In the quaint city of Dubrovnik, Palace Natali stands proudly, high above the city, overlooking the majestic Adriatic. This beautifully restored 16th-century Renaissance villa whispers luxury in the language of restraint, detail, and timeless charm. In a city famed for its medieval grandeur and cinematic appeal, Palace Natali offers something altogether more rare: stillness, discretion, and the kind of hospitality that feels handwritten.
Arrival & First Impressions
The approach to Palace Natali is unassuming, almost deliberately so. The villa is cocooned by cypress trees and terraced gardens. But step through its doors, and the transformation is immediate. Cool, vaulted interiors reveal an architectural story of heritage restored with surgical precision: original stonework, arched colonnades, and antique flooring meet seamless modern comforts. It’s a masterclass in sympathetic restoration — reverent to its past, yet effortlessly modern. The staff made check-in exceptionally easy, and the first taste of sustainability?
Electronic door cards and service. Connecting to their app is effortless, so paperless is the first tick of approval! Guests are welcomed not with spectacle, but with grace. A refreshingly personal check-in, a chilled local cordial, and an invitation to settle in, not rush. The air smells faintly of lavender and citrus. Time, somehow, seems to pause. Art is everywhere, you can easily tell this took time and care to create such a modern yet timeless place. Sit anywhere you desire, your drinks and foods will come to you. This was by far the most luxurious element.
Room 1. Delightfully situated on the ground floor near the sitting room, it felt as if the whole hotel was our villa to enjoy. Thoughtfully arranged to preserve privacy and architectural integrity, no two rooms are quite the same, and that’s exactly the point. Expect stone walls juxtaposed with fine linens , soft lighting, curated Croatian art, and bathrooms of smooth marble and brass. Many rooms offer garden or sea views, and the sense of seclusion is profound — you hear nothing but rustling leaves, the clink of distant glasses, and, occasionally, the church bells beyond the old city walls. The bed, large and comfortable.
Even the smallest details delight but especially fabulous was the artisanal ceramic mugs for your morning coffee. Along with handwoven textiles, and delightful wooden shutters, it was a true taste of the Adriatic. The bathroom boasted two sinks, and a shower bath that felt like silk on skin. Quiet, peaceful, it is a taste of luxury with the ancient city below ready to be explored.
Cuisine: Understated Sophistication
Dining at Palace Natali at Restaurant Natali was an exquisite experience. Local wines, artistic rich food with tastes to suit each palate, were fabulous. The terrace slowly winds down with the sunset, turning it into a peaceful place to sit and enjoy food. Breakfast is also served here, ripe figs, fresh-baked pastries, Dalmatian cheeses, and eggs made to order. The ingredients are local, seasonal, and presented with quiet flair. However, dinner was magical. Each dish was a journey in itself.
Starting strong with the beef tartare, the meat was fresh and delicate. Onto the main event, a Turbot dish, explosive salty flavours with a crispy element with the fried potato. It was nicely washed down with a local wine, which is easy to find and a must-try in Dubrovnik. Finally, we finished with the Strawberries dish, a creamy delight with zingy strawberries. Each dish is a work of art, with the most exquisite ambience.
The Grounds: A Private Eden
What truly sets Palace Natali apart is its exquisite sense of space. The manicured garden, dotted with olive trees and native herbs, is a sanctuary in itself. There’s a heated outdoor pool surrounded by daybeds and stone urns, a gym area, sauna and massage room carved into the villa’s ancient foundation. The pool, a true highlight. A place to watch passing yachts and speedboats, see the rooftops of the streets below and soak up the sun.
Sunlight filters through vines, and hummingbirds flit past in early morning light; and an ideal place for a gentle swim or a float. Complete with swings hanging from the trees and a games room with pool and darts, it felt like the most luxurious retreat, and a place to find a little piece of that inner child.
Though secluded, Palace Natali is only a 15-minute walk from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, or a quick drive arranged by the concierge. The hotel is close enough to dip into the bustle yet mercifully removed from the crowds of the city. It's a place that intertwines history with modern art and culture. But, of course many guests, understandably, choose never to leave the property. If you're looking to have a trip away but want it to feel like a city paradise, this is ideal. An evening stroll in the old town of Dubrovnik is complete perfection.
We must take time to make a special mention to some of the staff members who made the trip feel even more magical. In the restaurant, Katarina and Daniel made the stay absolutely delightful with quiet poised chatter, professionalism and warm smiles, even remembering names. Excellent porterage service from Jovan who made sure our cases were taken care of in the midday heat.
Palace Natali is not for those who crave flash or spectacle. It’s for travellers who appreciate heritage over hype, calm over clamor, and the quiet luxury of place, craft, and presence. It is not simply a hotel — it is a retreat, a restoration, and a rare jewel in the crown of Croatian hospitality. Whether for a romantic escape, a solo sojourn, or a chapter of stillness on a grand European journey, Palace Natali is a place to return to — in memory, and, inevitably, in person. Join them on Instagram HERE.
*A huge thank you to the team for an amazing stay. #ADPR