Tag Archives: Unesco

One&Only, Portonovi – Seaside Sanctuary- Montenegro Jewel

Posted on by

Where the open waters of the Adriatic meet Montenegro’s Black Mountains, the sheltered haven of Boka Bay provides an idyllic setting for the first European property of the renowned resorts managed by One&Only.

A recent day spent at this resort reaffirmed my love of the One&Only brand of luxury resorts. The only resort of its kind in theMediterranean,  One&Only Portonovi is a portal into true escapism, with dramatic coastlines and quaint medieval towns of Herceg Novi, Perast and Kotor. It is the perfect hopscotch from visiting Dubrovnik and the seaside town of Kotor. Opening in 2021, barely an hour from Dubrovnik, it is a breathtaking stunner. Mountains of pine filled forests plunge to the clean clear water, beautifully preserved medieval UNESCO towns dot the shore and small islets with petite twin churches.  A modern take on Venetian architecture, pastel hued facades, plush interiors in all the rooms and suites. The grand lobby of Persian rugs sets the stage for the sweeping views of the royal blue bay.

One&Only Portonovi is a portal into true escapism, with dramatic coastlines and quaint medieval towns of Herceg Novi, Perast and Kotor. It is the perfect hopscotch from visiting Dubrovnik and the seaside town of Kotor. Opened in 2021, barely an hour from Dubrovnik, it is a breathtaking stunner. Mountains of pine filled forests plunge to the clean clear sea, beautifully preserved medieval UNESCO towns dot the shore and small islets with petite twin churches.  A modern take on Venetian architecture, pastel hued facades, plush interiors in all the rooms and suites. The grand lobby of Persian rugs sets the stage for the sweeping views of the royal blue bay.

I enjoyed a marvelous day at One&Only Portnovi in Montenegro. Plopped on the shores of the glistening Adriatic, this luxury seaside hotel is OTT glamorous!  Renowned for rejuvenating wellness in the hotel’s Chenot Espace medical spa, a capital D – Destination. Just a few moments with the spa director, I was convinced I need a month’s stay! Casual day spa or embark on a three-to-six-day program of health. High tech assessments with onsite team of doctors with treatments overseen with a Chenot diet.

This is Europe’s first One&Only. A luxurious seaside property offering multiple restaurants of casual and gourmet dining, a rare sandy beach with water sports, kayaks, SUP, water polo and volley ball. Outdoor pools, tennis, and a fun kids’ club. Experiences include private sailing or sleek Nesey speed boats cruising across the glistening Kotor Bay, wine tasting and sightseeing in medieval-walled Kotor town, the ancient submarine caves can also be visited. One of the best hidden attractions in the Bay of Kotor are the submarine tunnels near the village of Rose. There are 3 submarine tunnels in the Bay, and they are worth visiting.  The tunnels are fascinating piece of military heritage, and they are also a great place for swimming and snorkeling.

Rooms, suites and ten exclusive private Villas located on the waterfront complete with beach and some have private pools. One&Only Portonovi’s private villas undoubtedly offer the finest accommodation in Montenegro. Each expansive standalone villa is set in its own blooming garden with a private swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, six massage stations, and incredible sunset views over the Adriatic Sea. Complemented with attentive, holistic service from a dedicated team of butlers and private chefs.Residences with three and four bedrooms. From Suite One, dramatic sea and mountain views unfold in a family magnificent suite, made for celebrations. Whether it’s al fresco dining on the terrace or a sophisticated soirée with family and friends, this oversized suite can comfortably seat 12, both indoors and out. With a dedicated lift, a separate private entrance, and a service lift for the butler, Suite One can be connected to neighboring rooms, becoming Suite Two or Suite Three.

Swimmers’ paradise: the Adriatic Sea along Croatia and Montenegro is one of the best places to swim in Europe, the Riviera of Montenegro. The water is crystal clear, warm in the summer, not too choppy, it is often sheltered and there are wind-protected places that can be found easily, especially when you have a boat. The Adriatic coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate of cool, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, think of at least a 5 to 7 day stay. This is the equivalent of Europe’s Mexican beaches, ultra-refined! Wander the cobbled streets and fresco-filled churches of neighboring Medieval towns like Perast and Kotor, hike the pristine forests.

By the pool, Tapasake Club serves contemporary pan-Asian tapas-style fusion cuisine and sake, and the largest lobsters I’ve ever seen! Lunch here was amazing with sweet Nadja Djordjevic, a dear who came in on Sunday to host me. The two significant dining emporiums are beachside Sabia, from Michelin- starred   Italian star Giorgio Locatelli, and Tapasake Club from former Nobu chef, Yannick Bayjoo. Too many choices for lunch, as typical with all our beloved hoteliers, our table was an abundance of fresh fish, spring rolls, fish tacos, and tall cocktails, all delicious!

