One&Only Portonovi Review: Seaside Serenity

“The part of the Adriatic Coast belonging to Montenegro is the purest part of the Mediterranean.”

— Jacques Cousteau

Are you looking for a vacation spot in the south of Europe, but feeling a little tired of the same usual names that always come up? If you’ve already done places like Italy, Spain, or Croatia—or simply want somewhere that feels a little fresher—let me introduce you to the Adriatic coast of Montenegro.

I’ll be honest: Montenegro was not one of those destinations that had been on my radar for years. But once I went, I quickly understood why more people are starting to talk about it. It has that beautiful south-of-Europe feeling people travel for, but with a slightly less obvious, more interesting edge.

This part of the world has all the ingredients people usually want from a summer trip: clear blue water, sunny days, scenic coastlines, and pretty seaside towns where life moves at a slower pace. But it often feels less crowded and less overdone than some of the bigger-name destinations nearby. It’s the kind of place that can pleasantly surprise you.

One town worth knowing is Herceg Novi, located near the entrance of the Bay of Kotor. With its waterfront promenade, old stone streets, and views across the bay, it has a relaxed elegance that makes it a lovely base for a coastal stay. It also felt a little calmer to me than some of the more talked-about spots in the region, which I appreciated.

And right by the water, you’ll find One&Only Portonovi. This luxury resort brings the polished feel the brand is known for to a destination that still feels a little more under the radar. Expect beautiful pools, excellent dining, high-level service, and sweeping views over the Adriatic.

Whether you’re looking to fully switch off for a few days, explore more of Montenegro, or mix beach time with a little adventure, it positions itself as the kind of place that can do both. But is it actually worth booking? Let’s get into it…

Let’s review One&Only Portonovi while we cover all aspects of the hotel, from the rooms to the location:

The Location

Located by the beautiful Bay of Kotor, One&Only Portonovi gives you stunning views of the water and coastline. Getting there is easy, especially if you're driving – there's lots of parking at the hotel, so no issues there. If you're flying in, you've got a few airport options. You can fly to Podgorica Airport, which is about 170 kilometers (106 miles) away and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes by car. You can also choose Tivat Airport, which is 75 kilometers (47 miles) away and takes about 1 hour by car.

If you're coming from Croatia, Dubrovnik Airport is a good option. I flew into Dubrovnik, and the hotel arranged a car to pick me up. Crossing the border was easy, but keep in mind they do check your documents, so keep your passport with you in the car. Looking for something a bit fancier? Since the hotel is right by the Bay of Kotor, you can also arrive in style by speedboat.

The Rooms

Let's talk about the rooms at One&Only Portonovi – they're truly something special! During my stay, I booked the panoramic Bayview room for a reason: the spectacular view from the bathtub. Positioned near the full ceiling window, soaking in the tub offered an unparalleled scene of the bay.

Since the hotel is fairly new, everything in the room felt fresh and luxurious. The rooms are super spacious, with beds that are incredibly comfortable – perfect for a good night's sleep. But what really impressed me was the attention to detail. From the elegant designs to the thoughtful touches like automatic curtains, which came in handy for a light sleeper like me, every aspect of the room was carefully curated for maximum comfort and convenience. And let's not forget about the futuristic toilet with heated seats and a built-in bidet – a luxurious touch that you don’t find in a lot of places.

Plus, if you're traveling with family or a group of friends, the hotel also offers full-service villas for those seeking more privacy during their stay. While I was there, I heard through the grapevine that an A-list celebrity was staying there (Penelope Cruz🤫). Although I never actually saw her, it definitely speaks to the level of privacy the hotel provides.

The Restaurant

Let’s move on to the restaurant options at One&Only Portonovi, because they’re definitely worth mentioning.

