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.
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.
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.
The Best Stays in Portonovi
Logistics & Beyond
Strategically positioned at the entrance of Boka Bay, Portonovi serves as a perfect pivot point between the wild beauty of the Dinaric Alps and the historic Venetian coastlines. Whether arriving by superyacht, private transfer, or the cross-border route from Croatia, the resort is exceptionally well-connected.
By Air
- Tivat (TIV): 45-60 mins via the Kamenari ferry.
- Dubrovnik (DBV): 40 mins (subject to border traffic).
- Podgorica (TGD): 2.5 hours via the scenic coast road.
By Sea
- Platinum Marina: 238 berths for yachts up to 120m.
- Water Taxis: Direct connections to Perast, Luštica Bay, and the Blue Cave.
Local Landmarks & Day Trips
Beyond the marina’s perimeter, a plethora of coastal walks and cultural sites await. For those seeking active exploration, the 6-kilometer Pet Danica Walkway offers a scenic route from nearby Meljine all the way to the old town of Herceg Novi.
- Savina Monastery & Winery: A 10-minute drive. Experience 11th-century frescoes and world-class wine tastings overlooking the Bay.
- Orjen Nature Reserve: Ideal for hikers and karst ridge photography. Includes a child-friendly adventure park.
- Luštica Cove Beaches: Reach the abandoned fortresses, Miriste, and Zanjice Beach via a 15-minute private boat shuttle.
Portonovi Events
One of the most famous social affairs in Portonovi is the Wine Night taking place every July, a wine-tasting event spiced up with open-air concerts and lots of singing and dancing. Another popular event is the Spring Saga Market, which is held over ten days at the end of April and the start of May at the lively Marina Square.
Organized by the Portonovi Yacht Club, the Boka Island Regatta takes place every year over three days in June. This is when you see dozens of sailboats sail around Boka Bay’s picturesque islands, most notably Our Lady of the Rocks, St. George Island, and the Island of Flowers off the coast of Tivat, plus evening get-togethers and live entertainment. There are also events at nearby Herceg Novi, Perast, and Kotor worth considering.
Location & Transport
Portonovi’s immediate surroundings offer a plethora of lovely walks, including the 6-kilometer-long Pet Danica Walkway from Meljine to Herceg Novi, plus there’s an abundance of natural and architectural landmarks within a short driving distance. The Savina Monastery and Winery (tastings available) is a lovely old church estate surrounded by verdant coastal forests.
The nearby Orjen Nature Reserve comes complete with a range of well-marked hiking trails, and picturesque karst ridges, and even boasts a child-friendly adventure park. What’s more, you’re also just a short water taxi or private boat ride away from the abandoned Austro-Hungarian fortresses and the cove beaches of the Lustica Peninsula, such as Miriste Beach and Zanjice.
Things to do in Portonovi
If you are staying in Portonovi, consider reading up on the surrounding areas, as there is plenty to see and within just a half-an-hour drive. Most notably, Perast, an ancient Adriatic coastal town with beautiful Baroque churches, Italian-style palazzi, and a pretty waterfront promenade lined with seafood restaurants.
From there, you can take a water taxi over to the Island of Our Lady of the Rocks, named for its artificial origin as an island church built over many centuries to commemorate the finding of an icon of the Madonna and Child at this exact location. Herceg Novi has a charming old town, boasting quaint piazzas and cobblestone streets dotted with many cafes and bars.
Lustica is a stunning peninsula just a kilometer off the coast of Portonovi. If you fancy taking a dip outside of the Bay of Kotor, you may like the idea of chartering a nice boat or small yacht with a skipper for a splendid day exploring Lustica’s stunning southwest coastline. Golfers visiting the Lustica Bay marina and resort will find an excellent 18-hole course designed by Gary Player.
