Staying in Čikat Bay but across the water, you will find a sequence of villas and hotels, where I had the pleasure of spending the last two days of my Croatia trip at Boutique Hotel Alhambra.
Accommodation at Boutique Hotel Alhambra
Boutique Hotel Alhambra is a proud member of Virtuoso and the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and with a perfect mix of modern meets art nouveau the hotel gives a soft harmony with a luxurious twist. The hues are kept in a nice mix of natural stones, brown and blues still aligning with the nature outside and also keeping that connection between all venues. A small hop away with the help of your key card you’ll have the beach to enjoy with towels and chairs at hand.
My Premium Room with Sea View was more than I could ever imagine. The mere size of it invited a dance around the room, which of course I did. As I entered the spacious hallway, I found the bathroom to my right, which sported both a large shower and a jacuzzi-style bathtub, heated floors and fluffy robes to use. One of my favourite parts was that a small frosted window allowed natural light into the bathroom, giving just the right ambience.
A big feature in the room is a large mosaic pillar in gorgeous brown and golden hues, almost like a tiger’s eye. It brings a statement to the muted soft carpet. Rounding that corner, I am met by a large bright floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall window with a stunning view of the turquoise waters of the bay. To my right is a large bed with plenty of space for two let alone for one. In front of the bed were two comfortable chairs for moments of reading perhaps.
Here you have a choice to have your bedding changed each day or you can keep it as is, I kept it and came back to a note thanking me for protecting the environment, small but significant touches, how lovely is that?
Under the large TV was a desk giving space to those like me who wanted to crack open that laptop for a few moments. Next to that, I found a handwritten letter welcoming me alongside a decorative treat of Alhambra Krokant, which almost looked too beautiful to eat.
I noticed things during my stay in this amazing room, a slight tug of the curtain and it would automatically open or shut. There was a complete control panel next to the bed allowing me to switch any or all lights off, no need to get up. And outside on the balcony, you had not only a sun lounger but also a table with chairs to allow yourself to just look out, and take in the view of the bay and the Aleppo pines. I did find myself sitting there on many occasions.
What to do while staying at Boutique Hotel Alhambra
Now let’s go back to a few hours before actually checking in to Boutique Hotel Alhambra, as our bags were transported from the villa and our rooms at the hotel were made ready, we were booked for a day on the water. The hotel had given us prepared lunch bags and towels for our day then transferred us to the dock where the Sailing yacht Catriona II was waiting for us.
With its wood details giving that perfect vintage feel to it, and enough space for up to eight people if needed, this yacht offered the perfect introduction to the area. We were taken on a tour around the island by our skipper who was very friendly and easygoing and told us about the towns we were passing as we sailed along. Before returning we were taken to a “secret“ beach where we stayed for a while and of course, a swim was on the agenda. The water was so refreshing and completely clear making the swim from the boat to the beach absolutely divine.
As a Scandinavian, I’d say it was perfectly fine in temperature, but my travel companions might disagree as they felt it was a bit nippy. But what’s not to love about a refreshing invigorating swim? On the journey back we all just relaxed on deck, enjoying the gentle waves and the sunshine, a great outing for the day.
Spa sessions at Hotel Alhambra and Bellevue
After a nice lunch on the beach, we headed back to the hotel to change, it was time for some much-needed spa time. The Alhambra Spa is easily reached through the dimed lighted corridors in no time at all. While we waited for our rooms to be prepared, I was welcomed to enjoy The Kurhaus Inhalation Bar, Alhambra Spa has reimagined the healing ritual of the Kurkomission from 1892 into the now healing experience where you inhale fine mists of seawater and medicinal aerosols. Three deep breaths, hold on the top and exhale for a refreshing experience.
It was finally time for my Aleppo Pine Immunity massage with my therapist Maja, my room was peaceful in grey hues with ambient music and a fragrance of pine in the air. When I had finished preparing there was a string with two discs in the end that worked as a bell to tell Maja I was ready.
