I lastly did it. After years of saving photographs and telling myself “sooner or later,” I landed in Europe’s most well-known walled metropolis… effectively, virtually.
On method, the wind (locals name it the bura) kicked up, the pilot waved off the touchdown, and we had been despatched all the best way again to Vienna. Cue an surprising in a single day in Warsaw, a misplaced carry‑on with all my garments, and the sort of journey chaos that may usually derail a visit.
However right here’s the factor: one drive previous these sea partitions, with the stone glowing and the water turning each shade of blue, and I ended caring about my stuff. I used to be simply giddy to be there.
That first exhale occurred the second I walked into Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik.
It’s carved into the cliff with a glass elevator and large, cinematic bay views, even from my first‑flooring room. The workforce was so sort; they actually handed me a map marked with close by outlets so I might substitute just a few necessities.
The very very first thing I did after I bought to my room was stroll straight to the balcony. Anytime I am at a property with a view it’s the very first thing I wish to see, and Resort Bellevue doesn’t disappoint!
The views overlooking the resort’s very personal seashore cove are gorgeous and I spent quite a lot of time on my balcony the remainder of the journey.
After soaking within the view, I turned into the one outfit I had, walked down towards the harbor, and let the town do its factor.
The climate was good, the core is walkable, and it’s a straightforward place to wander, even when, huge image, Dubrovnik is usually a little extra automobile‑dependent than some European capitals.
Over a packed few days I ate, sailed, cooked, and wandered my approach by way of the area, and 5 issues particularly blew me away: the luxurious, the meals, the wine, the individuals, and the sweetness.
Right here’s precisely the way it unfolded, and find out how to copy the perfect components to your personal journey.
1) THE LUXURY — A Seamless Base With Severe Views
If you need a no‑stress Dubrovnik, base your self with Adriatic Luxury Hotels (ALH) and let the community do the heavy lifting.
I stayed at Resort Bellevue, which instantly grew to become my pleased place. Think about waking up, stepping onto your balcony, and getting an ocean‑panorama slap of “I’m truly right here.”
The rooms are fashionable and calm, the spa is ideal for a wet afternoon reset, and people glass elevators… you float down the cliff like a film scene.
What stunned me most was how effectively a single‑base technique works right here.
From Bellevue, Outdated City is a fast trip or a barely longer however very doable stroll; island day journeys are easy to arrange; wine nation is a straightforward half‑day; and the resort’s personal Vapor restaurant is a real advantageous‑eating possibility when the climate turns otherwise you simply wish to maintain it shut.
One night time we deliberate to eat in Outdated City, however the skies opened and we pivoted to Vapor. Zero regrets! The meals and repair had been as polished as any “vacation spot restaurant.”
2) THE FOOD — From Competition Menus To Farmhouse Hearth
This journey was initially constructed round a culinary theme, and Dubrovnik over‑delivered.
I arrived simply in time for Style the Mediterranean at Hotel Excelsior (one other ALH property, and simply on my listing for a future keep). Evening Two introduced a collaboration between cooks Beatriz Gonzalez and Petar Obad, and it was a blast.
They’d me on the seafood course: an octopus dish with blue potato cream and a vibrant pop of orange that simply sang of the Adriatic. (I imply simply take a look at the pic under, does it not make you hungry?)
And dessert? A cacao symphony layered with Mexican vanilla, cacao‑bean ice cream, and caramelized pecans… a kind of “don’t discuss to me whereas I’m consuming this” moments.
In the event you see the pageant in your dates, guide it.
If not, don’t fear, Vapor’s seasonal tasting menu scratches the identical itch, and you may maintain evenings walkably easy.
On the country aspect, I lastly tried peka, that gradual‑cooked, beneath‑the‑coals Croatian traditional.
We went to Konoba Dubrava on a wet day and ordered it forward (it’s essential to name upfront as a result of it takes hours).
Suppose pot roast’s richer, smokier cousin. Meat and potatoes melting into one another in the very best approach. Completely value planning for.
After which there’s the ocean‑to‑desk second that Dubrovnik does so effectively: oysters in Mali Ston Bay.
You boat out to floating platforms, find out how they’re farmed, after which slurp the freshest oysters with a crisp white wine proper there over the water.
It’s easy, it’s enjoyable, and people views again towards Mali Ston are postcard‑stage.
3) THE WINE — A Quiet Heavyweight You Don’t See Coming
I’ve sipped my approach by way of components of France and didn’t count on Croatia to shock me like this. However the Pelješac peninsula completely did.
