Maslina Resort

Sitting on a stunning seafront with Dubrovnik’s Old Town just a 10-minute walk away, the iconic Excelsior has been setting the standard for luxury Adriatic hotels since 1913. Recently refurbished to an exceptional standard, the hotel sympathetically combines the original landmark building with clean modernity. The 158 rooms and suites are a welcoming blend of warm browns, fresh creams, and cool greys, featuring state-of-the-art technology and hand picked accessories. Most enjoy outstanding views of the Old Town, Dubrovnik’s famous fortresses, and the island of Lokrum. Amongst the tranquil gardens are three gourmet restaurants and an elegant piano bar (home to a rather impressive Wall of Fame), all offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and a private beach. The Excelsior also possesses one of the best wellness and spa centres in Dubrovnik. From history and heritage tours to sailing and island hopping, and from adventure Jeep safaris to countryside craft tours, you’ll be well placed to discover the best of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area with an extensive programme of excursions.

Aptly named, Hotel Bastion benefits from a very unique position: it occupies the remains of an old 13th century Venetian medieval fortress in Zadar’s historic centre. Each of the 28 luxury rooms features a display panel from which you can do everything from adjusting the room temperature to calling housekeeping and activating a “do not disturb” sign.? Relax at the Kristal aperitif bar and enjoy a cocktail, tea, or coffee, while you gather an appetite. Then make your way to the restaurant for a meal of finely-crafted Mediterranean and local dishes. You can choose to dine al fresco on the terrace if you’d like to catch some sun. You’ll find that you’re perfectly placed to explore Zadar’s fascinating Sea Organs and Sun Salutation installations as well as historic monuments and islands further afield.

The illustrious Esplanade Hotel was first built in 1925 to accommodate passengers of the famous Orient Express. Since then, its grand, neoclassical facade has become one of Zagreb’s most loved icons, epitomising the city’s old-world, gracious charm. Refreshed regularly, the hotel’s interior simmers with an art deco design that flawlessly blends in the best of 21st century comforts. Each of the 208 spacious rooms have been beautifully furnished to capture the history of the 90 year-old building whilst offerring all the contemporary comforts that today’s traveller has come to expect: elegant and distinctively marble bathrooms delicately conceal heated floors and mirrors lined with generous L’Occitaine toiletries, while in-room entertainment systems rest on polished and sturdy cabinets. After a day spent captivated by Zagreb’s sights, you have a choice of two restaurants to enjoy. Zinfandel’s Restaurant is widely regarded as one of the best fine dining options in Croatia and offers a contemporary take on traditional Croatian cuisine, whilst Le Bistro mixes Croatian cuisine with Parisian traditions in a relaxed setting. Both offer outside seating, with Zinfandel’s large and graceful Oleander Terrace renowned throughout Zagreb.
After dinner, venture towards Esplanade 1925, a stylish art deco lounge and cocktail bar run by a top Croatian mixologist and frequently offerring live jazz evenings. There is also a health club with a fitness area – open 24 hours a day with available personal trainers, spa therapy rooms, a beauty salon, and a sauna at your disposal. Location beside train station, Hotel Esplanade perfectly places you to explore both the city and further afield. Wander out of the hotel and you’ll first come to the historic City Square. The grand National Opera is also just 10 minutes away, and if you stroll through the safe and colourful pedestrian streets of the upper town, you’ll be greeted with a plethora of interesting boutiques, cafes that have been made for people watching, and trendy bars.

In the heart of the Diocletian’s Palace beside the ancient Roman vestibule walls, this exclusive and delightful boutique property has just seven contemporary rooms and suites in the city’s most romantic and historic setting. The intimate Vestibul Palace is a merger of three distinct architectural styles, Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance. In contrast, the rooms and suites are modern in design highlighting the original architectural features as does the striking glass atrium just off the reception. A restaurant, bar, and wine cellar are also tucked into the property. Step outside the door into the middle of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, surrounded by the city’s ancient history and its magnificent monuments. The ruins of ancient Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and the central Dalmatian Islands are also nearby.