  • Tapasake Club
  • Tapasake Club
  • Tapasake Club
  • Tapasake Club

Feet In Sand Dining: A starry night upon golden sand in one of the world’s most beautiful bays – it doesn’t get much better than this. Chef comes to you, craft the perfect menu and team serves your dinner under the stars!

Grateful to our fabulous Croatia Dream Team who arranged my land tours, and a One&Only speedboat for my return to port. What better finale, bouncing across Boka Bay on a blistering hot afternoon!

Highly Recommend!

Greek Gods and Goddesses – Island Bliss

Posted on by

Why go To Greece? Rather than list the millions of reasons to go to Greece, the Mediterranean country that has it all: gorgeous beaches, delicious healthy dining, outgoing locals, ancient history, and culture. Many of our clients have enjoyed glorious sailing Journey’s throughout the islands.

Where to go: Santorini and Mykonos are ideal summer beach locations, the weather is warm and dry, the beach clubs are lively.

Amanzoe

Not To Miss: Touring ancient historical sites in Athens – the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Zeus. There are 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece. Athens was the birthplace of Western Civilization – ancient sites are everywhere, around every corner.

Water Nymphs:  For travelers who love spending time on the water, a private boat cruise provides access to many of the unspoiled islands. Paros and Antiparos are two of the culturally rich islands, walk through the ancient ruins of Naxos, swim in the translucent waters of the Koufonisia islands and end on the beautiful beaches in Ios. Greece has over 200 inhabited islands, and each one is a reason to visit Greece. A first visit often includes Santorini and Mykonos.

Athens
Map of Athens
Athens

Greece today is a destination for deep cultural exploration as well as relaxation—in mythically stunning settings. Greece is home to dramatic natural beauty and classic history. Greece is also a great destination for active people. There are endless watersport opportunities such as kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Avid hikers will love the varied landscapes, particularly on Crete, and even non-hikers can manage the walk through the Samaria Gorge.

Santorini is all about the simple pleasures of summer in Greece: sun, sand, and a late evening aperitif. Mykonos is often referred to the St. Tropez or Capri of Greece, sandy beaches, a charming, authentic town, and the much-photographed windmills, chic hotels, sophisticated restaurants, and an exciting night life. White buildings with blue roofs are the iconic Instagram able images. Mykonos is the Queen of Greek Islands.

Amanzoe

Aman junkies will be deliriously happy in the land of myths and legends, amid the rocky rolling Argolid hillsides of the Peloponnese stands Amanzoe. According to ancient Greek mythology the Peloponnese is where the gods walked the earth. The elegant breathtaking resort, like the Acropolis, is situated on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves, underplanted rows of fragrant lavender and spectacular views of the deep blue Aegean Sea. Oh, did I mention the soundtrack of the cicada summer symphony? Amanzoe, surrounded by undulating olive groves and overlooking the turquoise Aegean Sea, is a ten-minute drive from the tavernas and cosmopolitan stirrings of Porto Heli, Greece. The isles of Spetses and Hydra are nearby, as are countless ancient ruins, from millennia-old amphitheaters to Byzantine monasteries.

Four Seasons Athens

An iconic hideaway on the glamorous Athens Riviera, the Four Seasons is a respite from the steamy streets of Athens. On the sophisticated Athens Riviera, at the tip of a pine-clad peninsula, Four Seasons offers the best of both worlds: a laid-back seaside escapes just 30 minutes from the historical city center. Discover the wonders of ancient civilization at the Acropolis, then return to Four Seasons to unwind and relax.

Mykonos, five-star luxury. ‘Kalesma’ means ‘inviting’ in Greek, a word that best expresses the ethos of our privately owned luxury boutique hotel. The whitewashed, thoughtfully designed collection of houses that make up Kalesma have been created to resemble a charming Mykonian village. The property tumbles down a slope to Ornos Bay, and it’s just a short walk from Ornos beach. Kalesma’s outstanding location provides 360 vistas, affording guests the unique opportunity to enjoy both sunrise and sunset from the same spot. A 5-star boutique hotel, Kalesma is spread out on a generous 5-acre property with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.

  • Paros
  • Greece
  • Greece
  • Mykonos
  • Greece
  • Grande Bretagne Athens
  • Mykonos

Travel Planning- at least 6- 9 months in advance. This summer is especially busy, the siren songs are calling to many of our clients!

Known as the “cradle of Western civilization,” Greece today is a destination for cultural exploration as well as relaxation—in mythically gorgeous settings. Spanning a rocky mainland peninsula and over 2,000 islands, Greece is home to dramatic natural beauty and an epic history.

Stay: Ideally 7- 10 days to visit a few islands. Due to the southern location on the Mediterranean, Greece is blessed with delightful weather during the spring, summer, and autumn months, rain rarely occurs in the islands during these months.

Azure blue seas, the whitewashed buildings, the ancient, gnarled olive trees, oh, the history and the monuments and the healthy delectable cuisine – did I forget anything?! Greece is truly a place to return and return.

Athens Odeion of Herodes Atticus