Croatia's most exclusive hotel, Villa Dubrovnik, has reopened its doors, following a multi-million Euro transformation by the internationally acclaimed Brazilian design firm, Studio Arthur Casas. Perched on a cliff in the prestigious Sveti Jakov area, a short stroll from the Old Town, the 56-room hotel – a member of The Leading Hotels of the World – reclaims its status as a benchmark for luxury. Since its last guests departed on October 2, 2023, the hotel has undergone a complete reimagining, making its return one of the most highly anticipated events on the Adriatic coast.

Originally built in 1961 as a residence for political elites, during construction its function was changed, and it was finished as an annex to Hotel Argentina. In the 1970s, with a few additions, Villa Dubrovnik was converted from an annex into a 30-room boutique hotel, and in 2003, it doubled in size setting a new precedence for luxury hotels in the city. Today, Villa Dubrovnik's distinctive architecture remains a striking contrast against the emerald Adriatic, offering guests legendary views of Lokrum Island and the Old Town.

DESIGN

Drawing inspiration from the rich history, landscape, and cultural heritage of Dubrovnik, the design integrates colours and textures that reflect the city's landscape such as stone, wood, hand-glazed terracotta tiles and ceramics. The colour palette includes white, sand, and beige tones, mirroring Dubrovnik's stone walls, which protected the city from invaders such as the Venetians, while warm shades of terracotta pay tribute to the city's rooftops.

The design creates a synergy between the environment and cultural heritage, subtly incorporating traditional Croatian lace patterns and UNESCO-recognised dry-stone formations. Celebrating local craftsmanship, the spaces feature polished wood, local stonework, and bespoke furniture from Arthur Casas and Prostoria, such as the Dubrovnik lamp and custom sofas. The hotel serves as a curated gallery, showcasing prominent Croatian artists like painters Ivana Pegan and Dubravka Tulio, sculptor Ivo Dimnić, and fashion designer Juraj Zigman, whose extravagant staff uniforms narrate a story of the hotel's identity. This local talent is complemented by a showcase of international design, with classic and contemporary pieces from a roster of visionaries including Gio Ponti, Patricia Urquiola, Pierre Paulin, and Eileen Gray, creating a rich, layered aesthetic throughout the property.

ROOMS & SUITES

The hotel's culinary offering is spread across two distinct restaurants and two bars. The Michelin-recommended Pjerin Restaurant offers a fine dining menu from Executive Chef Robert Račić, rooted in fresh Croatian ingredients and daily Adriatic catches, all set against a panoramic terrace overlooking the Old Town. For relaxed Mediterranean fare, Giardino Restaurant provides a tranquil oasis within a garden of pine and stone. The Libero Bar offers a library with displays of historic costume replicas, while the Galanto Bar—Dubrovnik's only rooftop bar—is the ultimate setting for sunset cocktails with sweeping city and sea views.

RESTAURANTS & BARS

The hotel's culinary offering is spread across two distinct restaurants and two bars. The Michelin-recommended Pjerin Restaurant offers a fine dining menu from Executive Chef Robert Račić, rooted in fresh Croatian ingredients and daily Adriatic catches, all set against a panoramic terrace overlooking the Old Town. For relaxed Mediterranean fare, Giardino Restaurant provides a tranquil oasis within a garden of pine and stone. The Libero Bar offers a library with displays of historic costume replicas, while the Galanto Bar—Dubrovnik's only rooftop bar—is the ultimate setting for sunset cocktails with sweeping city and sea views.

EXPERIENCES

Villa Dubrovnik offers a secluded beach at the foot of the cliff, a spa and wellness centre – Villa Spa – complete with a fitness centre and indoor swimming pool, which features floor-to-ceiling windows and a sundeck with panoramic views of the Adriatic.

The hotel's concierge team can arrange an array of personalised excursions, including sailing on a private boat to the Elafiti Islands, exploring the renowned vineyards of the Pelješac peninsula, or discovering the art hidden within the walls of the Old Town. Other curated activities include mindful hiking, sunset horseback riding in the Konavle countryside, and private tours through the heart of the city's rich history.

Deeply committed to sustainability, the hotel has earned a Green Globe certification. This ethos is brought to life through "The Gardens of Dubrovnik" initiative, which transformed the property's rooftops and outdoor spaces with indigenous Mediterranean flora, including the vibrant bougainvillea cascading from each balcony.

THE FREEDOM TO BE

Inspired by the famous words of Dubrovnik poet Ivan Gundulić – “Oh beautiful, oh dear, oh sweet liberty” – Villa Dubrovnik's new ethos, “At liberty to be”, celebrates the value of freedom that has defined the city for centuries. Echoing the legacy of the Dubrovnik Republic, which famously banned slavery and resisted foreign rule under its “Libertas” banner, the hotel invites guests to find their own freedom—from noise, from scrutiny, and from the ordinary. Perched in near silence above the Adriatic, Villa Dubrovnik offers today's rarest luxury: the freedom to simply be.

Rates start from €600 per night (April & 1 -9 November) on a B&B basis in a Superior Sea View Room. Rates for May & October start from €900 per night on a B&B basis and €1,250 per night on a B&B basis from June – September. Visit www.villa-dubrovnik.hr/en.