Once the summer retreat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s aristocrats, Croatia has now become the go-to spot for millennial ravers, anchored super-yachts, and families on the lookout for something a little more adventurous than Costa Del Sol. The last decade has seen record numbers of tourists flocking to the country’s cosmopolitan cities and a daisy chain of pristine islands. Against the odds, Croatia has managed to maintain its natural beauty whilst still moving with the times. Top-quality contemporary stays slot seamlessly against ancient ruins, rugged horizons, and breathtaking beaches. It offers the best of both worlds and has a rightful place at the top of all our bucket lists. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of top hotels fit for any getaway – from family-friendly to boutique romance, rustic tradition to chic luxury.
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.