Location

8 / 10

Zlatni Rat, in Bol, is Croatia's most photographed beach – a fine pebble split that juts out perpendicular from the coast, changing shape slightly depending on prevailing winds and currents. Behind Zlatni Rat rises Vidova Gora, the highest peak on the Croatian islands.

You'll find Zlatni Bol Apartments in a residential area, a 10-minute walk from Bol's pretty fishing harbour, and a 15-minute walk from Zlatni Rat beach. It's not on the seafront but it is blissfully quiet.

Bol lies on Brač's sunny south coast, and is served by direct catamaran from Split (there are five daily departures in the summer, with a journey time of just under an hour). Regular ferries also run from Split to Brač's main port, Supetar (also taking just short of an hour), with connecting buses across the island to Bol. From Bol, you have two catamarans daily to Jelsa (taking 20 minutes) on the island of Hvar, making for a nice excursion.

Style and Character

7 / 10

These purpose-built apartments are spread over three levels connected by a wide marble staircase – the owners Goran and Tamara live on the top floor. The décor throughout is elegant yet functional and unfussy, providing everything you might need – each unit comes with a furnished balcony or patio where you can sit out. They feel homely and summery.

Service and Facilities

8 / 10

Goran and Tamara are charming hosts who'll do everything to make sure you enjoy your stay – from meeting you off the catamaran or bus, to sharing useful local recommendations. Goran is a windsurfing fanatic, and an excellent source of information about watersports. He has tried several times to get me windsurfing with the Big Blue centre at Borak Beach, but I have so far managed to dodge that one. Instead, this time I hired an electric bike and peddled up Vidova Gora for spectacular views over the surrounding islands – it was well worth it and great for photos.

There's a new company in Bol offering kite surfing, and if tennis is your thing, tuition is available – tiny Bol has a staggering 25 tennis courts and hosts various international tournaments. Goran can also help you plan hiking excursions and cycling trips. For small children, there's a floating inflatable aquapark playground near Zlatni Rat beach.

Rooms

8 / 10

There are five studios (sleeping two) and four apartments (sleeping four). I stayed in an open-plan studio downstairs. It comprised a kitchen space and a sleeping area, with a white wooden double bed (the mattress was super comfortable) and floor-to-ceiling glazing opening onto a small walled garden with on old olive tree, two white canvas deck chairs, a small mosaic-top table with two chairs, and (best of all) an outdoor shower. Indoors I had a tiled bathroom with a shower - both soap and a hairdryer were provided. It's totally peaceful here and I had a sound night's sleep.

On the upper floor, the apartments are more spacious and have a double bedroom and a living room with a sofa-bed, plus a balcony or a terrace. All units have good air-conditioning and some have ceiling fans, too.

Food and Drink

7 / 10

Each unit has a fully equipped built-in kitchen with everything you could possibly need – mine had a kettle, a coffee pot, a fridge, a microwave and hotplates for cooking light meals, plus tableware and cutlery.

There's a supermarket a 10-minute walk away for shopping, plus a bakery and several stalls selling fresh fruit near the harbour in Bol. Best of all, one of the ground-floor studios has a patio with a barbecue, where you can grill fresh fish.

Goran will tell you about his favourite local restaurants, including Konoba Dinko for reasonably priced Dalmatian meat and fish dishes, and Restaurant Argento which does an excellent daily set lunch. He also recommends Snack Box for tasty homemade burgers, Fish Delish for seafood-based street food (I tried it and can second that), and Café Buzha for divine desserts.

Value for Money

9 / 10

Double rooms from €45 (£39) in low season; and from €140 (£122) in high. Breakfast excluded.