Superyachts, sapphire sea, storied palaces, and over a thousand islands—Croatia is the It Girl of the Adriatic. Home to an almost unfair level of beauty, few places in Europe exude the timeless allure of Croatia.
On the island of Brač, the golden sands of Zlatni Rat shift with the tides, inviting sun-drenched afternoons beneath the Mediterranean sky.
Further offshore, Croatia’s crystalline waters conceal centuries of history. Think ancient shipwrecks, coral-fringed caves, and the otherworldly Lošinj Historical Underwater Park—a submerged museum.
Then, along the Dalmatian coast, a dreamlike sequence of Venetian-influenced towns unfolds. Hvar dazzles with its jet-set glamour, superyachts gleaming in the harbor. Meanwhile, just across the water, Mljet whispers of serenity—a lush, unspoiled paradise for nature lovers.
But Croatia isn’t just about its coastline.
Venture inland, and you’ll find an entirely different (wild) world of beauty. In the dense forests of Risnjak National Park, lynx, wolves, and bears roam amid untouched landscapes.
Further south, the rugged trails of the Dinaric Alps offer panoramas stretching from land to sea. For a softer adventure, the majestic waterfalls and the interconnected lakes of Plitvice Lakes National Park—a UNESCO-listed wonder—promise pure serenity. Stroll along wooden pathways that weave through emerald-hued waters. And for an unforgettable challenge, a climb up Mount Biokovo rewards with sweeping views that, on a clear day, reach as far as Italy.
And what’s a journey without a taste of la dolce vita? Often likened to Tuscany for its rolling vineyards, hilltop villages, and exquisite gastronomy, Istria is Croatia’s gourmet heart. Here, time slows to the rhythm of truffle hunts, olive oil tastings, and leisurely sips of Malvazija and Teran—two of the region’s prized wines.
Yet, Croatia’s charm extends far beyond its natural wonders—it’s a journey through time itself.
Korčula’s medieval streets whisper legends of Marco Polo. In Split, a stroll along the waterfront leads to the imposing Diocletian’s Palace—an ancient Roman marvel. Meanwhile, Šibenik, home to the awe-inspiring St. James Cathedral, stands as a testament to Croatia’s rich architectural heritage.
A country as captivating as it is diverse, Croatia offers the perfect blend of adventure, European elegance, and cultural discovery—a place where each visit is an invitation to return, and every turn unveils a magical dreamscape more breathtaking than the last.
And then, there’s Dubrovnik.
Some destinations feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. But in Dubrovnik? You genuinely have.
Full disclosure: it existed way before the (categorically fictitious) mad kings and queens of King’s Landing called this city home. A perfectly preserved UNESCO city, Dubrovnik was the obvious choice for Game of Thrones, but the fantasy doesn’t finish with Season Eight—nor with the end credits of Robin Hood: Origins and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, also filmed here.
Dubbed ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic’ and described by George Bernard Shaw as ‘paradise on Earth,’ Dubrovnik’s cliffside beauty remains the stuff of fairytales. With streets reverberating with Byzantine and Venetian history and a sea breeze carrying whispers of maritime myth and ancient nobles, this city’s timeless charm deserves every hyperbole it receives.
Where to stay: LUVA holds the keys to Croatia’s most exquisite luxury villas
Since the 15th Century, Dubrovnik’s nobles would head to their countryside villas—or palazzi di delizie (‘palaces of delight’)—to escape their era’s strict societal confines, enjoy a respite from the city’s summer heat, and spend quality time with friends and family.
With LUVA Villas, you can emulate Dubrovnik’s medieval elites, blending that age-old tradition with contemporary luxe. As a premier travel agency specializing in high-end villa rentals, LUVA curates an exclusive collection of exquisite accommodations, from Croatia’s lush countryside to its pristine coastal havens.
In your private villa, you’re unbound by hotel etiquette and free to vacation your way. Instead of crowded lobbies, think private terraces overlooking Adriatic vistas—offering ultimate seclusion.
The outside world melts away as soon as you step foot in one of LUVA’s villas. Play, party, or simply do sweet, beautiful nothing—essentially, you’re free to choose your own adventure. And, if you have the luxury of a longer stay, LUVA Villas make the perfect home-from-home. The thoughtfully designed interiors and amenities like laundry, Wi-Fi, and BBQ equipment mean you can tune out for as long as you wish—be it a weekend, a week, or, if you’re chasing a real endless summer, a month.
Our pick of Dubrovnik’s most magical stays
To truly experience Dubrovnik’s coastal splendor, we highly recommend booking a front-row seat—and these LUVA Villas have your name on them. Serving up laid-back luxury in serene settings, our carefully selected favorites offer access to all the breathtaking beauty of Dubrovnik—and beyond. And, in the likely scenario in which you take a bite of Croatia and can’t put down the figurative fork, head to LUVA Real Estate to find your dream high-end property.
