Hotel Podstine

A romantic seafront hotel and restaurant in a secluded bay, 20 minutes' walk along the coast from the gorgeous town of Hvar

Of all Croatia's stunning Dalmatian islands, few have attracted more interest than Hvar - and in particular the postcard-pretty town of the same name. Recent visitors include John Malkovich, Roman Abramovich and Eva Longoria. So what’s the pull? Elegant 16th-century Venetian stone buildings, fresh Dalmatian seafood served in ethnic-chic eateries, a quay lined with flashy yachts, a proud hilltop castle, and a scattering of uninhabited islets for bathing.

A boat or hotel minibus ride (5 minutes) along the coast from Hvar town - away from the hustle, but within reach of bars and restaurants - stands this discreet 42-room hotel. It overlooks a serene inlet, with a lovely garden restaurant out front. Tables are set below palms, pines and lemon trees, and a series of terraces step down to the water, with sparkling views across azure seas to the lace-edged Pakleni ('Resin') islets. At night, bathed in subtle lighting and gentle music (think Eros Ramazzotti), the scene takes on a truly dreamlike quality. Blissful.

Highs

• Excellent restaurant with romantic waterside tables, fresh Dalmatian seafood and occasional live music
• Balconies with stunning sea views; go for a Superior or Superior Exclusive Room to get the best one possible
• Private bathing area with easy access from the rocks into the sea
• Taxi-boats and chartered yachts to myriad islands - perfect for snorkelling or diving
• Small outdoor pool and wellness centre with solarium, sauna, jacuzzi, massage and beauty treatments

Lows

• Hvar Town gets horribly crowded in July-August: try to come in May-June or Sept-Oct
• Bedrooms, though comfy, are rather characterless
• Annoyingly, the last section of the charming coastal path is gated so, if arriving on foot, you have to turn inland and reach the hotel via a back road