Adriana Hotel & Spa, Hvar

Location

As the island’s eponymous hub, Hvar’s medieval city walls, Gothic palaces and pedestrianised marble streets have long attracted Europe’s well-heeled. Wander through its historic plazas, take some time out in the surrounding beaches or enjoy some of the town’s legendary nightlight. And, set on the promenade itself, Hotel Adriana is perfectly positioned to take it all in, set just 200 metres from the catamaran terminal where a bellboy will be waiting to help you with your luggage. It’s even got its very own beach club, Bonj ‘les bains’. Its shaded sun loungers and massages are as welcoming as they were in the club’s 1930s inception, when the island became something of a post-war luxury getaway.

Accommodation

Rather than taking its style notes from the town’s heritage, Adriana looks out of its picture windows to the bay’s luxury yachts for inspiration. Clean lines are accentuated by textured linens, intricately patterned fabrics and warm splashes of colour as contemporary furnishings are constructed from timber and all-natural materials. While all feature king-size beds, satellite TVs and complimentary WiFi, you should look for those with views out over the harbour to the town’s red-roofed beauty beyond. And, although the Superior Rooms’ en suite glass bathroom is a delight, consider upgrading to a Spa Suite for a whirlpool bath and some extra living space.

Dining

Start the day with a complimentary room service breakfast before enjoying marina-front elegance in the superb Butchery & Wine restaurant. Look out across the harbour as you tuck into everything from French veal rack and duck breast to lamb rack and Scottish black angus strip loin. It’s all prepared by some of Croatia’s best chefs who bring a Mediterranean twist – informed by local, organic produce – to international cuisine where seafood and fine meats are complemented by sommelier-paired offerings. Guests also have access to the Harbour Lounge where you can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee, juices and soft drinks along with fresh fruits and cookies. The hotel’s Steak & Seafood restaurant located in its beach club is equally appealing.

Facilities

Hotel Adriana wears its heart on its head. Summit to its rooftop bar where Hvar’s jet-set stars come to unwind with cocktails, sea-facing massages and fine-dining snacks. And, come the late evening, watch as its multilevel garden terraces turn into the town’s most exclusive dance venue. There’s even an open-air pool complete with yet more of those signature views. If that’s not enough, unwind at the beach club or book into a spa treatment; choose between mud wraps, massages, beauty courses and much more.