Inside the Adriatic relaunch of Hotel Villa Dubrovnik

Carved into the cliffs just outside Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Hotel Villa Dubrovnik returns this spring following a full interior transformation led by Studio Arthur Casas. Originally completed in 1961 as a private residence for political elites before becoming a hotel two years later, the structure remains protected within the city skyline, restricting any changes to its exterior façade.

Property Exterior, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Developed between 2023 and 2025, the redesign repositions the property within the standards of The Leading Hotels of the World while preserving its architectural identity. Following a soft-opening period, final technical refinements are being completed this winter ahead of the hotel’s April 1, 2026 reopening.

Interiors by Studio Arthur Casas, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Interiors by Studio Arthur Casas, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Interiors by Studio Arthur Casas, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Interiors by Studio Arthur Casas, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Interiors by Studio Arthur Casas, image courtesy of Fran Parente

The direction draws from the city’s mid-century golden era, when Dubrovnik emerged as one of Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan coastal destinations. Rather than replicate history, the interiors channel that era’s energy through Croatian limestone and stucco, with Croatian oak defining paneling, millwork, and built-in furnishings.

Suite Interior, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Suite Interior, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Suite Interior, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Suite Interior, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Suite Terrace image courtesy of Fran Parente

Suite Terrace, image courtesy of Fran Parente

The hotel offers 56 suites and two private villas, each reconfigured to maximize sea views and strengthen the connection between the interior and exterior spaces. Custom wardrobes and carpets reference traditional Croatian lacework patterns, while pure linen jacquard fabrics created by Atelier Adriana Fortunato introduce an exclusive pattern created for the hotel. Each room features a bougainvillea timed to bloom during peak season.

Pjerin, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Galanto Rooftop Bar, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Libero Bar, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Giardino, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Public spaces unfold down the natural slope of the site. Galanto – the only rooftop bar in Dubrovnik – crowns the arrival level, overlooking the Adriatic, where sunset views meet Croatian wines and signature cocktails. Reception and guestrooms sit just below, while Michelin-recognized Pjerin anchors the dining program with refined Mediterranean cuisine built around locally sourced ingredients. Adjacent to Pjerin, Libero Bar introduces a book-lined lounge for afternoon tea, smoothies, and reading. Giardino offers casual open-air Mediterranean dining beneath pine trees overlooking the sea.

Art plays a central role in the property's reopening. Studio Arthur Casas worked with the hotel to commission and acquire works from contemporary Croatian artists including Ivo Dimnić, Ivana Pegan, Dubravka Tulio, Martina Franić of Studio Pepel, and Marcin Kuberna of Gropk Ceramics. Sculptural elements reinterpret fragments from Dubrovnik’s Old City, ensuring the interiors reflect local creative talent rather than imported design aesthetics.

Indoor Pool, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Pool Deck, image courtesy of Fran Parente

Indoor Pool, image courtesy of Fran Parente

At the base of the property, guests step directly onto a private beach carved into the cliffside — a rare advantage along this stretch of coastline. Other wellness highlights include a spa, gym, and an indoor pool that opens to the exterior, where overhead sculptural lighting shifts with the body’s natural circadian rhythm.