Lopud 1483

Location: Croatia

Bedrooms: 5

Guests: 10

For lovers of art and historic architecture, Lopud 1483 is truly the most extraordinary location for a private luxury holiday. Nestled on the northern peninsula of Lopud island, close to Dubrovnik and Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, this beautifully restored 15 th-century Franciscan monastery has glorious views over the Elaphiti Islands and the coastline. Painstakingly renovated over a twenty-year period by famous art collector, Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza, the former monastery includes a wonderful private collection of Renaissance and contemporary art owned by three generations of her family and is a wonderfully peaceful retreat to relax and recharge and the perfect place to live like a collector.

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Inside the property

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A 20-year labour of love by Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza has restored and updated this 15-century Franciscan monastery into a stunning and unique property, with much historic and elegant charm and wonderful art collections throughout

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There are just five charming suites, created from the 13 original cells of the 5,000 m² monastery, with fine wooden ceilings, floors and windows, and views over the gardens or the sea. There are unique pieces from the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection in each suite, complemented by bespoke modern pieces by Italian designer Paola Lenti and contemporary art from the TBA21 collection

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Take time to view one of the world’s greatest private Renaissance and contemporary art collections on display throughout the property. The family collection is believed to be the second largest collection in the world behind only Queen Elizabeth II of the UK

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Dine inside in the Refectory and marvel at the heavy walnut dining table dating from 1550, surrounded by walnut leather chairs, made in Dresden in the early 18th century. In the dining room you will also find one of Francesca’s favourite pieces – a wonderful painting by Franco Maria Pretti of the liberation of St Peter from 1645

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Alternatively eat in the Old Kitchen and enjoy wood-fired pizzas straight from the traditional Croatian bread oven in front of a cosy open fire

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Relax in the salon and admire the contrasting minimalist contemporary furniture of Paula Lenti, a 16 th century wall tapestry and an impressive Thomas Struth photograph of the Raffaelo chambers in the Vatican

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Your own private chef is on hand to prepare and cook sumptuous meals based on locally sourced ingredients with a fine selection ofregional wines as accompaniment

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There are staff to look after your every need, including a yoga instructor and masseur

Things to do on your doorstep

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Take your breakfast on the sun deck

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Ask the chef to prepare a barbeque and enjoy alfresco dining in the peaceful upper gardens of the property

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Stroll through the monastery’s expansive medicinal and sacred gardens. The Sacred Garden, was created with nine distinct stations designed for meditation and contemplation, each with ancient Sami and Norse healing traditions

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Meditate and relax amidst the exquisite greenery in the gardens

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Begin your day with a refreshing open water swim - a private staircase leads down to the Adriatic from the monastery’s sea wall

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Savour the views over the Elaphiti Islands at sunset with a cocktail and canapés on the rooftop of the fortress ruins

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Take a kayak or stand-up paddle board and enjoy an on-water experience around the island

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Enjoy an open-air cinema experience in the atmospheric ruins of the fortress

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Explore Lopud on foot. No cars are permitted on the island, making Lopud unspoilt, with historic ruins and quiet villages providing an interesting day of exploration

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Cycle across the island and spend a day on the sands of Šunj Bay, Lopud’s best beach

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Try your hand at Ziplining or Bungee Jumping if you’re feeling adventurous

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Visit Your Black Horizon Art Pavilion – a contemporary art and architecture project nestled amongst the olive groves, cypress trees and cacti

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Spend time with a local historian, exploring the numerous church ruins on the island

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Join an expert guide who will show you how to fish the waters of the Adriatic

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Cruise around to discover Lopud’s unspoilt bays by speedboat or yacht, and drop anchor in a deserted cove for a picnic lunch

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Bespoke celebrations can be arranged for any special occasion, with a DJ, live musicians, fireworks, dancers and much more

A little further afield

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Head to beautiful Dubrovnik and enjoy a private guided tour of the Old Town. The town is particularly charming at sunset, after the tourists have departed

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Take a ride on the Dubrovnik Cable Car for breathtaking views over the city, the coastline and the nearby islands

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See the exhibits in the Homeland War Museum in Dubrovnik, founded in 1995

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Visit the sets and backdrop of the hugely popular TV series Game of Thrones

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Try some snorkelling in the blue caves of neighbouring Kolocep or a spot of scuba diving if you prefer

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Cruise to nearby Lokrum Island to explore the fortress and botanical gardens

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Spend a day visiting the vineyards of the Peljesac Peninsula, and enjoy a tasting of some of their excellent produce

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Take a tour of one of the region’s local artisan oyster farms in Ston

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Embark on a romantic sunset cruise along the Dalmatian coast

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Enjoy horse riding or mountain biking on the mainland in Konavle, and explore the stunning countryside with traditional local villagesand shaded orchards

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Visit the island of Korcula, reputed to be the birthplace of famous explorer Marco Polo with a beautiful old town

Location

Lopud 1483 is perched on the northernmost tip of the car-free island of Lopud, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, situated off the Dubrovnik coast.

It’s accessible by air or by sea. Speedboat transfers will be arranged from the mainland, or you can arrive by private jet if you prefer. Dubrovnik Airport is the closest airport to the island, around 22 miles away, with the city of Dubrovnik itself less than 10 miles from Lopud.