Discovering One&Only: A Luxury Escape to Montenegro and Greece

As experienced by Margo Cordivari

Some destinations are beautiful, but others make you feel as though you have stepped into another world. My recent FAM trip with One&Only Resorts took me to Montenegro and Greece, where breathtaking scenery, exceptional service, and extraordinary experiences reminded me why I love helping families discover the world in style.

What impressed me most was how each One&Only property offered something distinct while sharing the same commitment to personalized luxury. And for travelers departing from the northeastern United States, these stunning destinations are more accessible than you might think. With the right itinerary, you can combine a European adventure with a truly unforgettable resort stay.

Here are my highlights from three remarkable properties.

One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro: Adriatic Luxury at Its Finest

Montenegro was a wonderful surprise. Flying directly into Dubrovnik, Croatia, and continuing by car to Montenegro makes this destination an excellent addition to a Croatia itinerary. You can experience two beautiful countries in one memorable vacation.

Located on Boka Bay along the Adriatic coast, One&Only Portonovi delivers five-star luxury with a personal touch. Every guest receives a dedicated WhatsApp contact for a personal concierge, making it easy to arrange restaurant reservations, excursions, room service, or even a simple request for ice. That level of attentive service makes a difference, especially when traveling with family.

My favorite experience was a boat trip around the Bay of Kotor, including a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, a fascinating man-made island featuring a Roman Catholic church dating to 1722. The scenery was spectacular, and exploring the bay by boat offered a wonderful perspective on Montenegro's coastal beauty.

Back at the resort, I loved swimming at the private beach on Boka Bay, strolling through the glamorous Portonovi village, and unwinding in my bathtub overlooking the Adriatic. Sometimes, the most memorable luxury is simply having the time and space to relax.

Dining was another highlight. La Veranda serves fresh, delicious meals throughout the day, with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and attentive handling of dietary allergies. For a livelier evening, Tapasake combines Japanese and Mediterranean flavors with music and live entertainment. It is a must for anyone who enjoys a vibrant dinner scene.

My take: Portonovi is an excellent choice for families seeking sophisticated coastal luxury, beautiful scenery, and memorable excursions, especially when paired with Croatia.

One&Only Aesthesis, Greece: Mid-Century Glamour on the Athens Riviera

Imagine exploring the ancient wonders of Athens during the day, then returning to a secluded beachfront retreat away from the city's crowds. That is the appeal of One&Only Aesthesis, just a 25-minute drive from Athens on the beautiful Riviera.

The resort blends mid-century glamour with a fun, vibrant beach-club atmosphere. Most accommodations are freestanding villas and bungalows, creating a sense of privacy and space that feels worlds away from the busy city. Many feature private pools and outdoor areas, perfect for relaxing together or enjoying some well-deserved downtime.

Breakfast is included in the standard rate, and the food quality reflects the resort's five-star positioning. For dinner, Ora by Ettore Botrini is a must, serving exceptional Mediterranean cuisine.

Wellness enthusiasts will appreciate Greece's first signature Guerlain Spa, while the resort's beach scene offers a lively alternative to a traditional city hotel.

I particularly love the flexibility this property offers families. You can arrange a private Athens tour filled with history and culture, then return to the resort for poolside relaxation, beach time, and exceptional dining. Couples will appreciate the romance, too.

My take: Aesthesis is ideal for families who want to combine Athens sightseeing with a luxurious seaside escape, without sacrificing privacy, comfort, or style.

 

One&Only Kea Island, Greece: My Most Extraordinary European Resort Discovery

Of all the properties I visited, One&Only Kea Island was by far the most special resort I have experienced in Europe. It has the kind of atmosphere that makes you think, This should be the next White Lotus!

Part of Greece's Cycladic Islands, Kea feels wonderfully removed from the usual tourist trail. Getting there is part of the adventure. Private speedboats connect the resort with One&Only Aesthesis in under 40 minutes, while public ferry and helicopter options offer additional ways to arrive.

Perched along dramatic cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea, this is an all-villa resort where privacy, panoramic views, and private pools define the experience. The villas are beautifully appointed, with sweeping sea views that make it tempting to spend the entire day enjoying your own private sanctuary.

Yet what makes Kea Island exceptional is how effortlessly the resort balances seclusion with activities for everyone. Families can enjoy the kids' club, while couples can savor romantic sunset views. Golf cart service helps guests navigate the property comfortably, and even four-legged family members are welcome.

Breakfast is complimentary, with an impressive selection of buffet and à la carte options. Atria Restaurant makes dinner memorable, while Bond Bond Beach Club is perfect for leisurely afternoons by the water. The spa and fitness facilities deliver the five-star experience you would expect, but the real standout for active travelers is the tennis and paddle sports setting high above the cliffs, with spectacular views across the Cyclades.

I also loved exploring the island beyond the resort. A scenic 20-minute drive brought me to the tiny town of Kea, where winding roads lead to charming local shops, restaurants, and picture-perfect streets. It felt refreshingly authentic, far removed from the crowds of Greece's better-known islands. A visit to the local marina for fresh seafood and beautiful coastal views was another highlight.

And, just as at Portonovi, the WhatsApp concierge service made everything feel effortless. Personalized assistance was always within reach.

My take: Kea Island is an exceptional choice for a luxury family vacation, a multigenerational getaway, or a honeymoon. It is especially appealing to families with teens and older children who want more than a beach vacation, including water adventures, sports, authentic island exploration, and time together in a spectacular setting.

Is One&Only Right for Your Next Family Vacation?

What I took away from visiting these three resorts is that One&Only understands something important about luxury travel: everyone wants something different from a vacation.

Parents may want relaxation and exceptional dining. Teenagers may crave adventure, water sports, and independence. Grandparents may appreciate personalized service and beautiful surroundings. Couples may simply want privacy and romance. The right resort can bring all those experiences together without anyone feeling as though they are compromising.

At Magic Family Getaways, I specialize in luxury family travel, particularly multigenerational vacations and trips designed around families with mid-teen and older children. These are the details I look for when recommending a destination: how a resort serves different generations, what there is to explore beyond the property, and whether the overall experience feels genuinely special.

Montenegro and Greece offer remarkable opportunities to combine cultural discovery, coastal beauty, and world-class hospitality. Whether you envision exploring Croatia and Montenegro together, pairing Athens with a luxurious Riviera retreat, or escaping to a secluded Cycladic island, One&Only offers a distinctive way to experience Europe.

Ready to discover your own One&Only escape?

I would love to help you find the right property, design an itinerary around your family's interests, and turn your next vacation into an experience everyone will remember.

Contact Margo at Magic Family Getaways to start planning your luxury European getaway.

Margo Cordivari is a Senior Travel Advisor with Magic Family Getaways. She specializes in curated luxury travel for multi gen families, couples and groups.

Magic Family Getaways head office is based in Montclair, NJ and a nationally recognized, award winning travel agency