The Dreamy Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

*By Erin Nicole Davis*

The stunning scenery of Dubrovnik, Croatia captured my heart from the second my flight descended through the clouds and I got my first look at it. The piercing cobalt blue and turquoise of the Adriatic Sea, picturesque limestone mountains, and endless red roofs made for a postcard-worthy visual.

The feast for the eyes continued as we drove from the airport and closer to the city. It was love at first sight. These are the types of views that set the soul at ease, yet inevitably inspire the imagination to run wild at the same time (as in, “I could totally live here…”).

The pristine Hotel Dubrovnik Palace takes full advantage of these spectacular views. Built into a cliff, the five-star property, part of Adriatic Luxury Hotels’ ‘Escape Collection,’ is designed with the sea as the celebrated star of the show. This is evident from the moment you step inside its sleek doors and are greeted by a floor-to-ceiling wall of windows that overlook the Adriatic and the Elaphiti Islands.

The soul-soothing view from the lobby – which smells like a dream and is thoughtfully designed in a modern, editorial-worthy aesthetic – sets the stage for what’s in store at the immaculate property. In short: This scenic spot – which was totally renovated in 2014 – is well-worth the splurge (think: honeymoon, anniversary, or milestone birthday-worthy).

The Suites At Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

To start, all of the rooms and suites at Hotel Dubrovnik Palace feature sea views, with floor-to-ceiling windows. These views – whether you’re starting the day with the glistening hues of blue or ending it with a sunset – contribute to a peaceful vibe, as do the earthy tones found throughout the spaces.

Like most hotels, the accommodations at this seaside escape range from single rooms to the sprawling Presidential Suite for the hotel’s VIP guests. Tucked away in the hotel’s VIP wing for maximum privacy – complete with its own entrance – this luxurious seaside accommodation features its own entrance, private terrace, and parking space.

My executive suite (yes, I got spoiled) featured two separate spaces – one for sleeping and working (with a desk overlooking the sea) and another for living and dining – two bathrooms, and a terrace overlooking the sea. Added perks include high-end toiletries and luxurious linens.  

Bars & Restaurants At Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

Naturally, seaside view theme is also carried over into the hotel’s culinary program. All of the hotel’s bars and restaurants come with a side of stunning views. A well-rounded and expansive breakfast buffet is included in a stay here and takes place at the sprawling Elafiti Restaurant, which overlooks the sea. If you’re lucky, you can score a table on the spot’s terrace, to start the day with a welcome fix of salt air. Come evening, the restaurant’s well-stocked buffet stations fill with a fresh Mediterranean fare.

Located on the beachfront, overlooking the sea, Maslina Tavern is the hotel’s signature restaurant. The Dubrovnik-style tavern serves up traditional Dalmatian dishes, like the star menu item, the Fisherman’s Pot. Perfect for sharing (you’ll want to save some room for other menu items too), the dish is jam-packed with all the goodness the sea has to offer, including shrimp, shellfish, and lobster. Here, a memorable meal is accompanied by live music.

The health-conscious set will appreciate Lean and Light, the hotel’s 10^th-floor spot for healthy fare and views. Here, guests can fuel up on raw food dishes, smoothies, fresh fish, and salads.

The hotel also features a poolside bar with a swim-up option (the signature cocktail Summer in the Palace is a must), a beachside dining spot, and another lounge in the lobby area, where guests sip martinis and cocktails as the setting sun disappears into the sea in front of them.

The Spa At Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

If there was ever a hotel that called for a well-worth it splurge on a spa, it’s this one. The Hotel Dubrovnik Palace boasts a 10^th-floor Energy Clinic spa, a celebrated brand that features luxury wellness centres and spas across Croatia and Germany. As one would expect, this spa features a long list of expert services available, as well as a steam bath, whirlpool, and Finnish sauna.

What really sets this sanctuary apart, however, are the captivating views found from an impressive contemporary indoor swimming pool and lounge area backed by a wall of windows that overlooks the sea. The cherry on top is an expansive seaside terrace to enjoy that salt water breeze and peaceful views post-treatment. For those who want to go all out (you’re on vacation, after all), the spa’s VIP treatment rooms for couples features a private Jacuzzi.

The Talking Points

In addition to the indoor pool, the hotel features two outdoor pools, including a beautiful seaside infinity pool – a main draw of the hotel for many – that inevitably makes its way to social media. Below, there’s a private swimming area for hotel guests that’s dotted with dramatic rocks.

For those looking to take the physical activity beyond the inevitably high daily step count, the property also features a gym (complete with breathtaking views, naturally), tennis courts, and a celebrated dive centre that attracts new and avid divers from around the region. There are also a handful of jogging trails in the tree-filled area surrounding the property.

The hotel’s ample views are made even better come sunset, when the sinking sun casts a golden glow over the glistening infinity pool and sea water that crashes over the rocks below.

The hotel is about a 10-minute drive to Dubrovnik Old Town (if you don’t have a car, opt for Uber over a cab; the latter could cost three times as much). There is also a public bus, with a stop across the street, that takes guests into the Old Town every 20 minutes.

What To Do In Dubrovnik

Explore Lokrum Island

The dreamy Lokrum Island is a quick and scenic boat ride away and depart from the picture-perfect Old City port – which is filled with charming sailboats – every half hour. Offering a reprieve from the summertime crowds that fill the Old Town, the island is filled with quiet spots to explore, swim, and relax. This includes peaceful forests and botanical gardens. The island features the remains of a monastery, restaurants, bars, and multiple swimming areas.

Walk Dubrovnik’s City Walls

The city’s Old Town is surrounded by the famed Walls of Dubrovnik. While they are inevitably packed with tourists, they’re not something you want to miss out on – especially in the photo op department. The walls take about an hour to walk and offer vantage points of the Old Town and the vast sea from all directions. For a break along the way (these walls are basked in sun on already hot summer days), guests can stop at an ice cream spot or bar. Find more info here.

Take the Cable Car and Panorama Restaurant

Another breathtaking way to experience the views of the Old Town is from the cable cars – especially if you go right at sunset. At the top is Panorama restaurant, with its terrace that offers endless views of the city and the sea beyond. Here, you’ll find everything from fresh cheese boards, salads, and carpaccio, to quality meats and seafoods. Inevitably, this meal can run on the pricey side, but these views are pretty priceless. Find more info here.

Take A Food Tour

One of the best ways to learn a little more about Dubrovnik’s storied past – and its delicious food and drink offerings – is through booking a food tour. At three to four hours long, the tours take a group of guests through both hidden gems and landmarks of the Old Town. Our “Dubrovnik on a Plate” tour included everything from wine and charcuterie to slow-cooked veal, and ended off on a sweet note with an assortment of memorable cakes. Find more info here.

Take a Day Trip to Ston

If you have a soft spot for scenic walks and the freshest oysters you’ll ever have, the charming village of Ston sits about an hour’s drive away and makes a great option for a day trip from Dubrovnik. The village is famous for its salt pans, massive fortification wall (the longest in Europe), and its scenic oyster farms. The core can be explored in about an hour and visitors are encouraged to climb the wall (so appropriate footwear is a must). The oyster farms float on the turquoise sea a short boat ride from the town’s charming harbour and offers unlimited fresher-than-fresh oysters and mussels. Find more info here.

You can find a slew of other things to do in Dubrovnik here.