Villa Orsula (Dubrovnik, CROATIA) ❤❤❤❤❤

A few weeks before we took off on our highly anticipated trip to Dubrovnik, I got an unexpected message from Hotel Excelsior explaining to us that they would be unable to meet our accommodation request for a reason that was unknown to us. They did, however, arrange for a different hotel (Hotel Bellevue) under the same group for our stay. But once I checked out the location of our replacement hotel, I decided to write back and reject their offer. The reason? Well, Hotel Excelsior is within walking distance to Dubrovnik's Old Town (could actually see the Old Town from the hotel, which was the reason we picked it over others in the first place), and that was something Hotel Bellevue could never offer (although they made us a very good offer with an upgraded room at Hotel Bellevue). When I rejected their offer, we were thinking along the line of perhaps negotiating a different type of room at Hotel Excelsior. Little that we knew they would be making us an even better offer, one that would totally blow us out of the water.

Their second offer: a deluxe room at the newly opened Villa Orsula which is just 100 metres away from Hotel Excelsior. They even arranged a driver to pick us up from the airport. How nice is that!!!

As planned, the driver picked us up from the airport and after a 30-minute ride, we finally arrived at the lobby of Hotel Argentina. Wait a second, Hotel Argentina!? As we later learned, Villa Orsula did not have its own reception and lobby. This had me and Jelloman talking among ourselves - what kind of 5-star hotel would have no hotel reception of its own.....

We waited a bit at the lobby (while enjoying the view of Old Town) while they took care of all the paperwork for us. After the highly efficient check-in, the hotel manager showed up and offered to give us a quick tour of the premise. We followed her around a "secret" indoor passage before finally arriving at Villa Orsula in less than 5 minutes.

To be brutally honest, we were a bit concerned having seen the condition of Villa Argentina (a bit old and boring) but the manager kept reassuring us that "we would see the difference" (perhaps having seen the expression on our face!?). And finally we saw the difference.

Villa Orsula is a historic architecture built in 1939 but recently remodeled in 2011 by the Adriatic Luxury Hotel group. The hotel only has 13 rooms but that's the beauty of it - quiet and exclusive with its own swimming area, lounge and garden.

While it doesn't have its own lobby, there is a lounge on each floor for guests to chill out.

Our room was a contemporary one with very simple design and lots of space.

There were complimentary fruits and macarons waiting for us in our room already.

We couldn't wait to go and check out the sea view from our balcony.

Breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, Lokrum Island and the Dubrovnik Old Town; exactly as advertised.

And this was right from our private balcony!

On the other side of the room was our bathroom. Again very spacious and much much cooler without the direct sunlight.

They have more than enough space to fit in a nice bath tub.

Apart from the amazing facility, one of the nicest things about Villa Orsula is the incredible location. Just a relaxing 10-minute walk to Dubrovnik's Old Town.

In between the hotel and Old Town is Plaža Banje, or Banje Beach, one of Dubrovnik's most popular public beach.

Known as one of the world's finest and best preserved medieval cities, it's not difficult to find a perfect vantage point for a beautiful shot at Dubrovnik's UNESCO listed Old Town.

Even after sunset, the "Pearl of the Adriatic" was still buzzing.

Following an amazing time in the Old Town, we returned to the hotel and the first thing we did was to head back to our balcony to admire the night view of Adriatic sea and Dubrovnik's Old Town.

The next morning after breakfast at Victoria Restaurant, we decided to check out the hotel's private "swimming area".

Through the picturesque cascading seafront gardens we go onto the waterfront. We could actually see Hotel Excelsior and its private beach from down here.

It's time to enjoy a lazy morning right by the ocean.

My stay at Villa Orsula won't be complete without an early morning swim in the Adriatic Sea, right? Here I come~~~

Our stay at Villa Orsula was truly a phenomenal experience. To have this seaside view of the Adriatic Sea with us throughout our stay, that was the perfect exclamation point on our remarkable trip in Dubrovnik. Special thanks to the folks from the Adriatic Luxury Hotel group for their hospitality (and free upgrade of course!). You have made our journey a very memorable one. We will most definitely look you guys up next time around.

Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Price: €€€€
Address: 14 Ulica Frana Supila, Dubrovnik, Croatia  
Tel: +385 (0) 2043-0830
Website: www.adriaticluxuryhotels.com/en/villa-orsula