Lošinj: Croatia's Secret Island for the Restless Soul
- Vingt Sept
- Jul 24
- 6 min read
Long whispered about in luxury circles as the Adriatic's answer to the Côte d'Azur, Lošinj is a discreet haven of sapphire waters, some of the cleanest air on the planet, pine-forest hills, and sun-soaked elegance. But unlike its more performative Mediterranean counterparts, it's not content with languid days and still afternoons - here, luxury lies in its movement.
Immersion Over Observation: A New Era of Wellness
This year, this slice of paradise introduced something called Blue Safari Experiences. Perfection for discerning travellers seeking to explore Lošinj's unique marine legacy, not just by observation but by immersion.
Imagine a peaceful glide over seagrass meadows in a transparent kayak, revealing the world below in pristine detail; paddleboarding around secret coves and caves of each bay, where every stroke becomes a meditation. Or perhaps tugging a rod on the open sea during a big game fishing expedition (led by Croatian champion Robert Maršanić), where sustainable sport meets ancient seafaring tradition. This innovative approach redefines wellness, where the embrace of the sea nourishes both body and soul.
Activities here are rooted in nature, movement, and mindfulness. Not only does this lower cortisol levels, but it also eases anxiety and fosters connection, because after all, being one with the sea nourishes and realigns both the body and soul. Once you experience this island paradise, you'll return not only rested, but recalibrated - stronger, more connected, and more alive.
About Lošinj
Once a 19th-century wellness retreat for Austro-Hungarian aristocrats, Lošinj has quietly reemerged as one of Europe’s most sophisticated destinations for modern travellers seeking restoration. In contrast to neighbouring islands such as Hvar’s party scene or Korčula’s heavy-footed tourism, this super high net worth sanctuary has invested in something deeper: longevity, purity, and experiential luxury rooted in place.
The island is a blueprint for sustainable, high-end travel, and with it being tightly regulated with UNESCO-protected waters and a unique marine life, Lošinj offers exclusivity without excess. The island has been named a “climatic health resort” due to its exceptionally clean air, century-old pine forests, and unique microclimate. This unique climate supports over 1,000 species of medicinal herbs such as Lavender, known for its relaxing and antiseptic properties; Helichrysum, celebrated for its anti-ageing and skin regeneration properties; and St. John's Wort, a natural antidepressant revered for its ability to heal wounds and promote emotional wellbeing. These natural assets don’t just elevate the scenery; they power a new wave of herbal therapies and wellness programmes found amongst its world-class hotels and spas.
Getting there
There are several convenient ways to reach Lošinj from the UK, with daily flights to Pula Airport. From there, travellers can choose a scenic three-hour drive with a short ferry ride, a two-hour ferry from Pula Port, or a quick 20-minute flight directly to Mali Lošinj. Whichever route you take, the journey sets the tone for a cinematic escape.
Where to stay
The island is anchored by two five-star retreats - Hotel Bellevue, a sleek monument to modern wellness, and the refined Boutique Hotel Alhambra, with its Austro-Hungarian grace. Both offer a unique perspective on serenity and thrill, indulgence and effort.
Hotel Bellevue is a modern temple of wellness. This five-star retreat is oriented toward minimalism and clarity. Think light-filled interiors, elegant lines that lead to astounding forest views. The architecture here creates a sense of intimacy yet feels spacious. There are 206 rooms, striking a fine balance between ambience, yet it is home to a vast array of amenities, from fine-dining restaurants, private beach access, a seawater pool, serene garden terraces, and, last but not least, an award-winning spa.
Hotel Bellvue
Hotel Bellvue's clinical-grade wellness centre not only houses advanced technology but also pairs it with traditional healing. Offering innovative treatments developed by expert physicians, nutritionists, and kinesiologists, highlights include their Sea-Tox program - an immersive detox combining targeted spa therapies, movement, and detoxifying foods to cleanse the body. Not only does this boost metabolism, but it also enhances overall well-being.
Boutique Hotel Alhambra offers a tranquil retreat blending historic grandeur effortlessly with contemporary luxury. The main hotel is home to two exquisite villas, Villa Alhambra and Villa Augusta. Each is steeped in character, architectural charm, and is accompanied by an additional contemporary wing. Here, 36 lavish rooms and 15 elegant suites offer a seamless fusion of heritage detail and modern comfort.
