HIDDEN GUEST: Hotel Bellevue Lošinj

A glance at the canopies of the imposing, hulking pine trees hints at the story of the iconic Čikat Bay. This is one of those places where the location doesn’t need advertising. A few minutes of sauntering on tidy trails overlooking the sea and breathing in the scent of pine trees tell you everything you need to know. When Graz-based entrepreneur W. Riedel erected his first villa in Čikat Bay and named it Adelma in 1895, he probably could not have imagined how central this bay would become to the development of Lošinj tourism. Meanwhile, Čikat has become the island’s tourist heart and its most luxurious area.

Over the past decades, the former villas of ferry and boat captains have been repurposed, giving the area a new hotel identity. Today, one of the most recognisable symbols of this new era is the revamped Hotel Bellevue. Together with the boutique Hotel Alhambra, they form the core of Lošinj’s upper-end hospitality offering. What more to say about the location? Here lie bays and views with an almost iconic status, albeit less frequented than some Croatian household destinations. This is what gives it charm. Čikat feels exclusive enough, with peace aplenty and, above all, timelessness, making the location one of its key assets. In this light, Bellevue enjoys a privileged status: it is within arm’s reach of what Mali Lošinj has to offer, yet far enough to give guests privacy, serenity, and Mediterranean zen just a few steps away.

The most comfortable way to reach Hotel Bellevue is by car, via Rijeka and Krk Island. From Zagreb, Ljubljana, or Istria, follow the road connections to Rijeka, cross the Krk bridge, and take the ferry to Cres in Valbiska. The journey to Merag lasts some 25 minutes, followed by about an hour’s drive through Cres via Lošinj. This picturesque journey introduces you to island life. Alternatively, guests can come from the Istrian side by taking the Brestovo-Porozina ferry. This option is particularly prudent for guests coming from Istria or northern Italy. Either way, be prepared for a long journey. However, the final destination is well worth the ride, rewarded with views, a slower rhythm of life, and the feeling that each kilometre takes you away from the hustle and bustle of urban hubs. Hotel Bellevue Lošinj sits on Čikat Bay, just minutes from the heart of Mali Lošinj. Parking abuts the hotel and includes several electric charging stations. Once you have arrived, your vehicle will likely stay parked until you depart. Čikat is ideal for walks, with seafront trails connecting the hotel to other parts of the bay and the city. Arriving by sea is another intriguing alternative. Lošinj is connected to Rijeka with fast catamaran lines. In summer, getting to Mali Lošinj this way is doubtless a more pleasant and sustainable mode of transport.

Arriving by sea has special aesthetic value when visiting an island, as the destination slowly and more vividly unravels its secrets than through a car window.

Air connectivity remains a tad more limited. The largest nearby airport is on Krk Island, while airports in Zagreb and Ljubljana still offer viable alternatives for guests arriving from farther destinations. One of Lošinj’s peculiarities is its local airport, which enables smaller private jets and air-taxi transport. Even though accessibility is not the destination’s forte, it forms part of Lošinj’s character. Arriving here demands planning and time, but this remoteness reinforces a sense of exclusivity that is becoming harder to find in other, more accessible Adriatic destinations. Once you arrive in Čikat, it becomes clear the journey was worth it.

Despite its size, the hotel does not appear monumental, which is one of its greatest design achievements. Zdravko Bregovac, one of Croatia’s most celebrated post-war modernist architects and a key mastermind behind the Adriatic’s hotel and tourism architecture, designed the original Bellevue in 1967. He designed it as a horizontal, modernist edifice with a cavernous central atrium and refined geometry that establishes a respectful dialogue with the surrounding nature. After a comprehensive renovation in 2014, architect Andrija Rusan and his team chose the difficult path: they didn’t override Bregovac’s design, but reinterpreted it for the contemporary guest. They kept the atrium design, toned-down horizontality, and subdued facade, but let the hotel breathe as one with the sea through a new glass passage. This space became a quasi-living room and the main spatial axis connecting the entrance, atrium, and Čikat Bay. The interior and decor of the rooms, the brainchild of ARTA projektiranje, continue the narrative of the original hotel through the use of wood, earth tones, blue details, leather and pure lines.

