'I found a playground paradise for kids in Croatia - right by a swanky hotel'
On the north-western tip of Dubrovnik, tucked away in the blissfully quiet Babin Kuk peninsula, this elegant four-star hotel re-opened in June after a major refurbishment.
Surrounded by pine and olive trees, it’s just a 15-minute drive away from the historic walled Old Town of the Pearl of the Adriatic. Each of its 208 rooms have had a contemporary makeover and either look on to a lush green park or out to the Adriatic’s crystal clear waters. Most have a balcony or terrace.
We take a look at everything you need to know about this luxurious Croatian hideaway from the food and drink to the spa...
Food and drink
The hotel is tucked away in the quiet Babin Kuk peninsula (PR HANDOUT)Premium show-cooking restaurant Mediterraneo, one of two on-site restaurants, lays on a buffet of traditional Dalmatian dishes using seasonal produce along with a choice of Turkish, Italian and Greek specialities. And there’s a delectable assortment of desserts to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, plus an impressive selection of local cheeses.
Set by the freshwater swimming pool, the Olivia Grill à la carte restaurant serves up a selection of pizza, pasta and grilled dishes. Or if you just fancy a light bite and drink alfresco, the Vero Bar has a charming outside terrace. Breakfast is a buffet of fresh croissants, bread and cakes, choice of cereals, and eggs cooked to order.
Inside the dreamy hotel with a huge infinity pool right over a lagoon
Spa
If you’re seeking a bit of pampering, head to the nearby sister hotel, five-star Valamar Dubrovnik President, and unwind with a treatment in the Balance Mediterranean Spa wellness centre. Or take advantage of the Finnish and infra-red saunas, Turkish bath and indoor pool.
What to do
Kids will be in playground paradise in Maro World. The largest family entertainment centre on the Adriatic – handily located next to the hotel – it also opened in June and boasts activities and attractions to keep youngsters of all ages amused, including a trampoline park and children’s cinema and theatre.
Take a stroll to one of the trio of beaches, which are a mere pebble’s throw away from the hotel, including Copacabana, considered one of Dubrovnik’s top beaches with spectacular views of the scenic Elaphiti Islands.
Meanwhile a tour of the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a must for Game of Thrones fans. The area starred as King’s Landing in the HBO TV series, and a fun and eco-friendly way to get around is by electric tuk-tuk.
The tour takes you to the best spots for selfies of the impressive cable-stayed bridge. ( ecotuktoursdu.hr ). From the Old Town you can also catch a cable car to the top of 1,352ft high Srd Mountain for jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city, islands and the Dalmatian coastline.
Or see Dubrovnik’s famous city walls from another perspective on a boat trip which can be booked with the hotel, stopping for cooling dips in the sea along the way at beautiful beaches and coves.
Book the holiday
Get there: easyJet flies from Gatwick to Dubrovnik up to seven days a week March to June and September to December with prices starting from £24.99 one-way. easyJet.com
Stay there: Rates at the Valamar Tirena Hotel start at £140 a night in a double room and £238 in a family room. valamar.com/en/hotels-dubrovnik/tirena-hotel
Admission to Maro World is free for guests staying at the hotel. maroworld.valamar.com
Holiday Extras provides UK airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers; with Flextras cancel or amend without charge. HolidayExtras.com
We visited a £10 million Cheshire Spa and felt like we were on holiday
More info: croatia.hr/en-gb
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
