Hoteli Solaris 86, Solaris D.D., Sibenik, Croatia
Superbly renovated contemporary holiday hotel set in lush grounds
Best spa in the region offering huge range of treatments and facilities
Replica of typical Dalmatian village built from ancient stone
Huge outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and parasols
Minutes' walk from picturesque shingle beach
Some rooms open to balconies with sea views
Restaurant and bar with impressive collection of wines
Extensive breakfast buffet included
Extra cost for loungers and beach towels
Some rooms are small
Not enough sun beds around the pool
The 372-room Amadria Park Ivan clearly stands out as one of, if not the best, of a collection of holiday resort hotels in the region. It has benefitted hugely from a 2013 renovation which has relaunched the hotel with a chic, contemporary feel and world-class facilities -- especially the superlative spa area. Rooms are fresh and modern, though they can be small and Wi-Fi connectivity can be poor. You're likely to pay a little more than other surrounding hotels -- also beware of add-ons -- but the pools, spa, and replica of a typical Dalmatian village are certainly worth the extra outlay.
Scene
Smartly renovated, family-friendly holiday resort set in lush grounds
The Amadria Park Ivan is one of a collection of holiday resort hotels set around a meticulously reconstructed typical Dalmatian village built entirely with old stone blocks from ruined villages in the region -- not a single stone brick is new. The hotel itself, however, was constructed in 1968 and renovated throughout in 2013 so everything has a recently revamped polish and sparkle. Its sixties heritage is evident on arrival from its clean, modernist, and low-rise architecture that continues though sleek, clean-lined interiors finished with polished wood floors and a palette of neutral tones. As well as the Ethno Village, which sits surprisingly well next the contrasting slick contemporary design, the grounds have been carefully landscaped to ensure integration in the picturesque landscape, including the asserted addition of 70,000 roses in and around the gardens as well as a vineyard in front of the hotel (a replica of the famous Primosten vineyards). Largely due to these efforts, and despite numerous other hotels in the area, the hotel has a secluded, close-to-nature atmosphere which can even feel tranquil when there's aren't too many noisy kids running around.
Location
Set in the Solaris Beach Resort four miles from Sibenik in southern Croatia
The hotel is located in the center of the Amadria Park Ivan area -- a small peninsula in the Šibenik-Knin region of southern Croatia. The historic town of Sibenik and the region's capital is about four miles away, or a 12-minute drive. There's not a great deal to see in the surrounding area although there are some lovely (shingle) beaches just a few minutes' walk away. The area is serviced by pretty good roads, and the nearest airport, Split, is about an hours' drive away -- the hotel provides shuttle or private airport transfer services for a reasonable fee.
Rooms
Fresh, contemporary rooms -- some with balconies and sea views -- but spotty Wi-Fi
The hotel has 372 rooms and apartments, all of which benefitted from the 2013 renovation and are decorated in fresh, contemporary styling with modern furnishings and floral motifs. Rooms all come air-conditioned and with minibars, telephones, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, while clean, modern bathrooms provide the standard suite of toiletries. Floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies look out over the sea -- in higher-level rooms -- or surrounding gardens, while apartments include separate lounge areas and small kitchenettes. Wi-Fi is available, however, it's not free of charge or very reliable.
Features
Superlative spa facilities and a huge outdoor pool
The hotel features what is probably the best spa and wellness center in the region. It offers a wide range of treatments in spacious, beautifully finished surrounds, as well as excellent sauna, steam bath, and pool facilities. The outdoor pool is a huge, meandering affair comprising of a series of interconnected pool areas surrounded by loungers and parasols. An extensive buffet breakfast is served each morning (included in the rate) in the hotel restaurant, which opens onto a large terrace area and also offers lunch and dinner menus. A wine bar provides one of the most extensive wine collections you can find in this area. Tennis courts can also be found on-site, and guests also have access to nearby aqua-park, golfing, and water sports facilities.