Offering an abundance of healing benefits with every breath, the island paradise of Lošinj is the perfect place to rejuvenate your mind and body, writes Lily Smith.
Words: Lily Smith. images: Lošinj Hotels & Villas.
Located off Croatia’s north Adriatic coast, the island of Lošinj is a hidden gem and wellness haven that’s just waiting to be discovered. A place to slow down and breathe deeply, the small and tranquil island is home to some of the cleanest air on the planet: alongside optimal humidity levels and annual temperatures, each breath is naturally infused with particles of cleansing seawater and essential oils from more than 1,000 healing plants growing naturally on the island.
Studies have shown that simply taking a breath here calms the bronchial tree, helps reduce inflammation, dissolves mucus, and cleans the lungs. The island’s healing climate has been studied since the 1800s, when people suffering from tuberculosis were prescribed an island visit to enhance their recovery.
Last May, I was lucky enough to visit this wellness wonderland and soak up some of the natural magic for myself.
Arriving in paradise
After touching down in Croatia, there are a few ways to reach Lošinj island: you can either board a limited number of flights from major Croatian airports, or you can take a ferry across, like we did.
While the latter option does mean an extra few hours of travelling, there’s something enticing about slowly leaving the mainland behind and being ferried across the crystal-clear waters, waiting with anticipation as the island emerges into view.
No matter how you travel to Lošinj, there’s no denying that the destination is most definitely worth the longer journey.
If you want luxury during your stay, look no further than the island’s principle hotel group, Lošinj Hotels & Villas, which is made up of a varied selection of accommodation options, from deluxe and romantic hotels to grand and exquisitely designed villas that are perfect for large groups.
Nestled in the quiet and unspoilt Cikat Bay, our first home-from-home was the modern and spacious Hotel Bellevue, which blends chic minimalism with striking artistry.
Upon entering through the elongated, high-ceilinged foyer, your eyes will immediately be drawn to the numerous works of art adorning every wall, many of which were created by local artists: it’s like stepping foot into a prestigious exhibition, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and dazzling spotlights.
The rooms are just as modern, spacious and stylish, complete with enormous balconies offering tranquil views of the blindingly blue sea beyond the lush pine forests.
The hotel is also home to the soothing and ambient Bellevue Spa Clinic, where you can make full use of the award-winning spa facilities, from the soothing seawater jacuzzi to the heated marble beds.
There’s also a tempting menu of spa treatments, including the unique and deeply relaxing Floating Massage, which I was lucky enough to try: unlike most massages, where you’re on your front, this treatment involves lying face-up on a warm and gently rippling waterbed while your therapist expertly eases tension from all angles.
Not only does the waterbed perfectly cradle and support your body, but its malleability also means the therapist can slide their hands beneath you and use your own body weight to massage your back and shoulders.
I really did feel like I was floating – both during the treatment, and for the remainder of the day.
Boutique charm
For the second half of our trip, we headed down the road to Boutique Hotel Alhambra. Inspired by Art Nouveau architecture and reminiscent of a traditional European villa, the exterior oozes warmth and charm, blending a rustic burnt orange colour palette with crisp white shutters.
This luxurious and elegant style extended to our rooms, where regal bedspreads and plush carpets awaited our arrival. The large sweeping balcony offered prime views out to sea – you can also enjoy those same views while soaking your stresses away in the freestanding bathtub, which is perfectly situated behind full-length French doors overlooking the bay.
The charming hotel is also home to a beautifully designed spa with state-of-the-art facilities, including a peaceful indoor pool, filled with warm, mineral-rich salt water that I happily spent an hour or two floating in.
There’s also The Kurhaus Inhalation Bar, inspired by the island’s well-documented respiratory benefits, where you can inhale steamy concoctions infused with medicinal herbs to deeply cleanse your lungs.
For me, the experience was reminiscent of taking a deep breath over a steaming mug of herbal tea and left me feeling scrumptiously cosy, inside and out.
Head-to-toe detox
With its exceptionally clean air and naturally healing seawater, which is renowned for being particularly rich in rejuvenating minerals and microalgae, Lošinj is the perfect place to detox.
In fact, Bellevue Spa Clinic offers an immersive detoxing programme, Sea-Tox, which is specifically curated to promote the body’s detoxification processes through purifying foods, movement and targeted spa treatments.
We were given a taster session for one of the programme activities, known as the Lymphatic Shakedown, which saw us vigorously shaking our bodies while submerged in the sea in an effort to stimulate the entire lymphatic system and aid detoxification.
Even though I only experienced a tiny snippet of the programme, I was left feeling hugely invigorated and absolutely buzzing.
For an additional mind and body detox, you can also try Cold Water Immersion Therapy at Hotel Bellevue’s Spa Garden.
I’ve tried plunge pools and winter sea dips before, but this was my first true ice bath experience, and I was rather chuffed when I managed to stay submerged for around five minutes; by focusing on my breath and calmly observing the sensations my body was experiencing – without resisting or reacting – I was able to reach a deeply meditative, almost hypnotic state.
I’ve never felt so acutely present in both mind and body – it was as if someone had frozen time, as well as my toes. When it was time to emerge, I’ve never been so grateful to see the inside of a sauna.
Exploring the island
Alongside oodles of time spent relaxing and unwinding in the spa, we also ventured out to explore the island’s lush greenery for a spot of mindful forest bathing under the ancient thicket of aromatic pine trees.
After connecting with the land, we then turned to the seas for a sailing trip around the island, complete with a swim in the pristine waters, a bask in the sunshine, and a stop at Mali Lošinj, the main town on the island.
While much of the island remains beautifully natural, quiet and untouched, this pleasantly bustling town offers a glimpse of what you might expect from any popular Croatian town, with cobbled streets, coffee shops, and authentic souvenir shops aplenty.
Dining delights
When it comes to dining, the island is filled with plenty of must-try spots, from Lanterna Grill, where you can enjoy freshly caught fish while listening to the crashing waves below, to Diana Steakhouse, where your choice of steak will be cooked to perfection with fresh and tasty sides.
If you’re a fan of sushi, you’ll love Matsunoki, a Michelin-recommended restaurant at Hotel Bellevue which effortlessly blends authentic Japanese flavours with Mediterranean ingredients.
Or, if you prefer classic Italian flavours, you’ll love the elegant Restaurant Bava, situated within the same hotel.
My personal dining highlight had to be the innovative tasting menu at Restaurant Alfred Keller, situated in the Boutique Hotel Alhambra.
All masterfully designed, crafted and presented by Michelin-star chef Michael Gollenz, each course was an utter treat for all the senses, from the visually striking presentation to the unique spectrum of flavours perfectly mingling together in every bite.
A haven for healing
It’s easy to see why people have been retreating to this healing haven for centuries.
Over the course of my trip, I felt my mind slowing down and my body relaxing as my senses soaked up the abundance of natural beauty all around.
From the naturally healing air and detoxifying seas to the welcoming locals and exquisitely designed hotels, spas and restaurants, Lošinj really is a place where you feel like you can finally release a sigh, soften your shoulders and let nature work its magic.
Travel facts
Fly from London Gatwick to Pula airport in Croatia before taking the ferry from Brestova to Porozina and a taxi to Mali Lošinj.
Flights from London to Pula start from £55 in May. Overnight stays in May start from approximately £205 per night at Hotel Bellevue and £297 per night at Boutique Hotel Alhambra.
Visit losinj-hotels.com to find out more.
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