If you’ve followed us for a while, you know that our small, travel-blogging family likes to be adventurous. We love road trips and destinations away from mass tourism. But adventure and recreation don’t necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. And after our exhilarating past year (we travelled around the world three times – you can read more about that here on our blog), I find myself yearning more and more for the sea, quality-time with my two dearest “boys” (my husband Thies and my two-year-old son Neon), and as little hustle and bustle as possible this summer.
The term “beach holiday” may be associated with by-the-book package holidays – I also assumed this for a long time. But during our time at the TUI BLUE Jadran, we learned to love the term (and the concept), which gained a new meaning for us. “Beach holiday plus”, so to speak! We’ll tell you here what this looks like and what awaits you at the TUI BLUE Jadran.
Beach Holiday at the TUI BLUE Jadran on the Makarska Riviera
As long-time fans of the TUI BLUE concept, we had little doubt before we arrived that we would feel comfortable at the TUI BLUE Jadran. This high-quality, designer hotel is stunningly nestled between the Croatian Adriatic Sea and the impressive Biokovo Mountains on the lesser-known Makarska Riviera in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. In this bathing region that’s popular with the locals, you’ll find everything your heart could want from a summer holiday: picturesque little beaches, turquoise-blue water, and – for hiking fans – A rugged, impressive, mountainous region with miles of hiking trails in the hinterland.
This is where the concept of a beach holiday plus begins. While many beach regions are overcrowded – especially during the summer holiday season – and sun loungers are lined up next to sun loungers, we find small, secluded bays not far from the hotel here that we get completely to ourselves. Half an hour from the hotel, for example, sits one of the top 10 beaches in the world (according to Forbes magazine). From the turquoise-blue water off the beach in front of the town of Brela rises a rock adorned with pine trees. A postcard image that you can’t miss! Simply type “Punta rata” in your navigation system or smartphone.
Our Highlight: The Swim-Up Suite with Sea View!
But even in the hotel itself, there can be no talk of standard holidays. We’re staying in one of the exclusive swim-up suites. Our bedroom runs almost directly into the sheltered pool. Perfect for young parents who don’t want to forego relaxing in the water while the kids are napping. Pure luxury for parents like us!
In general, the hotel isn’t explicitly designed for children, but it’s suitable for families who aren’t necessarily looking for a club holiday and simply want to enjoy some time together. And at the delicious buffet on the half-board plan, everyone will find what they’re looking for 😉
At the TUI BLUE Jadran, No Wish Remains Unfulfilled
The hotel’s restaurants are inspired by Croatian and Dalmatian cuisine, but are modern. Vegetarians and vegans will also find what they’re looking for here! Especially cool: The daily lunch menu at the beach-based “Pink Cricket” can be found daily in the BLUE App. By the way, in the evenings there are regular, typically Croatian barbecues – beautifully situated between the beach and the pine forest. Don’t miss out!
An absolute highlight for our whole family was the cosy daybeds located directly on the hotel’s own quiet beach, on which we let the day pass comfortably in the semi-shade.
If you’re a spa enthusiast like me, you’ll love the BLUE Spa. Here you’ll find a sauna, steam bath, ice fountain, and relaxation room. In addition, there are fitness and yoga classes (in the adjacent pine forest!) If you, like my husband Thies, need a little more action for the perfect beach holiday plus, you can book various water sports activities through the hotel.
