ISLE GO

Tiny European island that used to be a prison opens new hotel likened to ‘James Bond villain’ lair

The country was even named one of the best, lesser-known holiday destinations for Brits this year

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.

An island home to a former prison camp has been turned into a huge new hotelCredit: Alamy

Mamula Island was built back in 1853, and used as a military fort

Now a hotel, it has amazing views of the surrounding mountainsCredit: Stromberger PR/Mamula Island Hotel

There are three swimming pools, with many comparing the hotel to a James Bond lairCredit: Stromberger PR/Mamula Island Hotel

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 turned into a prison camp under Mussolini's rule, with it being 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.

The hotel was a former fortress, which was turned into a prisonCredit: Stromberger PR/Mamula Island Hotel

The hotel has a Memorial Gallery tooCredit: Stromberger PR/Mamula Island Hotel

Guests can choose between rooms and suites, with many having ocean views or mountain viewsCredit: Stromberger PR/Mamula Island Hotel

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 (£368) 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 three 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.