Real Blue｜Villa Orsula Dubrovnik, Stay Report

Villa Orsula Dubrovnik

Stay Report

August 2018

Posted by AO/あお

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About this Stay

I had visited Dubrovnik, a town facing the Adriatic Sea in the southernmost part of Croatia, before, and this was my second stay.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to have inspired the setting of “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” With its beautiful cityscape, it is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

I checked into the hotel late at night, and the next morning, before breakfast, I took a walk around Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Breakfast was also wonderful. While enjoying a glass of sparkling wine, I had a variety of breads, prosciutto, egg dishes, and cheeses.

The views of the Adriatic Sea and the Old Town from the hotel were absolutely stunning.

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Hotel

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Fully Booked Hotel

This is the Grand Villa Argentina, the hotel I had originally booked. During my previous stay here, I was deeply moved by the beautiful sight of moonlight reflecting on the calm Adriatic Sea, viewed from my room’s balcony at night. I wanted to stay here again, so I returned not long after my first visit.

However, upon arrival, I was told that the hotel was fully booked and was redirected to a nearby affiliated hotel. It turned out that the hotel had been overbooked.

Upon Entering the Room (1)

I was moved to a nearby hotel called Villa Orsula Dubrovnik, which is part of the same “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” group as Argentina. Both are five-star hotels.

This is the guest room at Orsula. There were macarons, fruits, and light snacks waiting in the room.

Upon Entering the Room (2)

In addition, a bottle of red wine and water were also provided.

Both had tags indicating they were “complimentary.” Perhaps it was a welcome service, or possibly an apology for the hotel change.

Bathroom

This is the bathroom. Bulgari amenities are provided.

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Soap
• Body wash

Adriatic Sea at Night

This is the view of the sea from the room’s balcony.

Since it was night, the sea is not clearly visible in the photo, but the sound of the waves was calm and soothing.

Garden Terrace

This is the view below from the balcony.

It is the garden terrace.

Welcome Sweets & Wine

I arranged the cheese, macarons, fruits, and wine that were provided in the room.

Morning View from the Balcony

This is the morning view from my room’s balcony, showing the hotel’s trees and the Adriatic Sea.

The sea has a charming and gentle atmosphere, which I really like.

The trees appear to be palm trees and cypress.

Old Town from the Balcony

This is the morning view of Dubrovnik’s Old Town from the balcony.

The red-roofed townscape is beautiful, and the morning sun was shining over the Old Town.

Elevator Hall

I left my room to go for a morning walk.

This is the elevator hall.

Staircase

I am going down the stairs.

Hotel Change

Below the Villa Orsula nameplate, there is also a plaque for “Small Luxury Hotels of the World,” of which Hotel Argentina is also a member.

I was told that although Orsula is more expensive, I could stay at the same rate as Argentina, so I ended up staying there. Orsula also seems to be a very nice hotel.

Walking Around the Hotel (1)

This is what it looked like while walking around the hotel.

Walking Around the Hotel (2)

While walking around the hotel, I found an old water faucet.

It is marked “1890,” so it was probably made in that year.

Before Breakfast Walk

This is the restaurant where breakfast is served. There is a small island right in front, and the calm atmosphere makes it feel like a perfect resort.

I decided to take a walk toward the Old Town before breakfast and then return to eat.

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Walk to the Old Town

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Morning Walk

I set out from the hotel and started walking toward the Old Town. It seemed to be about a 15-minute walk.

Heading to the Old Town

I walked along the seaside path toward the Old Town.

In this area, palm trees and cypress trees appear to be common, and I saw them frequently.

A Resort Hotel

This looks like a resort hotel near the Old Town.

Island Visible from the Hotel

This is Lokrum Island, which can be seen from near the resort hotel by the Old Town.

It is also visible from the hotel where I stayed.

Entrance to the City Walls

I entered the Old Town through the gate in the city walls that surround it.

Red-Roofed Townscape

This is the view just after passing through the city walls.

The beautiful red-roofed townscape of the Old Town came into view up close.

Path Along the City Walls

I walked along the path beside the city walls for a while.

Harbor

This is the harbor. Dubrovnik prospered through maritime trade until the Middle Ages.

Town Square

From the 14th century to the early 19th century, this area was known as the Republic of Ragusa. It flourished through maritime trade, especially during the 15th and 16th centuries.

The city walls and buildings seem to date from that period.

Palace and Church

The building on the left appears to be a palace, and a church can be seen further in the distance.

Street with Many Restaurants

Parasols, tables, and chairs were set up, suggesting this is a street lined with restaurants. The stone-paved road is beautifully maintained.

Historic Buildings

These are medieval buildings from the time when the city thrived on maritime trade.

Market

I came across a market. Since it was still early in the morning, it seemed they were preparing to open.

Vegetables, fruits, and handmade sweets were being set out, and there were many restaurants nearby.

Stone Townscape

This is the stone-built townscape. I was walking along the cobblestone streets.

Beyond the Old Town

After leaving the Old Town, I decided to walk a bit further beyond it.

Another Resort Hotel (1)

I found another resort hotel.

Another Resort Hotel (2)

This hotel also has many beach decks like this.

This area is a very popular resort destination, especially among Europeans. Cruise ships from across Europe also make stops here.

Returning from the Resort Area

I returned to the Old Town area from the resort hotel I had just visited.

Back to the Hotel

I walked along the road outside the city walls on my way back to the hotel.

Return from the Walk

I returned to the hotel after my morning walk.

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Breakfast

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Restaurant Terrace Seating

I was about to have breakfast.

This is the terrace seating area of the restaurant where breakfast is served.

Inside the Restaurant

This is the interior of the restaurant where breakfast is served.

Breakfast can also be enjoyed on the terrace, but I decided to dine inside.

Restaurant Interior

There were paintings displayed on the walls of the restaurant.

Table Setting

Once I was seated, the table was set for me.

Then bread, butter, jam, and marmalade were brought and arranged.

A lovely small white flower was also placed on the table.

Bread

All of this bread looked absolutely delicious.

• Croissant
• Banana bread (I think)
• Two kinds of muffins

Bread and Drinks

I also had three more types of bread—served warm and wrapped in a napkin. I ordered drinks as well.

• Sparkling wine, sparkling water, orange juice, and coffee

The breakfast was delicious, and I could even enjoy sparkling wine in the morning—truly a resort-style experience. It made me very happy.

Prosciutto

I had three kinds of prosciutto.

Main Dish

After enjoying each piece of bread and finishing the prosciutto, the main egg dish was served.

• Grilled bacon
• Grilled cherry tomatoes and mushrooms
• Soft-boiled egg on toast

Cheese and Smoked Salmon

Then cheese and smoked salmon were also served.

• Four kinds of cheese
• Smoked salmon and smoked horse mackerel

Sofa Area

After finishing breakfast, I walked around the hotel a bit.

This is the sofa seating area.

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View

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View from the Balcony

I returned to my room and looked out from the balcony toward the Adriatic Sea and the Old Town.

It was a beautiful view.

Hotel Exterior

This is the exterior of the hotel where I stayed.

It is a very charming stone-built building.

Hotel Garden

This is the lawn in the hotel garden.

It looks like something might be scheduled here—chairs were neatly arranged.

Perhaps weddings or other events are held in this space.