The southern region of Croatia is the Dalmatian coast, and its most beautiful section stretches from Split, in the middle of the coastline all the way down to Dubrovnik, at the Southern tip of Croatia. Split is a fascinating city, the second largest city in Croatia and the largest on the Dalmatian coast, its historic heart is dominated by the Diocletian Palace Complex, built by the ancient Roman emperor, Diocletian, who spent the last 20 years of his life here because he thought the bay of Split was one of the most beautiful places in the world (and it still may be!). There are two charming boutique hotels that are located within the grounds of the Diocletian Palace and we always recommend our guests stay there.

A few miles to the North of Split is Trogir – possibly the most beautiful town on the Dalmatian coast. Trogir is an architecture lover’s delight with facades ranging from Romanesque to Renaissance and Baroque. Just off the coast from Split are the islands of Hvar and Brac, two of the largest Dalmatian islands. For those who want to stay on the islands, we recommend staying on the island of Brac. The Deskovic Palace in the town of Pucisca is a gorgeous small boutique hotel that makes a perfect place to spend the evening on Brac.

Dubrovnik is possibly the best-known city on the Dalmatian coast and absolutely enchanting- when the mass crowds of the cruise ships are not in port. The historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and another architectural mecca. With influences ranging from Venetian to Spanish, Roman, and Genoese, Dubrovnik has always been a melting pot, and the facades of the city that stretches down the limestone cliffs to the sea echo this ambience. The historic section of Dubrovnik is largely pedestrian, with tiny cobble-stoned lanes running in between the narrow buildings.

In Dubrovnik we recommend staying at the only deluxe hotel in the city center, a historic boutique property brought up into 21st century luxury. A former aristocratic residence, it is decorated with museum antiques, and is an extremely luxurious property. For those who prefer a larger, resort-type property, we suggest staying at the Grand Hotel Argentina in either the Villa Argentina or the Villa Orsula. For special family gatherings or if you are traveling in a larger group, we recommend the delightful Villa Scherezade.

Drive through the countryside of Konavle, a region abounding with Croatian folklore and traditions, to Montenegro. The historic towns of Kotor, Budva and Cetinje are delightful, with exquisite architecture, ancient history and a laid-back atmosphere. We suggest a relaxing stay in Sveti Stefan for a couple of nights, at the Villa Montenegro, overlooking the Adriatic.