Croatia Travel Blog

Archive for the ‘Dubrovnik’ Category

The World Travel Awards are like the Oscars of the travel industry. Voted on by travel agents worldwide, the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, Conference Center and Spa in Dubrovnik has been anointed Europe’s Leading Resort. Can you imagine the competition? There are a lot of resorts in Europe!

So why the Dubrovnik Palace? Well, the location right on the sea with a private beach helps. Also, there’s a scuba diving center based in the hotel, perfect for learning to dive or perfecting your technique. Or perhaps you prefer jogging? There are jogging paths just outside. Naturally, there’s spa splendor in the form of an indoor pool, fitness  jacuzzi, steam and sauna facilities.  That and all the other five-star amenities–free wifi, luxury toiletries, five restaurants, a shuttle bus from Lapad to Dubrovnik’s old town–insure that the Dubrovnik Palace has well-earned their award.

Read more and book the Dubrovnik Palace.

It’s a race to the top in Dubrovnik as hoteliers outdo themselves to capture high-end tourists. The latest entry on the scene is the incredible Villa Dubrovnik. Clinging to a cliff that juts into the Adriatic, the unparalleled views make the Villa Dubrovnik the most romantic hotel in Dubrovnik. It’s in the Ploce neighbourhood which already boasts two other five-star hotels: Hotel Excelsior and Grand Villa Argentina. The Villa Dubrovnik is a few minutes further along the scenic road but still an easy walk to town. And there are free boat transfers!

The Villa Dubrovnik closed for three years to renovate and the result is spectacular. The architecture seems to capture the sea and sky and bring it into the splendidly appointed rooms. Some rooms have private jacuzzis but, if not, the wellness center is there for the ultimate in pampering. The indoor pool makes the hotel the ultimate Adriatic experience even in winter and the two restaurants are first- rate. Find out more.

Ready to pop the question on this day of love? According to CNN, the Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik is the place to put a ring on it. In an article about the “10 Sweetest Places for a Valentine’s Day Proposal, CNN noted that the  Hotel Excelsior is where Richard Burton once romanced Elisabeth Taylor. And we know how that turned out! OK, not so good but you can cavort on the nearby island of Lokrum, known for its naturist beaches and watch the sunset from the top of Dubrovnik’s famed walls. By the way, the Hotel Excelsior has the best view of Dubrovnik, there’s a wellness spa for pampering and a fine restaurant to toast your glorious future together. See more on the Hotel Excelsior.

Let bygones be bygones! In a series of moves to put a fractured past behind them, Serbia and Croatia are forging new transport ties. This summer will see the introduction of two new flights from Belgrade: one to Pula and one to Dubrovnik.

Of the two, I find the flights to Dubrovnik the most surprising as the city, famously, suffered badly in the bombing of 1991. It’s been 19 years since the last flight between Belgrade and Dubrovnik. Now there will be two flights weekly, beginning June 20 and running until September 7. It is not yet clear whether Croatia’s national carrier, Croatia Airlines, or Serbia’s airline, JAT will operate the route.

Fewer details are available for the Belgrade-Pula route except that it will resume this summer after a two-year absence.

See more on flights to Croatia.

 

The World Travel Awards just issued their list of winners. Voted by travel agents worldwide, these prestigious awards single out the best hotels in various categories, including best spa, best resort, best business hotel and the best in various countries. This year the Hotel Rixos Libertas in Dubrovnik was voted Europe’s Leading Casino Resort. The Rixos Libertas is a relatively new establishment that features a 2-story spa, gourmet Turkish restaurant and a nightclub in addition to its casino.

Kudos this year to the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik which was named Croatia’s Leading Hotel. The Hilton company took over the former Hotel Imperial several years ago and worked a magical transformation upon the venerable 19th-century structure. It retained all the class and elegance but added every comfort worthy of a five-star hotel. Its superb location right outside the Old Town has also made the Hilton Imperial the address of choice in Dubrovnik.

Croatia’s Leading Spa Resort was once again Le Meridien Lav in Split, a real palace of pampering. And the Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel won accolades again as Croatia’s Leading Boutique Hotel. Bravi tutti!