authorities over the reinstatement of barriers on the beach, which restricted access to public areas. This dispute began in 2021 after the company closed the hotel complex due to protests over limited access to beaches and other public spaces on the small island near Budva. The conflict continued before an international arbitration court in London, where Adriatic Properties sought around 100 million euros in compensation. The government reached a settlement earlier this year, allowing the complex to reopen. While the island will依旧
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation, detailing both the actions of Adriatic Properties and the response from local authorities. It includes information from multiple perspectives without overtly favoring one side through language or emphasis.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 75): Factual accuracy is high as it aligns with cross-source consensus on the reopening of Sveti Stefan, pricing at 240 euros per day for two sunbeds, and the legal dispute with Adriatic Properties. Objectivity is lower due to some emotionally charged language regarding local residents' anger and the leg
VečerIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 92Objective 7214 days agoThe island of Saint Stefan has reopened after a dispute with the Montenegrin government, but local residents are upset over new barriers on the beaches. The complex, including the villa Miločer and the historic village of Saint Stefan, was reopened on May 22 and fully booked for the summer season. Starting July 1, the luxury hotel Saint Stefan will open, offering restored stone buildings and high-end accommodations. Four elite beaches have been opened by Adriatic Properties, a company that leased the area under an agreement with the government. However, locals are angry about the cost of beach access—renting two sunbeds with shade and service costs €240 per day—and the recent installation of barriers on Queen’s Beach, which restricts public access between 8 AM and 8 PM. The city council of Saint Stefan filed a criminal complaint against Adriatic Properties and state and municipal authorities for violating freedom of movement. This conflict began in 2021 when the company closed the resort due to protests over restricted access to beaches and other public areas on the small island near Budva. The dispute continued before an international arbitration court in London, where Adriatic P.
Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights the conflict between local residents and a private company over restricted access to public spaces, emphasizing the negative impact on locals and criticizing the company's actions. It frames the issue as a violation of public rights and freedom of movement, aligning with a pro
Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 72): Factual details are consistent with other sources on the reopening, pricing, and legal issues. Objectivity is slightly affected by the focus on local residents' dissatisfaction and the mention of the bridge being public while hotel access is restricted.
DeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 7014 days agoThe luxury resort of Sveti Stefan in Montenegro has reopened after being closed for five years due to a dispute over beach access. The resort, known for its high prices, charges up to €240 per day for two sunbeds and an umbrella on its private beach, with overnight stays starting at €2000. While some beaches remain exclusive to guests, others are reserved for local residents. A long-standing conflict between the resort’s management and local residents over restricted access to public paths and beaches led to the closure. After negotiations between the Montenegrin government and the resort’s operator, an agreement was reached allowing the reopening, though tensions persist.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the reopening of Sveti Stefan, including pricing, access restrictions, and the legal dispute with locals. It does not exhibit clear ideological bias, loaded language, or one-sided sourcing. The focus is on the resolution of a legal and logistical issue,
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 70): Factual content matches cross-source reports on the reopening, pricing, and ongoing disputes. Objectivity is somewhat compromised by emphasis on local anger and the headline suggesting 'domačini jezni', which may imply bias towards local residents.
DnevnikIndependent🔒Center14 days agoLuxury hotels on the island of Saint Stefan in Montenegro have reopened after being closed for five years due to a dispute between the Montenegrin government and the tenant, Adriatic Properties. The complex includes villas, restored medieval buildings, and exclusive beaches. Local residents are upset by the new fence on the beach, which restricts their access. The city council of Saint Stefan has filed a criminal complaint against Adriatic Properties and state and local authorities for violating freedom of movement. The dispute began in 2021 when the company closed the hotel complex due to protests over limited access to beaches and other public areas on the small island near Budva. The conflict continued before an international arbitration court in London, where Adriatic Properties sought around 100 million euros in compensation. The government reached a settlement this April, allowing the complex to reopen. The island will remain accessible only to guests, but the hotel will organize visits for a limited number of people. The bridge connecting the island to the mainland is public, but the hotel can limit access to ensure guest privacy.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives: the concerns of local residents regarding restricted access to the beach and the actions taken by the city council, as well as the reopening of the luxury hotel complex following a legal dispute with the government. It does not favor one side over the other,而是
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