Best Spa and Wellness Resorts in Croatia
When it comes to top spa destinations, people usually think of the elite Alpine resorts in Switzerland and Austria, Asian paradise settings, such as in Bali, or the Nordic saunas, steam-baths and ice-plunges in the Scandinavia.
Croatia is a lesser known, yet no less impressive (and indulgent) spa destination. Travellers and spa-seekers alike are waking up to this and beginning to gravitate towards its stunning island resorts and inland retreats.
The Croatian word for ‘spa’ or ‘spa town’ is toplice. In times gone by, the traditional Croatia spa experience was not necessarily luxury or pampering. In fact, it was more a health camp, with austere diets and targeted treatments for breathing problems or heart conditions. Traditionally, it was women who flocked to a toplice for health, community, restoration and rejuvenation.
With azure sea waters, natural springs, mountains, and forests aplenty, as well as a favourable exchange rate in comparison to leading international currencies, it is no wonder Croatian spa resorts are gaining interest. Here is a selection of the top five spa and wellness holiday locations.
Hotel Monte Mulini, Rovinj
Travel to the wild and beautiful north Adriatic seaside town of Rovinj for a wellness retreat at the luxurious Hotel Monte Mulini. Their ‘art of wellness’ spa menthe is inspired by natural resources in the area - water, wood, stone, and gold. The spa is spacious and features several multifunctional therapy rooms. Look out for their signature ‘wine vault full body rejuvenation’ and ‘gin & tonic on the rocks: juniper stone massage.’ The hotel itself is swish, with panoramic views of the sea and sky, elevating your senses and inviting in calm and relaxation.
Hotel Villa Magdelena, Krapinske Toplice
Venture away from the Adriatic and into Croatia’s lesser-known interior. The renowned thermal village of Krapinske Toplice is home to an award-winning spa resort, Hotel Villa Magdalena. This zen mountain retreat is family-owned and operated, with a homely, intimate atmosphere. It is located only an hour north of Zagreb, right next to a natural thermal spring rich in restorative minerals like calcium, magnesium and hydro-carbonate. Amazingly, there is no sulphur in the spring waters here, ensuring no uncomfortable aromas. People travel here not just for wellness holidays, but also for treatments and procedures. It is a centuries old local secret that the Krapinske Toplice waters are healing. All the apartment-style suites at the villa have private whirlpools fed by the thermal waters.
Istarske Toplice, Istra
Croatia’s most established and best-loved thermal resort, Istarske Toplice, is situated beside an 85-metre high rock. The Sveti Stjepan spring is found on the underside of the rock face. It provides the mineral waters used in the complex’s hydrotherapy and thermotherapy treatments. Istaske is known for its curative muds and aroma-steam saunas, which are framed by the rolling hills of Istra. The Sveti Stjepan spring has been to heal a range of diseases and ailments since antiquity. Roman money and jewels have been discovered on site. The resort balances this ancient heritage with modern touches and thoughtful architecture that compliments the abundant natural beauty all around.
Image: Villa Vela Luka on Brač
Velaris - Villa Vela Luka, Brač Island
Bluesun resort Velaris is the complex that houses the stunning Villa Vela Luka, a boutique hotel and heritage building. All 36 rooms look out to the sea, because the villa is surrounded by stunning waters and is just 20m from the sea. The villa captures the beauty of the sea and the mediterranean gardens and pine forests nearby. Amor Wellness Spa has a comprehensive menu of body treatments, ocean-inspired rituals, regenerative massages and beauty treatments. The Villa also boasts a yoga room, yoga deck with ocean views and nearby organic restaurant, the Grill Garden. Join expert yoga teachers, Lauren Duker and Nina Butler there in September 2020 for a restorative, energising week of sun, sea, sweat and soul! This competitively priced yoga package is all-inclusive and offers you the best of Brač island, where the villa is situated.
Hotel Ambassador, Opatija
The seaside town of Optija is situated in Kvarner Bay on the Croatian Riviera. It has become known as a winter health-resort getaway due to its mild climate. The healing properties harnessed for their award-winning spa, Five Elements, comes from the sea. They boast a two-story facility including a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, whirlpools and a Cocoon Room with waterbeds. Choose to stay in either the modern and refined Hotel Ambassador, or the character-filled and exclusive Villa Ambassador - both have access to the spa and comprise of a complex of opulence and relaxation.
Discover the Croatian island of Brač, feel energised and calm through daily yoga, and enjoy award-winning spa treatments at Villa Vela Luka on a Croatia Yoga Retreat:
Croatia Yoga Retreat
Brač Island