In Portorož, Istria, beside the sea, is the Kempinski Palace. This building used to host royalty. These days it’s been reimagined as a deluxe five-star beachside hotel, with 181 modern bedrooms (some of which have balconies). An imposing frontage with manicured landscaped gardens gives way to equally grand public rooms. Meals are served at Sophia, Restaurant Fleur de Sel and in the Crystal Hall ballroom, with drinks at the Pool Bar, Bubbles Bar, and Palace Club. Along with direct access to the beach, there’s a chic pool terrace with plenty of cushioned white loungers and a spa with an indoor swimming pool.