The Best Luxury Hotels on Croatian Islands
Dreaming of the perfect summer holiday in Croatia? Look no farther! Tasteful Croatian Journeys has got your guide to the very best luxury hotels found across Croatia’s sun-drenched islands. Each of these five unique properties perfectly embodies the spirit of the island it inhabits, offering a sense of romance and tranquility that can only be found in the Adriatic. We invite you to embrace the easy pace of island life, enjoyed in elegant accommodations and tailored to you in signature Tasteful Croatian Journeys style. Spend your entire holiday in one of these stunning properties, or island-hop to experience them all. Modern high-speed catamarans run daily transferring passengers from the mainland to the islands, as well as between the islands themselves. Our guests can also boost the glamour with a private yacht transfer, complete with a captain and hostess at your service. As with all of our bespoke journeys, travelers will receive our exclusive list of recommendations for the finest restaurants, wineries, beaches, and more, as well as access to our in-country concierge, guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind luxury holiday.
We are pleased to share this curated list of luxury properties, which includes some of the very best luxury hotels on the Croatian islands – properties which also happen to be some of our favorite accommodations in the entire country.
Now the only problem is choosing which one to stay at!
The Best Luxury Hotel on the Island of Brač is a Relaxing Adults-Only Retreat with Mediterranean Flair
Hotel Lemongarden
Location: Brač Island
Hidden within a lavish Mediterranean garden blooming with palms, roses, bougainvillea, and hibiscuses, the Hotel Lemongarden is an idyllic adults-only retreat. The hotel is comprised of several traditional stone houses, each more than 300 years old and carefully restored. Once the homes of noble families, the buildings have been reimagined as a single luxury property, offering accommodation in 12 elegant rooms and 23 maisonettes. Located in the small, charming Mediterranean town of Sutivan, the Hotel Lemongarden offers the serenity and seclusion of a private country estate, with the convenience of the seaside right at its doorstep. The tranquil experience extends to the wellness pavilion, full service spa, and private beach for guests with sun loungers and a bar. Don’t miss the excellent farm-to-table dining experience at Lemongarden’s restaurant, a worthy destination in its own right.
What to see and do on Brač Island:
- Head to Croatia’s most famous beach! Brac island’s most notable landmark is its unique peninsular beach, Zlatni rat (Golden horn), which has become a symbol of the island and of Croatia in general.
- Visit the Blaca Hermitage Monastery which dates back to the 16th century and was added to UNESCO World Heritage Tentative list in 2007.
- Hike Vidova Gora. At 780 meters (roughly 2,552 ft), this is the highest peak on the Adriatic Islands.
- Stone from Brač’s quarries is world-famous and was even used to build the White House! Learn the history of the stonemasonry tradition on the island and even try it out yourself in a stone carving workshop.
- Enjoy cycling through beautiful olive groves and tasting some of Croatia’s best olive oils
- Spend the day cruising on a private yacht around the neighboring islands of Solta and Hvar.
The Best Luxury Hotel on the Island of Mali Lošinj Offers Timeless Elegance and A Spectacular Seafront Location
Boutique Hotel Alhambra
Location: Mali Lošinj Island
The luxurious 5 star Boutique Hotel Alhambra is hidden in one of Croatia’s greenest bays, surrounded by turquoise blue waters and tall pines. The hotel is made up of two neighboring Austro-Hungarian villas – their turn-of-the-century façades lovingly restored – connected by a new modern building. Each area’s interior design reflects the structure which houses it, resulting in a refined, minimalistic style which ranges from classic to contemporary. While there, enjoy gastronomic delights paired with the finest selection of local and international wines at the Alhambra’s restaurant, Alfred Keller. Spend your leisure time relaxing at the SPA or basking in the warm Adriatic sun on the private beach.
What to see and do on Mali Lošinj:
- Visit the Providenca viewpoint for stunning views of the Adriatic and neighboring islands. The atmosphere is particularly beautiful at sunset.
- Learn the story of an ancient bronze statue which was found in the sea and has become the symbol of the island at the Museum of Apoxyomenos.
- Losinj has long been known for its vast array of aromatic plants, many of which were brought there in the 19th century by seafarers from around the world. The scents of Lošinj are best appreciated in the Aromatic Garden, which showcases the island’s most significant scents.
- Enjoy a romantic sunset dinner at the Lanterna Grill, a waterfront restaurant beside the lighthouse not far from Hotel Alhambra
- Relax at one of the island’s many beautiful beaches or stroll a wooded trail through of Čikat forest.
- Spend the day on a boat and visit the neighboring island of Susak.
- Enjoy a day trip to the island of Cres, visiting the beautiful Lubenice beach and tasting the island’s famous lamb “peka” in a local konoba.
