Ever since the first announcements of Portonovi, we have followed its development with great interest. As one of the most significant lifestyle and real estate projects in Montenegro, Portonovi has long been recognized for its impressive scale, world-class amenities, and unique position on the Adriatic coast.
Yet despite knowing so much about what it offers, this was our first opportunity to experience it from a guest’s perspective, to truly experience the resort.
What makes Portonovi particularly unique is the way it combines several worlds into one destination. Luxury residences, a vibrant marina, an exclusive yacht club, and the iconic One&Only Portonovi all coexist within a carefully designed waterfront community that feels both lively and relaxed.
Over the course of our stay, we immersed ourselves in many aspects of Portonovi life. From exceptional dining experiences to leisurely walks through beautifully landscaped areas, mornings overlooking the marina, and evenings by the sea, we experienced firsthand why Portonovi has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the region.
Staying at Portonovi Residences
For our stay, we checked into one of Portonovi’s marina residences, overlooking both the marina and the vibrant central square.
From the moment we arrived, it became clear that these residences offer something different from a traditional hotel stay. The apartment provided all the comfort and service one would expect from a luxury hospitality experience, yet with considerably more space, privacy, and freedom.
It felt like the perfect choice for a small family or anyone looking to enjoy a more flexible way of travelling without compromising on comfort.
Each morning began slowly, with coffee on the terrace overlooking the marina. The gentle sounds of birds, boats quietly moving through the water, and the peaceful atmosphere created the kind of slow-morning ritual that instantly puts you into holiday mode.
With everything just steps away from our residence, every day unfolded naturally. A walk through the park, a coffee by the waterfront, exploring the marina promenade, and planning which restaurant to visit next became part of the experience itself.
Beyond our own apartment, we also had the opportunity to explore several other rental residences within Portonovi.
One particularly charming villa transported us, if only for a moment, to a French countryside retreat hidden within the heart of Montenegro. Warm interior tones, spacious living areas filled with natural light, and exceptionally comfortable bedrooms created an atmosphere of complete relaxation. It felt wonderfully secluded while remaining just moments away from everything Portonovi has to offer.
We also visited a stunning penthouse residence with direct access to a swimming pool. Somehow, this became the place where we spent most of our time. The energy of the space was simply exceptional. Bright, airy, and beautifully designed, it immediately felt like somewhere we could happily stay for weeks rather than days.
Finally, over coffee and conversations about the rental collection, we toured a spectacular rooftop residence overlooking the marina from virtually every room. The views alone were enough to leave a lasting impression.
Throughout our travels, we have often stayed in hotels offering spacious family suites and apartments. However, Portonovi’s rental residences genuinely surprised us. Every detail seems designed around providing guests with a sense of freedom, privacy, and home-like comfort, while still maintaining many of the services and conveniences typically associated with luxury hotels.
One thing is certain: this is a place we will gladly return to and confidently recommend.
A Culinary Journey Through Portonovi
Our stay quickly transformed into a true gastronomic journey.
Lunch on our first day was reserved for Maison du Monde, beautifully positioned along the marina promenade. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality set the tone for a memorable experience.
Particular highlights included the Beef Tagliata, perfectly prepared and full of flavour, the Maison Lava Cake with its rich pistachio notes, and a cocktail called The Devil Drinks, which immediately became one of our favourite discoveries of the trip.
Dinner that evening brought us to Square, where the atmosphere was made even more special by the celebrations marking Montenegro’s Statehood Day.
The evening felt festive and elegant at the same time, enhanced by a specially curated menu created for the occasion.
Among the standout dishes were the Tuna Tartare and an unexpectedly delicious Orange Risotto that completely won us over. We were equally impressed by the wines, particularly labels from Montenegro’s Velimirović Winery, which paired beautifully with the menu.
As we dined by the sea, the sounds of Perper performing live created the perfect backdrop. The combination of exceptional food, local wine, music, and the Adriatic setting resulted in one of those evenings that stays with you long after the trip ends.
The following morning started exactly as it should have — coffee on our terrace overlooking the marina.
Breakfast awaited at NOA, where the offering was remarkably extensive. Alongside a generous buffet selection, guests can also order from an à la carte menu, which, naturally, we couldn’t resist exploring. The combination of variety, quality, and a relaxed atmosphere made it one of the highlights of our mornings in Portonovi.
Later, we settled into Kafeterija with another coffee, reviewing photographs and reflecting on the previous days. Looking through hundreds of images, we quickly realised something: even the best photographs would struggle to fully capture what this experience felt like.
More Than A Place To Stay
Portonovi is often described through numbers, architecture, investments, and development milestones. And while all of those elements are undoubtedly impressive, what truly defines the destination is the experience itself.
It is the feeling of waking up to marina views, spending an unhurried morning on your terrace, discovering exceptional restaurants just steps away, enjoying world-class amenities, and ending the day by the sea surrounded by good food, good wine, and good company.
For us, Portonovi proved to be exactly that — more than a place to stay.
It is a destination that effortlessly blends privacy with vibrancy, luxury with comfort, and relaxation with discovery. A place where every day unfolds at your own pace, yet always offers something new to experience.
And that is precisely why we are already looking forward to our next check-in.