Lesic Dimitri Palace

Six medieval stone buildings in Korcula’s glorious old town, stunningly converted to slick 21st-century residences (each sleeps 2-9)

In South Dalmatia, the fertile green island of Korcula is known for its emerald coastline and prolific vineyards. It’s also blessed with one of Croatia’s loveliest medieval towns, built on a tiny peninsular protected by Venetian fortifications. It was here, in 2000, that retired investment banker Michael Unsworth and his Croatian-born wife Maša bought the 18th-century Bishop’s Palace and 5 adjoining tumbledown stone cottages to create a small luxury hotel.

It was a labour of love - 8 years in the making, with a multinational team of architects - but worth every penny of the huge investment. Croatian Zora Salopek-Baletic was employed specifically to preserve the beautiful medieval stonework. Alongside her, Thai architect Attayut Piravinich oversaw the interior design, opting for daring quirks such as open-plan bedrooms with free-standing bathtubs, as well as funky modern furniture, high-tech kitchens and cool mood lighting.

The end result is a fabulously stylish and playful 'apart-hotel' with 6 residences, which range from 1 to 4 bedrooms each. Each is named after, and inspired by, a region from Marco Polo’s historic journey along the Silk Routes (some say Polo originated from Korcula, which was under the Republic of Venice at that time); whether that's true or not, there's no doubt that this palace is a fitting tribute to his wonderfully exotic life.

Highs

• Unbeatable location at the heart of Korcula’s pedestrianised old town (a 'mini Dubrovnik')
• Ultra-chic interior design - rare in Croatia - with some stunning bespoke pieces of art and furniture
• The residences are truly palatial: all but one are over 100 sq.m.
• Unlike most apartments, there's a concierge service on tap: local staff advise where to eat, arrange sailing and wine-tasting etc.
• A great place to hire exclusively for a wedding or group celebration for up to 30

Lows

• Very expensive by Croatian standards, especially as you'll want to stay at least 3 nights to make it worth it - but it's a true one-off
• There's no pool - but you can jump in a taxi-boat to pebbly beaches
• Korcula’s tiny Old Town gets incredibly busy in high season
• If you're driving, you have to park outside the Old Town, then carry your luggage about 100m to the residences (hotel staff will help if necessary)