Villa Argentina and Villa Orsula Return to Dubrovnik’s Luxury Hotel Scene After Extensive Redevelopment Focused on Design, Wellness and Sustainability

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Adriatic Luxury Hotels has unveiled the completed transformation of two of Dubrovnik’s historic coastal properties, relaunching Villa Argentina and Villa Orsula after a comprehensive redevelopment that blends heritage preservation with contemporary luxury hospitality.

Set along the Adriatic shoreline, the two hotels occupy a prominent position overlooking Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik’s Old Town and the city’s historic harbour. The redevelopment reinforces their role within the destination’s premium hotel landscape while carefully retaining the architectural legacy that has defined both properties for more than a century.

Villa Argentina, first established in 1913, has reopened as a 96-room luxury hotel following a multi-year renovation programme. The project reinterprets the property for modern travellers while safeguarding its historic identity, including the full retention of its original façade. Villa Orsula, a smaller adjacent residence, has also been restored and now operates as a 13-room boutique hotel connected to Villa Argentina through landscaped Mediterranean gardens.

Rather than reshaping the site’s historical character, the redevelopment focuses on layering modern infrastructure within the existing architectural framework. New structural interventions have been discreetly integrated to improve energy performance, operational efficiency and guest comfort, while maintaining the visual continuity of the coastline-facing buildings.

A key enhancement is the introduction of a sixth-floor lobby at Villa Argentina, designed as an elevated arrival space that frames uninterrupted views across the Adriatic Sea. From this vantage point, guests are greeted by sweeping panoramas of Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, reinforcing the property’s strong sense of place from the moment of arrival.

The surrounding landscape has been extensively reworked to create a continuous Mediterranean garden environment. Around 14,000 plants have been introduced across terraces and pathways, including native species such as lavender, rosemary, citrus trees and magnolia. These gardens link Villa Argentina and Villa Orsula with shared outdoor areas, pool decks and a stepped beachfront layout that descends towards the sea.

This integrated landscaping approach allows the two hotels to function as a unified coastal estate while preserving their distinct identities. Walkways and terraces are designed to encourage movement between spaces, creating a layered outdoor experience that transitions from shaded gardens to open sea views.

Inside Villa Argentina, all 96 rooms have been redesigned with a focus on light, space and orientation towards the surrounding landscape. Every room offers views of either the Adriatic coastline, Lokrum Island or Dubrovnik’s historic centre. Natural materials including stone, timber and ceramics are used throughout the interiors, reinforcing a sense of connection to the local environment.

Accommodation ranges from standard guest rooms to larger suites measuring up to 887 square feet. Selected units include private balconies and separate living areas, designed to accommodate extended stays or guests seeking additional privacy. Across all room categories, amenities have been upgraded to include espresso machines, premium minibars and curated bath products.

Villa Orsula has been restored with a more intimate design approach, maintaining its historic exterior while introducing refreshed interiors that highlight original architectural features. The 13-room property features updated colour schemes, handcrafted furnishings and a design language that reflects its boutique positioning within the wider estate.

A major addition to the redevelopment is Anima Wellbeing & Spa, a 566-square-metre wellness facility that expands the leisure offering across both properties. The spa includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, thermal experiences, treatment rooms, a sauna, steam rooms, a salt room and a fitness area. Complementing these facilities is a programme of wellness activities such as yoga, Pilates and sound healing sessions available upon request.

The culinary offering has also been broadened across the estate. Villa Argentina hosts several dining venues including LIZ, Cala Beach Club and Copper Bar, each centred on seasonal produce and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. These outlets provide a range of dining environments, from relaxed beachfront settings to more refined evening experiences.

At Villa Orsula, the Marea restaurant presents a Mediterranean menu shaped by international influences, adding a contrasting culinary dimension to the wider resort offering. Together, the dining concepts aim to reflect both local traditions and global hospitality trends.

Sustainability has been embedded throughout the redevelopment process. The properties now operate with seawater-based heat pump systems, energy-efficient building controls and LED lighting across all areas. Water conservation strategies have been introduced alongside a significant reduction in single-use plastics, aligning the hotels with broader environmental standards in modern luxury hospitality.

Beyond the physical upgrades, the redevelopment also introduces a programme of curated experiences designed to connect guests with Dubrovnik’s cultural and natural heritage. These excursions, developed in partnership with local providers, offer access to historic sites, coastal landscapes and regional traditions, extending the guest journey beyond the hotel environment.

The completion of the project positions Villa Argentina and Villa Orsula as a cohesive luxury destination while preserving their individual character. The dual-property model allows for both scale and intimacy, catering to different types of travellers within a unified coastal setting.

With enhanced accommodation, expanded wellness facilities, strengthened sustainability measures and a renewed focus on experiential travel, the redevelopment marks a significant evolution in Dubrovnik’s hospitality landscape and reinforces the city’s standing as one of the Mediterranean’s leading luxury destinations.