Boutique Hotel Alhambra
Designed originally in 1912 by renowned Austrian architect Alfred Keller, Villa Alhambra feels both elegant and inviting. Its Art Nouveau bones are beautifully preserved, but there's a modern ease to the space, a thoughtful blend of old-world charm and modern contemporary style. Inside, rich textures, vintage accents, and a touch of 1950s Hollywood glamour create a warm, timeless atmosphere.
For guests seeking greater privacy, the hotel offers a selection of five private villas nestled along the ridgeline above the bay. Among them is Captain’s Villa Rouge, a restored 19th-century residence designed by Viennese architect Friedrich Sigmund, offering seven luxurious suites across three private-entry floors. The villa combines historic elegance with modern comforts: a heated saltwater pool, lush Mediterranean gardens, a summer kitchen, and a veranda with panoramic sea views. Inside, Murano glass chandeliers, terrazzo tiles, and nautical design touches create a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Guests can indulge in a private spa, gym, and lift, along with a butler-dedicated service.
Dining
At Hotel Bellevue, dining is experiential, where they showcase a unique fine dining experience with restaurants Matsunoki and Bava Innovation. Chef Roko Nikolić is the mastermind overseeing both restaurants and has a fantastic team at hand to carry through their identities.
Think Japanese minimalism meets Mediterranean ethos at their restaurant, Matsunoki. Led by Chef Orhan Cakiroglu, with a culinary background in Japan’s finest kitchens, Matsunoki reinvents Adriatic fish through sushi techniques. Dishes include sea bream ceviche with lobster in ponzu butter, wagyu beef gyoza, and imaginative sushi and sashimi. Pair these dishes with select Japanese whisky and sake. It's clean, umami-rich profiles not only cleanse the palate but enhance the flavours of delicate fish.
At Bava Innovation - a bold new culinary initiative - guests can expect to experience an evolving dining concept reimagining Mediterranean cuisine through a fresh lens each year.
Following the success of Bava Italian last year, its 2025 chapter debuts with Bava Greek, a striking tribute to Greece’s rich gastronomic heritage. This year, Chef Thanos Feskos evolves Greek‑Mediterranean fare into refined tasting menus. Experience dishes such as flame-charred octopus served with wild-herb espuma, or slow-roast lamb infused with heirloom olive oil and hand-foraged thyme. Each plate strikes a balance between boldness and nuance. Paired with crisp Croatian whites or regional reds to highlight notes of sea salt and herbal freshness.
Dining at Boutique Hotel Alhambra
Restaurant Alfred Keller is a Michelin-starred dining experience that delivers a standout epicurean journey rooted in the island’s zero-mile philosophy, using only the freshest local ingredients. Chef Michael Gollenz masterfully combines classic French techniques with global influences - highlights might include delicate scampi dressed in Thai-inflected herbs or locally caught fish paired with spiced sausage and wild fennel.
Sommeliers narrate pairings: a crisp Malvasia will enhance the flavours of the ceviche, and a bold Plavac Mali complements lamb; each wine is carefully selected to accentuate the regional terroir and the texture of the dish.
Activities
For those preferring to keep their feet firmly on the ground, there's an abundance of on-land adventures from guided hiking trails around the island's herb-scented ridgelines with postcard panoramic views. For those craving a reconnection with nature or a dose of adrenaline, cycling forest trails or coastal roads reveals hidden coves at every turn. Every moment invites something physical, something deeply visceral.
Mali Lošinj is a 15-minute stroll from both hotels. The town showcases unique buildings with pastel façades in heritage hues of pink, blue and yellow. This is a local vernacular rather than a filmic affectation, although it does seem reminiscent of a Wes Anderson movie. Expect to stumble across cobbled lanes brimming with boutiques housing artisanal crafts and cafés humming with local warmth and sophistication.
In town, the Museum of Apoxyomenos houses a remarkable Bronze Age statue, recovered by underwater archaeologists 25 years ago. Believed to date between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, the sculpture stands alone, a powerful testament to ancient ideals of physical strength and beauty. Its chiselled form and poised stance reveal how wellness and aesthetic refinement were intrinsic to maritime life. The museum’s calm, contemplative atmosphere invites a quiet dialogue across time, where athletic grace, human vitality, and Lošinj’s longstanding connection to health converge in a singular, place-driven narrative.
Lošinj is more than a health destination. It is a frontier for those who see movement not as something to avoid but as something to crave. For the restless. For the recovering. For the strong. For those who find clarity with every breath in open water.
This is not a place to escape life, but to return to it - stronger, freer, and undeniably changed.
Words by Arabella Itani
Editor & Sub Editor Jheanelle Feanny
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