Lošinj Hotels & Villas: A Sanctuary Where Time Becomes True Luxury
There are destinations that do not need to shout to be remembered. Lošinj is one of those places. An island that reveals itself slowly, inviting visitors to slow down, pay attention to details, and understand the true value of silence.
The journey there sets the tone immediately. A seamless transfer, a calm ferry ride, roads lined with centuries-old pines filtering the light. It is a subtle signal that haste is best left behind.
Hotel Bellevue welcomed us with natural elegance. At the forefront of the team, General Manager Gianluca Cognetto and PR Manager Catarina Zurich embodied Croatian hospitality at its most polished. The architecture is an invitation to breathe: broad lines, monumental windows, a staircase stretching down to the sea. Its integration with the natural environment is harmonious and restrained.
After checking in, we headed straight to the Bellevue Spa Clinic, awarded and recognised among the best in Europe. I was treated by Alena, whose refined technique made for an incredible, deeply relaxing massage. The treatment rooms are minimalist yet imposing. Soft aromas and premium brands like Valmont and Augustinus Bader created an atmosphere that respected both time and body.
That evening, we dined at Matsunoki, recommended by the Michelin Guide. A contemporary Japanese kitchen showcasing technique without excess. Fresh ingredients, precise cuts, flavours honoured rather than masked. The wine list was immaculate, offering carefully chosen Croatian and international labels to complement without overpowering. Service was flawless. The evening was marked by laughter, good food and easy conversation — the sort of dinner that needs no ceremony to be memorable.
The room itself was an invitation to contemplation. An expansive glass door opened onto a balcony with an unbroken view of the sea, pool and hotel gardens. At night, the constant sound of the sea did more than fill the silence, it gave it meaning.
Breakfast at Bellevue was a highlight in its own right. A generous buffet impeccably arranged with artisanal breads, ripe fruits, hot dishes prepared to order and a range of options encouraging guests to linger. I could not resist the freshly made detox juice, balanced and refreshing, just one more thoughtful detail in a meal designed to be enjoyed slowly. After such a well-curated start to the day, we spent the morning relaxing at the hotel’s beach club. Conversations by the sea, the gentle sound of the waves — a planned pause to remind us exactly why we came.
Later, we took a gentle walk along a quiet road towards the Diana Restaurant, passing trees planted with vision and patience — a living legacy of Professor Ambroz Haračić, the botanist who reforested and preserved Lošinj’s unique greenery. Near the path to the restaurant, a statue in his honour reminds visitors that this beauty is not an accident, but the result of deliberate human care.
Diana Restaurant welcomed us with impeccable service, the genuine smiles of staff who seem to truly love what they do. The dishes highlighted the freshness of local ingredients with elegant presentation and unpretentious flavours.
The next day, we moved on to the Boutique Hotel Alhambra, a property that balances history and modernity with great skill. The historic wing preserves its Austro-Hungarian heritage with impressive architectural details, while the new section offers contemporary design, noble materials and spacious layouts. I was fortunate enough to stay in the new wing. Each suite carried the unmistakable scent of Acqua di Parma amenities, creating a unique olfactory signature throughout the hotel.
Dinner was at the Alfred Keller Restaurant, recognised by the Michelin Guide and helmed by chef Michael Gollenz. Regional ingredients were treated with precision, presentations designed to elevate rather than distract. The evening was kept short as we planned to rise before dawn for an eagerly anticipated experience.
We set off for a fishing experience led by Champion Angler Robert, who took us out to sea before the sun had fully risen. The sea was lively, with waves rocking the boat in a steady rhythm. We watched fishermen hauling in heavy nets of fresh sardines, dolphins leaping playfully in an incredible atmosphere bathed in orange tones from the rising sun. It was truly fascinating, one of the absolute highlights of the trip for me.
Back at the hotel, I took time to explore the Bellevue spa, enjoying its calming facilities designed to prolong that sense of care and pause.
Lunch at the Alfred Keller maintained its high standard, with seasonal dishes prepared with technique, fresh ingredients and attentive service. In the afternoon, we went kayaking again with the team from Sunbird Lošinj, exploring the calm waters and natural surroundings freely. It was thrilling and challenging, with a stop at a local beach adding even more adventure.
We concluded our stay on the island at Cigale, a restaurant famous for its fresh fish prepared with skill and respect for its original flavour. The atmosphere was laid-back, service was honest and each dish celebrated its ingredients without unnecessary embellishment.
At Lošinj Hotels & Villas, luxury is not announced — it is built in the care for detail, the unhurried pace, the hospitality that anticipates needs without asking. It is an invitation for those who know that the greatest privilege of travel is the chance to appreciate every detail.
Lošinj is so remarkable that it is impossible to leave without already thinking about when to return.
