Escape to Paradise: The Isolano's Unforgettable Croatian Getaway
Escape to Paradise: The Isolano's Unforgettable Croatian Getaway – A Review (and a Plea to Book!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Escape to Paradise: The Isolano's Unforgettable Croatian Getaway, and let me tell you, it's a lot to unpack. Like, way more than my suitcase could handle. This isn't your sterile, corporate hotel review; this is the real deal, warts and all. And trust me, there are some gorgeous warts involved.
(SEO - Croatian Getaway, Luxury Hotel Croatia, Accessible Hotel Croatia, Spa Hotel Croatia, Family-Friendly Croatia, Island Getaway Croatia, Best Hotels in Croatia)
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate places that think about everyone. The Isolano gets a solid B+ here. They do have facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator, which is HUGE. Plus, I saw some ramps and wider doorways. But, and this is a big "but," I didn't see a breakdown of exactly what's accessible. More clarity here would be amazing. Still, points for trying!
On-site accessible restaurants/lounges: I didn't specifically check this, but the layout seemed pretty good in the main areas, so I’m optimistic.
Internet? Oh, the Internet! You need to know this. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! And it actually worked. Not that dodgy, buffering nonsense you get in some places. I was able to stream my cat videos (don't judge) without a hitch. And if you're old-school like me and prefer a good old Internet [LAN], they have that too. Talk about options! Internet services were also available, for those who have to work while away, but who wants to?
Things to do and Ways to Relax: The Pure. Bliss. This is where the Isolano shines. Let's get to the good stuff.
Pool with a View: Forget infinity pools. This was a view pool. The sparkling water seemed to melt into the Adriatic. I practically lived there. I spent hours just floating, staring at the islands, and pretending I was a mermaid who’d finally escaped the drudgery of underwater accounting (it’s a tough life, trust me). Pure, unadulterated chill.
Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: This is where I truly lost myself. I'm talking days of bliss. I'm not a massive fan of the sauna (I sweat enough without trying!), but the Steamroom? Oh, the steamroom. It was like a warm, fragrant hug. I went in there, and my stress just…evaporated. I think I actually slept in there once. (Don't tell anyone.) They also have a proper Spa. And a Massage. And a Body scrub. I feel like I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but, the best part for me was the Foot bath. I'm a sucker for a good foot bath.
Fitness Center/Gym/Fitness: Okay, I said I lost myself in the spa, not the gym. I peeked in. Looked… adequately equipped. I'm more of a "sun salutations on the balcony" kinda person.
Cleanliness and Safety: They Actually Care! This is HUGE right now, and the Isolano gets it. They’re going above and beyond.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.
- Room sanitization between stays? Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Definitely.
- Cashless payment service? Yup!
- Individually-wrapped food options? Yep.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They tried.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely.
And the best part? Room sanitization opt-out available. They didn’t force it, which I appreciated. The hand sanitizer was plentiful, and the whole place felt…safe. They’ve clearly thought through this.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Feed Me, Seymour!
- Restaurants: Multiple! A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. Options, people! And they were delicious. Seriously, the food was a highlight.
- Poolside bar: Essential. Essential for cocktails, people-watching, and pretending you're a glamorous movie star.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Caffeine is a must.
- Snack bar: For those moments when you just need a quick bite.
- Happy hour: Yes. Just…yes.
The food was good. Really, really good. The breakfast [buffet] was a feast. I ate so many croissants I'm pretty sure I gained five pounds. I’m not even sorry. They also offered Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. The salad in restaurant was fresh and vibrant. The desserts in restaurant were worth every calorie. I even tried the soup in restaurant – because, you know, balance.
- Room service [24-hour]: Because sometimes you just want to eat pizza in your bathrobe at 3 AM.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly. They booked a boat trip that was amazing.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless. They even folded my clothes (which I usually just toss on the floor, so bonus points!).
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service: Because, let’s face it, you’re probably going to mess up your best dress with all that delicious food.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Gift/souvenir shop: For those last-minute gifts (or, let's be honest, things you buy for yourself).
- Elevator: Thank goodness!
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: They’ve got the business side of things covered too.
- Outdoor venue for special events, Indoor venue for special events: Weddings? Parties? You name it, they can probably host it.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: If you're travelling with kids, this is a HUGE win.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service - check
- Family/child friendly - check
- Kids facilities - check
- Kids meal - check
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Smooth and easy.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Plenty of parking options.
