Croatia’s hotel scene is heating up with a number of new openings. Far from the crowds of Dubrovnik, a northwestern corner of the country known as the Opatija Riviera recently witnessed the debut of Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel, a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Ikador is situated on the water’s edge next to the seaside town of Lovran. Not far from Slovenia and Italy, this beautiful part of the world was a haunt for legendary cultural figures like James Joyce, Anton Chekhov, Isadora Duncan and Albert Einstein, along with illustrative composers, including Puccini, Mahler, Lehár and Kálmán. It’s an inspiring landscape of mountains, evergreen forests and islands of the Kvarner archipelago rising from the glittering sea.
Just in time for summer, Ikador Luxury Boutique Hotel is showing off a new hospitality offering on the Adriatic. There are just eight guest rooms and six suites—with a dedicated “Experience Manager,” a so-called “Maestro,” personalizing each guest experience. Dining outlets include the Nobilion restaurant and Edgar cigar bar, while the Ikalia Spa— located on the third floor—comes with three saunas (one with a view), a comprehensive wet zone, a gym, swimming pool and panoramic terrace overlooking the sea.
Unique in Croatia is the Riva Lounge—the fourth such establishment in the world— which has a pool area inspired by Riva yacht design, a dining area and a private Riva Aquariva Super speedboat, available exclusively for hotel guests for spins around the offshore islands.
Traveling with an entourage? Accommodating six guests in three bedrooms, the Presidential Suite penthouse has a full kitchen, living room with fireplace, and a panoramic terrace with a Jacuzzi.