Portonovi is the crown jewel of the Boka Bay entrance, a sophisticated, 26-hectare “living village” that has redefined Adriatic luxury since its debut. Located just minutes from Herceg Novi, this former military base has been transformed into a world-class destination, recently achieving the prestigious 5 Gold Anchor Platinum status for its state-of-the-art marina.
While Luštica Bay offers a sprawling, eco-conscious escape, Portonovi is built for those who seek high-octane glamour and clinical wellness. It is home to the first One&Only Resort in Europe and the revolutionary Chenot Espace wellness center. From the Japanese-Peruvian fusion beats at Tapasake to the quiet, olive-lined alleys of the Marina Residences, Portonovi offers a seamless blend of Montenegrin hospitality and global elite standards.
Portonovi: A Platinum standard for the Adriatic
Best For
Superyacht lifestyle, medical-grade wellness, ultra-luxury romance, and high-end Asian fusion dining.
The Vibe
Platinum-standard glamour. Think “Monte Carlo meets Boka Bay” – polished, exclusive, and flawlessly manicured.
The Marina
238 berths for yachts up to 120m. A 5 Gold Anchor Platinum facility with D-Marin technology.
Must-Try
The Chenot Detox at Espace Spa or sunset cocktails at the Tapasake Beach Club.
Boka Bay’s “Big Three”
How Portonovi measures up against Montenegro’s other premier destinations.
Portonovi Planning Cheat Sheet
Where to Stay
One&Only Portonovi for the ultimate splurge, or Lazure Hotel & Marina in nearby Meljine for heritage-listed luxury at a lower price point.
View Best Rates →Arrival & Transport
Fly to Dubrovnik (DBV). It is only 40 minutes away. Use the Vitaljina border crossing in summer to save 1-2 hours of wait time.
Book Transfer →Top Experience
The Chenot Day Pass – Even if not staying, you can book a diagnostic or treatment at Chenot Espace to experience the world’s most advanced wellness center.
Inquire at Chenot →The View
Head to the Tapasake Infinity Pool at sunset. The view of the Bay of Kotor turning pink over the masts of superyachts is the best in the village.
— Local Resident Tip
A Culinary Homeport
For a resort of its size, Portonovi offers an astonishingly dense concentration of world-class flavors. This isn’t just “resort food”; it is a curated collection of gourmet parlors where celebrity chefs and farm-to-table ethics meet the superyacht set. While the average bill is noticeably higher here than in nearby Herceg Novi, the quality of the D-Marin waterfront setting and the precision of the cuisine almost always justifies the premium.
Sabia: Italian Soul
Overlooking the golden sands of the One&Only, Sabia (Italian for “sand”) is the resort’s contemporary heart. Renowned for its focus on raw seafood and chargrilled meats & local catch, the menu blends Italian heritage with Montenegrin terroir. The wine list is a particular standout, featuring hundreds of labels curated to pair with their signature pasta variations.
NOA: Asian Fusion & Wabi-Sabi
NOA: Flawless Japanese precision on the Platinum-standard promenade
Managed by celebrity chef Chris Mare, NOA is where Japanese precision meets Adriatic creativity. Following “wabi-sabi” principles, the presentation is as flawless as the flavors. While the nigiri and teriyaki skewers are the stars, the menu is surprisingly inclusive, offering zesty vegan tacos and burgers that satisfy the casual lunch crowd without losing the fine-dining edge.
Square: Middle Eastern Fire
For something truly distinct, Square brings Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fusion to the waterfront. The aroma of the Mibrasa charcoal oven defines the experience here. Must-tries include the ‘Masgouf Hama’ (grilled carp) and the juicy Wagyu ribeye, enjoyed against a backdrop of yachts and the distant silhouette of the Luštica mountains.
“Whether you’re grabbing a morning macchiato at a quiet bistro or indulging in an eight-course degustation, the view of the Dinaric slopes across the mirror-like water is your constant companion.”
Wellness & Beach Culture
Chenot Espace: The Science of Detox
Inside the One&Only Resort, wellness is treated with clinical precision. The Chenot Espace is not your typical hotel spa; it is a 4,000 m² sanctuary dedicated to Henri Chenot’s groundbreaking preventative method. Here, luxury meets bio-energetics through tailored treatments like phyto-mud applications, hydro-jet massages, and high-tech diagnostic screenings.
The heated indoor pool: A cornerstone of the Chenot rejuvenation journey
The facilities are arguably the finest in the Adriatic, featuring a sumptuous heated indoor pool landscape, steam rooms, and a Finnish sauna. For those seeking active recovery, the resort also boasts two floodlit tennis courts where you can take private lessons from an ATP professional.
From Balinese Beds to Tapasake Beats
Portonovi’s shoreline is a masterclass in seaside lounging. The One&Only Private Beach offers hotel guests an exclusive retreat of golden sand and secluded Balinese beds. Beyond the shore, you can charter a private boat or small yacht with a skipper to explore the Luštica Peninsula’s southwest coastline, just a kilometer across the water.
