Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Reopening for the summer season, Aman Sveti Stefan marks the return to one of Montenegro’s most iconic destinations.
The Story
The long history of Aman Voyages started on the shores of the Flores Sea in the 1990s. The Aman Cruise fleet, first created to enable Amanwana guests to explore Moyo Island and its surroundings, has grown to include bigger vessels that venture further into the East Indonesian archipelago, including the fabled island of Komodo.
With more diverse destinations to explore, such as the Spice Islands and Papua's Raja Ampat, in 2009 Aman decided to offer guests an immersive luxury sailing experience by taking inspiration from Pinisi, the centuries-old boatbuilding tradition that originated in South Sulawesi.
Rock art found in Kobori Cave in Muna, Sulawesi, provides clear evidence of seafaring traditions in Indonesia dating back at least four thousand years. Studies suggest that early Austronesians in region may have used dug-out boats made of trees measuring at least one metre in diameter.
Following this, a long evolution of boatbuilding ensued, with double-masted ships known as Pinisis invented some 500 years ago. Equally artful and utilitarian, the Pinisi has since become the epitome of the archipelago’s indigenous sailing craft and essential to the evolution of the fishing and sailing industries. It was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.
Following this, a long evolution of boatbuilding ensued, with double-masted ships known as Pinisis invented some 500 years ago. Equally artful and utilitarian, the Pinisi has since become the epitome of the archipelago’s indigenous sailing craft and essential to the evolution of the fishing and sailing industries. It was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.
Building on that heritage is Amandira, a classically styled Pinisi available for private charter. Cape Town-and Singapore-based designer, Deirdre Renniers, a masterminded the interiors of the 52-metre custom superyacht, which cruises the deep blue waters of the East Indonesian archipelago. "We wanted the design to tie in with the traditional architecture of the boat as much as possible, but in a contemporary and understated way. The design of Amandira is characterised by attention to detail and craftsmanship and by a sense of tranquility, simplicity and sophistication with a focus on timelessness," Renniers explains.
A five year collaboration between Renniers, Aman, naval architect Michael Kasten and the Konjo builders was instrumental in creating a harmonious connection between Amandira’s interior design and overall aesthetic. Their joint effort ensured that every aspect of the Pinisi - from its exterior lines to its contemporary interior spaces - blended seamlessly to celebrate Indonesia’s Pinisi heritage.
Amandira was completed in 2014 and inaugurated in 2015.
Amandira was completed in 2014 and inaugurated in 2015.
