Sun Gardens Dubrovnik — lostwithlina.com

Resting on a secluded hillside, amid perfectly groomed grounds, majestic mountains and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik puts you in a prime position for a dose of total relaxation.

It’s no wonder that Sun Gardens, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, is Croatia’s premier 5-star resort (once you look beyond its rather austere appearance). With its enviable seafront setting, it is a luxury, family-friendly resort with a vast range of facilities and dining options, It provides guests with a choice of modern and spacious hotel rooms, as well as luxurious private residences, all of which tumble down towards the pristine Adriatic. Replicating the ambience of a traditional Mediterranean village, the resort offers a perfect getaway from daily life, allowing couples, families and friends to relax and reconnect amongst a Mediterranean oasis.

Having been built into the hillside, maneuvering around Sun Gardens involves a combination of steps, lifts and promenades, all with extensive views across the bay from almost every angle. The hotel accommodations are spacious and tastefully designed, whilst the private residences offer families the perfect space and freedom to use the resort's facilities and explore magical Dubrovnik.

LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is not actually located in Dubrovnik itself, which, for some people, might be a positive thing. It is situated on the water’s edge in the picturesque village of Orasac, approximately 20 minutes from Dubrovnik Old Town and 38 minutes from Dubrovnik International Airport. There are regular flights with both British Airways and EasyJet from Gatwick direct to Dubrovnik. Flying time is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. In addition, there are flights from some regional airports to Dubrovnik. The transfer time from Dubrovnik Airport to Sun Gardens is around 30 minutes along the stunning coastal road. We hopped on an overnight bus from Zagreb to get here which was an inexpensive but rather uncomfortable option.

THE SUN GARDENS EXPERIENCE

Having seamlessly checked in - and upgraded to our premium Club Room with Sun Garden’s Club Experience - we went on a leisurely stroll of the resort (our routine whenever we visit a new place). The highlight of Sun Gardens is that it has something to suit everyone, from its private beach and marina, to its divine Spa and three freshwater swimming pools, including one just for adults (which is where you’ll find us for most of the day). More active guests will enjoy the many sports facilities available; including a gym, five a side football pitch, tennis courts, squash courts and a rock climbing wall.

After a day of sunshine and a quick snooze, we’re ready for dinner. As Club Experience guests, we have exclusive access up to the rooftop terrace and Club Lounge bar, which serves complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected spirits. Sun Gardens’s guests can explore a broad range of gastronomic variety in it’s 16 restaurants and bars, all of which feature a very high standard local and international cuisine, with menus full of seafood fresh from the Adriatic. The resort even has its own grocery store and pharmacy which makes life easy for guests staying in the private residences.

For the adventurous, there’s a vast amount to discover in and around Dubrovnik, for those hoping to see a little more Croatia. Sun Gardens can provide you with tailor-made excursions which can include everything from exploring Dubrovnik with its UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town, to cruising the stunning Elaphite Archipelago. There’s even a water ferry service from Sun Garden’s marina which takes you to Dubrovnik where you can explore the old town. The surrounding coastline offers magical sailing experiences, so why not charter a skippered yacht for a day, or even take out a kayak to explore these glittering waters.

SUITES & ACCOMMODATION

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik has 201 guest rooms and suites with sea views and a choice of one, two or three bedroom residences ideal for families or groups travelling together. Around half of the rooms are located in the main hotel and the rest of the accommodation is located in family friendly residences scattered around the resort. The views from our Club Room surprise and delight us, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that open to a private balcony with views over the gardens and the Adriatic in the distance. All guest rooms are spacious and brightly decorated with contemporary luxe finishes. A large picture window divides the bedroom from the luxuriously appointed bathroom, with its separate bath and shower.

Sun Gardens Residences: The 207 deluxe residences are stylishly designed, and are serviced impeccably in a way that you would expect. Generously sized with either sunny balconies and terraces overlooking the gardens or Adriatic Sea. Kitchenettes include: 2 electric hobs, microwave, good sized fridge, dishwasher, selection of pots and pans along with the relevant crockery, cutlery and glassware - ideal for preparing simple dishes.

IT’S A FOODIE THING

At Sun Gardens, they take their cuisine quite seriously. There is something for every taste bud with a fabulous array of buffets, fine dining, poolside venues, bars and boutique eateries that cater to both traditional local delicacies and international flavours. If you choose to book on half board, you can enjoy the various dining options around the resort, with €30 euros credit per adult towards a meal at four restaurants; La Pasta, The Market, The Butchers Grill & Cilantro.

There are also a number of bars, including pool bars at the Marina Pool, Sunset Pool, Lemonia Pool and also standard bars at the Pebbles Beach Bar, The Juice Bar in the Spa. Come evening, venture to Vino and to Ginja, the fine dining restaurant where design, food, music and light blend together into an environmental fusion of relaxing and modern style.

WHAT TO KNOW

ON-SITE FACILITIES: Sun Gardens have made it easy to self-cater with a well-stocked supermarket on-site selling everything you could need at reasonable prices. The bakery offers fresh bread and delicious pastries and there’s a decent selection of drinks, snacks and fruit and vegetables. Oh, and it sells fresh milk!

BEACH DAYS: Whilst the beach is not going to win any beauty awards – think concrete platforms and a scrap of shingle – you can enjoy being down by the water and swimming in the wonderfully clear sea. Settle on your preferred lounging location at one of the three pools on offer, or head down to the beach where VIP spots are available to reserve just steps from the crystal clear waters. Don't miss the Sunset Pool to watch the sun go down at the end of a relaxing day.

CHILDCARE: Sun Gardens offers great facilities for children and has a dedicated Kids club called Marco Polo, which has a number of different age groups, for babies from 9 months to 3 years, a mini club for kids aged 3 to 6 years and junior club for 7 - 10 years olds. There are also activities for teens from 11 to 16 years. Babysitting is available on request.

COOKING CLASSES: Get your apron on for a cooking class offered by one of the top local chefs; this is a really special option on offer for gastronomy lovers!

Visit https://www.dubrovniksungardens.com/ to check their availability or visit their Instagram page @sun_gardens_dubrovnik.

I was hosted as a guest of Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, however, all the opinions expressed in this article are, as always, my own.