One&Only Portonovi

When the choice was go big or go home, Chenot Espace Spa & Wellness Centre went big. Not just a spa but a hub of health and wellness, it’s a place where the vibes are always tranquil, time seems to stand still, and stress is definitely not on the guestlist.

From yoga and movement classes to tailored three- and six-day regimes to reset mind, body, and soul, this wellness offering takes holistic to new heights. Spend a few hours lazing by the indoor pool, flitting between the sauna and steam room, or plump for a treatment designed by an expert team with scientific precision – but either way, your next spa day probably won’t be a patch on this one.

You might come for the view, but your little ones will stay for the scavenger hunts, the science experiments, and the stick rafts that actually float – most of the time. At the KidsOnly Club, days revolve around age-tailored adventures, from fashion shows and flag-making to mini-Olympics in the sun.

Mealtimes are a treat, too – think doughnuts of the day, picnics best enjoyed in the sand, and baby-friendly menus courtesy of the inhouse chefs. They’ll even be able to help out with bottle warming and sterilising for your tiny tots. And when you fancy a quiet dinner for two? Book yourself a babysitter and relax, knowing your little ones are in safe hands.

Whether you’re chasing a PB or just getting back into the swing of things, One&Only Portonovi has got your pace covered. Morning might start with a run through the marina or a lazy loop of Portonovi village. Afternoons? Think kayaks on the bay, spontaneous games of beach volleyball, or shuttlecocks on the sand that’ll show your true competitive streak.

Over on the courts, the tennis academy serves up one-on-one coaching, friendly matches, and all-out tournaments – all under the Montenegrin sun (or the floodlights, if you’re still rallying after dark). From high-energy to barely-breaking-a-sweat, it’s all here.

When you’re not flexing your sushi-making skills in a culinary class or lounging on the sands of the private beach, how will you spend your time? No doubt the book brigade will have come prepared with a stack of unthumbed reads, but for the itchy feet crowd, you’ll be well taken care of, too.

Boat trips, tours of the local olive groves, and guided mountain hikes are all mainstays on the agenda, but you can tailor your experience to your exacting requirements, too. Set off early in the morning on a bespoke tour of this Balkan gem – from sea cliffs and caves to lush pine forests and deep canyons, the landscape here speaks for itself.

The location – and not just because it’ll treat you to some truly showstopping views. Whether you’re hiking through the forest, moseying through quaint medieval towns like Kotor and Perast, or pottering along the coast in a sailboat, this might be the Adriatic Riviera at its best.

The look and feel of this place. Effortless in its elegance, and without a hint of try-hard, it manages to conjure the image of sprawling Venetian villa from one angle, and a tropical beach retreat from another. Now that’s range.

The pools. There are six of them in all – including a tranquil, adults-only number – so plenty of opportunity for serene swims and marathon sun worshipping sessions.