As the summer season begins, a raft of new and newly overhauled hotels along the Croatian coast are opening their doors. Health and fitness are the new trends as wellness centers become increasingly elaborate, pools are set up for lap swimmers and hotel restaurants accent healthy options. One size does not fit all. There are options for families, adults, beach-goers and wine-lovers in everything from large all-inclusive resorts to intimate B&Bs. The common thread is sophisticated, understated design that is rapidly becoming a Croatian “look”. Often when hotels just open, before the reviews catch up with the quality, is when you can get the best deals.
Royal Blue Hotel, Dubrovnik
Part of the prestigious Importanne Group, the five-star Royal Blue is the latest project to combine lavish comfort and a seaside location in Dubrovnik. Tea/coffee machines, electric kettles, king-size beds with the finest linens are standard in all rooms. Together with the other fine hotels in the Importanne Resort, there are indoor and outdoor restaurants in a variety of styles plus a seaside cocktail lounge. A wellness zone, gym and rock platform beach keep you toned and relaxed. Best of all is the adults-only rooftop pool (another pool welcomes all ages). All rooms have balconies and many have sea views you won’t soon forget. BOOK NOW!
Excelsior Hotel, Dubrovnik
The Excelsior Hotel is an institution in Dubrovnik. Dating back to 1913, this five-star pleasure palace in Ploce has hosted everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Elizabeth Taylor and Roger Moore. After a lengthy hiatus the hotel just reopened with a completely new look that pays homage to early 20th-century style while upgrading to an elegant, sophisticated look. The historic Abakus piano bar and terrace that had welcomed so many luminaries is now the most romantic spot in Dubrovnik for a cocktail at sunset. BOOK NOW!
Salona Palace, Split
Located right outside central Split next to the Salona Archaeological Park, The Times dubbed the Hotel Salona Palace “the coolest hotel in Croatia” (see my full review). This brand-new four-star hotel is within easy rich of Split Airport, Trogir and Split highlights but set in the middle of a leafy landscape. Plus the hotel provides free shuttle transport to Joe’s Beach, Split’s most popular beach club. Swimmers will appreciate the counter-current operating in indoor and outdoor pools and of course there’s a full wellness center. BOOK NOW!
Hotel Ola, Trogir
If the sound of high-energy kids running through the halls is not your idea of a holiday, try the new adults-only Hotel Ola in Trogir. This four-star boutique hotel is decorated in bold colors that contrast nicely with the sea views available from all parts of the hotel. Could you stand to lose a few? The hotel restaurant accents Paleo and LCHF for health and also offers classes in cooking healthy meals. The wellness center provides massages and exercises tailored to individual needs. BOOK NOW!
Bacvice Arti, Split
This is not your grandmother’s Bed&Breakfast. The eye-popping new Bacvice Arti displays the very latest in contemporary design while offering the kind of attentive personal service that can only be found in a B&B. The location in the Bacvice neighbourhood is perfect for anything you want to do, from a day at the beach to a day trip from Split to exploring Diocletian’s Palace. BOOK NOW!
Port 9, Korcula
Formerly the Bon Repos, the brand-new Port 9 provides a luxury family resort experience only 3km from Korcula town. Located on tranquil Shell Bay, the resort consists 177 rooms and suites of various sizes and spread over five pavilions. Adults will love the stunning contemporary design and wealth of activities on offer from canoeing to biking, tennis and an Olympic size indoor swimming pool. Kids have their own play area, theme workshops and play clubs. BOOK NOW!
Hotel Olympia Sky, Vodice
The new four-star Olympia Sky is part of the Hotel Olympia resort just 50m from the sea in Vodice. This luxury hotel extends a towering 10 floors and at the top is a restaurant with a spectacular view. Rooms are spacious and there are indoor and outdoor pools. BOOK NOW!
Vinotel Gospoja, Krk
Vrbnik, on Krk island is known for its Zlahtina wine which is showcased in the family-owned Vinotel Gospoja. This small four-star hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, is perfect for winelovers. There are two restaurants with extensive wine lists, wine tastings in a wine room and even vinotherapy on offer in the spa. In case you forget what you’re there for, the 23 well-outfitted rooms and suites are named after grape varieties and decorated with grape motifs. BOOK NOW!
Hotel Park Punat, Punat
This four-star family hotel on Krk island is set in the midst of pine groves and olive trees. Part of the Falkenstein chain, the Hotel Park Punat reopened this year after a €15million overhaul. Kids will love the two outdoor pools equipped with toboggans and adults will love the all-inclusive price. The sleek airy rooms provide tranquil sea or landscape views. There’s a beach nearby and the hotel provides transport to other beaches and bays in the region. BOOK NOW!
Romana Beach Resort, Makarska
The brand-new Romana Beach Resort just outside Makarska allows you to self-cater in your own apartment or take advantage of several excellent restaurants in the resort. There’s a spa and wellness center of course and all rooms have balconies, many with sea views. Relax at a private beach with lounge chairs, swim in the pool or rent a bike to explore the region. BOOK NOW!
