Editorial Draft - Hotel Croatia - Excelsa Hotels, Cavtat - Dubrovnik, Croatia

Your first impression on entering the spacious lobby of Hotel Croatia is of the sea; a mesmerizing blue is revealed through the windows stretching behind the reception. This stunningly located five star resort has only revealed part of its charm though, as each terrace yields another spectacular view of the Adriatic, the bay and town of Cavtat, and off to the walls of Dubrovnik. Built architecturally modern, the hotel blends into its surroundings with ecological sensitivity, hardly intruding as it exposes itself both to the western sea and eastern bay. Architecture and landscape design was planned and carried out to utmost precision and standards, and upon its inauguration in 1973, Hotel Croatia was recognized as the country’s premier seaside resort. Since that time, the resort has maintained its reputation as the standard-bearer for comfort and service, and subsequent interior renovations breathe well in the spacious, agedefying hotel. The latest upgrade, impeccably finished in 2008, brings Hotel Croatia once again to the highest standard in guest and conference facilities. In fact, there are over 480 guest rooms and suites, several restaurants and cafes, and extensive conference rooms and halls, from private meeting rooms up to an 850-seat theater. Space in the hotel has been used optimally though, so that even at capacity, guests have ample space to move about comfortably. On the seaside, the hotel’s 11 floors become evident as they soak in afternoon sun and bask in unobstructed views of the sea from the terraces of guest rooms, spa, pool and lounges. The bayside of Hotel Croatia has dining terraces floating amongst the pine trees and peers over Cavtat, a lovely and historic fishing village just a short walk around the bay from the hotel complex and its private beach. Guests are provided luxurious accommodation and all the facilities expected in a five-star resort. Each guestroom has a furnished terrace, either park and bay view or sea view, from which you can sit in sun or shade, secluding yourself in the sounds of nature and sea. Designed in contemporary style and inviting colors, the rooms are equipped with the highest quality fixtures – a comfortable sitting area, superb lighting, plasma television and luxurious bathrooms with rain showers. The hotel has two beaches, one a natural setting of rocks facing the sea, the other, more social beach is bayside. The indoor pool has floor to ceiling views of blue sea, the outdoor pool an oasis in the trees. The hotel’s on-site Wellness Center is a Swiss-principled spa offering various treatment, massage and relaxation options. Isolated treatment rooms and saunas have sea views and terraces, compounding the healing effects with tranquil surroundings. Beauty treatments and hair styling are available in the hotel salon; for extra treats there are

clothing and jewelry boutiques. Besides its swimming pools and beaches, Hotel Croatia has a large fitness room with weight and cardio equipment, tennis and volleyball courts, table tennis and children’s playground in its forest; as well, water activities such as kayaking and diving can be arranged at the hotel beach. Hiking trails located immediately outside the hotel property stretch around the state protected peninsula, are suitable for all levels of activity, have incredible views to the sea and Dubrovnik and provide quiet places for relaxing along the way. Hotel Croatia has excellent dining options, all offering unparalleled views over the Adriatic. The main dining room has a terrace overlooking the bay of Cavtat, where you can enjoy buffet breakfasts and dinners. A la carte menus are available in the Steak House, Taverna and at the refreshment bars located next to the pool and at the hotel’s bayside beach. Relax with an aperitif in the piano bar or on its terrace, with views capturing Dubrovnik in the distance. Conference and wedding guests will be amazed with the location, often lost for words as they’re caught in the gaze of the Adriatic. The village of Cavtat itself has a history stretching back over two millennia, having been founded as a Greek settlement. In the Middle Ages, during the glory days of the Republic of Dubrovnik, Cavtat joined in union with its neighbor and profits from successful trading helped the area grow to prominence. Churches, mausoleums, villas and buildings remain from this period, though today Cavtat’s historical offering is balanced with satisfying tourists, including shopping, outdoor restaurants and cafes lining a harbor that has of late attracted the private luxury yachts cruising the Adriatic. Cavtat has the pleasant and relaxed atmosphere of a small fishing village, being off the main route of tourists that descend upon Dubrovnik. Though at just 15 km from the walled city and only 5 minutes from the international airport, it makes the perfect starting point for discovering the beauty of Dubrovnik and its surroundings. If you’re looking to explore more of southern Croatia, the hotel offers a range of services to guests wishing to arrange tours and transfers throughout the region. Trips to islands, guided tours through Dubrovnik, visits to traditional villages in the countryside, as well as more extensive tours farther afield, such as the historic bridge in Mostar or to southern Europe’s largest fjord, just down the road in Montenegro, are all accessible as day trips from Hotel Croatia. For independent sightseeing, the hotel has a car rental desk and in the bay of Cavtat you can specially charter boats. Hotel Croatia completely satisfies the desires of the most demanding

leisure or business guest, and is proud to maintain its long tradition of excellent service. A visit is an opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in Croatia, all while treating yourself to the luxuries of a stellar five-star resort.