Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Dubrovnik Sun Gardens

Ten kilometres north of town, sprawling across the seafront just below the pleasingly rustic village of Orašac, this is a self-contained resort with a rocky beach, wonderful views, well-tended gardens and pretty much everything you need for a hassle-free vacation. A cluster of bars and eateries around the forum-like 'Market Place' augment the main hotel restaurants, and there is a huge range of beauty treatments on offer at the spa centre. Accommodation is in immaculate hotel rooms or in 'residences': apartments ranging in size from one-bedroom to three-bedroom family affairs with kitchenette. The only possible drawback is the location: public transport from Orašac to Dubrovnik is far from ideal (especially at night), and the shuttle boats and buses offered by the hotel don't run that often out of season.