Villa Royal

Modern rooms and self-catering apartments meet the sea at Villa Royal, in Supetarska Draga on the island of Rab. You can choose the simplicity of a double room or the extra room of an apartment with its own kitchen, then finish the day beside the seasonal outdoor pool or at the Port Royal bar.

This is a practical base for couples, families and divers who prefer having choices after the day's activities. You can eat at the on-site restaurant, prepare something in your apartment, or sit down with a cocktail without going anywhere else. Children of any age are welcome, and there is outdoor play equipment for younger travellers.

The hotel's website is available in English, as well as Croatian, German and Italian. That tells you which international guests the property is set up to address, although the languages spoken by the hotel team are not listed.

Supetarska Draga Bay is the setting, on the western side of Rab. Villa Royal is directly by the sea and has direct beach access, so the water is part of the property rather than a distant day trip. Supetarska Draga Beach is about 0.3 miles away, while Dumići Beach is roughly 0.9 miles away by road.

You are not cut off from the useful bits of the island. Three restaurants are within about half a mile, including Melita, Premijer and Belveder. Grota Caffe Bar is around 1.6 miles away, should you fancy a change of scene and a coffee that did not come from the hotel machine.

Rab Old Town is 4.3 miles from the property, and Paradise Beach San Marino is about 5 miles away. Rijeka Airport is around 37 miles by road, with a listed driving time of 2 hours 31 minutes. The island setting brings the sea close, but it also makes the airport transfer a proper part of the journey.

For a couple who want to keep things straightforward, the Double Room with Balcony and Sea View gives you a large bed, air conditioning and your own view over the water. The Studio with Balcony and Sea View adds more living space while keeping the arrangement suitable for two. Either way, the balcony is the useful feature: somewhere to sit with a drink while the daylight goes out over the bay.

Travelling with family or friends, you will get more from one of the larger apartments than from trying to make a compact room do everything. The apartments have equipped kitchens, seating areas and private bathrooms, with the bigger layouts offering two bathrooms. That matters when four people return at roughly the same time and all have strong opinions about the shower queue.

Every unit has air conditioning, free WiFi, a refrigerator, a wardrobe or dressing room and a drying rack for clothing. Soundproofed rooms and private entrances add a little separation from the rest of the property, while balconies, patios or terraces vary by accommodation. Upper floors are accessible by stairs only, so check the layout carefully if stairs are an issue. Room service is available on request, and daily housekeeping is available as an additional service.

Restaurant Royal covers the three main meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is included with the half-board arrangement and comes in several familiar forms, from continental and Italian options to Full English/Irish, vegetarian and American choices. That gives you room to keep it light or build the sort of plate that has to survive a morning in the water.

The daily rhythm changes as the day moves on. Mornings bring brioche, freshly squeezed juice and coffee; in the afternoon, the kitchen turns to cold dishes and snacks. The restaurant also offers room service on request, useful when the sensible plan is to eat privately and get your feet up rather than dress for dinner.

There is one main bar, Caffe Bar & Lounge Port Royal. It works as a daytime meeting point and an evening lounge, with cocktails as its speciality and an outdoor terrace with a lounge-club feel. The property also has a snack bar and an on-site coffee house, so you have more than one way to deal with the gap between lunch and dinner.

The seasonal outdoor pool comes with sun loungers, umbrellas, an outdoor shower and an indoor changing area with toilets nearby. It is an easy place to spend an unhurried afternoon without having to organise another outing. Direct access to the beach gives you a second option when the pool feels too much like effort.

For a quieter recovery session, Spa Oasis brings together massage, a Finnish sauna and a jacuzzi. The wellness area also includes a steam room, relaxation facilities and heated loungers. A fitness centre is available as well, although after a full day of swimming, kicking and carrying kit, using it is very much your decision.

You can play tennis or table tennis on site, and tennis equipment is available. Bicycle rental gives couples a way to explore at their own pace, while evening entertainment is available when staying in feels better than going out. Free private parking makes the property workable for a driving holiday, and pets are welcome on request.

An airport shuttle is available and can be arranged with the hotel. A general shuttle service is also available. With Rijeka Airport about 37 miles away by road, arranging the onward journey before arrival is sensible, particularly if you are travelling with dive luggage or arriving late.

Booking details give check-in between 12:00 and 23:30, with check-out between 08:00 and 10:00. Express check-in and check-out are available, and reception service is provided. Early check-in and late check-out can be arranged on request.

Free WiFi covers the property, and free private parking is available on site without a reservation. The accommodation includes air conditioning, heating, soundproofing and a safety deposit box. Packed lunches can be arranged, which is useful for an island day away from the restaurant. Extra beds are available on request for children and older guests, while cots are not available.