With thousands of idyllic islands scattered across the Adriatic Sea, along with TV-famous towns, ancient ruins, and turquoise lakes, it was only a matter of time before this picturesque part of the world transformed into an international hot spot. With its fairly recent and rapid rise as a beloved holiday destination, Croatia has welcomed a new breed of sophisticated hotels, ranging from smart beachside resorts to revamped countryside boltholes. Some offer the perfect hideout for couples looking to escape into Croatia’s bucolic hinterland, while others are primed to cater to multi-generational families seeking a sun-soaked family holiday. Here we feature some of our favorite hotels to book in Croatia.
- Our top picks
- More great hotels in Croatia
- How we choose the best hotels in Croatia
- For families: Villa Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik
- For couples: Grand Park Rovinj, Rovinj
- For beaches: Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort, Hvar
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Grand Park Rovinj, Rovinj
A stunning glass-and-stone monument of a hotel, Grand Park Rovinj is perched high above the Adriatic and every room has a front-row seat over Rovinj’s charming, tumbling Old Town and yacht-filled marina. It’s confident, cool, and collected, with just enough edge to keep things interesting. Recently, the hotel has become part of a new wave reshaping Croatia’s luxury scene—less yacht-party, more low-key Riviera chic—while still maintaining a homey feel. The place is stylish, too, with every restaurant, bar, and even corridor achieving that surprisingly rare hotel feat: showcasing genuinely good art. Don’t skip a visit to the spa: At nearly 41,000 square feet, there are enough saunas, steam rooms, pools, and treatment rooms to keep you occupied for hours, as well as a sprawling relaxation room that stretches out into the pine forest–backed gardens. Be sure to set an early alarm and creep up to the infinity pool for a sunrise swim while all the other guests rest or have breakfast. It’s blissfully empty, and you’ll get the Adriatic all to yourself.
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Meneghetti Wine Hotel and Winery, Istria
Meneghetti stretches across 12 hectares of Istrian countryside, a secluded patch of land with more than 40,000 vines, seven hectares of vineyards, olive groves, and a working winery. Since joining the Relais & Châteaux family in 2013, it’s quietly built a reputation for combining luxury with a deep sense of place. The estate includes a boutique hotel, private villas, a celebrated restaurant and, more recently, a newly reimagined spa, and an exclusive event space known as the Garden Pavilion. There are 58 rooms, suites, villas, and multi-room residences across the estate, each blending timeless architecture with modern comfort. All follow the same interior style: wooden floors, exposed beams, delicate oriental-style rugs, antique-meets-modern furniture, and soft earthy tones. For dining, there’s Oliveto, a casual, open-air spot set just above the pool: ideal for a long lunch and a glass of something cold with a view. The main restaurant is a white-tablecloth affair, tucked between the vines and olive trees and serving local ingredients plucked straight from the garden. Just 1.2 miles from the main estate, The Boho Beach Club by Meneghetti is the newest addition to the property. Guests can hop on the hotel shuttle or take one of the free bikes and follow a quiet gravel path through tree-lined lanes to the coast. There, loungers and cabanas are set up for a slow afternoon by the sea. —Karin Mueller
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Villa Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik
Built on the cliffs just a short stroll from the buzz of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Villa Dubrovnik looks out across the turquoise Adriatic to Lokrum Island on one side, and the city’s historic terra-cotta rooftops on the other. There are 55 rooms, including six signature suites and two residences. Each is generously spacious—and ideal for families—with cloud-like beds and pretty balconies that overlook the sea. Beyond the rooms, the hotel offers experiences that turn a stay into a real adventure, think horseback riding through Konavle, an ATV or buggy safari, sea kayaking around the Old Town walls, or even a private Game of Thrones tour through the city. Back on base, there’s a serene indoor pool with floor‑to‑ceiling windows opening to views of the ocean, a spa, 24‑hour gym, and yoga and Pilates classes. For a special supper, book into Restaurant Pjerin, a fine‑dining terrace spot where five‑course tasting menus with Croatian wine pairings are accompanied by Old Town views. For something more laid‑back, Giardino Restaurant sits under century‑old pines on an ancient stone terrace. The hotel is also home to Galanto Bar, Dubrovnik’s only rooftop bar and the ultimate sunset spot, where you can sip a Dubrovnik‑twist Negroni as the sky melts into gold. —Chelsea Hughes
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Zori Timeless Hotel, Palmižana
The laid-back Pakleni Islands have long been a favorite mooring spot for the sailing crowd, not to mention day-trippers from Hvar Town, a 10-minute boat ride away. But if you don’t have your own boat, there are only a handful of places to stay—mostly rustic guesthouses—scattered around the archipelago. After decades of feeding the yachties in their waterside restaurant, Iva and Renato Tomlinović, owners of Zori Timeless Hotel on the island of Sveti Klement, have created a supremely stylish bolthole with just four suites—among the most elegant restaurant-with-rooms experiences in Croatia. Split-based brother-and-sister architects Zrinka and Vatroslav Visković created the four spacious havens that blend the indoor and outdoor space effortlessly. All have huge terraces that invite complete indolence: gently swinging hammocks, sun loungers, plush sofas tucked into alcoves, marble tables for al fresco dining, Knoll chairs, outdoor showers, glorious sea views framed by palm trees, and—best of all—private pools and/or hot tubs. Zori’s chef, Siniša Jevrosimov, is an exceptional talent, creating a menu that combines Croatian cuisine with international flavors. Knowledgeable staff will guide you through the extensive wine list, which naturally leans heavily towards excellent Croatian wines—still one of the country’s best-kept secrets. —Mary Novakovich
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Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel, Hvar
Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel is the sister property to the Amfora—also on our list. It’s just a five-minute walk from the ferries in Hvar Town, and five minutes from the Old Town, so aside from its wellness focus, location is its main allure. Yet it avoids the bustle you might expect from such a central location. The Adriana’s elaborate spa and gorgeous sea views offer its guests a nice balance between city action and tranquility.
