HOTEL OF THE WEEK VILLA DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
CROATIA’S STELLAR Dalmatian coast has long been seen as an alternative contender to Italy’s Amalfi, and as my taxi makes a tight cliff top hairpin turn on to an even tighter road clearly never intended for motor car use, the difference is obvious.
No traffic. Just peace, solitude, bird song and the timeless backdrop of old town Dubrovnik lying far below, just across the bay.
This quiet narrow lane is the only way in by road. From the small unobtrusive roadside entrance you descend by elevator and enter a parallel universe, a place unashamedly devoted to indulgence and well-being.
The glass-encrusted lobby is framed by the vastness of the Adriatic behind, as is every one of the 56 well appointed guest rooms. Crisp Egyptian cotton sheets, Bulgari toiletries, soft terry robes and a comfortable balcony. Perfect, and all is well with the world as far as I’m concerned.
But there’s more. The hotel, though spectacularly modern, manages to blend faultlessly into the rugged Croatian cliff face, effectively using the golden sandstone crags as designer landscaping. And further down, by the water’s edge, as little platforms for the sun beds. Back up a level, and the restaurant terrace beckons; perhaps a three-course lunch of Mediterranean cuisine presented with a Croatian twist, or just a few tasty light bites. Either way, a glorious spot to take in the stunning views across the Adriatic from the garden island of Lokrum to the ramparts of Dubrovnik’s old city.
Up another level and a few laps of the indoor infinity pool can be the forerunner to a nap out on the adjoining terrace under the swaying drapes of a tented bed, itself a precursor perhaps to a treatment or two from a list as long as your arm in the unexpectedly spacious spa.
The old city may only be a 15-minute stroll away, but taking the hotel’s free motor cruiser across the bay from its own private dock is another little unique touch I became very fond of.
Service and style are words banded about like confetti in the hospitality industry, but take it from me, Villa Dubrovnik delivers both very well indeed.
RATES: Standard Deluxe Residences from £350 per room per night www.villadubrovnik.hr