Sea-ing is HOT HOTEL believing
Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel
VIBE
Sea views, sea views and more superb sea views as you relax at this stunning Croatian hotel. Panoramic windows extend from floor to ceiling and it’s hard not to be struck by the calm, tranquil and serene environment right from the off.
Built in 1976, it sustained damage in the 90s’ Balkans conflict but was taken over by the Valamar Group in 2004. Ten years later and it was completely renovated as its five-star flagship property in Dubrovnik.
STYLE
The true beauty of this hotel is its location, just above the beach on the Babin Kuk peninsula. Each of its 292 rooms across eight floors has an Adriatic view, with a large balcony to sit and soak it up.
The rooms are spacious, and a few steps separating the bedroom area from a lower level living quarters featuring a sofa and coffee table makes it feel almost apartment-like. The walls are adorned with artwork from both Croatian and international artists, along with canvas shots of Dubrovnik’s most famous sights.
FOOD AND DRINK
There are three on-site restaurants, each offering individual culinary experiences. If you’re after an evening of fine dining, Momenti is the place to enjoy four courses of gourmet cuisine. Chefs treat you to a set menu of carefully selected Croatian and international dishes complemented by a selection of local wines.
Prepare to try dishes you’ve probably never hear of before, like the delicious red Porgy fish fillet.
You’ll find a slightly more laid-back atmosphere at the premium buffet restaurant, where you can watch food being prepared and enjoy assorted desserts. Help yourself at breakfast and dinner and enjoy the terrace’s view of the Elaphiti islands.
The Miramare restaurant completes the line-up, an a la carte spot specialising in Mediterranean seafood along with meat and poultry dishes. The Piano Bar is perfect for a few drinks, with a live singer and a pianist creating a jazz-like atmosphere.
SPA
Valamar’s Balance Mediterranean Spa can be found at both this hotel and its sister hotel, Lacroma, which is less than a 10-minute walk away. You’ll be transported into an environment of relaxation in its spa and wellness area, complete with an infrared sauna, Finnish sauna and steam bath. Various treatments are on offer – I went for the de-stress massage, while pedicure, manicure and wax appointments are also available.
WHAT TO DO
The hotel’s pebbly Relax Beach, 220 yards wide, is an attractive sunbathing area, while another couple of minutes takes you to the Coral Beach Club – it is well worth reserving a sunlounger for an afternoon.
Surrounded by palm trees, it features an open-kitchen restaurant where you can enjoy lunch before grabbing a drink from its beach bar and kicking back and watching the world go by ( from £28, coral-beachclub.com). Both beaches are immaculate and have each won a Blue Flag. Staying on site, the hotel has an outdoor pool on a sun terrace overlooking the sea, plus a heated indoor pool. Keep fit in between meals at the fitness room.
A DAY OUT
Hop aboard an eco tuk-tuk. During the ride, you’ll travel up the Srd mountain and take in stunning views of the walled Old Town, along with fascinating stories of the historic city and some added Croatian humour from John Danicic and his team of experienced guides ( from £38.50, ecotuktoursdu.hr).
Once you’re done, you’ll definitely have worked up a thirst.
Take a stroll over to Buza Bar, accessed through a hole in Dubrovnik’s southern wall.
You’ll negotiate a narrow flight of steps and emerge at the hotspot perched on rocks above the sea - the perfect place for a sundowner or two.
If you enjoyed Game of Thrones you’re in Seven Kingdoms heaven. Dubrovnik was a major filming location, including the Jesuit Stairs where the infamous Cersei Lannister “walk of shame” scene took place.
Each of the hotel’s 292 rooms across eight floors has a view of the Adriatic