5 Best Hotels in Southern Dalmatia, Croatia

Located in a quiet neighborhood a short walk up the hill from the center of Cavtat, family-run Castelletto, with its bougainvillea-strewn terraces, cheerful rooms, and laid-back vibe, is a perfect place to unwind and soak up a bit of local life. Breakfast is served poolside on the terrace, and there is a small bar on-site for nightcaps. Ask about airport transfers at the time of booking. The public bus to Dubrovnik stops just across the road; if you're coming from Dubrovnik, ask the driver to let you off one stop before Cavtat center to avoid the walk back uphill.

On the seafront promenade overlooking the harbor, this hotel in a 1920s-era stone villa is one of the freshest and most stylish boutique properties in the region. Every space—from the individually decorated rooms to the wine bar on the ground floor and the peaceful rooftop terrace and pool bar—is immaculately designed with luscious colorful fabrics and a sense of fun and luxury.

Set on 54 acres of sprawling gardens in Orašac—a tiny settlement 11 km (7 miles) up the coast from Dubrovnik—Sun Gardens is the best value resort in the region and a rare property that manages to never feel overwhelming despite its large size. It comes with killer views from every room, renowned spa facilities, a long private beach, and three seafront pools. It's ideal for families, with two children's pools, a terrific kids' club, and a pebble beach perfect for tiny feet, but it's equally attractive for adults looking for a relaxing vacation, with 16 restaurants and bars to choose from, excellent spa and sports facilities, an adults-only pool, and nightly entertainment. Club-level rooms and suites come with welcome bottles of wine and canapés, luxury Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries, and access to a private lounge with an open bar and afternoon tea. It's worth the upgrade to Club level for the breakfast alone, which is served on an exclusive rooftop terrace where the chef whips up stunning à la carte dishes made with premium ingredients like oysters and foie gras. Public buses travel hourly to Dubrovnik, or the hotel can organize a shuttle bus or, better yet, a shuttle boat to Dubrovnik.

These eclectic apartments are the best budget choice in the Old Town, just steps away from the Cathedral and the Old Port, with high ceilings, well-stocked kitchenettes, colorful furniture, and books and relics collected from all around the world. They will transport you back to old Dubrovnik, 1960s London, or wherever else the brilliant Marc Van Bloemen and his family feel like taking you with their fascinating stories. The apartments make a comfortable and affordable base to self-cater and explore the Old Town for a few days, and it doesn't hurt that the excellent Gianni café is right downstairs. Try to request Apartment #1 for stunning views of the city walls.

One of the most welcoming, peaceful, and relaxing hotels in the region, Hotel Božica on Šipan makes a great base for exploring the Elafiti Islands and beyond. Rooms are cozy and warmly decorated and there's a lovely infinity pool and a private beach. Bikes and kayaks are also available to rent. BOWA restaurant is nearby, as is the port and sleepy village of Suđurađ, where you'll find a couple of cafés.