Go 'small and intimate' in Croatia

With Croatia looking set to be a top favourite destination in 2009, Holiday Options is highlighting a selection of carefully selected boutique-style hotels - ranging from three to five-star - for those seeking a small and intimate property.

These include, for example, Hotel Kastil - home to just 32 rooms and built within the external structure of a 600 year-old Ottoman fortress - situated in the seaside village of Bol on the island of Brac.

Prices lead in at the twin share rate of £399 per person for seven nights in mid April inclusive of return flights from Gatwick, transfers and accommodation with breakfast. This rises to £665 per person in peak season.

For five-star luxury, the company recommends the Hotel More, an elegant and refined hotel of 34 rooms and suites, set in a spectacular hillside location just yards from the sea in Dubrovnik.

Prices start from £679 per person (twin share) inclusive of return Gatwick flights, transfers and accommodation with breakfast, increasing to £895 in August.

Finally, for lovers of gourmet food and fine wines, the Villa Annette in Rabac on the Kvarner Riviera ticks both boxes. This tiny family-run villa-style hotel, with just 12 studios and suites, is renowned for its superb Istrian and Mediterranean cuisine including locally-reared Istrian beef, pork and lamb.

A week's stay, based on four sharing a one bedroom suite, costs from £525 per person in mid April, rising to £865 in peak, including returning Gatwick flights, transfers and half-board.

Flights are available from a wide choice of regional airports, supplements may apply.

For more information and reservations, log on to Holidayoptions.co.uk.