The spa and wellness area, though not huge in size, is particularly lovely. One of the saunas boasts a floor-to-ceiling glass window overlooking the sea, so spectacular that it spoils you for all others, and despite being the clear star of the hotel, Val Marina restaurant is a strong top-spot contender. It’s set on the water’s edge and home to a plentiful buffet as well as an à la carte menu
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Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort, Hvar
Readers’ Choice Awards 2019
Located on one of Croatia’s most popular islands, Hvar, the Amfora Grand Beach Resort is a spot for the whole family. Within a private bay, the hotel is not only a mere five-minute walk to the nearest beach but also hosts its own exclusive beach club, Bonj “Les Bains.” There are a handful of quality, affordable restaurants and bars, including everyone’s guilty pleasure—the swim-up pool bar. With handsome, contemporary design throughout, it’s a solid spot for weary parents in search of a reliable, romantic getaway, but with the added help of cascading pools, water slides, and activities to keep the children occupied throughout the day. It’s also only a stone’s throw from the town, for when those inflatable armbands inevitably give out. Who said family holidays should be a compromise?
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Lešić Dimitri Palace, Korčula
A trip to Korčula Island truly is like stepping back in time, or, at the very least, into an episode of Game of Thrones. This historic, well-preserved island is, apparently, the birthplace of Marco Polo, the legendary merchant whose travels have inspired the charming Lešić Dimitri Palace. Five smart serviced apartments, housed within an authentically restored stone palace, are tastefully themed around the stories of the Silk Road—from China to India. It’s an apartment-style stay, which is a treat for guests who value independence. Each residence comes with a kitchen, but if you don’t fancy cooking, the hotel offers an in-house chef who’ll do it for you. Korčula itself is renowned as a foodies’ paradise, but the hotel also has its own Michelin-starred restaurant that looks out over the untouched coastline.
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Maslina Resort, Hvar
Hot List 2021
Mindful luxury is the order of the day at the Maslina Resort, and it does not disappoint. The hotel has reforested the local area, uses sustainable materials and practices throughout, and offers a comprehensive list of therapeutic and wellness treatments. The in-house spa team delivers a variety of healing modalities, from traditional massage to vibrational healing, sound therapy, herbal tonics, and treatments using therapeutic-grade essential oils. Yoga, meditation, and fitness classes also run daily, making this place the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate. Hvar itself has been a well-known healing destination since 1868, and this historic interest in harmony has been reflected in the Maslina’s design; calm, intuitive interiors colored with a palette drawn from the surrounding pine forests and olive groves. Situated in the lesser-known Stari Grad—a UNESCO protected town—this hotel cleverly dodges the hustle and bustle of Hvar town, making the Maslina savvy, safe, and serene.
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Le Méridien Lav, Split
Although it’s located in one of Croatia’s biggest cities, Split’s Le Méridien Lav feels like a remote island paradise for adults and kids alike. Of course, with its five-star status, you’ll get the expected perks (huge rooms and a standard-setting spa, for example), but where this hotel exceeds even the highest expectations is in its hospitality. I was struck by the warmth and helpfulness of the staff, who went above and beyond to personally help when we had an unfortunate medical emergency during our stay. Our charming waiter at the Conlemani restaurant, which serves the best tiramisu I’ve ever tried, remembered us even after we left, and gave us a huge hello when we passed him the following day. In such large and amenity-packed resorts, there is often a tradeoff between charm and convenience. Not so here, thanks in large part to the staff. Service remains its greatest strength, even amid standout food, wellness offerings and two private beaches.
