Welcome to the pine-scented islet of Koločep (known by locals as Kalamota), located a short boat ride from Dubrovnik. This teeny island has just two harbourside villages, Donje Čelo and Gornje Čelo, made up of old stone cottages and villas, and connected by a lovely footpath that winds its way for 20 minutes through olive groves and orchards planted with fig trees and lemon trees. Nature is unspoilt and abundant, and the air fragrant with wild herbs.
At the water's edge in Gornje Čelo lies the charming Kalamota Beach House. Although it's new, the hotel was built on the site of the old Pansion Kalamota, dating from 1928, which was much-loved by European artists, musicians and writers of that time. Now there are 11 spacious suites of varying sizes, all with glistening sea views. Out front, a wide stone terrace, lined by towering palms, hosts the G Chelo bar-restaurant, while a row of baldachini sun beds, shaded by white chiffon drapes, look directly onto the bay. And on the hotel's rooftop, approached up stone steps adorned by fragrant jasmine and pink hydrangeas, is a secluded aqua-tiled pool and a wooden deck with sun beds. Service, from reception to housekeeping is very welcoming and professional at all times; nothing is too much trouble for them to arrange for you. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Highs
- Peaceful location on a car-free islet with lush Mediterranean planting, a sandy beach and clear turquoise waters for swimming
- Proximity to medieval-walled Dubrovnik, served by regular ferry and catamaran, and a ferry landing station directly out front
- Suites have one or two bedrooms, plus sofabeds and kitchenettes, making them ideal for families
- All suites have gorgeous sea views and either a furnished balcony or terrace
- Waterside terrace with bar-restaurant serving all-day drinks and creative Mediterranean fare plus baldachini sun-beds for sunbathing
Lows
- No twin beds
- Spacious modern bathrooms come with walk-in shower but no bathtub
- Koločep is a tiny island with limited nightlife – but utterly romantic under a full moon
Best time to go
For swimming and sunbathing, summer is the obvious time to visit and the sea is warm enough to swim from June through September. Dalmatia, and especially Dubrovnik, do get very busy in July and August. May and early-October are lovely for quieter pursuits and a more easy-going and relaxed atmosphere. The hotel is closed mid-October to end-April.
Our top tips
Borrow a hotel sea kayak to explore Koločep's indented shores. Paddle down to the lighthouse on the island's southern trip, passing several sand and pebble beaches along the way, then round to the southwest coast, to see plummeting rocky cliffs giving onto spectacular turquoise coves. Swim into the Blue Cave, a hidden grotto bathed in iridescent aquamarine light round midday.
- Boutique Apart-Hotel
- 11 suites for 2-8
- Restaurant & bar
- All ages welcome
- Closed: mid-October to end-April
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
There are 11 suites spread over three floors. Each centres on a generous open-plan living space, combining a kitchenette and a lounge area with a sofa and coffee table, which in turn opens onto a wide sea-view balcony or terrace. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling glazing and sliding doors, the suites are light and airy. Décor is modern and discrete, using natural colours inspired by local stone – white plus shades of grey and beige.
Bedrooms are simple but peaceful and functional, and above each bed hangs a large abstract painting by local artist Dubravka Lošić. We were impressed with the big platter of colourful fresh fruit, peeled and sliced, plus a glass of white wine waiting for us in our clean and stylish one-bedroom suite. Such a comfortable bed too! En-suite bathrooms have walk-in rain showers and are stocked with Prija toiletries.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
The hotel's G Chelo bar-restaurant has outdoor tables on a waterside terrace shaded by a bamboo canopy. Here, guests enjoy a leisurely buffet breakfast with eggs cooked to order, followed by brunch, with healthy snacks such as detox smoothies and avocado toast. Come sunset, tables are candlelit for dinner and the barbecue is lit – choose either the generous three-course set menu (changes daily), or a la carte dining, with beautifully-presented delights such as shrimp risotto or peppered steak. We were most impressed with the trio of scallops with broccoli and garlicky mayonnaise, followed by fresh tuna, lightly seared, served with an olive oil foam and grilled vegetables. Our only criticism was that food choices are slightly limited if you have dietary requirements or you want something more simple for dinner.
Picnic baskets can be arranged on request if you're planning a day out exploring. Further afield, you'll find a few seasonal restaurants across the island.
Each suite has a modern well-equipped kitchenette and a dining table, meaning you can also prepare light meals to eat in. There's a small shop for basic provisions in Donje Čelo, but if you want more fancy ingredients, you're best off shopping in Dubrovnik on the mainland.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Kids' meals
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Swim and sunbathe on the hotel's stone terrace – there are baldachini sun-beds and a shower for guests' use
- Explore the island on foot – a winding path connects the two settlements of Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo, passing several centuries-old churches en-route, while smaller paths lead to hidden pebble coves; Placet is a great spot for photos
- Watersports and beach-sports are a thing round here. Try your hands (and feet) at diving, snorkelling, kayaking, canoeing, beach volleyball or hire a small speedboat to explore local coves, beaches and islands
- Spend a day in the magnificent city of Dubrovnik – walk a circuit of the medieval walls, then see the Cathedral, the Maritime Museum and the Franciscan Monastery
- Catch a Jadrolinija ferry or catamaran to visit the neighbouring islands of Lopud and Šipan – Lopud is home to the popular sandy Šunj beach and the Your Black Horizon Art Pavilion (by Olafur Eliasson and David Adjaye), while Šipan, the largest of the Elaphiti, has several outstanding restaurants
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Beach volleyball
- Boat trips
- Historical sites
- Kayaking
- Museums / galleries
- Private guided tours
- Scuba diving
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Wine tasting
- Yoga
Kids
The suites are idea for families and there are cots available on request. Teenagers will love Koločep's easy-going outdoor vibe and exploring its paths and hidden beaches.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
All suites (whether one or two bedrooms) have sofabeds. The best for families are the two-bedroom suites, which come with two bathrooms and can sleep up to six guests.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
High chair
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Children's meals:
The slick modern kitchenettes in the suites mean you can prepare snacks. The hotel's G Chelo restaurant offers informal open-air dining and a kids menu including tasty pizza, and homemade burgers with chips.
Families Should Know:
Note that there are no twin beds or bathtubs.
Distances:
- Airport: 40 minutes by car and 15 minutes by boat
- Hospital: 30 minutes by boat
- Shops: 20 minutes on foot
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Kalamota Beach House is in Gornje Čelo, the smaller of two tiny waterside settlements on the island of Koločep, part of the Elaphiti archipelago, near Dubrovnik in South Dalmatia.
By Air:
Fly to Dubrovnik.
From the Airport:
You can arrange a private transfer by car and speedboat direct to the hotel. Or take the airport bus to Dubrovnik's Gruž port (25km). From here, catch a Jadrolinija catamaran or ferry to Donje Čelo on Koločep seven boats daily in peak season; journey time approx 30min by catamaran; 45min by ferry) or a Europa ferry direct to Gornje Čelo (twice daily; journey time approx 30min). If you arrive at Donje Čelo someone from the hotel will meet you at the harbour, and accompany you and your luggage to the hotel by golf-buggy (free of charge, journey time 10min).
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Dubrovnik 32.0 km DBV
Other:
- Beach 0.4 km
- Shops 1.2 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 6 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape