Hi everyone,
When visiting Croatia last month, we spent some amazing days at Hotel Villa Dubrovnik, which is definitely one of the most beautiful and architecturally cool boutique hotels, I've stayed at.
The hotel is located on the eastern edge of Dubrovnik and is just about 1.5 kilometers from the the medieval walls protecting the city's Old Town, which by the way is definitely worth a visit - but more about that in a later post. 😉
When arriving to Villa Dubrovnik, we were met with this super cool architectural entrance.
And the entrance - as well as the roofs of the building - is basically all you can see of the hotel, since the rest - which is quite a bit - is set below the road and secluded in maritime pines, making it almost invisible from the road.
To enter the hotel, you either take the elevator down to the hotel's entrance and lobby...
... or you can take the stairs hidden in the stone wall.
Now that is kinda cool. 😍
Villa Dubrovnik has only 55 rooms, which is one of the things I really like about boutique hotels; it gives a much more intimate atmosphere, and in some hotels, like Villa Dubrovnik, you almost get the feeling that you're staying in a private home.
Also, boutique hotels tend to be a lot more creative in their interior design and decoration of both communal areas but also the individual rooms, which definitely was the case with this stunningly beautiful hotel.
I absolutely loved the architecture and interior design of Villa Dubrovnik, which at the same time is both elegant and classy yet rustic and cool.
The pristine white architecture really provides a stunning contrast to the surrounding rocky landscape and emerald green waters of the Adriatic Sea, which if you ask me, is one of the most beautiful seas in the world. 💦
We stayed in a lovely room with great natural light and an amazing bathroom and balcony, from which we had a great view to the Island of Lokrum as well as Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
// Beautiful flowers when arriving to the room. 💐
// Balcony view of Lokrum Island.
// Balcony view of Dubrovnik Old Town.
// Beautiful little cave-like beach right next to the hotel.
Another cool feature of Villa Dubrovnik is the hotel's proximity to water; you besically step right into the water from the hotel's property, which in this case essentially are rocky cliffs turned into a lovely sunbathing area. I mean, how pretty is this? 😍
// Beach front entrance.
// Ready for a swim. 💦
In terms of activities, there's really is a lot you can do at Villa Dubrovnik - besides relaxation and enjoying the wonderful surroundings of course, which is almost mandatory, when staying at a place like this.
Although we initially planned to just relax and wind down completely during our stay here, we both still love to do some kind of activity in the early hours of the day when traveling - not too early ofc 😉, but just to get the feeling of having explored the area/city a bit, plus it makes relaxation later in the day so much more enjoyable, if you ask me at least.
And since we both loove yoga (how lucky am I to have a man who also loves yoga? 😍🙏😉), morning yoga here was almost mandatory - and so amazing really. Highly recommended. ☀
// Sunbeds at Villa Dubrovnik overlooking the Lokrum Island.
Besides the ocean - which is definitely preferred if you ask me - the hotel also has an indoor pool area for those who prefer that.
If you feel like taking a quick dip in the evening, this is the pool you will use, since the 'ocean swimming area' is closed off at night.
// Indoor sunbeds overlooking the sea.
The hotel also has an amazing spa department, which is definitely recommended, if you're into saunas, aroma therapy and all kinds of different beauty treatments.
In terms of foods at Villa Dubrovnik, there's a range of different restaurants to choose from.
Genrally, the food and dining options is another feature I really like about boutique hotels, as they tend to match the unique and different feel of the hotel itself, resulting in quite different and much more interesting dining options and experiences.
Another thing I'd really recommend you try if you visit Croatia, and Dubrovnik especially, is sea kayaking.
You can rent kayaks at basically every hotel and beach in Dubrovnik, and if you wish to have a guided tour, they're happy to arrange it for you.
We decided to skip the guided tour and just go on our own, which is super easy and a little more convenient - and relaxing - than having to follow an entire group. If you ask me at least. 😉
// Villa Dubrovnik from the sea.
// Old Town Dubrovnik from the sea.
// Emerald green waters..
I loove being on the water, but I have to admit...
... that kayaking is way tougher than I remember it to be. Dammit. 😃
Good thing he was here to help a little. 💪💁
If possible, and you're not feeling too cold, I can recommend you watch the sunset from your kayak. Being on the sea and watching the sun set is just an amazing feeling. And sunsets around here really are just magical. 🙏
... regardless of where you watch them from. 😍
// In my favorite element. 🐟
If you ever plan a trip to Croatia, I can highly recommend spending a few days at Villa Dubrovnik.
Safe travels. ✈️
Lots of good vibes and energy, K