Villa Orti
Nestled in lush gardens with secluded terraces, Villa Orti, built in 1885 (and thoughtfully restored in honor of its past), offers both pure privacy and easy access to Dubrovnik town, a mere 850m away. Perfect for parties like small business escapes and family getaways, Villa Orti boasts seven opulent bedrooms, each with an en-suite. So, you certainly won’t be stepping on each other’s toes.
Breathe in sea views from the pristine pool and fragrant Mediterranean garden, sweat it out in the private sauna, and host an atmospheric dinner party at the elegant alfresco dining area. Or, if your paradise-found involves zero finger-lifting, call on the private chef to whip up some of the region’s famed seafood dishes.
Best for: Unapologetic decadence in a storied villa—a stone’s throw from Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Villa Ghetaldi 1516
Play the part of Croatian nobility at Villa Ghetaldi 1516. The former summer retreat of the aristocratic Ghetaldi family, this eponymous villa invites you to step back in time, elite-style. Featuring two stunning terraces—one spacious, the other secluded and romantic—this Renaissance estate sets the stage for creating cherished memories with friends and family.
With a maximum capacity of 14 guests, you can even extend to some plus-ones. Spend lazy afternoons lounging by the pool, take a jaunt to the city to experience the buzz, and watch the sunset over the shimmering Adriatic. And the interiors? Masterfully designed to capture the villa’s heritage, you’ll enjoy the grandeur of centuries past—wooden ceilings, artisanal tiles, and old-world charm—with all the luxurious amenities of today.
The villa offers a peaceful island escape where guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of its surroundings.
Best for: Living the dream of Dubrovnik’s aristocracy—embracing the art of slow living.
Villa Paulina
If you have an appetite for aesthetics, Villa Paulina is a match made in heaven. Built in 1938, this Croatian escape features jaw-dropping interiors dreamed up by not one, but twelve local and international designers. With a mirrored bathroom featuring a claw-footed antique tub, a cozy book corner, and even a Finnish sauna, we wouldn’t blame you for spending your entire stay inside.
Tempting as that may be, make sure to explore the outdoors, too: from the crystalline pool, Jacuzzi, and stunningly-landscaped gardens, you’re treated to curated beauty from every angle. With the Old Town just 800m away, you can sample the finest bars and eateries—and be sure to give your private chef a call for in-house indulgence.
Best for: Artful aesthetics, breathtaking sunsets, and unmatched coastal allure.
Villa Rosary
Calm, quiet, and serene, Villa Rosary offers a slice of traditional Croatian village life. Yet, being a quick 9km hop to Dubrovnik, you’ll get the best of both worlds. Replace city bustle with the sounds of cicadas, and immerse yourself in summer softness at this low-key luxe villa.
Bask in the midday sun in the resplendent garden—complete with a pool, naturally—and drink up ethereal views of the Elaphiti islands. If you can’t stand to look but not touch, LUVA Villas offers boat rental to head out to the horizon, sailor-style. You’ll also enjoy a daily cleaning (no impending-doom post-party tidying—you’re on vacation), a concierge service, and an optional private chef.
Best for: Coastal culture, off-the-beaten-track.
Villa Ella
Is island life calling out to you? Villa Ella’s poised to answer. Situated on Šipan, the largest island in the Elaphiti archipelago, this retreat is just a 30-minute boat ride to Dubrovnik. But before you take to the seas, be sure to explore Šipan itself, home to timeless heritage and unspoiled nature.
At your villa, you’ll be treated to two acres of picturesque olive groves and a traditional Mediterranean-style garden, where the only sounds are whispered breeze and rustling trees. Complete with panoramic views and interiors that seamlessly blend modern elegance with rustic charm, you’ll find inner—and outer—peace at this island hideaway. An excellent choice for family get-togethers, Villa Ella can cater for up to 10 guests.
Best for: A perfect fusion of modern elegance and timeless island charm.
Villa Frida
Nestled amongst verdant olive groves, Villa Frida encapsulates Croatian pastoral serenity. Located in Orašac, 15km from Dubrovnik, you’ll experience the confluence of ultra-luxury and small-town charm. Cozier than LUVA’s other villas but no less grand, Villa Frida—with its spacious living room and four bedrooms set over three floors—creates a distilled ambiance for gatherings of friends or couples.
The lower terrace boasts a heated pool, a bar, a TV, and sun loungers, so you can melt into the sun until it sinks over the sea. Then, head to the Wellness Room: complete with a sauna and Jacuzzi, this pièce de résistance also features a sliding glass wall, gifting breathtaking views of the Adriatic coastline.
Best for: Sweeping vistas, intimate gatherings, and blissful relaxation in a private coastal haven.