The revamp paid special attention to preserving and nodding to the hundred-year-old pine trees and Mediterranean garden surrounding the hotel. As a result, the lines between interior and exterior often blur.

Opulence in this hotel is subdued, made for the discerning guest. It is hidden in the proportions, materials, illuminations, textures and carefully considered details. Here, expect less spectacle and more architectural zen. A design symphony was composed in Čikat; one that pays homage to its past, understands its surroundings and is sung in contemporary sounds. More importantly, Bellevue is entirely the result of Croatian architectural and design know-how. From Bregovac’s modernist legacy to Rusan’s contemporary reinterpretation and interior design, Bellevue is a story of Croatian-made creativity. Here is ample proof that a world-class design need not come from a celebrated architect from abroad. Splendid work.

This is a hotel of the highest rate. Not a single experience with the staff was underwhelming. On the contrary, the staff seems genuinely proud of their work. The reception desk is a best-practice example of fantastic hotel service: sufficient eye contact, professionalism, confidence, and just the right dose of personal attention. The uniforms are flawless, too. We recommend all tourism and hospitality students hone their skills here. The cuisine also befits the five-star level. Breakfast is splendidly well-stocked, enriched with a select offering of dishes prepared in front of the guests. We were mesmerised by the fish corner, where guests can savour everything from tuna carpaccio to first-tier salmon. The selection of local cold cuts, fruit, bread, and desserts is excellent. We expected a bit more initiative when presenting and recommending à la carte dishes. The personnel were a bit reserved in this respect. Elsewhere, Čikat Bay offers numerous high-end culinary experiences.

A premier hotel’s merit is not decor or architecture, but, above all, its ability to stay spotless day after day and deliver a consistently polished guest experience.

To begin with, we recommend visiting the Japanese restaurant Matsunoki. Avid sushi and modern Japanese cuisine lovers have been flocking here in droves. It goes without saying that the hotel is impeccably maintained. Today, it still looks as fresh as it did when we visited just after its inauguration. As you notice the details, you begin to see the high level of the hotel’s operational culture. As we watched the seafront wedding venue return to its original shape as a tidy bathing area the day after the wedding, we understood the hotel’s essence. A premier hotel’s merit is not decor or architecture, but, above all, its ability to stay spotless day after day and deliver a consistently polished guest experience.

Hotel rooms

The basic hotel room we stayed in felt elegant, light, yet surprisingly modern. Bright white oak furniture, neutral flooring and a toned-down colour palette certainly add to that. The bed is voluminous and well-made, ensuring excellent rest even after years of intense use. An artwork depicting motifs from Lošinj enriches the room, adding the right amount of local charm. Upon opening, the room’s technology felt avant-garde, and today it proves the designers considered it carefully. Digital lighting management is intuitive, the air-conditioning whirs almost inaudibly, and the light-switch layout is logical and user-friendly. These details show the difference between trendy solutions and quality hotel design. The balcony pleasantly extends the room. From the seaside, views open onto Kvarner Bay, while the side overlooking the parking is framed by pine canopies and Mediterranean foliage. Both views have their benefits, each adding value to the stay.

We believe this hotel room has stood the test of time and will continue to do so.

Hotel Bellevue Lošinj is among the few remaining hotels where the minibar isn’t empty decoration, and the bathroom amenities aren’t anonymous. Upon entering the spacious bathroom, guests are greeted by the Grown Alchemist line of cosmetics, ceramics made by Villeroy & Boch, and a slew of details that attest to the craftsmanship of the design and execution. Despite this, the sleeping experience eclipses everything else in this room. Superb bed linen, excellent sound isolation, effective air-conditioning, and plenty of space create the perfect sleeping environment. Even if the room no longer surprises guests with extravagant designer tricks, it doesn’t need to. Its comfort, functionality, peerless maintenance and ample room render it spacious enough for any demanding business guest. We believe this hotel room has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. Final verdict: outstanding.