Before she started the full body massage, she asked me to take three deep breaths of the Aleppo essential oil, distilled from the very pines in the bay. The Aleppo pine essence contains high levels of Vitamin C and Phyto-Phenols which amongst other things boost your immune system. Maja was very good at what she was doing and knew exactly how much pressure to put and where. I think I might have dozed off at one point solely because it was so relaxing.
On the second day, I was booked for a spa treatment at Bellevue Hotel, which is a simple walk away from Alhambra, the treatment of choice was a 50-minute floating massage. This was an experience! I laid down on a specially designed heated aqua cushion. This feels like you are, as per the name, floating on water.
I’m not sure how Alena did it, but she must have the longest most magical arms! She somehow managed to reach under and around my entire body during this massage. She knew where to place extra pressure and luckily for me, she placed extra focus on my neck and shoulders. I closed my eyes but if I were to have kept them open there was a light show on the ceiling mimicking the ripples of water.
I felt like a new person after each of these massage therapies and can see how it all brings you back to the importance and connection to nature.
Dinner at Michelin Star Alfred Keller Restaurant
At Alfred Keller, you are treated to not only a culinary journey but also a visual one. As we were seated I could see a letter with a wax seal on the table in front of me, when I opened it, it contained my menu. As a side note, as we sat down, I had my small bag and a folding fan with me and instead of having to keep this on my lap or on the table I was given a small folding stool on which to place them safely. Small touches create grand experiences.
We were having the Innovation Menu by Chef Michael Gollenz who has created it from extensive research of new and exciting flavours, mixing tradition with innovation. It was a four-course menu starting with Beetroot, Elderflower, Buttermilk and Physalis arranged to look like a crimson red flower, topped with tiny white flowers picked by hand from the bay.
Following that, there was the Scallop, Spinach, coconut and Tom Ka Curry, a gorgeous journey for my pallet. Portions looked small but it was indeed filling, yet not overwhelming. Then came the Poularde De Bresse, Champignon on a froth of Sauce Albufeira, a mixture of crispy and tender textures. Last but definitely not least we had the Rhubarb, Lemon grass and Macadamia as dessert.
All dishes were professionally paired with wine, presented in great detail with our sommelier telling us all about both flavour and origin. The passion for wine goes beyond the table as they have a stunning wine cellar with carefully chosen wines and a very dedicated sommelier. The preparing and serving of our beverages were showstoppers on their own. No step was overlooked making you feel like your drink is made with heart.
Something that really made it special to me was the fact that small flowers were presented on the dishes, and even the butter was decorated. It does bring that feeling of the closeness of nature full circle.
Guided tour around the towns of Mali, Veli Losinj ending with a view
On our last day, we were invited to a tour around the towns, to really see the heritage and beauty of the island. We walked around waterfronts and through villages all perfectly safe on dedicated walkways, small fishing boats and cosy cafes surrounding us. Even a senior fisherman hoping for a great catch. But our end destination was on top of the hill. Once we had walked for something like an hour, we were met by a van that would take us to the top. This can be reached by foot as well if one wants, but it will be a bit of a trek.
We were having a sunset dinner at Providenca Viewpoint. We decided to have a sharing-type meal with cheese, meats and fruit paired with wine or beer. The tables are all nestled in between bushes and flowers, almost on what I can only describe as cascading platforms, all facing the breathtaking view of the island. It looked big and small all at once.
And when the sunset started to happen, I could understand why people would take that trek to get here. Undisturbed beauty, colourful and breathtaking. Once the golden sun had set, we could see the towns come alive with all their lights.
A perfect end to an amazing stay in Mali Losinj
Whether you stay at a private villa or at one of the hotels in the bay you will feel the same kind of luxury, be met with the same professionalism, and be made to feel like you are on a very special holiday where you are the VIP guest. A great mixture of nature and social settings. Rooms that make you feel at home but also that cater to whatever you might need, no ask is too big or small.
The venues are all connected and you are welcome at all of them just the same, so alternate your spa sessions, go and enjoy water sports. Whatever your heart desires, it’s available. We were so very well taken care of by the staff no matter their area, and I felt completely rejuvenated and relaxed when I returned to London.
Boutique Hotel Alhambra
Čikat ul. 16
51550, Mali Lošinj
Croatia
