Croatia Holidays 2011 - Stone Accommodation On The Island Of Hvar

Hvar Island is a popular choice for a holiday to Croatia and there is plenty of quality accommodation. Here are 3 of the best authentic stone options.

Voted among the world's ten most beautiful islands by readers of Conde Nast, and with its fabled 2724 hours of sunshine a year, the island of Hvar is growing in popularity as Croatian tourism recovers from the disruption of wars and breakup of Yugoslavia.

The main centre, Hvar Town, also has a growing reputation as an exclusive party town with recent visitors (and their yachts!) including Bill Gates, Roman Abramovich, Paris Hilton, Kevin Spacey and John Malkovich. While there are hotels on offer, there is also some excellent private accommodation which can offer a more authentic stone experience. Here are three of the best.

Quality Accommodation in Hvar Town

Ideally located on a quiet back street just metres from Hvar Town's infamous main square,Villa Sofia offers luxury accommodation in a beautifully restored traditional stone house. Dating back more than 400 years and still containing many original features, this two-bedroom property was fully modernised in 2006.

Particular emphasis was placed on modern comfort and some of the features include an Italian glass shower cubicle with power shower, heated towel rail and under-floor heating, while the kitchen offers

a built-in oven and microwave, gas hob and twin fridges. With a reclining sofa providing extra sleeping space, peak season prices of £1,100 a week offer excellent value for money for a party of six.

Peaceful Tranquillity of the Inland Village of Vrbanj

For a complete change of pace, but within a 20 minute drive of the party action, the village of Vrbanj offers a more peaceful holiday experience, and the outstanding Scottish hospitality on offer at the Quaich Experience is putting the village on the tourist map.

Set around a private courtyard, three former goatsheds have been transformed into luxury cottages for couples. Whether lounging in a hammock by the communal pool or enjoying the delicious home cooking on one of the themed evenings, the emphasis is on relaxation, and the Quaich is gaining in popularity for tourists of all genres, from honeymoon couples taking advantage of the Romantic Package to pensioners using it as a base for walking and cycling holidays. With weekly peak season prices of €800 per cottage, the Quaich offers an affordable option to enjoy traditional Dalmatian village life in modern comfort.

Villa Dvori Sv. Jurja in Humac

Moving further east and for those looking for more privacy, the stone complex of Villa Dvoriin Humac has everything for a party looking to escape the rat race. One of only four stone complexes on the island (and the only one to have been renovated - by a local businessman from Jelsa), there is luxury traditional accommodation.

Set on a mountain-top in grounds of 30,000m2 and with infinity pool and sauna, the views to the the islands of Vis and Scedro are breathtaking. Stone floors, handmade furniture and exposed beams are traditional features to compliment the modern luxury. Exclusivity comes at a price, of course, with an August weekly booking costing a party of eight €6,300.

Whatever accommodation you choose, the Hvar island is full of hidden gems, such as the deserted village of Malo Grablje, owned by descendents of Henry VIII and, for an island famed for its lavender, its very own superhero - Lavanderman! Enjoy!