Meetings centre

Hotel Bellevue Lošinj’s meeting centre shows that its MICE offering is more than a hotel add-on. The centre’s heart is the modular Mundus Hall, spanning 390 square metres and accommodating up to 360 attendees. It can be divided into three smaller halls. In terms of technology and AV equipment, it meets all expectations. The decor is ergonomic, while the details go as far as hearing loops for deaf and hard-of-hearing guests. For smaller meetings, event organisers can use the Sekstant Hall, covering 60 square metres and Lanterna Hall, measuring 32 square metres. Their advantage is the natural daylight streaming in, the direct access to the terrace and striking views of the nearby pine forest and sea. The slightly more intimate Gentlemen’s Club also deserves a special mention as a compelling alternative to classic boardrooms. It can double as a room for closed sessions, tastings or executive meetings. A key part of the meeting centre is the atrium, which naturally serves as a central space for registration, coffee breaks, receptions, and informal networking. Outdoor terraces, the lush garden, and the proximity to the sea allow an event to move seamlessly from a conference hall to a Mediterranean setting. For event hosting, this is the hotel’s greatest advantage. It can connect technology and classic conference spaces with the unique ambience of Čikat Bay. Thus, an event organiser gets more than a conference hall; the entire hotel becomes the event’s stage.

DESSERT – The extras

Hotel Bellevue Lošinj punches well above its weight as a classic resort hotel. Its flagship restaurant is Matsunoki, a contemporary Japanese fusion restaurant included in the Michelin Guide to Croatia. More importantly, a Michelin-star restaurant sits just around the corner. The neighbouring Boutique Hotel Alhambra, also part of Lošinj Hotels & Villas, is home to the Restaurant Alfred Keller, which holds one Michelin star. Guests can thus taste sublime Japanese cuisine at Matsunoki before walking a few minutes to savour a true Michelin fine-dining experience. For event organisers, this profusion of superb cuisine is an unrivalled advantage. A dinner in a Michelin-awarded restaurant can become the highlight of an incentive programme or exclusive business events without any additional logistics. Čikat Bay is thus also making a name for itself as a foodie mecca.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

With such high standards, attention to detail often makes the difference. At breakfast, service could have been faster when the breakfast hall was full, although the overall experience was still above standard. The hotel could play around with a coffee menu and build a more convincing coffee narrative, though the coffee quality is unquestionably high. In short, the hotel has no real drawbacks. Finding mistakes here is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Yet, in a hotel of this price range and quality, a guest can quite rightly expect near perfection. That is why at Hotel Bellevue Lošinj guests notice the tiny details they would otherwise overlook.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

Bellevue Spa Clinic is one of the hotel’s biggest draws and much more than a run-of-the-mill hotel wellness offering. The concept merges relaxation, regeneration, beauty and tailored individual treatments, functioning as a holistic wellbeing product, not only an obligatory add-on in a five-star hotel. We were most impressed by the spaciousness, serenity and sense of privacy. The spa includes an indoor and outdoor saltwater pool, fitness, and a broad array of massages, rituals, and specialist treatments. One of the most memorable details is the sizable aquarium lining the entrance to the sauna world. The azure iridescence, slow movement of the fish, and subdued light create a hypnotic passageway from the hotel’s hustle and bustle to a world of complete zen. This is a designer trick with a grand effect. We dare say the Spa Clinic is a true indicator of Hotel Bellevue Lošinj’s ambition. Wellness is not a bullet point in the hotel brochure, but a reason to visit in and of itself.

SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS

Hotel Bellevue Lošinj has a strong foundation for developing its sustainability strategy. The Lošinj Hotels & Villas group follows the ISO 14001 environmental standard and the ISO 50001 energy management standard, and the hotel has adopted additional measures to use energy and water more efficiently. We must commend their decision to care for the immediate surroundings. The hotel group is actively participating in revitalising and afforesting the Čikat forest park. Indeed, the centuries-old pine trees are among the most recognisable elements of the hotel’s identity.

These measures have laid a solid foundation. Still, we expect the hotel to make its sustainability story even more ambitious in the future, above all by measuring and sharing data on energy and water use, waste, the percentage of local suppliers, and defining future goals to reduce its environmental footprint.

CREATIVITY

Hotel Bellevue Lošinj’s creativity does not end with its architecture. Art is a key part of the hotel’s identity, never used as accidental decoration but as an integral part of the spatial experience. Our eye was caught by the works of decorated Croatian artist and visual artist Tomislav Buntak, whose works hang on the walls of the lobby, restaurant and pool area. His signature figurative world adds a layer of playfulness and Mediterranean fantasy to the refined and toned-down hotel architecture. We were in awe of another work of art; Valentina Butumljević, Damjan Rocej and Klara Rusan created an intriguing mosaic adorning the indoor pool. The vivacious figure in motion directly alludes to the water and infuses the space with character.

Another surprise awaits in the central atrium. During our visit, the iconic Primorka sailboat was showcased there. This vessel is directly linked to Lošinj’s maritime and sports heritage. In the grand, glassed room, it doubles as an art installation and a potent symbol of the destination. The atrium thus evolves beyond an intended living room to become an art gallery that can change its purpose and content each time. Combine these art pieces and details with Rusan’s interpretation of Bregovac’s design, and you get more than a designer hotel. The architecture, artworks, graphics, mosaic and maritime heritage fuse into an unparalleled, holistic tale of Croatian creativity.

Time can affect hotels differently; some age swiftly, others mature like fine wine. Hotel Bellevue Lošinj is doubtless among the latter. Using a wine analogy, it grows in character, ripeness, and depth with age. On our second visit, we were once more impressed by its many facets. Now, our conviction that the hotel has stood the test of time brilliantly has been reaffirmed.

Perfection is a perilous word if used in hospitality. Yet this hotel in Čikat gets awfully close.

Although staying at this hotel is not affordable, it seems reasonable for the level of service. Visually, the hotel’s identity and experience are best captured by its recognisable letter B. We interpret it as standing for beautiful. Once you set aside the demanding journey to reach the hotel, everything befits the five-star level. For event organisers, the hotel’s exceptional adaptability might be the deciding factor. Hotel Bellevue Lošinj can easily host any event format; from classic conferences and incentive programmes to business events and demanding weddings, the likes of which we witnessed first-hand during our stay. In between, the hotel also excels at hosting incentive trips, exclusive dinners, and product launches. We see promise in hosting automotive events, as the combination of architecture, outdoor spaces, roads and Lošinj’s panorama provides an ideal setting.

Boasting a phenomenal spa, world-class cuisine, design that is ageing gracefully, and an enviable service level, the hotel does not settle for compromises. We have no reservations about ranking it among the finest Adriatic event hotels, and it will convince even the most fastidious event organisers. In many ways, Hotel Bellevue Lošinj eclipses the average for Adriatic hotels and deserves top honours. Perfection is a perilous word if used in hospitality. Yet this hotel in Čikat gets awfully close. Perhaps the fault lies in the scent of pine trees, the proximity to the sea, or simply the feeling that everything is exactly where it should be. Either way, perfection wafts through the air here.

FINAL GRADE: 4.98 THREE MEETING STARS⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ Resort Meeting Hotel

3 MEETING STARS⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ final score from 4.81 to 5.00
2 MEETING STARS⭐️ ⭐️ final score from 4.61 to 4.80
1 MEETING STAR⭐️ final score from 4.41 to 4.60