Villa Spalato

From its stone façade and mosaic courtyard, to its elegant interiors and seafront swimming pool, Villa Spalato cannot fail to impress. With a hundred years of history behind it, the villa is a protected Cultural Monument, but if this evokes an image of fusty tradition, it couldn’t be more wrong. A glorious restoration blends old with new, so a quiet library with leather-topped desk is joined by a gym and sauna; a confection of classic and contemporary furnishings sees chrome-framed seating on stunning oriental rugs, Tiffany lamps juxtaposed with arty lighting, gilded armchairs and gorgeous antiques giving way to cubist coffee tables, and décor ranging from rich brocades to minimal monochrome.

With four bedrooms on the upper floor, the villa’s (middle) entry level has an opulent hallway with a big open fireplace, a sleek steel breakfast kitchen, a graceful dining room and stylish sitting room. The lower ground floor is a modern guest suite, with its own kitchenette and spacious living room, opening out to the poolside. And here, a Jacuzzi and dining pergola join palm shaded lawns beside a rocky beach, all within 500m of markets and the marina.