Summer Sampler – The Pearl of the Adriatic Dubrovnik

My summer sojourn on the amazing SeaDream Yacht, if only the heat didn’t slow me down! I began my yacht odyssey in Dubrovnik, a destination our clients love and more importantly, we adore our VIP team here – Magic happens in Croatia!

So many reasons to visit Croatia and in particular, the southern city of Dubrovnik. It is the most visited city in the country. As one of the last remaining walled towns in the world, stroll the cobbled streets and walk through time. Dubrovnik’s weather and stunning views and an easy town to wander, make it an amazing destination. Oh, continue on for the best hotel notes.

Rooftop Prosciutto and Wine Bar Villa Dubrovnik Croatia

A city of red-tiled roof tops, beautiful architecture, stone walls, ancient churches, the city has regained its grandeur after the horrific Balkan war. A medieval town along the breathtaking Adriatic coast, the old stone fortress and defensive wall, very walkable limestone streets are a perfect combination of an old town in a fairy tale like picture book.

The size of Dubrovnik is ideal, small enough if you want to visit its beautiful old town in one day by just walking around. And large enough if you want more and like to be active. You can hike the Sdr hill – take the cable car one way up and then walk down to admire the stunning, bird’s eye view over the old town as well as the many islands dotting the crystal clear, azure Adriatic Sea. Active travelers will be entertained and challenged with kayaking, hiking, or cycling. One of my guides commanded: you must swim every day, the water is a tonic to youth – the purity has no comparisons.

Croatian writer Predrag Matvejević wrote:The Atlantic and the Pacific are seas of distance, the Mediterranean a sea of propinquity, the Adriatic a sea of intimacy. – Mediterranean: a cultural landscape.

swan dive into the Adriatic Sea from the cliff side beach club!

Cross the massive threshold through the wooden gates into the old town, to the main street, Stradun., known locally as Placa. One.three miles of stone walls built between the 11th and 13th centuries offer breathtaking views. The main square has a church or palace on almost every corner. Spectacular churches and palaces include St. Savior Church, Dubrovnik Cathedral and Rector’s Palace. My Jewish guide, former professor, noted that the Synagogue was closed today and there is a small Muslim Temple nearby. Fallen Catholic girls still shell out Euros for candles, just in case their parents and grandparents are in heaven. Do consider a late afternoon hike up the 175 steps to explore the Lovrijenac Fortress, built atop a 100-foot rock looking out toward Venice.

My favorite time of the day is late afternoon – the tourists take a break before dinner and the labyrinth of streets are quieter, the sun sparkles off the limestone buildings the street cafes are chic and inviting, a quiet place to contemplate life in an ancient walled town. Game of Thrones added a certain cachet – I didn’t engage, much was filmed here if you are an enthusiast.

Hotels – In my humble opinion, there is only one place to stay. Villa Dubrovnik – there aren’t many five-star properties, I feel the location and setting are perfect!

My summer trek, like many others wasn’t easy – a malfunctioning Air France jet delayed me in Paris, however, the captain said he would commandeer the next arriving jet and with some delay, we did depart CDG. Best act of macho aviation navigation I’ve ever witnessed!

My itin had a wee note: roof top Cocktail Bar at Villa Dubrovnik – I had a mission! Their Michelin restaurant, Pjerin, is multiple courses and is best saved for another evening! Drop bags and straight up to moon gaze, framed by Dubrovniks Old Town and the sea. Prosciutto and Wine Bar is stylishly adorned with comfy sofas under a canopied pagoda, champagne finally, after the globe hopping. It was my end of day perch during my all to brief visit.

A modernist gem of a hotel in the historic heart of the Adriatic. Set into the rocky cliffs on the most magical stretch of Dalmatian coast, Villa Dubrovnik is a stylish retreat for travelers in need of deluxe privacy and first-class hospitality. It’s not walking distance to Old Town, we have drivers, not to worry! The seaside setting is calm, quiet and exquisite.

The hotel’s pristine white architecture is a stunning contrast to the rocky landscape and sapphire Adriatic. Super yachts drift impressively on the immediate horizon, the island of Lokrum is the post card perfect backdrop. Afternoon soundtrack: splash of divers braving the rocky cliffs, motorboats puttering past, melting ice cubes crackling in fizzy drinks…endless summer from the rocky cliffs.

Vilal Dubrovnik, Croatia

The property’s clean, nautical lines evoke an understated refinement, and the modern decor is matched by an out-of-this-world Michelin gastronomic experience that revisits rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean in a contemporary style.

Villa Dubrovnik

An infinity pool at the edge of the sea and a cliff side beach club dares guests to swan dive from the rocky perch. Me, under the big white umbrella, captivated for hours by the daunting divers and swimmers lazing and lapping about the pristine sea.

My coffee is always delivered, without the first bowl of coffee, I can barely utter a sentence let alone try to find the on button on those pod. machines – some love them, not I. Then amble up to the al fresco bar restaurant Giardino. The relaxing outdoor bistro is set against the historical parapet that overlooks Old City walls and island of Lokrum. Doze under the shade of maritime pines, it’s an ideal location for brunch or a late afternoon lunch serving fresh salads to fresh local sea food. Oh, great people watching as well.

Villa Dubrovnik closed at end of summer for a top to bottom refurnishing, but already has bookings for most of June 2024…don’t tarry!