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Ninon Boutique Hotel, DubrovnikTo look at it, the Ninon seems to emerge, birdlike, from the edge of the limestone cliffs, and with only nine rooms, this boutique, adults-only hotel is as close as it comes to having a little nest all to yourself. The owners, Nina and Željko Katalinić, are architects by trade. The building itself forms the core of the hotel’s appeal—with its voguish, minimal design, hand-picked furniture, and walls plastered with contemporary art. Even the couple’s son (a successful artist based in Vienna) gets a look in, lending a unique, family feel that’s rare among high-end hotels. The rooftop bar sits high enough for you to see the sunset across the Elaphiti Islands and is situated only a 20-minute drive from bustling Dubrovnik, making Ninon the ideal spot to wind down after an intense city break.Check Availability at Booking.comCheck Availability at Expedia
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Hrvoje GabricHotel Lemongarden, BračSet on the island of Brač, best known for the white-pebbled triangular-shaped beach Zlatni Rat, Hotel Lemongarden is an adults-only hideaway snuggled into the quaint fishing village of Sutivan. Set within three meticulously restored stone houses, each room is uniquely its own, with stylish, understated interiors—though the real draw here is the lush garden that gives the hotel its name. Roses, bougainvillaeas, hibiscuses, palms, and hundreds of fragrant lemon trees surround the idyllic outdoor pool and restaurant areas, lending the whole estate a secretive, enclave-like feel. The owners see planting as painting a landscape with living things. This love of verdant nature extends to the food too, with chef Ante Udovičić utilising mostly local organic ingredients, some harvested from the hotel grounds. Listen carefully and you can even hear the gentle, lapping waves of the Adriatic from the hotel’s private beach, less than a 10-minute walk away.Check Availability at Booking.comCheck Availability at Expedia -
San Canzian Hotel & Residences, IstriaLocated in the heart of Istria—one of Croatia’s most desirable spots—the San Canzian is situated within a medieval village perched high up on the Croatian peninsula. All that’s left of the 14th-century Venetian fortress that inspired the space are the ruins of an old chapel, which goes some way to explain the San Canzian’s taste for laid-back serenity. Luckily, it’s now a little more up-to-date than its heritage suggests, with chic, contemporary interiors blending artfully against the arid, rugged landscape. This hotel is also perfectly located for exploring the surrounding hilltop villages, but you’ll be just as happy unwinding by the infinity pool, which boasts a staggering view out over olive gardens and vineyards. Naturally, it’s this abundance of fine ingredients, all within touching distance, that inspires its Luciano Restaurant, which favors organic local produce and boasts a wine cellar stocked with the best bottles from nearby wineries. Few retreats feel as peaceful or tucked-away as San Canzian.Check Availability at Booking.comCheck Availability at Expedia
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Villa Giardino Heritage Boutique, BolSituated in Bol, one of the more secluded settlements along the southern coast, Villa Giardino wouldn’t look out of place in one of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s stories. A heritage boutique hotel set within a colonial-style mansion, it’s classic, elegant, and sophisticated—a place to step back into that feted golden age of the Mediterranean. White walls, crisp white linen, and cool stone floors reign supreme. This cozy, classic style follows into the communal lounges, where art, prints, and reflections on the island’s rich cultural history line the walls from floor to ceiling. Stepping outside, the Giardino is the perfect place from which to begin a trek up nearby Vidova Gora, not just the highest point on Brač Island, but of all the Croatian Islands. The view from the top, out across all of Dalmatia, is unmissable.Check Availability at Booking.comCheck Availability at Expedia
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Katja BidovecSpirito Santo Palazzo Storico, RovinjIf beautiful wooden ceiling beams are your thing, this might be the hotel for you. Hotel Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico is situated in the beating heart of quaint Rovinj. Tucked down a quiet street, this rustic, boutique hotel offers a more affordable yet authentic Croatian stay, with added touches of luxury. The building itself was once derelict but has been lovingly restored by the owners, who’ve repurposed many original materials and features that give it an authentic, down-to-earth feel. There are seven rooms and a handful of suites located only a stone’s throw from the beach and the center of town. The snug “Cortile” Atrium (named after the centrepiece water well that dates back to the 1800s) is a roofless wonder where you can sit back, relax, and take in the stars after a hard day lazing at the beach.Check Availability at Booking.comCheck Availability at Expedia
How we chose the best hotels in Croatia:
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.
Source: www.cntraveler.com
