In recent years, Croatia has become a celebrated destination thanks to the charming medieval city of Dubrovnik, its sunny climate, and its breathtaking islands along the Adriatic coast. One island, in particular, is garnering attention for its spectacular spas. Long known as a popular haven for those looking to benefit from the appealing Mediterranean climate and fresh air, the island was declared a climatic health resort by a decree of the Ministry of Health of the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy in 1892. Since then, it has come to be known as the Island of Vitality, with local hotels and spas offering a variety of anti-stress and wellness programs. Spa-goers will find a host of options to put them on the path to wellbeing.
Guests at Hotel Bellevue can enjoy al fresco treatments.
In The Zone
A tranquil oasis with indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, dry and steam saunas, a Turkish bath, a spa garden, and more, Hotel Bellevue’s Spa Clinic caters to both those looking for a relaxing escape as well as those wanting to benefit from high-tech beauty innovations. The spa features state-of-the-art technology, such as the Eximia HR77, a non-invasive machine that helps to remodel the body by reducing the appearance of fat, volume, and cellulite, and the Light Color Movement table, which combines quantum medicine, color therapy, and sound frequency to improve virtually any treatment. Spa-goers can indulge in a variety of services incorporating Elemis, Natura Bissé, OPI, and Kure Bazaar products. For those wanting a more comprehensive program, a host of nutritionists, kinesiologists, and physicians are on hand to create multiple-day health and spa programs. The journey to wellbeing was never so enticing.
Guests at Hotel Bellevue can take advantage of the beautiful grounds.
Secluded Spa-Ing
Those looking for a more private retreat need look no further than Villa Hortensia, which provides a breathtaking view of Cikat Bay. Featuring 10 ensuite guest rooms, the restored villa is surrounded by a beautiful garden and a heated seawater pool.
Villa Hortensia
Spa enthusiasts will be especially taken with the onsite amenities, which include a Finnish sauna with a relaxation space, a Kniepp hydrotherapy area, and an outdoor massage area. Guests can take advantage of additional services at the nearby Hotel Bellevue. The villa provides the ultimate in private pampering.
A Finnish sauna at Villa Hortensia
Island Recipes
The Aura Botanic Spa at Wellness Hotel Aurora puts guests instantly at ease with a wellness ritual that precedes all treatments. It involves a brief consultation, a cup of homemade herbal tea, and breathing exercises to help clients relax.
Encompassing two floors, the spa features 10 treatment rooms, three relaxation rooms, four indoor pools with hydro-massage options, an outdoor seawater pool, a variety of saunas, and an area for outdoor treatments. One of the spa’s many highlights is the fact that it relies on healing herbs and products supplied primarily by local producers.
Therapists use essential oils and hydrolates, cold-pressed unrefined herbal oils, and raw materials, such as ground apricots and olive pits, to formulate products on the spot. The menu also features a number of locally inspired treatments, including the signature treatment Scents of Losinj ($51, 60 minutes), a facial with lavender and avocado essential oils. It’s one way to experience the island’s healing nature.
Incorporating ingredients from the island, the spa provides a variety of areas to relax, including the laconium.
Statue of Inspiration
Located on Cikat Bay, Boutique Hotel Alhambra & Villa Augusta charm guests with their Austro-Hungarian façade and luxurious spa. Alhambra Spa features an indoor pool with heated seawater as well as Finnish and Mediterranean saunas. Paying homage to its local roots, the spa offers the Apoxyomenos Escape ($262, 2 hours 30 minutes), which involves a salt body exfoliation, a wrap infused with mint essential oil, a facial, and a full-body massage. A bronze statue of Apoxyomenos, an athlete who scrapes off the oil, dust, and sweat from his body after competition, was discovered by a Belgian diver off the coast of Losinj in 1999. The recovered statue was such a sensation, there is now a museum devoted to it. It just goes to show that treatment inspiration can come from just about anywhere.
The statue of Apoxyomenos inspired a treatment at Alhambra Spa.
Healthy Holiday
Ideal for those who want to get fit or prefer an active getaway, Punta Vitality Hotel certainly lives up to its name.
Punta Vitality Hotel
The popular Vitality Zone encompasses the Beauty, Fitness, and Relax Zones, in addition to a Health Zone where guests can consult with a doctor or a nutritionist. Offering adapted exercise programs for all age groups and fitness levels, the spa provides guests with a variety of hi-tech equipment from Gravotonics, Stott Pilates, and Technogym.
Those who prefer more relaxing pursuits can opt for soothing treatments using Comfort Zone, the Croatian-based Esensa Mediterana, or the locally made Mirta natural product line.
Fitness enthusiasts enjoy the outdoor pool, climbing rock, Gyrotonic sessions, and soothing treatments at Punta Vitality Hotel
The spa also offers several beauty programs, including Vitality Moments ($84, 80 minutes), a revitalizing package that incorporates laurel, lemon, and rosemary essential oils. It involves a massage, reflexology, and head and facial acupressure. After a strenuous workout, spa-goers will be more than ready for a bit of rest and relaxation.
