The Best Boutique Hotels on Hvar, Croatia

A spiffy makeover transformed this old-school waterside lodging of Grand Tour vintage into contemporary boutique hotel with a vague celebrity theme. Orson Welles and Sean Connery were among the guests back in the day – now it’s Tom Cruise and Kevin Spacey. Without the space to offer a pool or gym, the hotel goes big on its harbourfront location and glam décor. Images of Anita Ekberg or Brigitte Bardot gaze from guestroom walls, while the terrace bar is called the BB Club.

Open from April to October, this is one of those unique places that make Croatia such a special destination. An island getaway accessed from Hvar town by taxi boat, the Meneghello was set up by the botanist of the same name who created a garden of exotic plants here a century or more ago. Three generations on, it’s still in the hands of the Meneghello family, except that it’s an art-filled villa-and-bungalow complex, with its own beach, art gallery and two restaurants. Art workshops are also offered, along with the chance to go diving or sailing. The same family also runs the Villa Meneghello, on the main island near Hvar town.

Touting itself, justifiably, as ‘Hvar’s top spa hotel’, this four-star luxury lodging can also lay claim to being a boutique gem. Certainly, its Top Bar, all exquisite garden terracing and panoramic views, is out on its own even by Hvar standards. As for the spa, expect Thai Oriental massages, sea-mud wraps and a rooftop seawater pool. Just to finish off with that boutiquey touch, lavender is the colour of choice in guest rooms, a decorative nod to Hvar’s most populous flowering plant.

Converting a 14th-century palace, former home of the aristocratic Gazzari family, a couple of years ago, the Villa Nora is the latest style-forward lodging to open on Hvar. Close to the main hub of restaurants in Hvar town, the hotel couldn’t be better located but many opt for this accommodation over the many others for its historic atmosphere, offset by contemporary furnishings. Here you have breakfast where 16th-century poet Marin Gazarović composed his lyrics, but later relax in modern-day comfort after a long day at the beach.

Here the name says it all. The Little Green Bay is as boutique as it gets – only 15 rooms, all done out natural stone and wood – but has something very few other chic, petite lodgings can offer. Location here shares priority with the swish furnishing, for you’re set in idyllic Lozna Bay, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water, a little island directly ahead and scented pine forest behind. Close enough to the attractions of Hvar town to justify a speedboat service, Little Green Bay also has its own twin-terrace bar/restaurant, French-run like the hotel itself. A mini-spa, panoramic jacuzzi and pebble beach complete the picture.

Set in underrated Stari Grad, so handy for the car ferry from Split, the Heritage Villa Apolon is set in the villa once owned by Don Šime Ljubića, an eminent Croatian archaelogist and historian. Comprising just six suites, a wine bar and restaurant, this converted villa/mausoleum exudes refined taste while providing expected features such as air-conditioning, WiFi and cable TV. The decorative theme echoes the Ancient Greeks, whose early settlement here lent the island of Hvar its name. Originally a waterfront restaurant popular with the yachting fraternity, the Apolon still runs a top-notch kitchen, quality Dalmatian seafood the focus.

Opened by the same Meneghellos who made such as success out of running the renowed villa-and-bungalow complex on Palmižana, the Villa Meneghello sits close enough to Hvar town to enjoy its attractions, but far enough away for seclusion. Surrounded by pines and exotic plants, this twin-apartment villa can accommodate up to 12 people, but with direct access to the sea, several sunbathing areas and a pool, you shouldn’t get in each other’s way. There’s a large garden, well-equipped kitchens and the kind of arty, bohemian atmosphere the Meneghellos do so well.