The island of Hvar has a reputation as Croatia's party capital, and its pulsing nightlife and ritzy beaches can sure make it seem like the French Riviera. But it's also home to UNESCO-listed sites, explorable towns, and romantic vineyards that produce some of Croatia's best wines. It has something for everyone, and that goes for its lodging options as well—check out this list of secluded villas, harbor-front hotels, and more.

Heritage Hotel Dea

Photo courtesy of Heritage Hotel Dea

One of the most recommended hotels on Hvar, the Heritage Hotel Dea is both centrally located and has an excellent rate for its position. In order to qualify for the heritage hotel designation, hotels must maintain the original structure of an ancient house or historical building constructed prior to 1950 and be traditionally decorated. The Dea happily lives up to these standards, and you can feel the history around you as you cozy up within the original stones.

The original Hvar theater, main square, Cathedral of St. Stephen, and harbor are all nearby. If you have any questions, you can just ask the friendly staff; the hotel is family-run and has the expertise to spare.

Palace Elisabeth

Photo courtesy of Palace Elisabeth

Palace Elisabeth describes itself as "a historic landmark in the city center." With its five-star character and amenities combined with its position overlooking the main square, it's easy to see why. The sense of luxury melds with historic boutique charm, offering top-notch furnishings amid lush design. 

Appropriately, the hotel sits where the residential complex of the Duke's Palace once stood and brings together the area's Venetian and Austrian influences. After you enter through an archaeological site, you'll take in the Mediterranean gardens, 15th-century statuary, and other historical accents. 

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Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel 

Adriana's a perfect location right up against the yacht-filled harbor (photo courtesy of Hotel Adriana)

The Hotel Adriana pushes right up against the waterfront, attracting the island's glitterati as well as those seeking wellness and relaxation to its upscale resort-style rooms. The Top, its mod-classy cocktail bar, offers terrace views over Hvar town, a magnet for the city's partygoers. Meanwhile, the waterside Val Marina Restaurant provides indulgent dishes in a see-and-be-seen location, the Sensori Spa offers aromatherapy treatments and massages, and a rooftop pool and fitness center are available as well.

The relaxing rooms are decked out in warm tones and natural materials, with floor-to-ceiling windows to let in that dazzling Mediterranean light and provide guests with views of the harbor. A few have terraces and balconies, and the spa suites even include whirlpool baths with picture-perfect views of the town, a satisfying way to relax after a few hours at the beach.

Maslina Resort

Photo courtesy of Maslina Resort

The Maslina is a slightly more secluded option for your island getaway, about a 15-minute walk from the main town of Stari Grad. The rooms, suites, and villas are all furnished with natural and organic materials to complement the stunning sea views. The hotel is designed for "mindful luxury," combining high-end hospitality with respect for the nature and culture of Hvar. They aim to exist as sustainably as possible, using local materials and native landscaping. 

No need to worry if you can't tear yourself away from the property. There's a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant, bar, wine club, and beach bar to take care of your culinary needs as you bask alongside the sea or pool. Take a stroll in the extensive garden and its small amphitheater, send your children to the playroom for supervised activities or relax amid the many modalities of the Pharomatiq Spa.

Little Green Bay

True to its name, Little Green Bay overlooks secluded turquoise waters (photo courtesy of Little Green Bay)

The name says it all. The chic and charming Little Green Bay sits on its own secluded bay—and with only 15 rooms, it can feel like the perfect hideaway. Owned by a French brother and sister and built out of an old farmhouse, this hotel is replete with natural materials like linen and wicker against a subdued setting of stone and scrubbed concrete. Although it's a few miles from Hvar town, the hotel offers private speedboat transfers, so you can decide whether you want to stay secluded or dive headfirst into Hvar's renowned nightlife scene. Just know that stumbling home might be a challenge.

The private pebble beach is a tranquil place to enjoy a sunset aperitif overlooking the water or take a dip with the hotel's own snorkels and floats, while the adorable, terraced Little Spa offers massages in view of the bay. The elegant waterside bistro serves an Instagram-worthy breakfast on sleek ceramics, then turns French in the afternoon and evening, offering a menu of classics like lamb, duck breast, and lobster ravioli.