26
April
2016
|
00:00
Europe/Amsterdam

Foundations laid at Portonovi for Europe’s first One&Only

The first foundations were laid today 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 integral 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.

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

Ahmet Erentok, Chairman of Azmont Investments, says: “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. 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 today 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 town houses 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.

Portonovi 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.

Portonovi is less than an hour’s drive from both Dubrovnik (33km) and Tivat International Airport (18km). 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.

About One&Only

Created exclusively for the ultra-luxury market, One&Only is conceived as a hallmark of excellence. Set in some of the most beautiful locales in the world, each award-winning resort offers guests a distinctive style and personality borne of its local culture, a genuine hospitality and a lively energy that is unrivalled. The exclusive collection includes One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives; One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius; One&Only Royal Mirage and One&Only The Palm in Dubai; One&Only Palmilla and One&Only Mandarina in Mexico; One&Only Cape Town in South Africa; Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in The Blue Mountains in Australia; One&Only Desaru Coast in Malaysia; and One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Rwanda. As part of the new portfolio, One&Only will be opening One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro in 2021. Additional resorts in development include One&Only Kéa Island in Greece and One&Only One Za’abeel in Dubai as well as communities of One&Only Private Homes around the world. More information on One&Only is available at oneandonlyresorts.com