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Dubrovnik

The hotel Villa Dubrovnik is referred to simply as The Villa by those in the know. Set among rocks overlooking the old city, it was a favourite haunt of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor and the hotel's own water taxi across to the city makes you feel a part of the jet set. Seven nights B&B costs from £679.

Rovinj

The four-star Melia Eden hotel is set in lush pine forest just a short stroll from the beach. Seven nights' half board costs from £389. Don't miss out on drinks at Valentino's in the old town where you perch on silk cushion-covered rocks with your feet almost in the Adriatic.

Brac

The simple hotel Kastil, built from local white stone and set right on the waterfront in Bol, is the place to spot the beautiful people. Seven nights B&B costs from £319. A 15-minute walk through the pine woods along the famous white marble paths takes you to beautiful Zlatni Rat beach.

Korcula

The three-star Hotel Korcula is almost as famous as the island's best-known son, Marco Polo .The flower-covered terrace is the place to hear the gossip. Seven nights half board costs from £355.

Hvar

The Hotel Palace, built on the site of a Venetian villa, has rooms overlooking the waterfront and main piazza. Seven nights half board costs from £345. Make sure to book a meal at the restaurant Macondo. Located just five minutes away, it has perhaps the best homemade sheep's cheese and organic wine on the island.

All prices are per person, including return flights from London Gatwick to Split, Dubrovnik or Pula and transfers. Flights also available from Manchester, Norwich, Birmingham and, in 2004, Bristol.

Available from Holiday Options, tel: (00 44) 0870 013 0450 or visit www.holiday-options.co.uk; Inghams, tel: (00 44) 020 8780 4433 or visit www.inghams.co.uk; and Bond Tours, tel: (00 44) 01372 745300 or visit www.bondtours.com.

For further information on where to stay and what to see, contact the Croatian National Tourist Board in the UK on tel: (00 44) 020 8563 7979; visit www.croatia.hr