Hotel Boskinac
Pag, Istria & Kvarner, Croatia
Reviewed by
Jane Foster
On the rugged, almost mystically beautiful island of Pag, Boškinac is a small family run hotel with just 11 rooms. The venture began in 2001, when wine producer Boris Suljic opened his cellar for tastings. By 2003 he had added this small hotel built from local stone in traditional Dalmatian style, plus a lovely colonnaded terrace restaurant. And keen to make his enterprise really special, he brought in a team of chefs to offer sophisticated yet innovative cuisine based on local ingredients, which paid off handsomely with the award of a Michelin star in 2020.
It’s set amid vineyards, olive groves, pine trees and fragrant gardens, just a stone’s throw from the seaside resort of Novalja. What guests love most about Boškinac is the serenity; just being there is profoundly relaxing. This, plus its discreet staff and heralded dining, make it an ideal retreat for a romantic break.
It’s set amid vineyards, olive groves, pine trees and fragrant gardens, just a stone’s throw from the seaside resort of Novalja. What guests love most about Boškinac is the serenity; just being there is profoundly relaxing. This, plus its discreet staff and heralded dining, make it an ideal retreat for a romantic break.
Highs
- Two restaurants: gourmet Michelin-starred dining upstairs and relaxed, homestyle dishes in the tavern-cum-wine cellar
- You're away from the bustle of the coast, yet the dining terrace offers sea views
- Helpful and professional staff, who will go out of their way to ensure you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience
- There's a pretty, leafy patio, plus an inviting plunge pool
- The bedrooms are chic, spacious and airy; and the moody-blue Deluxe Suite is a show-stopper!
Lows
- The nearest town and beaches lie 4km away in Novalja; you'll probably need to hire a car for your stay
- Novalja itself is a rather characterless modern resort, though the island’s capital, Pag Town, is well worth a look for its Renaissance architecture
- The hotel (and island) get very busy in July-August; book early - or, better, come in the shoulder season
Best time to go
The best period to visit Pag is from May-June or September-October when the seaside resorts are not too crowded, the sea warm enough to swim, and the weather sunny but not too hot. During July and August, Novalja’s beaches (especially the party beach of Zrce) are overrun with visitors, while from November-April, most tourist facilities close down completely.
Our top tips
Spend a day exploring the city of Zadar (80km), with its charming old town built upon a walled peninsula. Founded by the Romans, its narrow cobbled streets are packed with shops and cafés, and its top attractions include magnificent Romanesque churches.