Tiny European island that used to be a prison opens new hotel likened to ‘James Bond villain’ lair
A FORMER prison island has been transformed into a huge hotel – and has amazing ocean and mountain views.
Montenegro is soaring in popularity with Brits who want a cheap holiday with beautiful beaches.
But many may not have heard of Mamula Island, built in 1853 as a military fort and named after Austro-Hungarian General Lazar Mamula.
It was eventually turned into a prison camp under Mussollini’s rule, with it notorious for brutal torture and treatment of prisoners.
It was eventually abandoned, and left empty with many of the prison cells remaining untouched.
However, back in 2016 it was revealed that new plans hoped to open it as an island hotel – with Mamula Island Hotel opening earlier this year.
A short boat ride from the mainland, the former 19th-century fortress has retained most of the building, albeit with a modern update.
Guests can choose between rooms and suites, with many of them having ocean views or mountain views.
But the best views are found on the rooftop, with a swimming pool and 360-degree views around the island.
Opt for the speakeasy-esque Pinea Bar, or grab a bottle of Rose to enjoy on the private pebble beach, complete with sunloungers.
Otherwise there are three restaurants to choose from, as well as an on-site spa.
The hotel has also included a Memorial Gallery, naming all of the prisoners who lost their lives on the island.
Former guests have raved about how beautiful it is, with one comparing it to a ” James Bond villain” lair.
Another wrote: “Arriving on this island will make you feel like you’re in paradise […] one of the best hotels I ever visited.”
You’d better start saving though – rooms start from €425 a night.
The best way to get to Montenegro is to fly to Croatia then drive over the border.
Flights to Dubrovnik from the UK take around five hours, starting from £65.
Herceg Novi is around an hour’s drive from the Croatia city, where you can catch a boat to Mamula Island.
If you fancy exploring the rest of Montenegro, Podgorica, the capital, was named one of Skyscanner’s trending destinations this year.
Montenegro was also named one of the cheapest lesser-known destinations for Brits to visit, according to research from Love Holidays.
Bottles of beer can be found for as little as £1, while hotels are around £60 a night.
Otherwise head to the coastline for some of the stunning beaches
Flights to Podgorica take less than three hours, and start from £40.