Radisson Blu Resort & Spa ★★★★

When we arrived in Split, we couldn’t help wishing we had discovered it years ago. The beachfront promenade, the Riva, and the views across the harbour to the sea and islands really do rival anything that Europe can offer. Indeed, the Roman Emperor Diocletian made this very discovery in AD295 and chose this wonderful spot to build his lavish retirement palace. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it remains the heart of the Old Town. But there’s more to Split than history…

The Radisson Blu Resort & Spa ****, only three kilometres from the ancient palace, is all that is fresh, bright and modern. We arrived to a professional, efficient and friendly greeting by the staff, and it was actually quite comforting to be surrounded by familiar Radisson high standards in an unfamiliar location. The hotel is literally just steps away from the beach and the warm Mediterranean climate makes it very inviting.

Our twin room with a balcony and sea view was peaceful and comfortable, with wood panelling and fresh blue-green décor reflecting the sea outside. Before we even unpacked, we took a drink from the mini-bar, sat on the balcony and drank a toast to new discoveries! Free Wi-Fi and a nice desk space meant we could keep in touch with the outside world if we wanted, and the TV, safe and air conditioning meant we had all the standard comforts. The bathroom was sparkling clean and full of little welcoming touches like a selection of toiletries, robes and slippers. We were planning to spend some sister-time in the spa, but first the beach was calling us. The hotel has a private beach area on one of the most beautiful beaches in Split. We relaxed on the decking, on the hotel’s complimentary sun beds, and treated ourselves to a cocktail. The turquoise water was crystal-clear and an absolute delight for swimming.

For dinner that evening, we faced the difficult task of choosing one of the restaurants. There are several - the Fig Leaf, with a buffet of international specialties, the Caper Restaurant, with stunning Adriatic views and a Mediterranean menu, or the Mistral Restaurant and Bar, with seafood and barbecue by the beach. We chose the Caper Restaurant, mainly so we could continue to gaze at the gorgeous sea views. Inside, the silver and purple décor is very Radisson Blu - very contemporary, and we could browse the display of wine from the very impressive wine list. But outside on the terrace is the timeless luxury of sitting under a shade, with the sea darkening in the dusk and all the little harbour lights starting to twinkle in the distance. What a perfect end to our day of discovery.

In the morning, more choice of a fabulous spread in the Super Breakfast Buffet greeted us in the Fig Leaf restaurant. There followed a few wonderful days of our promised spa time, where we really enjoyed the invigorating exercise of the jet-stream pool, followed by an incredibly relaxing massage and facial. There are 12 separate treatment rooms, and the whole place never feels crowded. If we wanted to be even more energetic, there is a very well-equipped gym, but we decided that didn’t quite fit our plan; we were more in the mood for sun loungers under a parasol by the outdoor pool.

We enjoyed our stay in the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa **** so much that we only scratched the surface of our sightseeing plans… but there is always a silver lining, we will simply have to come back again!