Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik

Adriatic Luxury Hotels’ flagship makes its return following a comprehensive refurbishment overseen by Studio Francic-Šekoranja. Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik. Words: Molly Dolan | Photography: Courtesy of Adriatic Luxury Hotels

Dating back to 1913, Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik forms part of the topography of luxury properties lining the Adriatic Coast. It is a true emblem of distinction, and its legacy has attracted celebrities and royalty alike throughout its storied life. Recently reopened following an extensive refurbishment – overseen by a team of talented Croatian architects and designers – the hotel is set to return to iconic status. One of the most notable attributes is the hotel’s location, built into a steep hillside between Mount Srd and the Adriatic sea. Interior designers Studio Francic-Šekoranja has worked on maximising the views afforded by the environment, transforming the lobby into a viewing platform and multipurpose hub. Upon entry, floor-to-ceiling windows span the façade, flooding the space with natural light and offering views of the neighbouring Lokrum island and Dubrovnik old town. As not to detract, the colour palette is muted, with warm wooden floors and bespoke furniture. “Inspiration came from the history of the hotel, and its iconic role on the Adriatic coast,” explains Dean Franic, interior designer at Studio Francic-Šekoranja. “But, the most important element was the view on the city of Dubrovnik, which we didn’t want to interfere with, but enhance.” Grey sofas accompany tan leather chaise longues, while accents of blue reference both the crashing waves and sky above. Oversized artwork provides distinction – not distraction – and a vast collection of plants add a touch of nature. The hotel evokes feelings of a gallery, with curated pieces framing the guest experience.

Beneath the lobby, and accessed via a monumental staircase that is a sculptural art piece in itself, are a number of other public spaces. Boutique retail outlets sit alongside the hotel’s self-proclaimed centrepiece, Abakus Piano Bar. As per the designer’s vision, the bar has been conceptualised as a series of living spaces with varying contemporary styles. The result is a fusion of furniture and decorative lighting from numerous design periods, with piques of antique, modernist and current trends. “We would describe it as both modern and classic – eclectic styles with the presence of modernism. Both styles complement each other, with the tendency of being timeless,” continues Francic. “One of the biggest challenges was to design large, open public spaces of a modernist hotel in a way that doesn’t remind guests of a furniture showroom, but becomes a space within a home. A great technical issue was the outdoor terrace, which is exposed to orchid bumps and swirl waves.” The terrace offers uninterrupted views across the sea and town, accompanied by regular live jazz music performances. Furniture propels the indoor/outdoor trend, with neutral, luxe fabrics dressing deep seat sofas that rest on wooden frames. Floors and low-rise walls comprise off-white stone, maintaining a sense of serenity.

The hotel’s secret weapon is found beneath the terrace and accessed via a separate elevator and tunnel of caves. The outdoor restaurant, Prora, sits within a cove carved into the coastline. Exposed stone lines the floor, walls and ceiling, while archways frame the lapping waves just metres away. Executive Chef and Croatian native Peter Obad mans the kitchen, catering to both Prora and the hotel’s new fine-dining offering, Sensus. Monochromatic, Sensus evokes a more sophisticated aura. Floor-toceiling glass still allows the view to speak for itself, while minimalistic lighting contributes to the restaurant’s opulent status. Chef Obad’s dishes are an extension of the beautiful setting, with modern interpretations of classic Mediterranean dishes taking precedence. The architecture of the hotel – combining the original Villa Odak building and modern extensions – defines the labyrinth within. Corridors are woven between multiple floors, elevators and buildings, yet easily navigated thanks to subtle wayfinding. Meanwhile, the hotel’s 141 guestroom and 17 suites are defined by functionality and luxury. Within the guestrooms, a palette of brown, cream and grey fabrics accompany dark wood furnishings and shades of blue and green inspired by, unsurprisingly, the surrounding vistas of verdant peninsulas and warm stone. Each room features a king- or queensize bed and carefully curated area rugs, double-weave wool bed throws and custom-crafted furniture. As well as sea views, most offer a private balcony complete with high end furniture.

Francic reflects: “We used a base palette of colours containing velvet shades of deep blue, wood, stone and different textures of textiles and carpets. Altogether, this makes an eclectic atmosphere, like that of a luxury collector’s home.” Following the refurbishment, updated amenities complete the offering and include several gardens, a private beach, indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and spa incorporating two Jacuzzis, a steam bath, Roman bath and Finnish sauna. Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is back. Sources: Sleeper, 9-10, 2017

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