Hip and happening Croatia combines the best of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean to brilliant effect. Wooded hills, traditional villages, idyllic islands, walled medieval cities and Roman ruins are among the attractions in popular regions such as Dalmatia and Istria. Then there's the stunning, unspoilt coast and the archipelago of islands lying offshore. Here’s a look at some of the best boutique hotels in Croatia.
Hotel Lone, Istria
Hotel Lone is Croatia’s first design hotel. It was declared a ‘stand-out winner’ by the European Hotel Design Awards, and after a quick glance you can soon see why it beat off the competition. Hotel Lone has a distinct Y-shaped curve to the building, which allows every one of its 248 rooms to see the Istrian coastline.
The hotel takes its inspiration from the Mediterranean and you’ll notice this as you walk through its ‘wellness spa’, which ensnares the senses with the scent of lavender, olive oil and rosemary.
Lesic Dimitri Palace, Korcula
The island of Korcula has a rich history, and has been a hotspot for visitors from the ancient Greeks to the Romans and Venetians. The Lesic Dimitri Palace is made up of six medieval buildings that have been converted and updated to offer a combination of rustic charm and 21st century comfort.
A palace by name and a palace by nature, the Lesic Demitri Palace offer a choice of five suites ranging from the one-bedroom Ceylon suite to the spacious and luxurious three-bedroom Venice suite. All of the suites have their own kitchen, bathroom and living room. Each suite is named after a particular point on the route taken by explorer Marco Polo, and the design of each suite reflects its namesake.
Hotel Adriana, Hvar
The Adriana boasts itself as being one of the top nightlife hotspots in Hvar, and rightly so. The hotel’s rooftop bar (called ‘Top Bar’) offers a fantastic view of the old city and the harbour, giving you the chance to unwind in pure style (for extra indulgence, opt for a ‘facing the sea massage’). The rooftop also has a seawater swimming pool that’s heated all year round, meaning you’ve no excuse for not taking the plunge while staying here.
The Adriana has had heaps of praise as being one of the jewels in the luxury crown of Croatia. The Sensori Spa is one of the definitive features of the hotel and one of the reasons for its superb reputation. Check out the signature Sensori glow treatment for complete rejuvenation in what the spa describes as an ‘ancient tradition of physical and spiritual cleansing’.
Villa Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik
Villa Dubrovnik edges on the Adriatic, all neutral, natural and nautical. Styled by two local designers, the villa is built from grey brac stone and boasts bold sea views. Idle away your days here relaxing by the flower-flanked pool and serene spa and nights enjoying ambitious Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurant that’s worthy of a Michelin star.
Hotel Vestibul Palace, Split
Pack your best boat shoes and take to the Dalmatian Coast in style at the historic Hotel Vestibul Palace. A regally Roman setting is what you can expect, all moulded from three architecturally diverse palaces all set within a waterfront World Heritage site. Located right by the Diocletian’s Palace, the old 4th century walls are still in place, but the décor is anything but, with contemporary modern furniture, a bright colour palette and a huge glass atrium.
This post was written by Jamie Gibbs, the armchair explorer and travel blogger for Croatia travel insurance comparison site Confused.com.
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