The discerning gent always has his eye on the next holiday. Like an objective, it’s something to aim for and very much look forward to. The beautiful town of Dubrovnik, set along Croatia’s stunning coastline, easily fits in with the ideals of a holiday. Elysium Magazine’s guide to Dubrovnik may have proved decisive in settling your future travel plans. But now you know all about where to go and what to see, the only question remains is about where to stay.
Of course Elysium Magazine has you covered here too. In our global search for luxury accommodation we found the perfect place to stay for the discerning gent and partner in Dubrovnik – Hotel Bellevue.
The Location
From reading the guide to Dubrovnik, an image of the town can easily be conjured in the mind. Think warm seas that shimmer between shades of azure and emerald, captivating views from cliff-high vantage points, centuries of tradition and culture along with the warming glow of the sun.
This is all true and Hotel Bellevue carries on the theme. Situated just 10mins from Pile Gate and the entrance to the Old Town, the location couldn’t be better. Away from the masses of tourists but still close enough to throw yourself into the action if you so choose. Arriving outside glass-fronted lobby, you’ll notice the welcomed lack of high-rise room blocks start to wonder where the rest of the hotel is. Enter the lobby and everything becomes clear as you’re greeted with a floor-to-ceiling panorama of the stunning cliffside overlooking the Adriatic Sea which the hotel is carved into.
Comprising of 91 rooms, this five-star boutique hotel is a real gem amongst the Adriatic Luxury Hotels group that it belongs to. Check-in at reception is a swift and informed matter, just be mindful about getting distracted by the captivating panoramic views. On closer inspection of the views you’ll gaze upon the gorgeous secluded bay of a beach surrounded by the cliffs. This will be your sunlounger for the duration of your stay at Hotel Bellevue. Access to the beach is via elevator so don’t worry about scrambling up and down sheer cliff faces.
The Room
To enjoy the very best vantages points from your room the discerning gent is recommended to go for a superior sea view suite. This poses two distinct advantages – firstly that you’ll have a more-than-spacious room to enjoy and secondly that the views are truly breathtaking from the balconies. The sight at sunrise of the sun shimmering off the Adriatic Sea in the mornings is one of life’s Dubrovnik’s great spectacles.
Opting for a suite also gives you the space between a separate living room and bedroom – both of which flow out onto the balcony. Rooms come fully fitted out with all the needed mod-cons, whilst the bathroom provides ample space to manoeuvre. The bed is seriously large and comfy – the perfect place to rest the head after a tough day of lounging by the shore and lapping up the rays.
As well as providing luxury accommodation Hotel Bellevue also contains one of the best spas in Dubrovnik. Providing a plethora of treatments to rejuvenate the weary body and soul – there is something for everyone and definitely plenty for the lady in your life to get involved in. To ease the mind simply take a dip in the jacuzzi offering panoramic vistas you could only dream of.
The Food
Food at Hotel Bellevue is another highlight. Its signature eatery is the well renowned Vapor Restaurant which has received high acclaim throughout Dubrovnik and beyond with good reason. Executive Chef Saša Računica gives traditional Croatian cuisine a flamboyant twist – and it’s evident in every dish on the menu.
Starters such as the beef carpaccio with mustard and honey sauce (160kn) and the smoked tuna on a salad of rocket and radicchio (145kn) taste utterly fresh with full of flavour. It is custom in Croatia to serve the soup course after the entrée and any discerning gent would be happy to oblige. The lobster broth (95kn) and fish soup (45kn) options really hit the spot and primed the anticipation for the main course. Make sure you’ve worked up a healthy appetite during the day head of your dining experience at Vapor!
Service at the restaurant continues the top-notch experience the hotel offers – the waiters are full of character and always available to offer recommendations if you’re caught between options – as everything on the menu sounds delicious. In fact, do take the waiter’s recommendation on the wine as he’ll know the perfect tipple to pair with your feast – in this case a Croatian Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend.
The first two courses together with the wine really fires up the appetite for more, and the settling on the cliff top looking along the shoreline as it dazzles away with sparkles of light really does give this restaurant a real romantic feel. It was now time for the main event and the recommendation for the discerning gent has to be for the roasted fillet of John Dory on rocket risotto (195kn) – it’s simply out of this world! The roasted duck breast with rocket salad (220kn) is another standout dish where the chef has really demonstrated his knack for combining the delicate flavours of the ingredients – all delivered on the plate with artistic, but not over the top, flair.
Assuming you still have space to fit in the fourth course of desert (you’re on holiday, why not!) then the cheesecake (70kn) is the perfect way to end a banquet at Vapor. All that is left to do now is enjoy the night time views and merry conversation.
Breakfast at Hotel Bellevue is also within Vapor Restaurant – grab a table outside on the balcony (the scene of dinner) to feel the warm glow of the sun embrace the skin and awaken the senses as you sip your premium coffee. It’s the perfect way to start another day in paradise.
Verdict
For the discerning gent in search of luxurious style in the sunshine Hotel Bellevue really does provide the haven he requires. The unassuming frontage of the hotel hides a real paradise away from the droves of tourists only a moment down the road. The cove beach with its emerald seas is the ideal platform to whittle away the daylight hours recharging the body and mind. A premier spot for the discerning gent heading to Dubrovnik – highly recommended.
Room: 5/5
Location: 5/5
Dining: 5/5
Spa: 4/5
The Details
Ulica Pera Čingrije 7 20000
Dubrovnik
Croatia
Tel: 00385 20 430 830
Classic seas view double rooms starting from £227 (270 EUR) per night in high season, £85 (102 EUR) per night in low season.
Superior sea view suite starting from £314 (373 EUR) per night in high season, £111 (132 EUR) per night in low season.
Currency: £1 = approx 7.6 Croatian Kuna (kn)
