Rixos Premium Dubrovnik

Rixos Premium is cut into the cliff face like a contemporary amphitheatre, cascading down to the water’s edge. A smattering of sun parasols and padded loungers are huddled on a stone terrace, jutting out over the Adriatic, and a rock-hugging ladder trails into the water. It’s the perfect place to sunbathe and swim, particularly as there are few sandy beaches in Dubrovnik. If the cool climes of the sea put you off, take a dip in the seasonal freshwater outdoor pool.

The design of the hotel makes the most of this incredible location: glass-walled lounges lined with white armchairs, tiered rooms fronted by sea-view balconies, vast outdoor decks scattered with dining tables. This blurring of interior and exterior streams inside, where palm trees rise up through a glass atrium.

You’re within a 20-minute walk of Dubrovnik Old Town, one of the most beautiful walled cities in the world. Dubbed the “pearl of the Adriatic” by English poet Byron, the old town is a knot of limestone streets that unfurls onto elegant palazzi and baroque churches.

The hotel is a great for families, with a seasonal outdoor children’s pool and under-sevens staying for free. Plus there’s enough live music and evening entertainment (in high season) so you won’t even have to leave the hotel if you don’t want to.