Perched on the edge of the Adriatic Sea, Villa Dubrovnik is an unforgettable oasis in the medieval city of the same name.
A popular vacation hotspot for European travelers, the stunning coastal Croatian town of Dubrovnik beckons beachgoers and cultural travelers alike. Perched on these seaside cliffs and featuring city and water views is the majestic Villa Dubrovnik.
Villa Dubrovnik is Croatian through and through; boasting breathtaking Adriatic views, it was built from grey Brac stone and styled by two local designers. The property has 56 rooms, including seven suites. (If sitting in an alfresco tub is your idea of heaven, book one of the two Jacuzzi-equipped deluxe suites.) There are also two villas, both with their own entrance and parking.
Go into relaxation mode in the idyllic setting of the Villa’s signature restaurant, Pjerin. Located on the cliffs, the glass walls overlook the sea with an unrivaled view of the Old City. Enjoy dishes such as homemade artichoke and ricotta ravioli or rabbit fillet with hazelnuts and wild mushrooms. No visit is complete without taking in the views from the resort’s rooftop bar; watch the sunset over the Old City of Dubrovnik while indulging in the large selection of international wines.
 Lounge Chairs at Villa Dubrovnik |
While at Villa Dubrovnik, spend time getting pampered, exercising, or relaxing in the spa, which has a yoga room, indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. Indulge in a treatment at the Villa Spa, which uses organic Sodashi products for its facials and massages, or book The Villa Spa Experience Massage Diamond, a treatment that combines chromotherapy and massage.
Out in the gardens, amid the bougainvillea and oleander, there is a serene pool where you can loll on a four-poster lounger, order strawberries and champagne, and catch up on your reading. There’s also an indoor pool with French doors for the rare drizzly day. Prefer saltwater? Use the rocky private beach, which has concrete platforms for sun bathing and a ladder to the sea.
The concierge at Villa Dubrovnik can also organize various outings and activities, including private tours of historic Dubrovnik, Peljesac peninsula, Zagreb, or the Elaphiti Islands; horseback riding in Konavle; evening cruises or sea kayaking; visits to the wine regions; and trips to the oyster farms. You can even arrange to enjoy an authentic meal at a Croatian family home. Rooms start at $390 per night and include boat transfers to the Old City. To book, visit mrandmrssmith.com.
The Agenda
Dining in the Old City
The pedestrian-only Old City of Dubrovnik is charming and rife with alfresco dining options. At the seaside Nautika, try the lobster or the sea bass fillet with olive oil, cooked Konavle-style. 360 Dubrovnik is named for its panoramic views, and the Mediterranean cuisine is immaculately presented. Cliff-hugging Cafe Buza, accessed through a literal hole in the wall marked with a wooden “cold drinks” sign, is known as the best place to watch the sun set.
Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car
The best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are, without a doubt, experienced from the top of the Srd Hill. Get there via the Dubrovnik Cable Car. On a clear day, you can see up to 37 miles. For this reason, the neighboring Imperial Fortress was strategically built on this privileged spot back in the early 19th century. At the cable car station restaurant, guests can enjoy the view while choosing from numerous traditional Dalmatian meals and drinks.
Paddle or Cruise to Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island, just off the Croatian coast, is a popular day trip destination. The island is rich with history and natural beauty; Austrian archduke Maximilian once had a holiday home here. Today, Lokrum is inhabited by families of peacocks brought over by Maximilian and is lush with botanical gardens. Stroll on the island, take a dip in the saltwater lake, or have a bite at the restaurant located in a former monastery. To get to the car-free island, take a boat from Villa Dubrovnik or paddle your way there in a sea kayak.
Image Credits: Johansen Krause & courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.