Valamar Hotels Offer Sun-Soaked Escapes, Wellness Retreats and Natural Wonders Across Croatia’s Most Captivating Isles With turquoise
Valamar Hotels Offer Sun-Soaked Escapes, Wellness Retreats and Natural Wonders Across Croatia’s Most Captivating Isles
With turquoise waters, Mediterranean sunshine, and scenic coastlines dotted with hidden coves, Croatia’s islands present an increasingly attractive alternative to more crowded destinations in the Mediterranean. Offering everything from snorkelling and paddleboarding to cycling, local food experiences and sunset boat trips, these island escapes remain relatively under the radar for UK travellers – but perhaps not for much longer.
Among the most compelling are Hvar, Rab, and the Elafiti Islands, each offering a distinctive experience. From the laid-back glamour and endless sunshine of Hvar to Rab’s verdant wellness haven and the untouched charm of the Elafitis, these islands promise something for every type of traveller. Valamar, Croatia’s leading hotel company, offers premium accommodation on or near each of these destinations, ensuring a comfortable and high-quality base from which to explore.
Here is a guide to three of Croatia’s most mesmerising islands – and where to stay with Valamar.
Hvar: Croatia’s Sunniest Isle
Known for its dazzling sunshine, historic towns, and vibrant food and nightlife scenes, Hvar has long drawn visitors seeking both style and substance. With more than 2,700 hours of sunshine annually, Hvar is officially Croatia’s sunniest island – a magnet for those chasing warmth and sea views from spring through autumn. Beyond Hvar Town’s lively waterfront, the island also offers rolling lavender fields, secluded coves, and the striking Pakleni Islands, perfect for a day’s boat trip and snorkelling.
Stay at: [PLACES] Hvar by Valamar
Located just metres from a pine-shaded pebble beach and a short stroll from the historic town of Stari Grad, [PLACES] Hvar by Valamar offers an effortless blend of freedom and relaxation. Designed for travellers seeking spontaneity and social connection, the hotel features a 400 m² freshwater pool with poolside music sessions throughout the week, FLEXI dining options, and outdoor spa experiences using local herbs. Active guests can explore 80 km of bike trails, try their hand at windsurfing or join guided fitness sessions. With its chilled Mediterranean style and vibrant social atmosphere, this eco-friendly hotel is a base for both exploration and relaxation on Croatia’s most glamorous isle.
Rooms from £130 per night – flexi half-board included
Rab: A Natural Wellness Escape
Often referred to as the “Happy Island,” Rab is a destination where nature, peace, and wellness take centre stage. Known for its rare sandy beaches and forest-covered peninsula, Rab is an ideal retreat for those seeking rejuvenation. The Capo Fronte trail offers scenic forest walks and bike rides through the lush Dundo forest and oak-cloaked Capo Fronte peninsula, while Rab’s charming Old Town delivers cultural exploration at a slower pace.
Stay at: Arba Resort, Valamar Collection (Opening 28th May 2025)Tucked within the Capo Fronte peninsula and surrounded by Mediterranean woodland, Arba Resort, Valamar Collection is designed as a four-star sanctuary focused on wellness and family relaxation. Scheduled to open 28th May 2025, the resort features an 800 m² Balance Mediterranean Spa with saunas, treatment rooms and open-air relaxation zones, along with multiple pools and direct access to a family-friendly beach. A full all-inclusive dining experience awaits at the Arba772 restaurant, while signature treatments using local herbs and natural cosmetics reflect Rab’s ancient wellness traditions. With dedicated spaces for children, families, and solo travellers alike, Arba Resort invites guests to slow down, reconnect, and recharge in nature.
Rooms from £322 per night – all-inclusive included
Elafiti Islands: Untouched Beauty from Dubrovnik
Off the coast of Dubrovnik, the Elafiti Islands – including Lopud, Šipan and Koločep – are a haven of car-free villages, pine forests, citrus groves, and serene coves. Often visited as a day trip, the Elafitis offer a glimpse into an older, slower Adriatic rhythm. Sandy and pebbly beaches, historical sites, and rustic tavernas dot the islands, which remain sparsely developed and largely untouched by mass tourism.
Stay at: Valamar Argosy Hotel DubrovnikPerched on Dubrovnik’s peaceful Babin Kuk peninsula, Valamar Argosy Hotel is an adults-focused retreat just a short ferry ride from the Elafiti Islands. Two infinity pools overlook the Adriatic, while the spa zone includes a Finnish sauna, bio sauna and treatment rooms, ideal after a day island-hopping. Guests can dine al fresco at the Mediterraneo restaurant with views of the islands themselves, or explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town before retreating to the hotel’s tranquil gardens. With convenient access to ferries and boat tours to the Elafiti Islands, Valamar Argosy serves as an ideal base for a low-key yet enriching coastal holiday.
Rooms from £183 per night – breakfast included
For more information and to book, visit www.valamar.com.