Plavac Mali reds with construction and solar; Dubrovacka Malvasija whites that pair superbly with seafood; and small, passionate producers like Miloš Winery who pour with a narrative. In the event you’re already out in Ston/Mali Ston for oysters, cap the loop with a close-by tasting, it’s such a relaxed method to finish the day.
I used to be a bit drained from the longer day and time change and nonetheless perked up for the pours, particularly a rosé that was unusually expressive and layered. Even drained, I used to be like, “Okay, that’s particular!”
Again within the metropolis, ask your somm for native pairings at dinner. You’ll get a quick schooling and a deeper connection to what’s in your plate. And for a extremely particular expertise with a really educated sommelier, guide a wine tasting at Hotel Supetar.
4) THE PEOPLE — 10 Generations Of Welcome
In every single place I went, individuals had been pleased we had been there. It wasn’t performative; it was heat, direct, and unhurried in one of the simplest ways.
Nowhere confirmed that higher than Kameni Dvori in Konavle, the place we did a fingers‑on Backyard‑to‑Desk cooking class.
We kneaded bread whereas it rained, toured their backyard for herbs and greens, collected eggs, after which cooked a multi‑course lunch with the household whereas they informed tales about their 500‑yr roots within the space. Ten generations. You’ll be able to style that continuity.
It’s a 5‑hour expertise with small teams (2–10), transfers out there, and dietary‑pleasant choices should you ask upfront. If you wish to really feel linked to the place as a substitute of simply it, that is your ticket.
Deliver a small thank‑you from dwelling—espresso or chocolate—as a result of by the tip you’ll really feel such as you’re leaving mates.
5) THE BEAUTY — Each Course Is The Proper One
I anticipated fairly. I didn’t count on it all over the place.
The Outdated City stone is immaculate and glows at nightfall. The islands are a watercolor of coves and church buildings.
The shoreline places on a present even from a automobile window.
After which there are surprises, just like the glass elevator at Bellevue gliding by way of the cliff, or the view the second you step onto your first‑flooring balcony that looks like a penthouse trick.
We spent one good morning on a yacht cruising to the Elaphiti Islands.
First cease: Koločep for espresso proper on the water. You’ll be able to hike to somewhat hilltop in order for you, however lingering on the café felt precisely proper.
Then Lopud, which is barely bigger however nonetheless small, with a photogenic church up the hill and a handful of tiny outlets.
In summer season, ask your skipper to cease at a cove for a swim; it was a contact too chilly for us, however locals had been nonetheless leaping in and swore the water was round 73°F.
Again on land, we made up for a missed tour by constructing our personal Outdated City night.
Jesuit Stairs (you’ll acknowledge them should you’re a Recreation of Thrones fan), then we slipped by way of a tiny opening within the sea wall to Buza Bar, actually hanging off the cliffs.
Money solely, minimal area, a little bit of a bottleneck getting out and in—however completely value it for sundown beers and that feeling of sitting on the sting of the world.
On the best way out, we grabbed a snack at Holy Burek, then referred to as it. Uber works effectively right here; most automobiles are licensed taxis, so don’t be stunned in case your trip reveals up with a roof signal.
One other day we explored Cavtat, a serene, scenic counterpoint to Dubrovnik and my decide for a future keep.
We toured rooms at Resort Supetar (an ALH property), walked the Coastal Promenade, and climbed to the hilltop cemetery for sweeping views.
Later, we returned to the resort’s Backyard Terrace & Bar to pattern appetizers and drinks for the Good Meals Competition—blankets on the chairs, lights twinkling over the harbor. It was a kind of easy, good nights.
The Good Ship‑Off
For our final night time, we booked Proto in Outdated City—broadly thought-about the town’s prime fish restaurant—and it delivered. In the event you can, reserve the upstairs patio. There’s one thing about waving goodbye to Croatia with seafood in entrance of you and lanterns flickering over the stone. We lingered longer than deliberate—at all times a great signal—after which walked the lanes yet one more time.
I got here to Dubrovnik anticipating fairly photos. I left with a full pocket book: a pageant dinner I nonetheless take into consideration, a cooking class that felt like household, oyster boats in a glittering bay, a cliff‑aspect resort that grew to become a house base, and new locations to remain subsequent time (Cavtat, I see you).
General? Dubrovnik is unimaginable. I can’t wait to return. When a vacation spot nails luxurious, meals, wine, individuals, and wonder all of sudden, it stops being a visit and begins feeling like a without end place.
The Journey Off Path Benefit: Your Journey Toolkit
Subscribe To Our Newest Posts
Enter your e mail handle to subscribe to Journey Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
Leave a Reply