Located at the entrance of Boka Bay, at the edge of the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro, One&Only Portonovi is the ultra-luxury brand’s first outpost in Europe, welcoming guests from 1 May 2021. With its moated walled towns, backdrop of unspoilt coastal mountains and perched amongst one of the sunniest year-round spots on the Adriatic, the resort is a perfectly placed sanctuary from which to explore the coastline and charms of Montenegro. Presenting guests with private sandy beaches, a revolutionary wellness experience with Chenot Espace, world-class dining by Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli, and the intuitive service for which the brand is renowned, eagerly anticipated One&Only Portonovi is primed to be the crowning jewel of the Adriatic Riviera.
“We are delighted to be opening our doors and welcoming our first guests to this glorious playground in the Adriatic. One&Only Portonovi represents a milestone for the brand, giving our loyal European fans a retreat right on their doorstep, and delivering a new standard of ultra-luxury in Europe. We look forward to unveiling the beauty of Montenegro through the eyes of One&Only,” commented Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner International. “One&Only Portonovi offers so much for guests to discover—from our first Chenot Espace, the ultimate in transformational wellness, to Sabia by Michelin-starred Chef Giorgio Locatelli to Tapasake Club.”
MONTENEGRO – THE NEW RIVIERA
With its shimmering waters, dramatic mountains and a meandering coastline fringed by lush forest, Boka Bay is one of the most stunning bays in Montenegro, a still undiscovered destination that should be part of any European circuit. The sun-drenched coastline is home to countless hidden lagoons and coves, and guests of One&Only Portonovi can journey between the many secluded beaches and ancient towns that have preserved their original architecture and charm with the resort’s private boat.
The region’s vast beauty is not limited to the wonders above ground, with a myriad of adventures awaiting guests below sea level. Certified diving instructors will guide guests through the ancient tunnel and cave structures in the Kumbor Strait and Klinci Cave, which were previously used for concealing submarines and ships in the former Republic of Yugoslavia.
Widely regarded as a wine lover’s paradise and a prime locale for wine production owing to its fertile land and unique microclimate, Montenegro’s wineries offer the opportunity to discover the country’s long and rich history of wine producing. Discerning wine enthusiasts who wish to explore the region’s indigenous grape varieties can visit one of the many wineries with their intimate cellars and panoramic views and sample everything from vranac wines to classic chardonnays and merlots.
THE MOST COVETED ADDRESS IN THE ADRIATIC
For the first time in Europe, One&Only is offering those seeking to own their own piece of the One&Only lifestyle the opportunity to invest in a permanent home in one of the most spectacular locations in the Adriatic with One&Only Private Homes. Supremely positioned and designed specially to enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding bay, mountains and marina, each home offers the unique characteristics of One&Only living: abundant space, refined design, intuitive service, and consummate privacy. Each home comes with its own private beach, jetty, secluded pools and a private butler, ensuring that residents’ every need is taken care of throughout their stay.
Taking cues from the culture, history and geography of the destination, each residence has been designed to incorporate the grand façades, majestic colonnades, and gabled terracotta rooftops, symbolic of Montenegrin architecture. Interiors are elegantly styled, inspired by the baroque palazzos of Kotor, and the nearby Venetian-built port of Perast, with owners given the opportunity to customise their villa to make it a veritable home away from home.
The four-bedroom, 15,000 metre² villa, Villa Orjen, is ideal for families, complete with its own private beach, roof garden and jetty, offering the perfect playground for every generation. Villa Lovcen, meanwhile, reflects the Montenegrin love for gatherings, boasting panoramic views of the Adriatic and open archways that lead onto the villa’s very own courtyard and private gardens, perfect for entertaining. Those in search of ultimate privacy will find it at the blissfully secluded Villa Rumija. A two-storey coastal hideaway within the resort, the residence includes three en-suite bedrooms which open onto landscaped roof decks, each its own private haven of indulgence and relaxation. All three villas, amongst ten available for purchase at the resort, have been aptly named after the trio of black mountains that rise from the Adriatic basin and hold great historical significance in the region.
A REVOLUTIONARY WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
For those who wish to dedicate their time away to a serious health overhaul, One&Only Portonovi is home to one of the most comprehensive wellness destinations in Europe. Continuing to elevate the wellness experience, the luxury resort collection’s exclusive global partnership with leading health and wellness expert brand Chenot, will see One&Only Portonovi introduce Chenot Espace; a 4,000 metre² space offering guests an intensive and transformative journey of detoxing and resetting the body based on the renowned Chenot Method®.
A series of in-depth diagnostic tests carried out by specialised professionals will lead to the creation of an entirely bespoke programme – designed to rebalance the body’s physiology, increase vitality, and eliminate toxins. Chenot Espace also features hydrotherapy and cryotherapy facilities, sauna and steam rooms, an indoor pool and relaxation areas, ensuring guests leave feeling fully recharged. A selection of rooms and suites are positioned directly above the space, offering those taking part in longer length programmes easy access and total privacy.
A GASTRONOME’S HEAVEN
Food lovers are spoilt for choice at One&Only Portonovi, set to become a must-visit culinary destination in Montenegro. Championing local producers and speciality farmers, award-winning Executive Chef Nancy Kinchela showcases the flavours and culture of Montenegro and the Mediterranean. The resort’s signature restaurant, Sabia by Giorgio Locatelli, is helmed by renowned Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli, his first restaurant on the continent. Serving Southern Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood and vegetables, Sabia offers indoor and outdoor dining, with mesmerising views of the Adriatic coastline and mountains. At Tapasake Club, the resort’s stylish social heart, the vibe will transition throughout the day from ‘chilled poolside’ in the sun, to a more vibrant location to enjoy sundowners in the late afternoon before the tempo picks up for atmospheric evenings. Contemporary Japanese cuisine complements masterfully mixed cocktails, all whilst the resident DJ plays sounds to suit the effortlessly chic ambiance.
One&Only Portonovi is now open and welcoming guests. An easy drive from Dubrovnik (one hour), Tivat (50 minutes), and Podgorica (two and a half hours) airports, all of which are served by a variety of airlines and well equipped to handle private jets.