Most of us still remember the conflicts which blighted the regions around Croatia, however we forget that this country offers some of the most striking shores and historical towns in Europe. The golden walled city of Dubrovnik stands in as an ideal destination for those looking for more than just an attractive coastline. It attracts a sizeable number of holiday makers from all parts of Europe and it is simple to grasp why : the beauty of the environment coupled with an old city that has been carefully revived.

The Old Town of Dubrovnik is one steeped in history with challenges from nature and man alike. Set inside gigantic city walls, shocking Renaissance and Baroque architecture features next to a busy vibrant city with cafs and cafes offering a surplus of dishes with the emphasis proudly on the wealth of fresh seafood available.

Hotel Bellevue

Our early arrival was instantly greeted with warm smiles and swift attendance as we were directed to the hotel’s large patio for a calming post-journey coffee overlooking the bay while our suite was being prepared. Dubrovnik’s Hotel Bellevue is perched some thirty meters above the quaint Miramare Bay overlooking the shocking crystal blue of the Adriatic Sea.

The gorgeous hotel patio provides wide ranging perspectives of the bay and shore and a more than adequate area for whiling away the hours over a few drinks. Or a quick trip down the hotel’s private lift takes you straight to the beach area, the more informal beachside bistro, and the local bay for swimming and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.

The hotel features 91 spacious rooms and suites, all of which offer simple sophistication, are well equipped and, most critically, provide striking breathtaking sea perspectives. Our Presidential Suite was really worth the short wait and boasted spacious rooms with a classy, fresh interior. This suite composed an enormous dining area, separate living room, 2 serious loos (with an ‘intelligence ‘ shower system to confound many a guest) with the choice of extending to another second bedroom, if required. The balcony was excellently positioned to benefit from the sun during the day and more than giant enough for 2 folks.

Excelsior Hotel & Spa

The second hotel of the visit, The Excelsior Hotel & Spa has been in operation since 1913, but with heavy recent restorations is Dubrovnik’s iconic luxury hotel. Overlooking the island of Lokrum and Old Town it holds an astounding and unrivalled location maximised with the intensive Palm Garden Patio, a delightful area for dining, enjoying a cocktail, or merely a coffee and afternoon read.

The Excelsior features 141 standard rooms and seventeen opulent apartments, as well as the newly reconstructed Villa Agave, a three bedroom splendid summerhouse trapped by 5 patios with a choice of astounding perspectives.

The hotel offered a superior spa and leisure area with a giant indoor pool and a small further side pool, while still maintaining a chilled and intimate feel. The sauna and steam area was a joy with lighting and aromas to plug the last word in escapism. The indoor pool was located with access to the huge sun-lounging and sea-bathing area, where you can take a dip in one of the most clean coastlines in Europe, with staff on hand to serve drinks and food while you do so.

Dining in Dubrovnik

The Vapour eatery at the Bellevue offered glorious perspectives of the bay and uncovered dining, making it an easy choice for a chilled dining experience with the benefit of high quality food to match. Particularly, the smoked oyster starter was a salty pleasure and the John Dory Risotto starter was full of creamy tastes, both suggestions from the confident and informed staff.

Four phenomenal restaurants await at The Excelsior with eclectic smells and tastes of authentic national and international cuisine. Sensus is the signature fine dining eatery or for a turn away from the traditional, jump into Satu, The Excelsior’s glorious new Japanese restaurant.

One of the city’s most celebrated restaurants is Nautika, found just outside the Old Town town walls. This diner prides itself on sourcing regional food and recipes, keeping dishes simple but classy. This pride in their food shone through from the warm greeting at the door to the keen and beneficial waiters. The food, coupled with the quaint view of the tidal town wall, made this a memorable dining experience.

Seeing The Town

A VIP tour of the Old Town was arranged thru Adriatic Concierge Services. The informed guide was obviously devoted to the city’s heritage and regaled stories of its turbulent past. A scramble up onto the steep town walls is well worth the effort providing a deeper understanding re the layout of the town but also the damage inflicted in the wars and subsequent repairs.

A cable car service, close to the Old Town gate, will take you to dizzying heights on top of the hills overlooking the town (over a coffee or glass of wine at the hilltop eatery if you want). The trip, as you would be expecting, is primarily for the wide ranging perspectives over Dubrovnik, butWant a complete Travel Quote including flight fare, special hotel rates and FREE upgrades? Contact our Travel Consultant today! There’s also a interesting small war museum detailing this region’s history and beyond for the more discerning guest as reported tagza.com.