Oh, Highly Recommend, Villa Dubrovnik!

One&Only, Portonovi – Seaside Sanctuary- Montenegro Jewel

Where the open waters of the Adriatic meet Montenegro’s Black Mountains, the sheltered haven of Boka Bay provides an idyllic setting for the first European property of the renowned resorts managed by One&Only.

A recent day spent at this resort reaffirmed my love of the One&Only brand of luxury resorts. The only resort of its kind in theMediterranean,  One&Only Portonovi is a portal into true escapism, with dramatic coastlines and quaint medieval towns of Herceg Novi, Perast and Kotor. It is the perfect hopscotch from visiting Dubrovnik and the seaside town of Kotor. Opening in 2021, barely an hour from Dubrovnik, it is a breathtaking stunner. Mountains of pine filled forests plunge to the clean clear water, beautifully preserved medieval UNESCO towns dot the shore and small islets with petite twin churches.  A modern take on Venetian architecture, pastel hued facades, plush interiors in all the rooms and suites. The grand lobby of Persian rugs sets the stage for the sweeping views of the royal blue bay.

One&Only Portonovi is a portal into true escapism, with dramatic coastlines and quaint medieval towns of Herceg Novi, Perast and Kotor. It is the perfect hopscotch from visiting Dubrovnik and the seaside town of Kotor. Opened in 2021, barely an hour from Dubrovnik, it is a breathtaking stunner. Mountains of pine filled forests plunge to the clean clear sea, beautifully preserved medieval UNESCO towns dot the shore and small islets with petite twin churches.  A modern take on Venetian architecture, pastel hued facades, plush interiors in all the rooms and suites. The grand lobby of Persian rugs sets the stage for the sweeping views of the royal blue bay.

I enjoyed a marvelous day at One&Only Portnovi in Montenegro. Plopped on the shores of the glistening Adriatic, this luxury seaside hotel is OTT glamorous!  Renowned for rejuvenating wellness in the hotel’s Chenot Espace medical spa, a capital D – Destination. Just a few moments with the spa director, I was convinced I need a month’s stay! Casual day spa or embark on a three-to-six-day program of health. High tech assessments with onsite team of doctors with treatments overseen with a Chenot diet.

This is Europe’s first One&Only. A luxurious seaside property offering multiple restaurants of casual and gourmet dining, a rare sandy beach with water sports, kayaks, SUP, water polo and volley ball. Outdoor pools, tennis, and a fun kids’ club. Experiences include private sailing or sleek Nesey speed boats cruising across the glistening Kotor Bay, wine tasting and sightseeing in medieval-walled Kotor town, the ancient submarine caves can also be visited. One of the best hidden attractions in the Bay of Kotor are the submarine tunnels near the village of Rose. There are 3 submarine tunnels in the Bay, and they are worth visiting.  The tunnels are fascinating piece of military heritage, and they are also a great place for swimming and snorkeling.

Rooms, suites and ten exclusive private Villas located on the waterfront complete with beach and some have private pools. One&Only Portonovi’s private villas undoubtedly offer the finest accommodation in Montenegro. Each expansive standalone villa is set in its own blooming garden with a private swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, six massage stations, and incredible sunset views over the Adriatic Sea. Complemented with attentive, holistic service from a dedicated team of butlers and private chefs.Residences with three and four bedrooms. From Suite One, dramatic sea and mountain views unfold in a family magnificent suite, made for celebrations. Whether it’s al fresco dining on the terrace or a sophisticated soirée with family and friends, this oversized suite can comfortably seat 12, both indoors and out. With a dedicated lift, a separate private entrance, and a service lift for the butler, Suite One can be connected to neighboring rooms, becoming Suite Two or Suite Three.

Swimmers’ paradise: the Adriatic Sea along Croatia and Montenegro is one of the best places to swim in Europe, the Riviera of Montenegro. The water is crystal clear, warm in the summer, not too choppy, it is often sheltered and there are wind-protected places that can be found easily, especially when you have a boat. The Adriatic coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate of cool, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, think of at least a 5 to 7 day stay. This is the equivalent of Europe’s Mexican beaches, ultra-refined! Wander the cobbled streets and fresco-filled churches of neighboring Medieval towns like Perast and Kotor, hike the pristine forests.

By the pool, Tapasake Club serves contemporary pan-Asian tapas-style fusion cuisine and sake, and the largest lobsters I’ve ever seen! Lunch here was amazing with sweet Nadja Djordjevic, a dear who came in on Sunday to host me. The two significant dining emporiums are beachside Sabia, from Michelin- starred   Italian star Giorgio Locatelli, and Tapasake Club from former Nobu chef, Yannick Bayjoo. Too many choices for lunch, as typical with all our beloved hoteliers, our table was an abundance of fresh fish, spring rolls, fish tacos, and tall cocktails, all delicious!

Feet In Sand Dining: A starry night upon golden sand in one of the world’s most beautiful bays – it doesn’t get much better than this. Chef comes to you, craft the perfect menu and team serves your dinner under the stars!

Grateful to our fabulous Croatia Dream Team who arranged my land tours, and a One&Only speedboat for my return to port. What better finale, bouncing across Boka Bay on a blistering hot afternoon!

Highly Recommend!