Dubrovnik

OLD CHARM, NEW LUXURY

BY: SYLVIA TENNANT

On the edge of the glittering Adriatic Sea lies a jewel of a city and a pair of noteworthy properties that are a traveler’s dream.

The commanding walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town are infinitely more striking in person, and within their daunting rows and polished cobblestones lie an ancient oasis of cultural delight. An inviting maze of torch lit alleys hosts a thoughtful sprinkle of historical hot spots and modern day indulgences. The captivating energy of this place is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

Centuries of travelers have vacationed along the Croatian coastline, and the accommodations have only better with time. Although a fabulous mega yacht would be an iconic place to lay our heads, Hotel Excelsior is absolutely the next best option. This five-star villa is minutes away by foot from the East Gate entrance to Old Town and has arguably the most epic view of the fortress walls. Seaside swimming from a private beach area is made even sweeter with full service amenities and excellent cocktails. Wainscotted rooms with luxurious fabrics and lighting have welcomed everyone from Liz Taylor to Queen Elizabeth II, and there are floors of lounge areas to relax, work, or indulge. If you feel called to dine in one evening, I highly recommend a meal on the patio at Sensus. This fine dining restaurant is highly acclaimed and well known for their creative dishes. Ask for local wine pairings - the Korta Katarina Pošip is so good that I’m desperately trying to import it.

The present-day iteration of this fine medieval city is a crash course in historical preservation. It hosts a cluster of Michelin-starred restaurants, including Taj Mahal, which serves notably inspiring Bosnian fare. Stroll alongside fellow gelato-armed tourists through guided experiences, then beat the heat and hit Banje Beach for a Campari Spritz. If you’re lucky, you may catch a seaside water polo game, complete with drumming, enthusiastic fans, and passionate sportsmanship.

Should you feel the call away from the crowds, the idyllic town of Cavtat is a nearby treasure and a quick 20-minute drive from Old Town. The epitome of European ease, this lush harbor destination centers around a glittering bay with easily accessible swimming spots and a revolving row of extremely fancy boats. Though we narrowly missed running into Jay Z and Beyoncé (they were spotted in Cavtat the day we arrived), we did enjoy an incredible stay at the newly renovated Hotel Supetar, a 16-suite heritage property. A highlight of our trip, the sophisticated boutique hotel solidified our love of this quiet, unpretentious town. Mornings by the private pool and afternoons wandering the pine-lined peninsula were capped with a sunset cocktail and swim at the beach bar Little Star, followed by dinner al fresco on Supetar’s terrace. Lively cocktail bars and excellent people-watching are close by on the promenade, but the hotel’s rooms and amenities are so luxurious that an early night in feels equally as exciting.

Dubrovnik is a world-class destination rich in kindness and culture, which mimics our entire experience of the Dalmatian coast. Should you find yourself drawn to this gorgeous country, know that you’ll be hosted wonderfully in a place with plenty to discover, just waiting to reward those who wander.