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The spa’s terrace
provides a perfect
place to enjoy a
cup of tea.
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4. 104 AMERICAN SPA • WWW.AMERICANSPA.COM • SEPTEMBER 2014
to be a hidden gem in the Mediterranean, Mon-
tenegro captivates visitors with its snow-capped
mountains, ancient forests, and breathtaking
beaches. The island of Sveti Stefan, home to a clus-
ter of stone cottages and churches for more than
600 years, has been transformed and now serves as
the idyllic setting for the Aman Sveti Stefan. Across
the bay stands Villa Miločer, the resort’s stately
stone mansion, and the stand-alone Aman Spa.
An enticing retreat for sophisticated spa-
goers, the four-treatment-room spa benefits from
its close proximity to the beautiful and dramatic
coastline of the Adriatic Sea. “We draw from
our surrounding nature and incorporate it into
our spa,” says spa director Melany Martinez
Thomas. “The natural light and environment can
be enjoyed in every space, from the treatment
rooms to the Pilates studio and gym.” For guests
who want to enjoy a treatment on the island,
there are also six Spa Cottages in which a range of
massage and body treatments are available. The
spa also features a 24-meter heated indoor pool
that extends outdoors for another eight meters,
allowing guests to enjoy the lovely locale.
According to Thomas, in addition to the
spa’s spectacular setting, it’s the spa’s concept
that makes it truly stand out. “We draw from the local tradition of harvest-
ing herbs—there are more than 650 medicinal herbs in Montenegro—and
incorporate these into our treatments in synergy with our own line of Aman
products, which in turn are also highly therapeutic due to the quality of their
ingredients,” says Thomas. In fact, the spa relies on local herbalist, Branislav
Popovic, a third-generation phytotherapist, to provide the spa with herbs
collected from the mountains of Durmitor and Lovcen. “It is the Montenegrin
love for nature and herbal tradition that has inspired us,” says Thomas.
One of the spa’s most popular treatments is the signature Adriatic Rejuve-
nation ($315, 2 hours), which involves an exfoliation with mint-infused olive
continued on page 106
Natural light
illuminates the
welcoming
reception area.
The island of
Sveti Stefan is
home to the
charming resort.
5. 106 AMERICAN SPA • WWW.AMERICANSPA.COM • SEPTEMBER 2014
In creating the menu, the goal was to impart
emotional balance through aromatherapy; physical
balance through fitness, Pilates, yoga, and thera-
peutic massages; and structural balance through
treatments provided by in-house and visiting
specialists. “We aim to create a balanced offering
of wellbeing by providing an integrated approach
between fitness and spa treatments,” says Thomas.
“Our fitness experts communicate and provide
feedback to the therapists and vice-versa so guests
can leave with tangible results.”
For the future, Thomas and her staff are look-
ing into creating retreats that will further entice
guests to visit. In addition, they plan to promote
the spa’s integrated approach to health by inviting
internationally recognized experts to the spa to
complement the in-house practitioners. According
to Thomas, the greatest challenge is in keeping
things simple yet still offering extraordinary ser-
vice. Fortunately, there is also inspiration to be
found in meeting such challenges and providing
spa-goers with a truly unique experience. ■
AMAN SPA
(SVETI STEFAN,
MONTENEGRO)
OWNER: Adriatic
Properties
SPA DIRECTOR: Melany
Martinez Thomas
CORPORATE SPA DIRECTOR
FOR AMANRESORTS:
Greg Payne
OPENED: May 2014
CLIENT BASE
50% female
50% male
MOST
REPRESENTED
COUNTRIES
U.S., Russia, UK
SPACE
17,000 square
feet; 4 treat-
ment rooms
PRODUCT LINES
Aman Spa,
Davines, OPI
EQUIPMENT
Balanced Body,
Caldera Spas,
Manduka,
Penguin, Takara
Belmont,
Technogym
ARCHITECT
Denniston (Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia)
and Architerra
(Belgrade, Serbia)
INTERIOR
DESIGNER
Mary Lou
Thomson,
Mary Lou
Design (Sydney)
What has surprised you
most about working in
the spa industry?
The incredible variety of tal-
ent you find—from therapists
to products. There is so much
quality in the industry, but there
is also a lot of empty market-
ing of which to be aware.
Where do you think the
industry is heading?
I hope into a more natural and back-
to-basics approach rather than exotic
and not-so-therapeutic offerings.
What new spa treatment
would you like to try?
I would like to try more
Tibetan healing treatments.
Learn more about spa director Melany Martinez Thomas, who has been involved in the spa industry for 12 years.
Visit www.americanspa.com
for our full interview.
BRIGHT SPOT
oil, raw sugar, and wild honey to cleanse the skin;
an oat milk soak to hydrate; and an aromatherapy-
based massage using lavender and palmarosa
to calm the nervous system. Not impressed by
ostentatious treatments, the well-traveled and
spa-savvy guests prefer authentic and personalized
services, notes Thomas. “Most want to decompress
from their busy lives and enjoy the traditions of
Montenegro,” she says.
continued from page 104
The spa features classic
treatment rooms (pictured)
and a Yoga Cottage (below).
