When I landed in Dubrovnik, I didn’t expect to be transformed. But I also didn’t expect to be one of the only Black people I saw. Over the course of my trip to Croatia, I counted just four other Black travelers. As I walked the ancient city walls and watched waves crash against golden cliffs, I found myself quietly wondering: Where are the other Black women?
This isn’t a critique, it’s an invitation. Because what I found in Croatia wasn’t just peace. It was space. Space to rest. To reflect. To feel safe. And to be reminded that we deserve this kind of beauty, too.
Where To Stay In Dubrovnik, Croatia
I stayed at Hotel Excelsior, part of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels portfolio, and it set the tone for everything that followed. The property sits right on the edge of the Adriatic Sea, with sweeping views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Just standing there, taking in the view, I could feel myself start to slow down, breathe deeper, and really be in the moment.
From the time I arrived, it felt like more than just a hotel. It felt like a place built for restoration. The staff was just as thoughtful as the design — warm, attentive, and always a step ahead of what I didn’t even know I needed. Each morning, I’d wake up to sunlight pouring, wrap myself in one of their soft robes, and sip espresso while enjoying the views. It was a simple ritual, but one that reminded me how good it feels to move through the world unbothered.
With Old Town just five minutes away, I was able to seamlessly go from stillness to exploration; shopping for keepsakes, wandering cobblestone streets, and treating myself to lemon sorbet and Prada sunglasses. Little reminders that I’m allowed to indulge.
The food was a standout. Some of the best seafood I’ve ever had, and a chocolate mousse that genuinely made me reconsider where I call home.
But it was the spa that shifted something in me. On my first day, I indulged in a massage that felt like it was made for me. The kind that eases more than just physical tension. Warm, aromatic oils, intuitive hands, and a quiet that wrapped around me like a blanket. Afterward, I took a dip in the hotel’s outdoor pool — yes, that viral one — and let the water, sun, and stillness work their magic.
Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a place where time feels layered. Walking the full length of the city walls gave me a front-row seat to the city’s rooftops, ancient stone streets, and the endlessly blue sea. These walls have been standing since the Middle Ages, and walking them felt like stepping into a story that’s still being written.
I visited Hotel Bellevue for dinner at Vapor, one of the most memorable meals of the trip. The Michelin-recognized restaurant serves elevated Mediterranean cuisine with panoramic sea views. Each dish felt intentional and thoughtful, and the entire evening reminded me how restorative a good meal can be.
Outside the city, I spent time sailing to Ston for freshly shucked oysters and wine on a fisherman’s boat. I visited the Trsteno Arboretum, a 15th-century garden used as a filming location in Game of Thrones, and explored the Konavle Valley, where I toured vineyards, learned about silk-making traditions, and had dinner beside a river at an eco-friendly, farm-to-table restaurant.
These moments didn’t just fill my itinerary; they filled my spirit.
Why Croatia Should Be On Your List
At every stop, I was met with warmth. As a Black woman traveler, that matters. I felt safe. I felt welcomed. I never felt out of place, even in spaces where I didn’t see many people who looked like me.
Representation still matters. And while I didn’t see a lot of us in Croatia, I hope that changes. Not because we’re trying to prove anything, but because we deserve access to this kind of ease, beauty, and intentional rest.
So this is my offering: If you’ve been looking for a sign to book the trip, this might be it. Croatia is calling.
