Foundations laid at Portonovi for Europe’s first One&Only - Luxury resort to open in 2018

The first foundations were laid on Friday, 22 April 2016 for One&Only Portonovi – an integral part of the new luxury lifestyle development being built in Montenegro.

In a ceremony attended by the Prime Minister of Montenegro, other senior government ministers, and senior executives from One&Only Resorts and Portonovi parent company Azmont Investments, construction commenced on Europe’s first One&Only resort.

The luxury resort will be an essential part of Portonovi – a new 60 acre luxury lifestyle development being built on the picturesque shores of the Bay of Boka Kotorska in Montenegro. The first phase of the development is due to be completed in 2017 with One&Only Portonovi planned for opening in 2018. Jean-Michel Gathy and the team from Denniston International Architects are responsible for the architecture and interiors, as well as the design of the exterior spaces surrounding the resort. One&Only has worked with Jean-Michel Gathy on many projects, most recently One&Only Reethi Rah where he was tasked with keeping three words in mind - luxury, space and privacy to ensure ultimate luxury is provided to guests, and the same will apply for One&Only in Montenegro.

One&Only Portonovi will boast approximately 120 luxurious guest rooms, suites and villas, dining and retail options, and a wellness and vitality centre in partnership with world-renowned wellness brand, Espace Chenot Health Wellness Spa, which will provide guests with an unrivalled destination wellness experience. Redefining luxury in the region, One&Only Portonovi will set a new level of guest experience through the impeccable service and offering, and will showcase the beauty of Montenegro’s natural elements.

“Today, we proudly begin a new phase of Portonovi that is to be our pride – for Montenegro, its citizens and the investors,” commented Milo Djukanovic, Prime Minister of Montenegro, on his satisfaction for the Portonovi project. “Through a project like this, we ensure three goals will be achieved: employment in quality environments, dynamic economic growth for Montenegro, with the ultimate result being that Montenegro will become one of the most prestigious destinations in Europe.”

“Today marks a very significant milestone in the development of Portonovi as we officially start construction of One&Only Portonovi. To us, One&Only Resorts is not only an excellent partner for Portonovi; it is an undoubtable perfect match to creating an unrivalled luxury lifestyle destination that will attract visitors and residents from across the globe,” said Ahmet Erentok, Chairman of Azmont Investments. “Together, we will build a place always exceeding expectations, providing some of today’s most enriching experiences that will become tomorrow’s benchmarks.”

“We are very excited to be in Montenegro to mark this special occasion. One&Only is an unparalleled ultra-luxury resort collection with an enviable portfolio of properties in spectacular locations, with Montenegro being no exception,” commented Philippe Zuber, President and Chief Operating Officer, One&Only Resorts. “We are looking forward to opening our very first resort in Europe, and we know that Portonovi represents a driver for change, with significant investment in the region. We are confident Portonovi, Montenegro will become the elite new destination in Europe for sophisticated travellers.”

One&Only Resorts also announced the appointment of established industry leader Massimiliano Zanardi as General Manager, One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro, effective immediately.  In his new role, Mr. Zanardi will be based in Montenegro and is responsible for developing the overall guest experience for the resort, as well as building the team and entire operation of One&Only Portonovi.

Portonovi will also feature a selection of properties from luxurious, spacious townhouses set in the heart of its Mediterranean-style village, to stylish villas in its landscaped gardens, to sleek penthouse apartments overlooking a state-of-the-art, 220 berth superyacht marina. It sits at the narrowest and most exclusive part of the pristine Bay of Boka Kotorska. This stunning location is also the perfect place from which yachts can explore Montenegro’s stunning 300 kilometre coastline, as well offering the quickest access for yachts to the Adriatic. Both Dubrovnik and Tivat International Airport are located less than an hour’s drive from Portonovi. Both airports have significant airlift from destinations across Europe, along with facilities for private jets.

Montenegro offers visitors a myriad of experiences to be discovered. It is a country with diverse geography from rugged mountains, medieval villages to stunning beaches along its picturesque coastline. The Bay of Boka Kotorska, resembling a fjord, is dotted with coastal churches and fortified towns such as Kotor and Herceg Novi. Durmitor National Park encompasses limestone peaks, glacial lakes, wildlife such as bears and wolves, as well as the 1,300m-deep Tara River Canyon.

Portonovi is owned by Azmont Investments who are wholly owned by Azerbaijan Global Investments. Azmont Investments works in collaboration with the Government of Montenegro and its local authorities to provide skilled training and employment opportunities.