Dubrovnik Palace

Dubrovnik Palace is nestled between a pine-cladded hill and the sandy shores, in the Lapad Bay area. With direct access to the beach, two outdoor pools, three bars, a tennis court, diving centre and coastal walking routes, there’s everything you need to rest and play. It’s just a 24km drive from the airport along a scenic coastal road, meaning it’s one of the nicest transfers there is.

When it’s time to relax, visit the wellness centre boasting Jacuzzis®, a steam bath, a Finnish sauna and six treatment rooms. There’s also a fully equipped fitness studio with a range of cardio and strength equipment. But opportunities to exercise aren’t limited to those inside - the stunning Old Town has over 1000 stairs, while you can climb the 190m Velike Petke (just behind the hotel) or the 412m Mount Srd, from where there’s breathtaking views of Dubrovnik’s historic walls and the numerous islands in the Adriatic.

Maslina Tavern is the hotel’s signature restaurant, open from 12pm to 11pm (April to November). Here you can sample traditional Dalmatian dishes while breathing in the fresh sea air. Maybe you’ll be tempted by the Fisherman’s Pot - shrimp, shellfish and lobster braised in white wine with plum tomatoes and fresh herbs. Breakfast is served at Elafiti, named after the group of islands you can see from Dubrovnik. It reopens to dish up a Mediterranean buffet for dinner. In summer you may choose to have a lovely lunch while basking in the sunshine at the beach restaurant.

All the air conditioned rooms have a balcony with sea view and include a smart TV, minibar, bathrobes and slippers. If you’re a single traveller you don’t need to fork out for a double, unless you want additional space, as single rooms are available

The city is served by a network of modern buses, providing excellent connections between the Old Town and the hotels. Dubrovnik Palace is the final stop on route 4 meaning it’s easy to find the correct bus, as the hotel’s name is displayed on the front. While staying on the Dalmatian Coast you shouldn’t miss out on a trip to Mali Ston (55km away), the oysters farmed here are so renowned that Italian foodies drive all the way here for a short summer break!

Due to the unusual shape of the international boundaries, it’s possible to do full-day trips to Kotor (in Montenegro) and Mostar (in Bosnia & Herzegovina). The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor is surrounded by the most indented part of the Adriatic, creating a magnificent appearance, similar to a fjord. Mostar, built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, has been painstakingly restored following the 1990s Balkans War. It now has the appearance of a beautiful medieval city. So a stay at Dubrovnik Palace provides an easy way to tick off multiple countries on your bucket list.