Arthur Casas reimagines Villa Dubrovnik as a contemporary Adriatic retreat

Constructed on a cliff alongside the Dalmatian coast, Villa Dubrovnik reopened its doorways this summer season after almost two years of renovation. Embracing the Croatian idea of ‘fjaka’ – elevating simple residing and a method of doing nothing to an artwork type – the resort seems like a personal retreat tucked away from the hustle and bustle regardless of being positioned lower than a mile away from the Previous City.

Wallpaper* checks in at Villa Dubrovnik

What’s in your doorstep?

Located within the japanese a part of the town, subsequent to Plaža Sveti Jakov, Villa Dubrovnik makes the right base to discover the town whereas having fun with the calming sound of the ocean. Although the resort affords shuttle service, it’s well worth the 15-minute stroll to the Previous City, which is designated as a Unesco World Heritage Web site. As you go, let your thoughts wander on one of many picket benches overlooking the ocean or go to the Umjetnička galerija Dubrovnik with its gorgeous sculpture terrace showcasing works from Croatian artists like Branko Ružić.

Who’s behind the design?

Identified for his refined shades and idyllic escapes, Brazilian architect Arthur Casas and his group are the masterminds behind Villa Dubrovnik’s redesign. ‘Every inside house naturally dialogues with the environment, creating an immersive expertise the place the panorama turns into the primary protagonist,’ says Casas, who was closely impressed by the vastness of the Adriatic Sea for this mission. Right here, custom and modern spirit coexist in stability, providing a steady encounter between inside and outdoors.

Each element – from the selection of supplies to the color palette – carries the id of Dubrovnik and makes its heritage really feel current in each nook. Using terracotta pays tribute to the town’s rooftops, and the limestone in partitions and sculptural parts mirrors the stone partitions of the Previous City, which protected the town from invaders again within the day. ‘The supplies will not be ornamental layers however parts of id, permitting the interiors to resonate with the town’s stone heritage,’ Casas continues.

The room to ebook

A lot of the 56 rooms (together with suites and residences) have an ocean view, so you may’t actually make a fallacious selection. For everybody in search of a panoramic balcony to witness probably the most lovely sunsets and an impressive view of the island of Lokrum, we suggest reserving the Deluxe Grand Sea View Room, which features a walk-in bathe, a toilet with two marble sinks and a tub to relaxation after getting your steps in. As an add-on, each room connects to Bluetooth with a purpose to hearken to your darling playlists whereas preparing or ordering room service.

All through the resort rooms, you will see refined cues of Dubrovnik’s heritage, similar to the normal patterns of the blankets and cushions, impressed by an outdated conventional dialect. Even the resort emblem represents a contemporary tackle Dubrovnik’s notorious ‘maskeron,’ an historical stone decoration you may spot on varied fountains and partitions all through the Previous City.

Staying for drinks and dinner?

Arthur Casa’s private spotlight of the mission is the bar and restaurant (in addition to the library). All through the property, you’ll spot timeless furnishings items by design icons similar to Eileen Grey and Gio Ponti, in addition to work, sculptures and ceramics by Croatian artists.

For a fine-dining expertise, the on-site Restaurant Pjerin affords degustation menus or à la carte. Anticipate conventional dishes with a contemporary twist made with domestically sourced substances, similar to lobster tail, turbot fillet and sea bass recent from the Adriatic. For a extra informal eating setting and lunch menu, Giardino Restaurant, positioned on the resort terrace, surrounded by century-old pines and with a panoramic view of the Previous City, serves Croatian dishes similar to šporki makaruli or cuttlefish black risotto. Lounge in considered one of Pierre Paulin’s and Fratelli Monti’s armchairs with a digestive drink proper subsequent to Libero Bar, or get the elevate to the fifth flooring and luxuriate in a signature fig negroni on the rooftop at Galanto Bar – the perfect spot to observe the sundown aside out of your room’s balcony.

The place to modify off

Should you want leisure for physique and thoughts, the spa affords a wide range of facial and exfoliant remedies, massages and even a hydrating after-sun package deal for everybody who has spent an excessive amount of time on the solar deck. We suggest reserving the ‘expertise therapeutic massage,’ a full-body therapeutic massage tailor-made to satisfy your particular wants, that includes a collection of Dalmatian oils. Each remedy comes with domestically crafted merchandise, together with treatments from Dubrovnik’s notorious Franciscan Pharmacy, Mediterranean herbs and a spread of Sodashi merchandise, that are vegan and cruelty-free. With the Adriatic Sea proper in your doorstep, there’s nothing extra gratifying than taking a dip after the spa or a swim within the heated indoor pool. For everybody who likes to sweat, the resort additionally comes with a sauna and a steam room.

The decision

Should you’re trying to find the right sundown and a much-needed timeout, Villa Dubrovnik is the spot. There’s nothing higher than having fun with a recent, native Croatian dish by the ocean with an impressive view of the Previous City – and the choice to stroll in the direction of the thrill or just steer clear of it.

Villa Dubrovnik is positioned at Ul. Vlaha Bukovca 6, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia.