There’s a special moment when a place stops being a hidden gem and starts to glow on the world stage. For Croatia, that moment is right now.

For years, travelers have come here for the sun, the sea, and the old stone towns that tumble toward the water. But lately, Croatia has grown into something more, a destination where heritage meets modern design, and where true luxury comes from authenticity, warmth, and a sense of belonging.

In a collaboration between global PR agency Prime Press Q, Luxury Living Croatia, and Condé Nast Traveler, the feature “Croatia’s Most Unique and Exclusive Stays: Where Every Place Tells a Story” brings together ten incredible hotels and villas that capture the heart and soul of this country.

San Canzian Hotel & Residences – The Gem of Terra Magica (Istria)

The story begins inland, in Istria’s quiet countryside, where San Canzian Hotel & Residences sits among vineyards and olive trees near Grožnjan. It feels like a tiny reimagined village where old stone walls meet soft modern design. Chef Pavo Klarić cooks with what the land gives him, truffles, olive oil, and herbs, turning each meal into something memorable. Here, mornings smell like coffee and rosemary, and evenings glow gold across the hills.

Maslina Resort – A Love Letter to the Mediterranean (Hvar)

On Hvar Island, Maslina Resort takes the idea of luxury and slows it down. Everything here, from the wooden pavilions tucked among pines to the garden-to-table food at Terra Restaurant, is designed to connect guests with nature. The resort’s Pharomatiq Wellness celebrates Hvar’s old healing traditions with local herbs and sea-salt therapies.

Ninon Design Boutique Hotel – The Joy of Living Barefoot (Dubrovnik Region)

Just outside Dubrovnik, in the little village of Brsečine, Ninon Design Boutique Hotel proves that luxury doesn’t need to be complicated. Created by architects Nina and Željko Katalinić, this nine-room hideaway blends world design with local charm. Its philosophy, “No Shoes, No News,” says it all. Here, mornings start with homemade breakfast on the terrace, and evening send with sunsets over the Elaphiti Islands.

Molum Hotel & Residences – Echoes of the Adriatic (Sveti Filip i Jakov)

In the seaside town of Sveti Filip i Jakov, Molum Hotel& Residences tells a story of modern Adriatic life. Its 60 rooms and 60 residences balance clean, contemporary design with warmth and texture, stone, wood, and soft light. Between the Noku Spa, Maisa Restaurant, and the marina, everything feels thoughtful and natural.

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik – A World of Its Own (Dubrovnik)

A short drive from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik feels like a small coastal world in itself. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this resort combines Mediterranean freedom with modern luxury. Guests move from rooftop breakfasts to beachside cocktails, from tennis courts to lazy afternoons by the pool. Whether you are here with family, friends, or just yourself, Sun Gardens offers that perfect mix of comfort, variety, and pure Adriatic beauty.

Keight Hotel Opatija – Where Beauty Meets Balance (Opatija)

In the elegant seaside town of Opatija, Keight Hotel is atribute to creativity and love. Named after Katarina “Keight” Hauptfeld, who devoted her life to sharing the beauty of Croatia with the world, this Hilton Curio Collection hotel blends personal history with design and emotion. The Pierrot Restaurant celebrates art and romance, while the rooftop pool and spa overlook Kvarner Bay.

Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico – Heritage Reimagined (Rovinj)

In Rovinj’s cobbled streets, Spirito Santo Palazzo Storico turns three old houses into something magical. With just 16 rooms, it isintimate and full of character, stone, wood, light, and a sense of history that feels alive. The restaurant and open-air courtyard invite guests to slow down, sip Istrian wine, and feel the heartbeat of the old town.

Villa Duchess – The Art of a Private Escape (Lošinj)

On Lošinj Island, Villa Duchess is what dreams of privacy look like. This 2,000 m² villa offers everything, a private chef, concierge, wellness team, and heated infinity pool. Families love it here because kids have their own creative world, and adults have theirs. Every detail is taken care of before you even think to ask.

Valsabbion Boutique Hotel – A Retreat with a Soul (Pula)

Near Pula’s ancient arena, Valsabbion Boutique Hotel has been setting design standards for decades. Updated and reimagined in 2020, it is sleek but soulful, the kind of place that feels both stylish and warm. The Mythos Medical Spa focuses on true well-being, and every detail, from lightingto texture, feels considered. Its motto says it best: “Unfinished Sympathy”, beauty that never stops evolving.

Boškinac – Where Land, Wine, and Legacy Meet (Pag Island)

On the windswept island of Pag, Boškinac tells a family story built from stone, salt, and vines. Its Michelin-starred restaurant celebrates island flavors like Pag lamb, wild herbs, aged cheese, and native Gegić wine. Between pine woods and dry-stone terraces, you feel the rhythm ofthe land in everything. Boškinac isn’t about luxury in the classic sense, it isabout roots, love, and the taste of something real.

‍

Together, these ten stays show how far Croatia has come and how beautifully it is growing. Thanks to the collaboration between Prime Press Q, Luxury Living Croatia, and Condé Nast Traveler, the world is seeing a new side of the country, creative, confident, and full of stories waiting to be lived.

‍