Fantasy island: Rewind time at this ultra-luxe former monastery in Croatia

If your idea of the ultimate getaway is staying in the rarest of places, Lopud 1483, a revamped historic site, is destined for your bucket list.

The monastic complex, which dates back to 1483 (hence the name), sits on the northern tip of the small, car-free Croatian isle of Lopud, a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik. The sanctuary was once home to Franciscan monks, but was abandoned in 1822 and sat empty for 170 years.

Flash-forward to 1992, when London-based art collector Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza travelled to the country to rescue works damaged in war. While boating around the island, she spotted the monastery ruins and neighbouring 16th-century fortress and fell in love with the Gothic architecture. Once convinced of its potential, she devoted more than two decades to restoring the property as the creative director.

The result is a hotel fit for fairy tales and paparazzi-shy celebs, welcoming guests as of last year. Thyssen-Bornemisza wanted to preserve the site’s integrity as much as possible, so the sprawling grounds are a mix of historic and modern: Rustic stone walls and original plasterwork and cloisters remain, while interiors are filled with sleek decor, like large handwoven armchairs by Paola Lenti. All the new furniture is by the Italian designer, known for her minimalism.

The 13 monk cells have been transformed into five roomy suites. Each features wooden ceilings and vintage decor items, like grandiose carved chests, which pop against the brightly hued, more contemporary pieces.

Thyssen-Bornemisza has also turned the property into a gallery of sorts; her family has been collecting art for over four generations. Contemporary pieces from her own TBA21 arts foundation hang in each suite, while other family heirlooms are spread throughout the property: Renaissance-era paintings and other objects, a striking tapestry from the 1500s, and two imposing wood-carved angels gracing the entrance.

In lieu of an on-site restaurant, private chefs are on hand to serve up dishes using local ingredients whenever guests would like. Dine indoors — the kitchen has a traditional Croatian bread oven for wood-fired pizza — or al fresco in the idyllic gardens or on the stone terrace overlooking the Elaphiti Islands.

Lopud 1483 is about as exclusive as you can get, with the admittedly lofty rates to match. In the summer, the property is available only to groups reserving the entire place — for, say, the most epic destination wedding — for a minimum of three days (around $15,000 per night). Those hoping to stay without an entourage have a limited window: For now, individual suites are bookable in April and October (about $3,000 nightly). But pinning this to our ultimate travel vision board? One can always dream.

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.