Best Luxury Hotels in Croatia

Stay just a stone’s throw from the Old Town by booking one of 156 rooms at the Cornaro Hotel. It’s housed across three heritage buildings, one of which used to be the city’s main post office. Inside, the decor is modern yet classic, making use of earthy tones and complemented by monochrome photography of Split. It has two restaurants, King Tomislav and Nodilo, a rooftop bar with hot tub and views across to the sea, plus a further basement wine bar. There’s also a spa, fitness centre and bike concierge services for cyclists. Pets and children are made very welcome at the Cornaro Hotel.

Less than two miles from the city centre, the Radisson Blu in Split caters to those wanting a city break beside the sea. It’s right beside a pebble beach, with an outdoor pool surrounded by palms and plush modern daybeds, several eateries, bars and a large spa. Glass plays a big role in the architecture here; there are floor-to-ceiling windows, glass balconies and a low-level glazed wall at the edge of the pool projects against any strong breezes.  The public rooms are infused with sea-influenced colour schemes, while bedrooms are categorised according to the floor’s colour palette.

Found on the Dalmatian Coast, in Podstrana, this Marriott property commands 800 metres of pristine beach (like many in the area it’s pebbly but perfect). The property makes fine use of this position, with an infinity pool, restaurants and bars angled to take advantage of the expansive blue views. The Gooshter Beach Club provides a base for guests to order cocktails, shelter from the midday sun on a day bed under a thatched roof, or grab a bite to eat in barefoot-chic style surroundings. There are also tennis courts, an indoor pool, the RE:CUPERA Spa (which is one of the largest in the country) and a kid’s club.

Overlooking the waterfront and just ten minutes on foot from the city’s main attractions, the AC Marriott is a great base for exploring Split. The Adriatic vista is enjoyed by all 214 bedrooms, which have marble bathrooms, soundproofing and a minimal, clean-lined aesthetic. Laureto is an international a la carte restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. And 178 SPA is the hotel’s serene white sanctuary in the sky, where hanging chairs offer views of the city, sea and islands through its wall of full-height windows. The spa also has an indoor pool, a whirlpool, a steam room, a sauna, treatment rooms and a fitness centre.

With the sea on one side and a pine forest on the other, the Grand Hotel Brioni Pula has an enviable location with cascading terraces making the most of its views. Set over three floors, the polished hotel accommodates 227 bedrooms including 12 suites, with Smart tech, ILLY espresso machines, pillow menus and luxurious Acqua Di Parma amenities. The wellness area offers treatments using body care brands including Gemology and Thalgo, an indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, a water paradise shower experience as well as saunas, a steam room, salt wall, as well as a TechnoGym. There are three restaurants with stunning outlooks and four bars, including one beside the long, sea-view infinity pool.