April 14, 2026 – Tourism in Bol on Brac has been consistently rising in quality in recent years, and that trend is set to continue in 2026 with the opening of The Bristol Bol on the waterfront.
As a resident of Jelsa on Hvar for 13 years, I have always looked across the Hvar Channel to the southern town of Bol on Brac with a little envy. The two towns are connected by daily catamaran, and before the Homeland War, tourism in Jelsa was much more popular than on its Brac counterpart, but how times have changed since then.
Heavy investment in BlueSun Hotels on Brac, as well as one of Croatia’s top wine experiences at Stina, with additional investment in the island’s airport, elevated the status of Bol to one of the more attractive destinations in the Adriatic, even more so when the tourism strategy focused on family tourism, adventure tourism, and culture. We visited a couple of years ago at the end of September and, as you can see in the video below, we were treated to an exceptional tourism experience on so many levels.
Bol had elevated itself to a 4-star destination, and I left with pleasant memories, mindful of what could have been in my beloved adopted Jelsa.
And that level of quality looks set to continue with the opening of a new luxury hotel on the waterfront – The Bristol Bol, only the second in a new brand of luxury hotel, which started last year in Belgrade, and which has ambitious plans to expand to several choice locations internationally.
The original Bristol Belgrade opened in 1912 and hosted, among others, the British Royal Family and the Rockefellers. It was extensively refurbished and opened by the new owners in February 2025, quickly establishing itself as one of the best addresses in the Serbian capital. A quick query to ChatGPT reveals the following:
The Bristol Belgrade is highly regarded as a top-tier luxury hotel, holding a 9.5/10 (Exceptional) rating on Booking.com and winning the prestigious 2025 MICHELIN Key. It is lauded for its Art Deco-inspired design, exceptional service, and prime location within the Belgrade Waterfront area.
That the owners have decided to make the The Bristol Bol the second flagship property in their portfolio is a strong endorsement of the destination, as well as great promotion of Bol as a higher-end destination. With Bol Airport connected to Belgrade, Zagreb, Italy, Austria, and Slovakia this summer, this new 94-room boutique hotel is perfectly positioned. I reached out to the company to learn more about the brand:
Building on The Bristol Belgrade’s legacy, The Bristol Hotels & Resorts is a collection of refined hotels celebrating the culture and elegance of unique international destinations. Each distinct property delivers bespoke experiences and thoughtful design rooted in place, guided by relaxed elegance. We are expanding this portfolio to offer meaningful, carefully crafted stays united by exceptional hospitality.
We aspire to redefine hospitality by blending timeless sophistication with thoughtful service. Our hotels are more than places to stay-they are destinations where history, design, and human connection come together to create moments of inspiration and harmony.
Following the footsteps of The Bristol Belgrade, we are shaping the future of hospitality with a pipeline of exceptional new properties. Each hotel is being crafted from the ground up, blending contemporary design with world-class service to create destinations that will define luxury for years to come. This is more than expansion, it is a commitment to setting new standards across our portfolio.
The Bristol Bol is located on the famous Bol waterfront in the heart of the town. In former times, it had been the Hotel Park, but it has been used for staff accommodation for over a decade, so the transformation to a 4-star hotel with 5-star service will be a significant boost for Bol tourism.
The hotel features 94 rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed to feel calm, elegant & naturally connected to their surroundings. Our rooms and suites collection reflects the essence of a storied and elegant island retreat, setting a new standard for high-end luxury accommodation in Brač, and the region. Imbued with the signature Bristol touch of relaxed yet discerning luxury, each room and suite is meticulously designed around immersive, evocative views, maximizing the benefits of natural materials and the interplay of light.
A Space for Every Occasion. Crafted to complete your most memorable moments. From intimate celebrations to weddings, our state-of-the-art facilities and the attentive support of our experienced team ensure your event unfolds seamlessly, creating lasting memories for every guest. At The Bristol Bol, the rhythm of the island shapes every moment.
From restorative wellness rituals inspired by nature to authentic island adventures across sea and land, each experience invites guests to slow down, explore, and reconnect with the spirit of Brač.
Inspired by Brač’s natural elements, the spa and wellness area is designed as a quiet sanctuary of restoration. Thoughtfully curated treatments and rituals invite you to unwind and recharge, surrounded by a sense of calm and simplicity. Here, wellbeing is rooted in balance, nature, and the gentle pace of island life.
The Bristol Bol will open its doors on June 15, 2026 – it promises to be an exciting chapter in the continued success of Bol. You can find out more on the official website.
