La Villa

A homely, 16th-century seaside villa on a tiny car-free island, an hour's ferry ride from the walled city of Dubrovnik

Scattered in turquoise seas off Dubrovnik, Lopud is one of the largest of the gorgeous, green Elafiti islands. The only settlement unfolds as you enter a deep bay, guarded by a small Gothic-Renaissance chapel. With just 220 inhabitants and no cars, this village of stone cottages, towering palm trees and an abandoned Franciscan monastery was once a summer bolthole for Dubrovnik aristocrats.

Today, it appeals to young professionals who want a back-to-nature escape among some of the loveliest seascapes in the world. And where better than this 16th-century stone villa, set in smart gardens right by the sea? Above the ground-floor lounge, with its library and internet corner, are 8 spacious, white-washed rooms, stylishly furnished with wicker chaise-longues and splashes of colour from Indian cotton bedcovers and brightly mosaic'd bathrooms. From the seafront, a path leads across the island through herb-scented Mediterranean vegetation to one of Croatia’s rare sand beaches set in a blissful bay. Hosts Dobrila and Mischel are warm and friendly and will help you arrange anything from bike hire to sea kayaking; their new speedboat, skippered by Mischel (who is also a keen diver) will whisk you in minutes to Sunj beach, Sipan island or the sea-washed lighthouse on St. Andrija.

Highs

• Lopud is a beautiful, tranquil, car-free island
• The terrace - perfect for people-watching and with the best view on Lopud
• The seafront location in a northwest facing bay means idyllic sunsets
• Lovely laid-back staff
• Splendid Dubrovnik is just an hour by ferry - perfect for a day of culture

Lows

• If you’re after the full range of creature comforts, this one isn’t for you
• A large hotel at the far end of the bay spoils the view somewhat
• The island has little by way of nightlife or shopping - which, some would say, is ideal
• Croatia is expensive and you may find the restaurant/bars expensive; speedboat transfers to Dubrovnik are pricey