The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Croatia
Over the past two decades, Croatia has slowly become a mainstay on the international travel radar. With islands just as beautiful as Greece and history to rival neighbouring Italy, it’s a country that is well worth adding to your bucket list. Here, stunning national parks rub up against breathtaking coastline – the latter home to a slew of luxury hotels. From Dubrovnik to Rovinj, we chart the best of the best below – all bookable with Culture Trip.
1. San Canzian
Boutique Hotel, Luxury, Spa Hotel
Part village, part hotel, San Canzian is made up of a collection of old Istrian houses – all crumbling brickwork, worn wooden shutters and quaint terracotta roofs – now restored into luxury guest rooms. It’s tucked away in the tourist-free far north of Croatia – a region known for its fine food and wine. Accordingly, experiences include olive-oil tastings, truffle-hunting trips and private picnic dinners around the estate. The centrepiece Luciano Restaurant sources from the immediate Istrian larder and the adjoining bar – with its jaw-drop terrace and views – is renowned as one of the best in Croatia. Add a spa, pool and lovely gardens, and you’ll be wanting to make this village your home.
2. Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa
Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel, Luxury
On the gorgeous Opatija Riviera – in the north of Croatia, near Pula – Ikador has 16 sea-view rooms and suites overlooking the Kvarner Bay. Tiered gardens tip down towards the water, along with a beautiful pool and bayside deck – from where you can hop in the hotel’s private speedboat to check out the Kvarner archipelago. On land, hike the Učka mountain and explore the evergreen forests of Gorski Kotar, or walk the short distance to the seaside town of Lovran and the centre of Opatija. Don’t miss in-house restaurant Nobilion for fresh Mediterranean food from an up-and-coming Croatian chef.
3. Dubrovnik Palace
Resort, Luxury
Flanked by the Adriatic Sea and the leafy Forest Park Velika and Mala Petka, Dubrovnik Palace is a private oasis hidden away from the tourist bustle. Each of the 308 rooms boasts glorious sea views as well as slick decor. When you’re not sunbathing on your private balcony, take a dip in one of the hotel’s three pools or book yourself in for a sea diving course.
5. Royal Palm Hotel
Resort, Hotel, Luxury
Situated above Lapad Bay, guests of the Royal Palm Hotel will be lulled to sleep by the gentle waves below. Rooms are light-filled, clad with neutral tones, and make the most of the sea views. A booking at on-site Restaurant Zoe to sample local seafood is a must. Be sure to time your reservation with sunset to watch the pink-hued sky as the sun dips below the horizon.
6. Sun Gardens Dubrovnik
Hotel
7. Royal Princess Hotel
Resort, Luxury
The sister hotel to the Royal Palm – both are part of the same complex – the Royal Princess Hotel is one for the romantics. The decor is opulent with regal mahogany headboards, marble-clad bathrooms and expansive balconies to take in the endless Adriatic coastline. Need pampering? Visit the on-site spa to bathe in one of its nine pools or unwind in the Finnish sauna.
8. Hotel Lone Rovinj
Luxury
As the first and only Croatian member of Design Hotels, you know the vibe in Hotel Lone is going to be excellent. Reminiscent of an art museum, the lobby is designed with white-beige stone inspired by ancient woodlands that surround the Istrian hotel. Rooms are minimalist with floating bedside tables, however, most of your time will be spent in or next to the free-form outdoor seawater pool.
9. Villa Nepos Hotel
Budget Hotel, Luxury
In the heart of Split, where the cobbled alleyways are narrow and there’s a ruin around every corner, Villa Nepos blends in rather neatly. A Roman building built in the fourth century, its restoration was guided by Unesco – leaving many of the features in this four-room hotel beautifully preserved. Rooms are opulent, with lashings of red velvet draped over old stone walls – and many overlook the Diocletian’s Palace next door, too.
10. Design Hotel Navis
Hotel
Perched on the very edge of Opatija’s coast, with the Adriatic stretching as far as you can see, Hotel Navis is a design-led marvel. Its private beach offers an air of exclusivity and the spa, with its Finnish sauna and Turkish bath, embraces the sea views. Rooms are slick, walls are lined with art by local creatives, and the restaurant serves Istrian delights. Dine al fresco if it’s warm enough.
Vesna Maric contributed additional reporting to this article.
For more wellness retreats, take a look at our guide to best spa hotels in Split or for a different Croatian experience – take a look at the best hotels in Zadar.
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