Valamar Lacroma Hotel Review, Dubrovnik, Croatia

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On the Babin Kuk Peninsula looking out over the green Elaphiti islands and the pure blue waters of the Adriatic, Valamar Lacroma is the perfect place for chilling out, as well as exploring the unique beauty of the region.

Renovated in early 2024 this serenely located luxury hotel is part of the Valamar group that has outposts in all the best Croatian locations. Cool, modern and light filled, its terraces step down to the sea with elegant rooms, a white pebble beach, hidden pools for all ages, lush pomegranate gardens, stunning sunset views, welcoming spas and it’s all just a short bus ride from the remarkable Old Town, one of the stars of the spectacular Game of Thrones.

Who for?

Anyone who wants everything on site for total relaxation with lots of excursion options for days out. Guests with young children will appreciate Maro Holiday which takes care of entertaining kids every day and offers a fun pool experience well away from their undoubtedly grateful parents. Unencumbered couples can enjoy the adult cool pools, bars and relaxation areas. Even in October, the weather is pleasantly hot and sunny.

Accommodation

Families, or friendly pairs, can choose a suite with a lounge plus twin bedrooms and twin bathrooms and three, yes three, giant TVs. Most of the modern, artfully decorated rooms have balconies that face out to sea and ours also overlooked the landscaped terraces.

Robes and slippers are provided, as well as a beach/pool bag with towels. Capsule coffee machines and a kettle are standard.

Facilities

The light and airy Balance Mediterranean Spa is a must with its heated indoor freshwater pool, various saunas, adults-only spa centre and a well-equipped gym and beauty centre.

Just outside the spa area is a glorious outdoor pool with grassy manicured gardens that feel delicious under bare feet. All kinds of watersports are available on the pebbly Copacabana beach, or do what we did and idly wander down the paths to the Coral Beach Club with its bars and restaurants and a separate beach suitable for small children.

Food and Drink

We stood in the Mediterraneo restaurant in a delicious haze of indecision. So many buffets with an endless choice of dishes. Meat and super fresh fish are cooked to order on the hot plates and there’s also fresh cooked pizza.

The V Level restaurant Momenti costs a little more, but we enjoyed elevated a la carte dining and table service with a superb outside dining area to watch the sunset. In the mornings the breakfasts are lavish, from the many healthy options to the siren song of freshly cooked eggs and bacon. Snacks are available around the pool at Mezzino and the Vero bar is a friendly oasis every evening, usually with live music.

With a Dine Around Card you can also savour the partner hotel restaurants nearby, like the Valamar President.

What’s nearby?

Dubrovnik Old Town, one of the world’s most perfectly preserved mediaeval cities, is a short bus ride away. Stroll the traffic-free narrow white stone lanes and squares filled with bars, restaurants and smart shops, or take a tasty Food Tour as we did.

Game of Thrones fans can see the Jesuit Staircase where Cersei Lannister took the Walk of Shame, as well as many other instantly recognisable locations.

The hotel can organise trips out to vineyards for wine and oyster tastings, as well as yacht trips to the many pretty islands.

Verdict Croatia is very much on the holiday map now with its verdant landscapes, beautiful blue sea and its classic Mediterranean feel. Valamar Lacroma is an elegant hotel set in large grounds that stretch all the way to the water and is a perfect base to explore the area that is warm and sunny almost all year round.

How much

 Rooms at the Valamar Lacroma start at £100 a night.

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