- Taxi service: readily available.
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning: Essential in Croatia.
- Alarm clock: For those early morning excursions (or, you know, dragging yourself to breakfast).
- Bathrobes, Slippers: The ultimate in relaxation.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: More caffeine!
- Daily housekeeping: Thank goodness!
- Desk, Laptop workspace: If you must work.
- Extra long bed: Sleep like a king (or queen!).
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
- Hair dryer: A must.
- In-room safe box: For your valuables.
- Mini bar: Stocked with goodies.
- Non-smoking: The rooms are lovely.
- Private bathroom: Yes!
- Refrigerator: For keeping your drinks cold.
- Satellite/cable channels: For those lazy evenings.
- Seating area, Sofa: Plenty of space to relax.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
- Shower, Toiletries: All the essentials.
- Telephone: Old school, but useful.
- Wake-up service: For those who need a little nudge.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Fantastic!
- Window that opens: Breathe in that fresh Croatian air.
Room for Improvement?
Okay, here’s the honest bit. While the Isolano is amazing, it’s not perfect. The decor is…a little…traditional. Think lots of dark wood. It's not my personal style, but it's clean and comfortable. I wish they had more specific details about the accessible rooms (I'm talking measurements, photos, the works!).
Final Verdict:
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. The pros far outweigh the cons. The location is stunning, the spa is heavenly, the food is fantastic, and the staff are lovely. Plus, who doesn’t need a little escape to paradise?
Now, for the real kicker…
The Offer: Book Your Escape to Paradise NOW!
Are you dreaming of turquoise waters,
Siargao's Hidden Gem: Mariden Resort & Homestay Paradise!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're going to Cres, Croatia, to The Isolano, and it's going to be… well, let's just say it's going to be me.
The Cres Chaos Chronicle: A Traveler's Train Wreck (Hopefully in a Good Way)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Debacle (aka My Existential Crisis)
- Morning (Probably Around Noon, Let's Be Honest): Arrive at Rijeka Airport. Okay, first hurdle: getting there. The flight was… fine. You know, the usual: screaming toddler, questionable airplane food, and that guy who takes his shoes off before the plane even lands. Anyway, we made it. Yay us!
- Midday: Pick up the rental car. This is where the fun begins. Let's just say I’m not exactly known for my stellar driving skills. But hey, at least I haven't hit anything… yet.
- Afternoon: The Isolano Check-in. Oh, the Serenity! (And the Panic!) The drive to Cres was stunning. Seriously. The turquoise water, the rugged coastline… it almost made me forget about the fact that I still can't find my favorite sunglasses. Check-in at The Isolano was smooth – a welcome change after the airport circus. The hotel is gorgeous, all whitewashed walls and that crisp, salty air smell. My room? Perfect. Except… where the hell is my luggage?! Turns out, it’s still chilling in Frankfurt. Deep breaths. This is supposed to be a relaxing vacation, right? Right?!
- Evening: Cres Town Exploration and the Quest for Dinner. Okay, luggage-less or not, I'm not going to let a missing suitcase ruin my vibe. Wandered into Cres town, a charming little harbor town. The sheer beauty of the place is almost overwhelming. Cobblestone streets, fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, the smell of fresh seafood… I'm already in love. Found a tiny konoba (tavern) tucked away on a side street. Ordered grilled fish (because what else?) and a glass of local wine. The wine was divine. The fish? Delicious. The waiter? Kind. The fact that I was wearing the same clothes I'd flown in was… less than ideal. But who cares?! This is living!
Day 2: Island Hopping and the Great Olive Oil Revelation
- Morning: Boat Trip to Lubenice? Maybe! The plan was a boat trip to Lubenice, a cliffside village. The boat ride was… well, let's just say I’m not exactly a sea dog. Waves, rocking… I spent a good portion of the trip clinging to the side, trying not to lose my lunch. But the views! Unbelievable. Lubenice itself was breathtaking. The village, perched on a cliff, with the vast Adriatic stretching out before it. It's like something out of a movie. Or a postcard. Definitely worth the queasiness.
