Sailing in Croatia is one of the most charming ways of spending summer vacation. Croatia has 1244 islands, islets, and crags, of which 48 are inhabited. This summer you should stay on one of them. Our recommendation lies seven miles from Dubrovnik on the island of Lopud. The island became home to one of the most exclusive retreats - the Lopud 1483. A place that exudes uniqueness, a retreat nestled in a 15th century-old monastery.
The monastery was founded in 1483, a fortress next to it a century later. The last Franciscans lived there at the beginning of the 19th century but by 1840 it was abandoned. After that, a fire broke out and the monastery was largely destroyed.
Twenty years ago, the island visited art collector, patron, and philanthropist Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza. She instantly fell in love with the ruins of the former Franciscan monastery. Soon after her first visit, she began the revival of this exquisite place. Today it is one of the most elegant retreats for discovering the beauty of the Croatian Riviera.
Envisioned as a sanctuary for travelers that appreciate fine art, the beauty of nature, and history, Lopud 1483 is an ideal gathering place for culture lovers, artists, intellectuals. The restored Franciscan monastery serves as a museum and relaxation heaven.
It hosts part of the renowned Thyssen-Bornemisza collection, frequently named the most exquisite private art collection in the world. It spans from the 13th up until the 21st century. The collection can compare only to that of the Queen of England. Curated by Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza, the exhibition includes paintings, sculpture, furniture, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the present day. As a unique island museum, it is open for visitors.
Lopud 1483 represents a perfect combination of contemporary amenities and Renaissance flair. The 12 small monk’s rooms became 5 spacious suites filled with history and art. This means that you can enjoy the rarest works of art while you’re drinking your morning coffee. Art pieces complement the idea behind the retreat - of your own summer home.
On a car-free island, occupied with monasteries and villas, vacationing at the Lopud 1483 will bring a feel-like-home vibe. The venue doesn’t need a restaurant. The chefs will serve you whatever you like, wherever you like it. A pool is unnecessary as the staircase from the garden leads straight to your private part of the sparkling Adriatic sea. If you wish for more exclusive entrance to the sea there is direct sea access via an underground cave. How extraordinary is that?
Once you step outside the smells from the herb garden will enchant you. Surrounded by lemon, olive trees, and over 80 species of plants, the garden is the ideal place to enjoy the beauty of island life. When night falls, head to the fortress. Apart from the majestic views, here you can enjoy a romantic moonlit dinner or sunset cocktail at the rooftop bar. How about private cinema under the stars? After all, Lopud 1483 is more of an experience than anything else.
For visit and more information contact our travel advisor.