With more than 26 years of international leadership in luxury hospitality, Mr. Ölmez brings a wealth of experience from globally acclaimed properties such as The St. Regis Istanbul, W Doha, and Matild Palace Budapest, now channeling his expertise into shaping the future of one of the Mediterranean’s most exceptional destinations.
C.M: You bring over 26 years of experience in luxury hospitality, having managed iconic properties such as The St. Regis Istanbul and W Doha. What inspired you to join Portonovi at this point in your career?
- Portonovi is one of those rare destinations that truly captures both authenticity and ambition. What drew me here is the potential to help shape something lasting, a resort that not only delivers world-class service but also contributes to Montenegro’s evolution as a high-end tourism destination. It’s an opportunity to combine my operational background with a project that represents both vision and purpose.
C.M: What were your first impressions of Portonovi and of Montenegro as a destination?
- Montenegro has a natural beauty that is genuinely breathtaking, the mountains, the Adriatic coastline, and the warmth of its people. Portonovi perfectly complements this landscape with its refined architecture, sense of space, and connection to nature. My first impression was that this destination has everything it needs to become one of the Mediterranean’s most desirable addresses.
C.M: Having led multiple properties across Europe and the Middle East, how does the Portonovi project compare to other international developments you’ve managed?
- Portonovi is unique in the sense it represents a living destination, not just the resort. The combination of residential, hospitality, wellness, and marina experiences creates a level of depth that very few projects in Europe can match. Unlike single-use developments, Portonovi thrives year-round and offers a complete lifestyle, not just a holiday stay.
C.M: What is your long-term vision for Portonovi under your leadership?
- My focus is to elevate Portonovi into a reference point for operational excellence and destination development. We will continue enhancing the guest experience, strengthening our team culture, and aligning with the highest global luxury standards. The long-term goal is for Portonovi to be recognized as a model for sustainable, refined living on the Adriatic, a place that sets the tone for the future of tourism in Montenegro.
C.M: How do you see Portonovi contributing to Montenegro’s positioning as a high-end, sustainable tourism destination?
- Portonovi demonstrates that luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully. From our architectural design inspired by local heritage to innovative systems like seawater heating and cooling, we are showing that modern hospitality can honor both nature and culture. By maintaining high standards and responsible development, Portonovi helps elevate Montenegro’s profile as a destination built for the long term.
C.M: Portonovi has often been described as a model for destination development in the region. What, in your opinion, makes it stand out?
- It’s the balance - between space and sophistication, between luxury and authenticity. Portonovi is low-density, open, and human in scale, which creates a sense of privacy and peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. Add to that our world-class marina, One&Only Resort, Chenot Espace wellness center, and a growing community, and you have a destination that feels both international and distinctly local.
C.M: Montenegro is still a relatively young market when it comes to luxury hospitality. How can destinations like Portonovi help shape the country’s global image?
- By setting standards and creating consistency. When guests experience world-class hospitality here, their perception of Montenegro changes instantly. Portonovi has the ability to anchor the country’s image in excellence, showing that Montenegro can compete with destinations like Lake Como or the Côte d’Azur, while offering something authentic to the local culture.
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C.M: You’ve often emphasized operational excellence and guest satisfaction. What specific elements do you consider essential to delivering a truly world-class experience?
- Excellence comes from culture, not just systems. It’s about creating a team environment where every employee feels empowered to deliver care and attention at the highest level. True hospitality means anticipating needs before they’re expressed and doing so with sincerity. At Portonovi, we’re building a culture that enhances this approach in every team member.
C.M: Portonovi integrates residences, marina, wellness, and resort facilities within one community. How do you ensure that all these elements function harmoniously as one seamless guest experience?
- We have a unified vision - every touchpoint, from the marina to the spa, should reflect the same values: quality, discretion, and authenticity. Communication between teams is key, as is attention to design and flow. Our goal is for guests and residents to move effortlessly through Portonovi, to feel that everything is part of one cohesive story.
C.M: The resort recently became part of Absheron Hotel Group, under PASHA Holding. How does this integration enhance Portonovi’s operational and strategic potential?
- Joining the Absheron Hotel Group gives Portonovi access to a network of global expertise and resources, while maintaining our unique identity. It allows us to strengthen operational standards, introduce best practices, and leverage synergies across hospitality, marketing, and development. It’s a strategic step that supports our growth and long-term ambitions.
C.M: What makes Portonovi an attractive long-term investment opportunity?
- Portonovi combines natural beauty, architectural excellence, and stability, a rare combination in today’s market. Investors see more than just a property; they see a lifestyle supported by first-class infrastructure and services. With strong brand associations, high rental potential, and a proven record of value appreciation, Portonovi represents a fantastic home base and a smart long-term investment.
C.M: On a personal note, after so many years in global hospitality, what continues to inspire you in your work?
- For me, it always comes down to the people and the destinations. Working in hospitality means that guests and their needs are at the heart of every decision we make. As global luxury travel continues to evolve, so do guest expectations, constantly challenging us to stay one step ahead.
Having worked in diverse locations around the world, I’ve come to appreciate the unique context each destination brings: every property has its own strengths and its own challenges to overcome. What makes this industry truly special is that no two days are ever the same, and that constant evolution is exactly what keeps me inspired.
C.M: How do you define luxury today, and how do you think guests’ expectations are evolving?
- Luxury today is about experience, not excess. It’s about authenticity, personalization, and a sense of belonging. Guests want to feel part of something meaningful; they value stories, craftsmanship, and emotional connection. At Portonovi, we aim to create that sense of effortless luxury where everything feels genuine, intentional, and quietly extraordinary.
