Postcards from... Booklet 2022

This romantic retreat, set in a 1930s white-stone villa, is much loved by discerning travellers looking to splurge. Come here for discreet luxury, sublime sea views towards Dubrovnik's Old Town walls and a chic restaurant with tables on a vine-draped terrace. With just 13 rooms, Villa Orsula provides the sort of personalised service that only a small hotel can achieve – you'll be treated more as a dear friend than a hotel guest. From the garden, planted with fragrant pines and lavender, stone steps lead down to a lovely bathing platform, with sun beds, beach towels and easy access into the sea. The Pick of Dubrovnik Hotels & Resorts Highly recommended luxury hotels & resorts both in the centre and out of town Dubrovnik Romantic Boutique Retreat A legendary five-star hotel with fantastic views of Dubrovnik's medieval walls rising from the sea. A major update has introduced cool minimalist interiors and retro-chic furnishings to the 158 rooms and common spaces: think misty-pink armchairs and local artworks. The hotel is home to three restaurants and a snazzy lounge-bar, with the waterside Prora being the highlight. Down by the sea, a terrace with sunbeds and parasols has steps into the water for swimming. The vast Wellness Spa includes a big freeform pool and whirlpools, Roman bath, Finnish sauna and theme showers. Dubrovnik Retro Chic Luxury intertwined with gleaming wide marble-paved squares, steep cobbled streets and houses, all of which have also remained unchanged for centuries. Although Dubrovnik has much to offer in terms of historical sightseeing, part of its allure lies in the fact that it is still a lived-in city, vibrant and bustling with locals whose homes line the narrow streets and sunlit squares. As well as visiting the churches, palaces and museums, the old town hums with life with many bazaars, cafes, bars and restaurants. Some of the restaurants to look out for include: Restaurant 360 which has a Michelin star and a well-stocked wine cellar, Nautika which calls itself Dubrovnik's finest restaurant with some justification, and then, for something a bit different you could try Azur for Asian-Med fusion food. Once the glorious warm weather settles in this is definitely a city break that combines both cultural curiosity with the pleasures of a relaxing Mediterranean sunshine escape in a country that still represents great value for money within just 3/3.5 hours flight time from most UK airports. Probably the best time to visit is between May and the end of October when the sea is warm enough to swim in and daytime temperatures are well above 20 Celsius. During the high season months of July and August the city really comes alive with the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, which includes cultural events such as outdoor concerts, opera and ballet. However, if you want to escape the passage of the large cruise ships that invade the city regularly over the summer months then plan to visit in September and October after the end of the Mediterranean cruise calendar. Dalmatian Spots With Dubrovnik as your base there are some incredibly pretty places along the Dalmatian Coast to visit during your stay. Hotel Excelsior Villa Orsula