A deep breath away from the humdrum of modern life, across the cool, clear waters of Boka Bay on Montenegro’s Adriatic Sea, proudly sits One&Only Portonovi. Flanked by vivid green forests, medieval towns, meringue-peaked mountains and miles of unspoilt beaches, the Montenegro Riviera has long been a magnet for those seeking solace in nature. But now new adventures beckon, as One&Only Portonovi offers the best in water-front relaxation, world-class dining and a pioneering wellness programme by Chenot designed just for you to relax and reboot.
1. It has an incredible range of wellbeing treatments at Chenot Espace
At the heart of One&Only Portonovi you’ll find Chenot Espace, the latest outpost of the world-famous Henri Chenot Clinic, created nearly 50 years ago by the legendary dietitian, Dr Chenot, who many regarded as the founding father of the wellness movement. Offering the latest scientific advances of western medicine and diagnostics fused with the wisdom of Chinese practice and alternative healing, programmes range from refreshing spa weekends to life-changing week-long detoxes. All are designed to supercharge both guests’ mental and physical health. The Chenot mantra to, ‘Unlock your potential by increasing mental and physical performance at any age,’ is ingrained, as the ethos here is all about restoring vitality, living better for longer and focusing on prevention rather than cure.
Chenot Espace’s brilliant team of experts work seamlessly together to decode individual needs through a series of innovative tests that analyse a guest’s vitality through Chenot Lifestyle Biomarkers® flagging up longevity factors such as bone density, vascular age, emotional stress, posture and more. This head-to-toe blueprint is then used to create tailored one-day to six-day programmes to give you something tangible to take home; better health, peace of mind, and serenity, rather than a short-lived cosmetic experience. It’s the ideal tool to help one thrive rather than just survive the rigours of fast-paced, modern living.
Moving between state-of-the-art treatment rooms and relaxation spaces, many of which have wraparound views of the Bay of Kotor, there is also a circuit of circulation-boosting facilities to get the senses tingling: a sauna, hammam, Cryotherapy chamber, and show-stopping indoor pool with flickering fire features that dance across the marble walls for a unique wellness experience.
2. You can taste the Riviera
As Virginia Woolf said, ‘One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.’ Dining well is a priority here, with La Veranda restaurant giving guests a total reset with the Chenot Diet which cleanses the body at a cellular level, reducing calories but without compromising on taste. Fresh, locally sourced organic ingredients are artfully presented in a balance of proteins, good fats and low glycemic index carbohydrates. The menu changes seasonally but you can taste the Riviera in the mountain herbs, sun-ripe tomatoes and zingy ceviches that often take centre stage on the plate. The antithesis to (that all-too-familiar) post-holiday bloat, these antioxidant-rich recipes that have been mindfully crafted to boost metabolism, balance hormones, reduce inflammation and fire up energy, ensuring that you return home with extra pep in your step.
3. The captivating natural surroundings
Beyond Chenot Espace and the tranquillity of One&Only Portonovi’s magnificent grounds, Montenegro’s countryside awaits. The resort team’s expert hand extends across the region with a carefully curated catalogue of experiences led by local guides. Faced with the cinematic blend of limestone rocks, Fjord-like lakes, thick pine forests of Boka Bay National Park, even the most seasoned, hard-to-impress traveller is guaranteed to double-take. Whether you want to take it easy, winding around the scenic coastal roads in a vintage Rolls-Royce Silver Phantom, or are looking for a romantic rush on a Riva yacht humming through the early morning mists to the famed Our Lady of The Rocks Island in Kotor Bay, there is something for every mood. The vibrant community of Portonovi, with its designer ateliers and views across the water (not to mention the 238-berth D-Marin marina, where you’ll spot superyachts coming and going) which also makes for a wonderful day out in summer or winter.
4. It offers a cultural escape
Dotted amid the beauty and wonder of the natural landscape, guests will discover charming medieval villages, filled with grand Baroque architecture and perfectly preserved Venetian squares. Spend a day hopping through the pretty coastal towns and learn about the history and traditions of the area, pausing to browse through a local arts and crafts market to find a memento of your trip or to take in one of the many local cultural attractions, such as a private tour of the former president of SFR Yugoslavia Tito’s villa.
5. You can have a truly immersive stay
At the end of an action-packed day, the resort’s rooms, suites and villas are designed with comfort and quiet in mind, their palatial proportions creating a feeling of space and privacy. Stressed, stiff shoulders instantly sink an inch or two in a deep bathtub with views out to the Riviera. This is a place for reconnection not only with yourself but with loved ones. The destination offers three- and four-bedroom villas, some of which offer spa rooms and libraries, while every room, suite & villa at this resort comes equipped with a crackling fireplace; the ideal place for long-overdue family reunions, or perhaps a gathering of friends, on bright winter evenings.
Now that the joys of travel are within our reach once more, it’s time to make new memories; and there is no more memorable a base than One&Only Portonovi, the pearl of the Adriatic.
To discover more about the sensational One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro and Chenot Espace, visit oneandonlyresorts.com/portonovi.