Novak Djokovic Steps In to Mediate Sveti Stefan Resort Dispute in Montenegro
Novak Djokovic Steps In to Mediate Sveti Stefan Resort Dispute in Montenegro
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has announced that he will attempt to mediate a dispute between Montenegro and the Swiss-based hospitality company Aman Resorts over access rights to the Sveti Stefan resort on the Adriatic coast. The resort has remained closed for the past four years due to ongoing legal conflicts.
Djokovic Engages in Negotiations
In an interview with Vijesti, a Montenegrin daily newspaper, Djokovic revealed that he has taken on this role at the request of his partners at Aman Resorts, where he serves as a global ambassador.
“In some way, I have been entrusted with this task by my partners from Aman, who have asked me to try and find a mutual solution for both parties. In my opinion, it would be a great shame if this issue is not resolved and Aman does not remain in Montenegro.”
Djokovic recently met with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic on Sunday to discuss the matter. Additionally, he has initiated talks with local officials to better understand the intricacies of the dispute.
The Origins of the Sveti Stefan Resort Dispute
In January 2007, Montenegro signed a 30-year lease agreement with Adriatic Properties, a company controlled by Greek businessman Petros Stathis, to develop and operate the Sveti Stefan resort—one of Montenegro’s premier tourist destinations.
Aman Resorts operates the Sveti Stefan resort and Villa Milocer, with Russian businessman Vladislav Doronin serving as its chairman. However, tensions arose when Adriatic Properties restricted access to hotel guests only, leading to strong opposition from local residents.
The dispute escalated in 2021, when local residents dismantled fences around Queen’s Beach, a part of the resort’s restricted area. Following this, Adriatic Properties shut down the entire resort and initiated arbitration proceedings against Montenegro after the government allowed partial public access to the beach.
In 2015, the lease was extended until 2049, while the annual rental fee was reduced from 1.6 million euros to 1.1 million euros.
Court Proceedings Set for May
According to Vijesti, the legal case between Adriatic Properties and Montenegro is scheduled to go to trial in May.
Aman Resorts appointed Novak Djokovic as its first-ever Global Wellness Advisor in August 2024. Djokovic has a personal connection to Sveti Stefan, as he and his wife Jelena Ristic held their wedding ceremony there in July 2014.
Now stepping in as a mediator, Djokovic aims to bridge the gap between the involved parties in hopes of resolving. Will the Serbian tennis legend succeed in helping to reopen one of Montenegro’s most iconic resorts?