Tapasake Club
A zen-inspired pool club specializing in Japanese-Peruvian fusion. Expect high-energy DJ sets, sake cocktails, and a sophisticated crowd lounging by the infinity pool.
Portonovi Beach Club
The perfect spot for a more classic Mediterranean experience. Think craft cocktails delivered straight to your sun lounger and a relaxed, all-day dining menu.
Culture & Celebrations
Portonovi’s social calendar is designed to keep the village pulse beating throughout the year. From elite sailing competitions to boutique wine festivals, these events draw a sophisticated international crowd to the Marina Square.
Portonovi Wine Night
Every July: One of the coast’s most glamorous social affairs. Expect curated tastings from top regional vintners, open-air concerts, and a lively atmosphere that spills out across the waterfront.
Spring Saga Market
April/May: A 10-day artisanal market at Marina Square. It’s the perfect time to experience the resort’s local side, featuring Montenegrin crafts, seasonal delicacies, and family-friendly entertainment.
Boka Island Regatta
June: Organized by the Portonovi Yacht Club, this three-day event sees dozens of sailboats racing past Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George Island, followed by elite evening soirées.
Traveler’s Note: If you are visiting during the Regatta or Wine Night, be sure to book your restaurant terrace at Square or NOA at least two weeks in advance.
The Best Stays in & Around Portonovi
Living in the Village
Portonovi is far more than a seasonal retreat; it is a meticulously designed “living village” that remains vibrant throughout the year. Its strategic location at the entrance of Boka Bay makes it a premier homebase for those who split their time between Montenegro and the Dalmatian coast, with the historic city of Dubrovnik just a short drive away.
The Family Factor
One of the resort’s strongest lures for permanent residents is the Boka School International. As the region’s leading pre-and-primary educational facility, it provides a world-class curriculum that has transformed Portonovi into a preferred choice for international families and digital nomads seeking a safe, high-end Mediterranean lifestyle.
The tennis legend is among the high-profile individuals who have secured property in the village.
Investment & Architecture
The architecture in Portonovi is a masterclass in “timeless Mediterranean” – low-rise stone buildings, hidden courtyards, and terra-cotta roofs that feel rooted in the landscape. This aesthetic, combined with the Platinum Marina infrastructure, continues to drive high demand from global real estate investors.
*Note: Property values vary significantly based on proximity to the shoreline and views of the superyacht moorings.
Getting to Portonovi
Portonovi’s location at the “Gate of the Bay” makes it the most accessible luxury resort for those arriving from Croatia. However, navigating the border and the village’s pedestrian-only interior requires a bit of local foresight.
The Border Hack
During the peak July-August season, the main Debeli Brijeg crossing can see wait times of 2+ hours. We recommend using the smaller Vitaljina (Konfin) crossing. It is often significantly faster, though check Google Maps for real-time 2026 transit data before committing.
Airport Transfers
- Dubrovnik (DBV): 40 mins (The preferred hub).
- Tivat (TIV): 45-60 mins (Requires Ferry).
- Podgorica (TGD): 2.5 hours (Scenic but long).
Parking & Internal Navigation
Portonovi is a car-free village. Once you pass the security gates, the interior is reserved for pedestrians and electric golf buggies.
Where to leave your car:
- Resort Guests: Valet parking is standard for hotel and residence guests. Your car will be stored in the high-security underground facility.
- Day Visitors: There is a large, paid underground public garage located right at the main entrance. Rates are premium, but it provides direct elevator access to the Marina Square.
- Electric Vehicles: The resort is equipped with multiple EV charging stations in the main garage, supporting most European standard connectors.
*Pro Tip: If you are arriving by water taxi from Luštica or Perast, you will be dropped off at the customs dock or the central promenade, placing you directly in the heart of the dining district.
Portonovi: Essential FAQ
Can you visit Portonovi if you are not staying at the One&Only?
Yes. While the One&Only hotel rooms and certain pools are exclusive to guests, the entire Portonovi marina, the village promenade, all restaurants (like Sabia and NOA), and the Tapasake Beach Club are open to the public. Day visitors are welcome to enjoy the facilities, though reservations for dining are highly recommended.
Is there a dress code for Portonovi?
The vibe is “Resort Chic.” During the day, high-end swimwear and linens are standard at the beach clubs. In the evening, the marina restaurants (especially Square and Sabia) adopt a more sophisticated “Smart Casual” dress code. Think tailored trousers, loafers, and summer dresses; flip-flops are generally discouraged after sunset.
How much does parking cost in Portonovi?
For day visitors, the underground public garage at the entrance charges approximately €2.00 to €3.00 per hour (prices may vary slightly by season). If you are dining at certain high-end venues or have a spa appointment at Chenot Espace, check with the concierge as validation or valet services may be available.
Which is better: Portonovi or Porto Montenegro?
It depends on your preference. Porto Montenegro (Tivat) is the social and fashion capital, ideal for shopping and nightlife. Portonovi is more secluded and wellness-focused, offering a “village” feel with a heavier emphasis on privacy and clinical rejuvenation. Portonovi is also closer to the Croatian border, making it more convenient for those flying into Dubrovnik.
