Isabella Island Hotel 4* Valamar Collection

"Where to spend our 50th Wedding Anniversary in late May was a decision that we didn’t want to get wrong! Having enjoyed two fabulous late Summer holidays on Sveti Nikola in Porec this was an obvious contender but could it possibly live up to our previous experiences or would it be a case of 3rd time unlucky? We had slight concerns that with the opening of the new Valamar flagship resort ( Pical Hotel and Suites) just across the water and with a number of key senior staff being transferred to the new facility, that things would not be the same or as good as we had known. We needn’t have had a concern and once again Valamar staff coupled with a quite magical setting provided us with another memorable holiday . Even the weather worked well for us with pretty much unbroken sunshine and pleasantly warm and, at times, hot, conditions. There were enough familiar staff faces to ensure that standards were maintained and that incoming team members were mentored in the Isabella Island Resort way of offering Croatian warmth and hospitality with an excellent and varied culinary offering supported by high quality accommodation and a genuine staff -wide ethos that they want their visitors to enjoy their time on the island and yes, leave determined to return on future occasions. We stayed in the V Level Miramare accommodation which is perched on a rugged shoreline with unbroken views of the sea and offering some fabulous views of Porec sunsets! On this occasion the sea was benign, almost like a mill pond, but we have known it to be savage, spectacular and forceful; both moods are equally beautiful to witness. The V Level restaurant, the Momenti, offering breakfast and evening meals is one of the stand outs of this resort. The buffet style option has enough variety to satisfy every taste and appetite with attentive and cheery service provided by the hard working team working around a very well-appointed terrace on which to dine when the weather permits – and it did throughout – an added bonus. I have described the island in previous reviews as ‘our happy place’ – and this holiday reinforced that feeling. I can only thank the whole staff team for helping us start of Golden Wedding celebrations is such a great way ! Thank you . Having seen the new Valamar Collection Pical Hotel and Suites being constructed across the water in recent years it was our curiosity that got the better of us and we simply had to give it a try while we were in Porec. How would it compare to “our “ Isabella idyll ? You can get my take on it in a separate review."

"We have been coming here annually for many, many years and that should say something! We have seen things change over the years but it has always been a special place. I couldn't agree more about the spectacular setting and the charm of the hotel itself. It is quite something to be greeted as old friends by the staff. Yes, ten years on from its first re fit some of the decorations are looking a little tired and in need of a refresh but I assume that Valamar will have that in hand to retain its status? We will be returning to it next September and consider it our 'happy place'...."

"The hotel arranged the transfer from Pula airport ,it was punctual and trouble free. First impressions of the hotel were very favourable, the lobby was bright and airy the room was a good size , clean with a nice view of Porec. The on line check-in worked well friendly and efficient. We stayed on an all inclusive basis I would rate the food overall as very good the extensive choice suited both myself and my wife there was always something the eat which we enjoyed. There were no long queues and the used plates were cleared away very promptly. The beer was good as was the white wine, the red wine was just ok, Croatia as a region produces excellent white wines. We both enjoyed the pool , no problem with loungers and the water was a pleasant temperature. We loved the boat service to Porec it was regular and convenient. The staff at this hotel are its biggest asset they are friendly and welcoming and very helpful. It was September when we stayed there was entertainment on Friday evening but not on Saturday but it was easy to go over to Porec . Overall we had a fantastic holiday , I would stay at this hotel again and recommend it to others, as older travellers we would probably avoid July and August when there are lots of families with children."