Brac, Croatia
Small boutique hotel centering on a leafy garden with a pool
overlooking the sea, on the island of Brac (45 minutes by ferry
from Split)
Renowned for its fishing villages, olive groves and stone quarries,
the rocky, pine-scented island of Brac lies just a 45-minute ferry
ride from Split. Its main port, Supetar, comprises 18th-century
Baroque stone buildings clustered around a horseshoe-shaped
harbour. On the edge of town, down a cypress-lined avenue, Hotel
Bracka Perla sits behind a secluded cove.
Meaning ‘pearl of the Adriatic’, all of the
hotel’s architectural attention is turned towards the sea.
The 11 rooms sit like theatre stalls around the
decked lounge area and pool, while the azure backdrop beyond the
hotel walls is framed by tall, verdant evergreens. In the garden,
lavender bushes and olive trees mingle with nature-inspired
sculptures and the sound of the waves. It’s a genuinely
soothing space and ideal for those seeking a few days of escapism.
If you do feel the need to liven things up, the delightful staff
can recommend local attractions, lend out mountain bikes, and
arrange private guided tours of the island.
Highs
- We fell head-over-heels for the peaceful island location, and
the lovely garden, small but well-positioned pool and ever-present
sea views were a highlight of our 2012 revisit - The beautifully designed complex is built from traditional Brac
stone, which is in keeping with the local architecture - All rooms have spacious terraces overlooking the lush gardens,
with fabulous views of the sea - Supetar’s waterside cafés and seafood eateries are
within walking distance (1.5km), but far enough away that no noise
intrudes - Well set up for self-catering: most of the rooms have kitchens
and space for dining
Lows
- Breakfast could be more organised and inspiring:
it’s currently a simple self-service cold buffet - The vibrant and distinctively decorated rooms may feel
overwhelming for those who prefer neutral colours - The ground-floor terraces are not very private
- It’s in the higher price bracket