First, the breakfast. Even now, it still stands out as one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve had anywhere. And I don’t say that lightly. What makes it so good is that you get the best of both worlds: a generous buffet with plenty of fresh options, and a really extensive à la carte menu on top of that. So you’re not limited to the usual eggs-and-toast setup. Alongside classic breakfast dishes, there were more varied options too, including things like Turkish eggs, which gives you a good idea of how broad the menu actually is.

And because this is One&Only Portonovi, breakfast does not stop at pastries and coffee. There was also a Bloody Mary bar as well as Champagne available, setting the tone for a very boogie start to the day.

What also stood out was how flexible it all seemed to be. A family sitting next to me ordered an egg-white omelet with what felt like a full list of specific additions and adjustments, and it was treated like the most normal request in the world. Honestly, I’ve rarely seen that level of customization for something as simple as an omelet. So if you like your breakfast a very particular way, you’ll probably be quite happy here.

The setting also helped. Starting the day in that calm resort atmosphere, with the sun out and the water nearby, made breakfast feel like part of the vacation rather than just something to tick off before heading out. It was one of those breakfasts you actually look forward to each morning.

For lunch and dinner, there are several options on the property, including sushi, Italian, and seafood-focused restaurants, so you’re not limited to one style of dining during your stay. It gives the resort a more complete feel, especially if you want the ease of staying on-site for the evening.

That said, it’s worth knowing that hotel pricing is very different from local Montenegro pricing. Food and drinks at One&Only Portonovi are firmly in luxury-resort territory. A cocktail at the hotel can cost close to what a full meal might cost elsewhere nearby. But honestly, that’s not surprising. You’re paying for the setting, service, and convenience as much as the drink itself.

The Amenities

Let's talk about the amenities at One&Only Portonovi – there are many to choose from! First off, they have a spa where you can get massages, but you can also use the sauna and steam room at your convenience. If you like to stay active during your vacay, there's also a big gym available and a tennis court.

When it comes to pools, they've got you covered – there's an indoor pool as well as a big outdoor pool. But here's the kicker – they're the only place in Montenegro with a private sandy beach! Yep, you heard that right. Although sandy beaches aren't native to Montenegro, they apparently flew in the sand all the way from Egypt.

And if you're looking for some party vibes, the hotel has another(!) pool with a DJ to offer beach party vibes during your stay. Plus, if you're looking for some water fun, there's a wide array of speedboat or yachting options that you can choose to explore the surroundings by boat. One thing’s for sure - here you’ll never be bored.

The Verdict

In conclusion, One&Only Portonovi is a fantastic choice if you want to experience Montenegro in a more elevated and luxurious way. It offers something a little different from the boutique coastal hotels and apartment-style stays you’ll find elsewhere in the region. If you’re after a full resort experience where everything is polished, easy, and designed to help you switch off, it does that very well.

The staff was professional and consistently helpful throughout my stay. Service felt attentive without being overbearing, which is exactly what you want at this level. The rooms felt fresh, spacious, and genuinely comfortable, with the kind of details that make it easy to settle in quickly. Add in the pools, beach areas, spa, restaurants, and activities, and it’s the type of place where you could happily spend most of your trip on the property if you wanted to.

I’d also say it’s a strong option if you want to use it as a base for exploring more of Montenegro. You can combine resort time with visits to places like Kotor, Perast, or the wider Bay of Kotor area, then come back to a hotel that feels calm and refined at the end of the day. That balance can be hard to find.

Just one thing to keep in mind: pricing is firmly in luxury-resort territory. It felt closer to stays like Grand Hotel Tremezzo or other high-end Mediterranean hotels than what some people might expect from Montenegro. Don’t assume that because you’re in Montenegro, on-site dining, drinks, or extras will automatically be cheap.

Overall, I’d absolutely recommend One&Only Portonovi if it fits your budget. If you’re looking for one of the most luxurious stays in Montenegro—and likely one of the strongest hotel options on this stretch of coast—I’d absolutely put this on your list.

I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions, you can always slide into my DMs here or on Instagram, and I’m more than happy to answer any of your questions. Happy Travels!

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