The Best Luxury Hotel on the island of Hvar is Where Heritage and History Meet Modern Luxury
Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel
Location: Hvar Island
Luxury Heritage Hotel Palace Elisabeth is located in the very heart of Hvar Town, above the city hall and overlooking the largest main main square in Dalmatia. The hotel is considered a historic landmark, incorporating details of Venetian and Austrian architecture that were preserved during the renovation. This proud member of the Leading hotels of the world was reopened in 2019 on the very same place where the Hotel Empress Elisabeth once stood, built under the patronage of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi). It now offers luxury accommodation in 45 sumptuous rooms and suites. In addition, the elegant hotel features a SPA, indoor swimming pool, and spacious terrace for breakfast with stunning views. You can read more about the Palace Elisabeth here.
What to see and do on Hvar:
- Explore Hvar Town, whose chic Old Town is always abuzz. Stroll its narrow cobbled streets, stopping to enjoy its abundance of fine restaurants and bars, and of course stopping in its many fashionable shops.
- Climb up to Fortica, a hilltop fortress built by the Venetians which overlooks Hvar Town and offers spectacular view of the surrounding islands.
- Enjoy a one-of-a-kind tour of the island with a Tuk Tuk open roof car.
- Spend a day visiting Hvar’s picturesque wineries and tasting some of the best Croatian wines from the region.
- Hvar is Croatia’s sunniest island, so soak up some rays at some of Croatia’s finest beach bars and lounges.
- Take a cruise on a yacht to enjoy exploring the nearby Pakleni Islands, an archipelago known for its many secret hidden bays and stunning beaches.
- Paint the town red during an epic night out at one of Hvar Town’s legendary clubs. Don’t be surprised if you happen to rub shoulders with a celebrity – Hvar is a place to see and be seen!
- Read more about all there is to see and do on the island of Hvar here.
The Best Luxury Hotel on the Island of Korčula is a Boutique Property in a Restored 18th-Century Stone Palace
Lešić Dimitri Palace
Location: Korčula Island
The island of Korčula was once the home of Marco Polo and is said to be where the Silk Road began. This rich history is celebrated by boutique Hotel Lešić Dimitri Palace, whose unique design is an homage to the famed explorer. A Relais & Chateaux property, the hotel is housed in a former 18th-century Bishop’s palace which has been carefully renovated, retaining the original layout and historical character of the structure while offering luxurious modern amenities. The Lešić Dimitri Palace offers exclusive accommodation in 5 carefully designed multi-room luxury residences, each inspired by a stop on the Silk Road. The subtle themes of the residences incorporate design elements from Venice, Ceylon, India, Arabia, and China. While staying at the Lešić Dimitri Palace, do not miss the extraordinary culinary creations of Chef Marko Gajski at the hotel’s very own LD restaurant. Earning a Michelin star in 2020, and located on the stunning waterfront promenade of Korčula’s Old town, it offers comfortable elegance that is perfectly Korčula.
What to see and do on Korčula:
- Step aboard the Lešić Dimitri’s classic sailboat, Vipera, and enjoy a sunset cruise along the Pelješac channel with stunning views of the Korcula archipelago and a glass of champagne in hand.
- Indulge in a spa treatment at the Lešić Dimitri’s Silk Road inspired spa, which offers treatments and therapies that blend techniques from Europe and Asia, providing “a sanctuary for the senses in the midst of an ancient town!”
- Explore the nearby islands of Badija and Vrnik by sea kayak.
- Tour the island of Korčula, being sure to stop and enjoy a tasting of local wines at one of the many picturesque wineries.
- Spend a day relaxing at one of Korčula’s lovely beaches, or take a short water taxi to the neighboring island of Stupe, a tiny isle dedicated entirely to the ultra cool restaurant, bar, and lounge, Moro Beach.
- Learn the secrets of Dalmatian cooking in a private cooking experience at one of the islands top konobas.
- Read more about all there is to see and do on the island of Korčula here.
The Best Luxury Hotel on the Island of Šolta is an 18th-Century Noble Castle Turned Luxury Retreat
Heritage Hotel Martinis Marchi
Location: Šolta Island
The beautiful Heritage Hotel Martinis Marchi is housed in a castle built by the noble Marchi family in 1708 to protect the island of Šolta from pirates and the Ottomans. Located in the unspoiled nature of Maslinica bay, the hotel offers luxury accommodation in seven superb suites. Named for historical figures with ties to the ancient history of the castle, each suite has been carefully designed with unique features and restored furniture. A spacious heated pool located in the center of the castle courtyard, surrounded by Mediterranean flowers, provides a serene environment for relaxation, as does the property’s beautiful garden that spreads over 5000 square meters. The grounds offer the perfect ambiance to unwind and enjoy the pleasures of island life. While tasting delicious traditional dishes sitting on the seafront terrace of the hotel’s restaurant, guests can enjoy the views of the sea and boats passing by.
What to see and do on Šolta:
- Book a private yacht excursion to cruise around the Šolta and the surrounding islands, by boat you will discover numerous hidden bays and coves (some of which are only accessible by sea).
- Enjoy a visit to the picturesque fisherman’s village of Stomorska.
- Take a bike ride to explore the island over paths surrounded by olive trees.
- As Solta is an island well known for producing excellent honey, olive oil, and wine, be sure to visit small local producers and do a tasting of some of the best local, organic products.