The Leading Hotels of the World & the Croatian Fabulous Seven

The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) was established in 1928, and today it has more than 400 luxurious and authentic hotel members in over 80 countries.

The organisation was initially known as The Luxury Hotels of Europe and Egypt, and gathered around 38 European hoteliers. This June, LHW added eight new members with hotels from Belgium, United States, Chile and Croatia. 

Most of the new members until the early 1970s were hotels from Europe. It was around this time that the board decided to expand membership worldwide as the market of luxury travellers was rapidly growing. By the end of the 1980s, LHW had a total of 235 members with offices all around the globe. Today, more than 400 luxury hotels from over 80 countries are LHW members. 

All member hotels have to meet strict requirements by the organisation. Hotels that want to become members need to have a referral from an existing member, have to be a luxury hotel and meet specific and demanding standards of accommodation, service, cuisine, staff and facilities. 

LHW is looking for independently managed hotels that provide the highest level of service and create an authentic local experience.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the LHW Marketing department started adjusting their campaigns and introduced a new approach under a pilot program called Agile.

It allowed the team to create flexible campaigns on the global level and resulted in positive growth as tourism started to recover. Travellers began searching for their next vacation destination via the LHW platform. 

LHW members in Croatia

Hotel Monte Mulini

Hotel Monte Mulini in Rovinj is a place where guests can find peace in a secluded forest and breathtaking sea view. The architecture of the hotel is a perfect blend of modern design and functionality. 

Although it is located on a hillside and away from the busy centre, it is still perfectly positioned as it is only a short walk away from the romantic centre of Rovinj. Guests are invited to enjoy a Wine Vault restaurant that has a Chef’s table for six or dine in Amatis, an exclusive restaurant for two.

The restaurant is famous for its modern French cuisine and has one of the biggest wine lists in Croatia. Additionally, guests can relax in a Gin Library or spend time in a three-level Art Wellness & Spa centre with 12 treatment rooms, including access to four pools.

Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel

Located in the historic core of Hvar town, on the island of Hvar, Palace Elisabeth is an ideal combination of the rich history and modern present. 

The hotel building was constructed in the 13th century with recognisable Venetian and Austrian architectural elements. The palace was renovated in 1899, under patronage from the famous Austrian Empress Sisi and was named Spa Hotel Empress Elisabeth. 

Today, 33 rooms and 12 suites are famous for their unique style with facilities available including a pool and spa zone, excellent service and the best location in the heart of the city. 

Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa

This boutique hotel is situated in Ika, a charming fishermen’s town where composers Puccini, Kahlman, Mahler and Lehar found their inspiration. Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa is a place where relaxing is simple yet sophisticated. 

This Mediterranean oasis in the heart of the Opatija’s Riviera features 16 rooms and the biggest and most luxurious suites offer views of the Kvarner Bay.

Restaurant Nobilion proudly promotes its gastronomic journey and seasonal dishes. The creative menu is made of locally selected produce ingredients and the best wines. 

This fine-dining restaurant has tailor-made menus in a prestigious Riva Privée Chef’s table, carefully selected by the Chef. Ikador hotel is a proud partner of the iconic Italian brand Riva, with both concepts represented: Riva Lounge, and Riva Privée with Chef’s Table in the Nobilion restaurant. 

The docked Aquariva yacht with a private skipper is always ready for the hotel’s guests and visitors. Guests also have access to a private entrance to Opatija’s famous Lungomare Promenade. 

Ikador’s luxurious Spa Centre Ikalia is available to guests with special balancing treatments, a fitness centre and a pool. 

Grand Park Hotel Rovinj

Grand Park Hotel is situated in a pine tree forest with an amazing view of the charming core of Rovinj. The hotel was designed by Italian architect Piero Lissoni and Croatian architectural studio 3LHD. 

Guests are invited to enjoy six restaurants and bars, especially their signature restaurant Cap Aureo. Additionally, Grand Park Hotel has the biggest Wellness and Spa centre in Istria, Albaro, covering 3800 sq metres. It covers two floors with three outdoor pools on the roof, granting the best view of the picturesque town of Rovinj. 

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik 

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is a resort located 11 km from Dubrovnik, in the village Orašac. The resort is famous for its location by the Adriatic and Mediterranean gardens and offers a unique experience to its visitors. 

Rooms are designed elegantly and comfortably, with balconies providing a fantastic sea view. The resort offers 16 restaurants and bars that provide a mix of local and Mediterranean cuisine.

The Spa and Wellness zone is spread over 3000 sq metres and includes three pools and an extensive selection of treatments. Guests also have access to a private beach and a selection of water sports, as well as other indoor and outdoor activities in the Sports Centre. 

The resort offers a world of fun and round-the-clock entertainment for the younger guests in the Marco Polo Kids Club. Kids aged 7 to 15 are welcome to take training programs in the Children Sports Academy while adults can explore the area hiking, running or cycling. 

Villa Dubrovnik 

Located in the famous St. Jacobs district in Dubrovnik, Villa Dubrovnik is renowned for its modern architecture and fusion with its coastal surroundings. 

Contemporary luxury dominates the interior design, as rooms and suites are full of natural light and modern decor. From private terraces, guests can enjoy spectacular views of the gardens and the Adriatic Sea. 

The Pjerin restaurant offers up the country’s rich culinary heritage with a contemporary twist. Al Fresco Bar Giardino and the rooftop bar Prosciutto & Wine Bar are ideal for daily refreshments or drinks with the most beautiful views in Dubrovnik. 

The Villa Spa is perfect for relaxation offering various innovative treatments, a sauna and a gym zone. The Library Lounge and garden are available to guests, as well as access to a private beach. Complimentary transfers by car or a stylish wooden boat are available on site. 

Villa Nai 3.3.

Villa Nai 3.3 is a unique, organic and luxurious villa located at the island Dugi Otok. Designed by the architect Nikola Bašić, Villa Nai 3.3 is a property with deluxe accommodation, an oil mill and a tasting room in the middle of a hundred-year-old organic olive grove. 

The recognisable design reflects the terrain as the building is immersed in nature with its green roof and expansive coverage of 40 thousand square metres. The interior design is in perfect harmony with nature also, offering a total of 8 accommodation units. 

Guests can enjoy two restaurants, Grotta 11 000 and 3.3, both of which serve locally produced food and fish, using traditional recipes from the island. The wellness and spa area offers a pool and various treatments for the body and soul.