History

The secrets of the undeniable success of this building are quite intriguing. Hotel Villa Dubrovnik was designed in 1961 as a residential building for members of political elites in the prestigious location of Dubrovnik’s Sveti Jakov area by architect Mladen Frka. Its function was changed in 1963 when it became an annex to Hotel Argentina, showcasing an exceptional representation of rational architectural expression that set it apart from the pre-war realizations of other Dubrovnik hotels at the time. By 1970, Villa Dubrovnik received some additions and transitioned from an annex into a small hotel with around thirty rooms.

A renowned destination

Soon, the hotel became well-known for its excellent food, hospitality, and kind treatment of guests, as well as its unpretentiousness and unique position. With an exclusive view of Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik Old Town, the beautiful turquoise Adriatic Sea, a hidden beach, and authentic Mediterranean gardens rich in natural scents, it was recognized as a privileged place for a perfect getaway.

Architectural transformation

In 2003, architects Boris Fiolić and Mira Tadej redesigned the building, facing the challenge of constructing the complex on a cliff in a protected landscape environment. They transformed it into a luxury-designed hotel with 55 rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and a wellness center. Importantly, they preserved the authentic beauty of the Sveti Jakov area according to conservationists’ recommendations, maintaining the unique atmosphere, image, and brand of Villa Dubrovnik.
On the upper side of the hotel, the symbolic details at the entrance and the hypertrophied Otranto retaining walls were masterfully used to create a dramatic atmosphere in the atrium, almost in the style of de Chirico. On the seaside, the traditional Mediterranean terrace with herbs was preserved, while cleverly designed roofs hid a rooftop bar with a stunning view. The interior was designed to be elegant and airy, close to a contemporary style similar to the first designer hotels of Ricardo Legorreta, Anouska Hempel, and Antonio Citteri.
The hotel remained closed from 2006 to 2010 for extensive renovation work and reopened in the summer of 2010 after a complete renovation.
Since then, the hotel has been operational until October 2, 2023, when it will close its doors again for a new cycle of complete renovation.

New renovation as a tribute to heritage

During the winter of 2024, the hotel underwent another complete renovation by the internationally recognized and awarded Brazilian architect and designer Studio Arthur Casas. With a significant investment of 25 million euros, this renovation will redefine the luxury hospitality experience on the Adriatic coast, drawing inspiration from Dubrovnik’s rich history, landscape, and cultural heritage.
The design combines colors, textures, and materials that harmonize with the Dubrovnik landscape. The sophisticated color palette of white, sand, and beige tones, reflects the town’s light stone tradition. At the same time, terracotta shades contrast with the natural ocean blue and pay tribute to the architectural beauty of the region. Highlighting the region’s unique architectural style and the influence of Venetian history, this renovation elegantly incorporates historical and cultural elements into its design.
The integration of UNESCO drywall formations and traditional Croatian lace patterns, which can be noticed in the rooms as a wardrobe decoration, shows the synergy between the natural environment and cultural practices, enriching the hotel’s architectural identity.
Aiming to evoke the grandeur of Dubrovnik’s golden age, the renovation focuses on sophistication, luxury, and attention to detail. Elements such as polished wood, handcrafted furniture, and local stonework show dedication to honoring Croatian craftsmanship.
Croatian craftsmanship, together with art and design, makes an integral part of the space created to provide an immersive experience with a timeless and otherworldly character. In the pursuit of capturing the essence of a place and the soul of a space, we cannot forget about the people making that place and space extraordinary—the creators who gift the world with the never-before-seen. At Villa Dubrovnik, you will encounter and discover the works of local Croatian painters and sculptors, like Ivana Pegan, Dubravka Tullio, and Ivo Dimnić, as well as artisan ceramists like Pepel and Studio Croker, and fashion designer Juraj Zigman. Every detail is considered with the utmost attention to craft a kaleidoscope of the never-before-seen that unravels before your eyes.