Portonovi, Montenegro
PHOTO:COURTESY OF ONE&ONLY PORTONOVI
One&Only's first European resort opened in Portonovi in May, a major development for the Adriatic seaside gem that bills itself as the new European riviera. With Medieval villages, historic palaces, secluded coves, and mountains-meet-sea views, it's clear why the luxury wellness-focused brand chose the Montenegrin coast for such a milestone moment. Chenot Espace, O&O's holistic spa, offers bespoke, multi-day, doctor-led programs, and those looking for a truly active vacation can explore the mountains with ultra-trail athlete Saša Kulinović. The on-site Italian restaurant, Sabia, is run by Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. One of the sunniest stretches of Adriatic Sea year-round, Portonovi's Boka Bay has long been an in-the-know yachter's paradise, and now, with the prestigious arrival of One&Only, it will get more of the recognition it deserves. For those visitors who fall head over heels, the resort has waterfront residences for sale, too.—Nina Ruggiero
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Provence, France
PHOTO:JAMES O'NEIL/GETTY IMAGES
In the heart of Provence, with both the charms of the southern coast and the French countryside, Arles is in the midst of a cultural resurgence worth traveling for. The Frank Gehry-designed LUMA Arles art center, a steel tower that draws inspiration from Van Gogh's Starry Night, is set to open in June. And Museon Arlaten — the historical center of Provence, documenting 19th-century culture du sud — finally reopened in December 2020, after an 11-year closure. The museum, a UNESCO monument, underwent a €23 million renovation, bringing hefty modernization to the space, juxtaposed against the centuries-old relics within. Finally, this summer, Les Rencontres d'Arles, the city's photography festival, will return with exhibitions from heavy-hitting international artists exploring identity, culture, and sense of place. The festival, which each year plays host to some of the most important exhibitions of the photography world, was canceled last year for the first time since its inception in 1970. —Maya Kachroo-Levine