Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection, Dubrovnik, Croatia

The hotel sits on the western side of the Babin Kuk peninsula, which sticks out from the Dalmatian coast four miles north of Dubrovnik Old Town. It's a good location if you want to combine a beach holiday with a city break. Bus No 6 stops right outside the hotel. The whole northern side of Babin Kuk is covered in beaches, notably Cava and Copacabana, and it's a lovely walk to Lapad Bay's beaches.

By plane: direct flights from London to Dubrovnik take 2 hours 30 mins. The hotel is a 35-minute drive from the airport. Private parking is available on-site for a fee. Book flights to Dubrovnik.

There's an all-pervading sense of light and airiness throughout, helped by floor-length windows that make the most of those sea views. Although the resort was built in the 1970s, it's had a thorough makeover since then. The interiors are cool and contemporary, a chic blend of polished marble, warm wood and gleaming white walls.

Smoothly professional service, just as you would expect from a five-star hotel. The stretch of beach is fabulous and as close to a private beach as you can get in a country which officially doesn't have any. As with many hotels in Dubrovnik, the Valamar President closes over the winter, so book between April and November.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Sun terrace
• Outdoor and indoor pools
• Spa and wellness centre
• Fitness centre

• Parking

• Free Wi-Fi

All rooms and suites face the sea and come with balconies with sun loungers. Even Classic rooms are big enough for a proper seating area with a sofa and chairs. The style is pleasingly minimalist, with pale blue striped walls adding a nautical look. Sleek bathrooms have baths as well as separate showers.

Room types: Classic, Superior, Premium, Deluxe, Premium Family Room, Superior Suite, V Level rooms, suites and apartments

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, bathrobe and slippers, coffee and tea facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

Flavours of the Mediterranean take star billing in Momenti restaurant with its enchanting terrace. Menus change, but can feature octopus carpaccio, langoustine lasagne and slow-cooked beef cheeks. There are more local seafood and meat dishes at à la carte Miramare. Additionally, there's the main buffet restaurant and the Piano Bar is lovely for a nightcap.

Momenti: gourmet, extensive wine list. Breakfast for V Level guests only. Open daily for breakfast and dinner.

Miramare: à la carte, fish, local wines. Open daily 11am-11pm.