Aleppo pines, 1,100 species of plants, 230 species of medicinal herbs, and around 2,600 hours of annual sunshine.
These are the key ingredients that give Lošinj Island, Croatia, its name of the ‘Healing Island’, with its unrivaled air quality that creates a pristine environment promoting restoration and relaxation.
Celebrating 140 years of tourism, Lošinj has long been a favorite European destination, with its special micro-climate attracting emperors and the nobility of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to today’s discerning traveler. Lošinj Hotels & Villas has a portfolio of the finest five-star hotels and private villas, with an exquisite balance of embodying the island’s aristocratic history while engaging the benefits of Lošinj’s environment in a luxurious experience that promotes overall well-being.
Its combination of clean air, optimum humidity, temperature, saturation of sea salt particles, and essential oils, ensures Lošinj’s environment harnesses the power of nature to deliver natural healing therapies, the inspiration for the spas at Hotel Bellevue and Boutique Hotel Alhambra. The multi-award-winning Bellevue Spa Clinic has revolutionized the concept of wellness by curating a delightful ecosystem of innovative treatments, such as chromotherapy, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, and the signature Sea-Tox program.
This immersive detox program promotes the body’s self-cleansing through detoxifying food and drink, movement-driven activities, and spa treatments using state-of-the-art medical technology. By tapping into the properties of pure and highly saline saltwater, enhanced by minerals and plankton, a wide array of health benefits can be felt, including the improvement of organ function, balancing hormones, alleviating inflammation, and increasing energy.
It is unusual to have a destination’s history epitomized in a hotel, yet at Boutique Hotel Alhambra, it is a given. At Alhambra Cube Spa, guests are welcomed by a bygone ritual, the Kurhaus Inhalation Bar. In 1892, the Kurkomission launched an outpost on Lošinj for those seeking a wellness retreat, with a key practice being breathing in fine mists of seawater and medicinal aerosols. Nowadays, guests are invited to breathe in an aroma of seawater and essential oils using a traditional, Victorian inhalation jug, instantly relaxing the muscles.
The enhancement of healthy well-being is not only found in a spa but also in a restaurant. As Virginia Woolf noted: “One cannot think well, love well, or sleep well, if one has not dined well.” This commitment to healthy and nutritious food is a priority at Lošinj Hotels & Villas, as is constant innovation to keep tastebuds tantalized. At Hotel Bellevue, Bava Innovation has an annual theme curated by the hotel’s talented culinary team, with this year’s culinary concept of Greek cuisine created by Michelin-starred Chef Thanos Feskos. Under the guidance of this renowned guest chef, a Mediterranean gastronomic journey honors centuries-old culinary traditions while embracing modern techniques and the finest local ingredients. For another unforgettable culinary venture, the Michelin-Plate Matsunoki Restaurant offers Japanese-Mediterranean delights, from sushi and sashimi to a delightfully light matcha soufflé.
Guests staying at Hotel Bellevue are welcome to stroll for three minutes down the Čikat Bay promenade to experience the sheer beauty of Boutique Hotel Alhambra. Here, the delectable food adventure continues to enthrall at Alfred Keller Restaurant. Awarded one Michelin-star and the prestigious Gault & Millau Plaque with four chef hats, the ever-changing menu embraces sustainable sourcing and can be paired with any of 610 national and international fine wines in the excellent cellar.
Despite being viewed as a “relatively unknown island”, it is little wonder that Lošinj is considered an important destination for those seeking exploration of Croatia. This gloriously forested slice of island paradise has a plethora of activities and excursions, including the one-of-a-kind Apoxyomenos Museum. Specifically built to house one single exhibit, the Museum of Apoxyomenos is home to The Athlete of Croatia, a world-renowned 6ft 3in bronze sculpture most likely created in the 2nd or 1st century BC. Accidentally found by a diver off the coast of Lošinj in 1996, the sculpture is one of the best preserved and one of the few remaining Greek bronze sculptures from the Hellenistic period.
For an aquatic exploration, the Catriona II sailboat is a beautiful wooden sailing yacht docked in Mali, Lošinj. Suitable for up to eight people or five guests (including a skipper) should they wish to sleep onboard, this traditional yet luxurious sailing yacht is of English design and provides guests with a connection to the sea. To slow down the pace of life, more than 155 miles of hiking trails can strengthen the body and nourish the soul, as travelers can meander through the natural landscape. With trails showcasing panoramic vistas, hidden coves, and impressive churches, these can be enjoyed on foot or by bike.
Follow in the footsteps of those who discovered the island’s charm and healing power 140 years ago with Lošinj Hotels & Villas. Relax, restore, revive – from luxury getaways to active breaks, family holidays and so much more.
