Palmizana

The Pakleni archipelago is a gorgeous cluster of uninhabited pine-scented islets opposite Hvar. On Sveti Klement, one of the islands, Palmizana occupies an overgrown botanical garden, with palms, cacti, eucalyptus, mimosa, fig trees and lilies.

A back-to-nature retreat, it has six secluded bungalows and six villas (sleeping three to ten), all hung with bold colourful modern paintings – the owner is an art collector. There are two restaurants serving Creative Dalmatian cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood and local seasonal produce.

It sits above a bay with a pebble beach, where yachts drop anchor overnight, and lies a 20-minute speedboat ride from Hvar Town.