After what felt like an eternity of not being able to travel due to restrictions, I was so excited to visit the Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel – especially after seeing images of the stunning property online. For the first time in three years, I packed my bags and headed to the airport! Dubrovnik is a wonderful place to visit, evident even from thousands of feet up in the air. The crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches and picturesque landscapes create the perfect backdrop for honeymoons – no wonder it’s known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. After a short flight, we touched down and the real adventure began! THE PERFECT SETTING With a beachfront location and a showstopping backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, the five-star hotel offers some of the best views in Dubrovnik. From the moment I arrived, the staff were so welcoming and accommodating – nothing was too much trouble. With 292 luxurious rooms, I couldn’t wait to see where I would spend the next few nights and wasn’t disappointed when I entered the spacious deluxe double room. The air-conditioned space featured double sinks, a waterfall shower, bath, seating area and a queen-sized bed. My favourite part of the room was the balcony, where I spent most of my time soaking up the sun on the loungers. The hotel has everything needed for memorable holidays from restaurants, bars, pools, a spa area and a gym – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The well-maintained facilities were excellent, and I especially loved the outdoor pool area surrounded by sun loungers – the perfect location to relax your senses. The beach was located only a few meters from the property and was a wonderful place to relax. With a peaceful atmosphere, crystal-clear waters and the sound of crashing waves, what better location to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD As a massive food lover, I couldn’t wait to try some local delicacies. The hotel is home to three restaurants; each offering something different to cater for all tastes. When we first arrived at the hotel, we had a welcoming meal in the Momenti Restaurant. Here I enjoyed a prawn and beetroot starter, sea bass with potatoes and asparagus for main and a tasty chocolate cake for dessert. The food was divine, especially the fluffy and dreamy potatoes! Each morning I was greeted with a delicious sea of food, from cereals, pastries, granola and fresh fruit to a selection of hot food, including sausages, omelettes, bacon and hash browns. The buffet restaurant was superb, with a laid-back atmosphere and a variety of food on offer. Every night the chefs used fresh ingredients to create a fantastic selection of Mediterranean and international specialities that even the fussiest eaters would enjoy. A highlight of my trip was sitting outside on the terrace during dinner, it had a romantic atmosphere and was the perfect location to watch the sun set. For those chilly evenings, guests can sit indoors while enjoying the stunning views thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. One of my favourite meals from the restaurant was a spaghetti dish - the flavours were unbelievable and I wish I knew the recipe! For more of a relaxed meal, the Miramare is a beachfront restaurant that offers panoramic views and a wide range of food. It was here where I enjoyed a chicken BLT, the best sandwich I’d ever eaten, and sipped on some cocktails. We had a farewell meal at the Momenti Restaurant on our last night at the hotel’s sister property – Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel. After a short walk, we arrived at the sophisticated space and enjoyed a goose liver pâté with puff pastry pears, followed by scallops and a hazelnut and chocolate cake to finish. Croatia is well known for its wine, so of course I had to try a few glasses. destination The ultimate Olivia Gibson discovers why Dubrovnik is the perfect honeymoon destination 94
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