The most decorated tennis player in the history of men's tennis, Novak Djokovic, is actively working to bring back to life the famous resort of Sveti Stefan, which has been closed since 2021, the newspaper reports. news, Djokovic discussed the situation with the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajic. The main purpose of his visit to Montenegro is to help remove the “lock” from the hotel and complex on the island of Sveti Stefan, which has become a global symbol of luxury.
Novak Djokovic's Role in Solving the Problem
In the interview, Djokovic noted that he is using his name and influence to find a solution to the problem, which has been going on for several years. He emphasized that this is his personal initiative and that his goal is to "work for the common good of Montenegro." Djokovic said that he has entered into a dialogue with the companies that own the complex, as well as with the authorities, to try to find a way out of the current situation.
"I would be very sorry if the Aman brand left Montenegro. I hope that all these meetings we had will be the first step towards a solution that will be found in the near future," Djokovic said.
History of the problem: the closure of Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan, who closed in 2021, has been one of the most exclusive and expensive resorts in the world for decades. Famous for its luxurious beaches and unique architecture, it was a vacation spot for the world's elite, including politicians and celebrities.
However, the problem arose after it was decided to carry out reconstruction and build new hotel on the territory of the resort, which led to legal disputes between the owners of the complex and the authorities of Montenegro. The reason for the closure was also the use Kraljičina plaža (Queen's Beach), which was closed to the general public and used only by hotel guests and the political elite. When locals violated the fence and forced the authorities to lift restrictions, conflicts arose that led to international litigation.
Disputes and litigation
After the closure of Sveti Stefan, international arbitration proceedings began, which dragged on for several years. In 2022, a lawsuit was filed against Adriatic Properties, which is the tenant of the complex. Adriatic Properties, in turn, filed a lawsuit against Sveti Stefan hotels and the government of Montenegro, demanding compensation for legal costs, while the Budvanska rivijera group, which is also involved in this situation, supported the state, arguing that all disputes between Montenegrin legal entities should be resolved in local courts.
In January 2025, the London Court of Arbitration ruled, ordering Sveti Stefan Hoteli and the Government of Montenegro to pay Adriatic Properties £522 (or 620 thousand euros) for legal costs related to the arbitration proceedings over the contract for the lease of the Sveti Stefan resort. In response, the Montenegrin government filed a complaint with the Court of Appeal, arguing that the jurisdiction of Montenegrin courts, rather than international arbitration bodies, should apply exclusively to such disputes.
Economic situation in Sveti Stefan
The dispute over the lease of the Sveti Stefan resort and Villa Milocer continues, and the opening of the Aman-managed hotel has been postponed, as the companies cannot reach an agreement on key issues related to the beach and infrastructure. As a result, both parties – both the landlord and the tenants – have found themselves in a difficult financial situation, according to Djokovic. The amount of debt currently amounts to several million euros, which worsens an already tense situation.
Novak Djokovic: Short Biography
Novak Djokovic was born on May 22, 1987, in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, which was then part of Yugoslavia. Djokovic currently holds Serbian citizenship, but in 2013 he also received Montenegrin citizenship because his father was from that region. However, Serbia remains his primary citizenship.
Novak Djokovic is currently the most decorated tennis player in the history of men's tennis. He holds the record for most Grand Slam titles, winning 24 titles (as of February 2025), the most by a man in tennis history.
Why is Djokovic trying to save the resort?
For Novak Djokovic, Sveti Stefan is not just a beautiful resort. It is the place where he spent the most important moment of his life – his wedding in 2014. The tennis player admits that he is sad to see how the famous place has become a symbol of crisis, rather than luxury and relaxation. He is convinced that solving the problem with the resort is beneficial not only for the economy of Montenegro, but also for maintaining the country's reputation on the international arena.
Sveti Stefan: Historical Symbol of Montenegro
Sveti Stefan, being a historically significant site, is not only a luxury resort, but also an important cultural and historical value. The island was inhabited in the Middle Ages and for a long time served as a refuge for local residents, and later became a symbol of wealth and privileged recreation. Today it is a unique place where you can enjoy not only beautiful views and silence, but also immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Montenegrin history.
The island was first mentioned in historical sources in the 1950th century. It became famous for its unique architecture and location. In the XNUMXth century, a monastery was built on it, and in the XNUMXth century, it was turned into a fortress to protect against pirates. In the XNUMXs, the island was turned into a luxury resort, and soon became one of the most prestigious vacation spots for the rich and famous.
Today, Sveti Stefan, with its historic buildings and picturesque beaches, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Montenegro. The resort attracts not only lovers of luxury, but also those who appreciate the uniqueness and atmosphere of this place.
The Future of Sveti Stefan
Hopefully, Novak Djokovic's efforts will lead to a resolution of the disputes and the famous resort will open its doors to tourists again. Sveti Stefan, like other historical sites in Montenegro, plays an important role in the development of tourism and the country's economy, and its restoration could be an important step towards strengthening Montenegro's image as a global tourist destination.
Photo: Mikhail nilov