- Afternoon: Olive Oil Nirvana (and a Near Disaster). Back on Cres Island, I decided to go to a local olive oil tasting. I'm not usually one for olive oil, but I heard Cres olive oil is something special. And wow. It was incredible. Fruity, peppery, just… alive. I bought a bottle (or two… or three…), and then, disaster struck. While trying to maneuver my way around a narrow street, I almost backed into a parked car. Thankfully, a very kind local yelled out a warning. Crisis averted! (My driving skills still leave something to be desired, clearly.)
- Evening: Sunset Drinks and a Little Bit of Self-Reflection. Found a bar overlooking the harbor, ordered a cocktail, and watched the sunset. The sky was a riot of colors – pink, orange, purple. It was so beautiful, it almost brought a tear to my eye. Okay, maybe it did. This whole trip is making me feel things. Maybe it’s the wine. Maybe it's the beauty. Maybe it's the fact that I'm finally doing something.
Day 3: The Beach, the Bakery, and the Unexplained Craving for Ice Cream
- Morning: Beach Bliss (and Sunscreen Fail). Found a secluded beach. Turquoise water, white sand… pure paradise. Spent the morning swimming, sunbathing (badly – I forgot to reapply sunscreen and now I'm a lobster), and just… being. It was glorious.
- Midday: The Bakery of Dreams. There's a bakery in town that makes the most amazing pastries. Seriously. Flaky, buttery, filled with deliciousness. I may have gone back three times. Don't judge me.
- Afternoon: The Drive to Osor and the Great Ice Cream Mystery. I’m not sure what came over me, but I suddenly had a massive craving for ice cream. So, off I went on a drive to Osor. The drive was gorgeous – winding roads, stunning views. But the ice cream? It was… okay. The craving, however, was intense. I have no idea why. Maybe it's the sea air? Maybe it's the stress of the lost luggage? Whatever it is, I'm not complaining.
- Evening: Dinner at The Isolano & the Sweetest Sleep. Back at the hotel, I had dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food was delicious, but more importantly, I got to wear a clean outfit! (My luggage finally arrived!). As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a sense of peace I hadn't experienced in ages.
Day 4: Cres Town Exploration (Round 2) & the Great Cres Cheese Chase
- Morning: Cres Town Re-Do and the Search for the Perfect Souvenir. Back to the town of Cres. This time, I wanted to properly explore. I wandered through the narrow streets, checked out the shops, and tried to find the perfect souvenir. (Still searching, by the way).
- Midday: The Cres Cheese Quest. Cres is famous for its cheese (especially the sheep cheese). So, I went on a quest to find the best. I visited a local farm, sampled some cheese (delicious!), and bought a wheel. It was a bit of a drive, but totally worth it.
- Afternoon: The Great Reading Session (or the Attempt Thereof). I went to the beach again and tried to read. But honestly, I was much more interested in people-watching.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner and a Heart Full of Memories. My last night. I had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the harbor. I watched the sunset. I savored the moment. It was bittersweet. I didn't want to leave.
Day 5: Departure & the Promise to Return (and Maybe Learn to Drive)
- Morning: The Long Drive to the Airport (and the Deep Sigh). The drive back to Rijeka airport. Saying goodbye to Cres was hard.
- Afternoon: The Long Flight Home (and the Already-Planning-the-Next-Trip Phase). The flight was uneventful. But my mind was already buzzing with ideas for my next adventure.
The Verdict: Cres is magic. The Isolano is a dream. And despite the luggage debacle, the near-car-crash, and the questionable driving skills, this trip was exactly what I needed. I came here to escape, to relax, to find myself. And in a weird, messy, imperfect way, I think I did. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go book my next trip. And maybe, just maybe, take some driving lessons before I go.
Uncover Opal Coast's Hidden Gem: Marquise, France!
Escape to Paradise: The Isolano's Unforgettable Croatian Getaway - FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, You Have Questions)
So, Croatia. Is it *actually* paradise, or just Instagram-filtered paradise?
Tell me about this "Isolano" place. Is it a resort? A secret hideaway? What's the deal?
Food! What's the food situation? I'm a picky eater. (Or, you know, just generally hungry.)
What about the beaches? Are they crowded? Are they sandy? Are they… good?
Dubrovnik - the "Pearl of the Adriatic." Worth the hype?
Hvar - Party Island? Or is there more to it?
What's the deal with the ferries? They seem… integral.
