To me, one of the ultimate hotel luxuries is being able to fall asleep to the sound of waves on the shoreline. Air-conditioning is nice of course, but if I can leave the windows open and get a refreshing  breeze while the sea’s rhythm lulls me to sleep, I’m in heaven. And I was in heaven at the four-star Dubrovnik President Hotel. 

This venerable hotel was completely and totally overhauled from 2005 to 2006. The spacious rooms cleverly employ subdued whites and gentle pastels to create a halo of soft light. The decor is contemporary without being overdesigned. (You don’t need a manual to turn on the lights). Even better are the immense terraces that stretch out from  each room to the sea which leave you with the feeling that you’re alone with the sea and the sky.

Unfortunately I was too busy to get toned up in the new Wellness Centre, but I did have time for a swim. The Dubrovnik President is known for having the best hotel beach in Dubrovnik. As it’s a private beach, it’s never too crowded plus it’s standards of cleanliness have merited Blue Flag recognition.

The Dubrovnik President is in the Babin Kuk part of Dubrovnik which means that you’re out of the tourist frenzy that swirls around Dubrovnik’s Old Town. A shuttle bus whisks you into town in no time and at the end of a hectic day, it’s nice to relax amid the comfort and elegance that comes with a four-star hotel. I particularly appreciated the live music in the hotel’s aperitif bar. I happened upon “Jazz Night” and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the group. And then, back in my room, it was just me, the moon and the waves.

Read more about

•  Dubrovnik President Hotel.
• Jeanne’s Croatia 2008