Croatia's Hidden Gem: Luxurious Medulin Escape Awaits!
Croatia's Hidden Gem: Luxurious Medulin Escape Awaits! – My Honest (and Slightly Disorganized) Review
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Medulin, Croatia, and let me tell you, "Luxurious Medulin Escape Awaits!" is… well, it's mostly true. They’ve got a real gem on their hands – and also, some things that could use a little… oomph. This isn't your glossy brochure review, folks. This is the real deal, warts and all. And trust me, I’ve got opinions.
First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility & Slight Fumbles):
The drive to Medulin was stunning! Literally breathtaking. The Adriatic coast? Forget about it. Utterly, unbelievably gorgeous. The hotel itself? Pretty slick, I have to say. BUT…accessibility. Now, they say they’re accessible. And, well, they are…mostly. The main entrance… relatively easy to navigate. However, getting around inside? Some of the hallways felt a tad cramped for a wheelchair, and the ramps… well, let's just say they’re not all Swiss-watch precise. So, accessibility: kinda there, could be better. But hey, the views from the patio definitely made up for it all
Rooms: Oh, the Rooms! (And My Obsession with Blackout Curtains)
My room? (Available in all rooms, as they say.) Glorious. Truly. Air conditioning blasting, comfy bed, the works. The real hero, though? The blackout curtains. Listen, I'm a light sleeper. And these things? They were so dark, so perfect, I felt like I'd entered a permanent twilight zone of blissful sleep. Pure. Heaven. They also had a desk (laptop workspace), which was great for pretending to work while, you know, gazing out at the sea (Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms!).
Internet: The Wild West of Connectivity
Let's talk internet. Free Wi-Fi in every room? Yes! But, the actual speed? Hmmm, let's go with "variable." Sometimes blazing fast (perfect for binge-watching, on-demand movies), sometimes… well, let's just say I spent a lot of time staring at spinning circles. Internet [LAN] access too? Not sure I even bothered trying. I'm a Wi-Fi gal at heart! More importantly, the mirror in the bathroom didn't have internet access. (Darn!)
Dining, Glorious, Flawed Dining:
Alright, food… that's where things get interesting. The breakfast buffet (Breakfast [buffet] AND a Breakfast service)? Huge! Western and Asian options. But some days, the scrambled eggs were… well, let's just say the texture was a little off. And the coffee… let’s not even go there. They did have a coffee shop, though, and some truly divine pastries. The fact that I could get coffee and tea in the restaurant definitely helped make up for it!
The Restaurants (A la carte in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant): The A la carte options were great! Really! But on a couple of occasions, dishes were… slow to arrive. Like, "did they forget about me?" slow. The international cuisine was a mixed bag, but some of the fresh seafood dishes were absolutely divine. The vegetarian restaurant was also a delight. The Poolside bar (Poolside bar) and snack bar? Perfect for grabbing a quick bite. I have to admit I had a few happy hours (Happy hour) at the bar because I was such a fan!
Services & Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and The Laundry Pile
Concierge? Super helpful. Especially when I needed to find a good pharmacy. (Trust me, you’ll thank me for that tip.) The dry cleaning? (Dry cleaning & Ironing service) Prompt and efficient, but a bit pricey. The daily housekeeping (Daily housekeeping)? Spot on. Cleanliness? They really go the extra mile. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays… I felt safe. Seriously!
Luggage storage (Luggage storage): Helpful as you expected. Facilities for disabled guests? They seem to have done their best.
Food delivery (Food delivery) and room service (Room service [24-hour]) were fantastic, but I don't know how often I actually used hotel room service (Room service [24-hour]). I was generally busy!
What REALLY Happened: My Spa Experience (and a Slight Overreaction)
Okay, prepare yourselves. I went to the spa. Now, I love a good spa. But… this one was… intense. First, the Body scrub. Delicious, invigorating. Exactly what the doctor ordered. Then the Body wrap. Ah, bliss. Warm, cocooned. Then, I got to use the Sauna, Steamroom, and Foot bath!. The Pool with the view? Gorgeous. All this, I loved. And I spent hours in the Swimming pool. You could say I took full advantage of the relaxing options.
Now I know, this is a bit much, but you should know that the spa was worth it.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (Beyond the Spa):
They've totally got you covered. Swimming pool [outdoor] is a given. There’s a fitness center (Fitness center) with a gym and free weights. You can head over to the beach. They also offer a Babysitting service (For the kids), so if you're family/child friendly then this is a good start. There's also a terrace to relax (Terrace).
Safety & Security: No Worries, Mate!
CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property? Check. 24-hour security (Security [24-hour])? Check. Fire extinguisher, smoke alarms? Double check. I felt super safe.
A Few Quirks (Because Life Isn't Perfect):
- The Elevator: It felt…a little slow. And sometimes the buttons didn’t quite work. But hey, stairs are good exercise, right?
- The Signage: Could be clearer. I got lost a few times. Wandering and accidentally discovering the hotel's hidden shrines!
The Verdict: Should You Book This "Hidden Gem?"
Yes. Absolutely. With caveats. It’s not perfect. But the good outweighs the bad. The location is incredible, the rooms are comfortable, the staff is friendly, and the spa is… well, you’ve heard. The views? Unforgettable. And the imperfections? They just add to the charm. Plus, it's a great place to practice your Croatian! I'll say, the hotel could use a bit of updating when it comes to accessibility. Some of the details are off. But generally, I spent a great time.
My Recommendation: Make it a "Maybe" with a Side of Adventure!
If you're looking for a flawless, sterile vacation, maybe look elsewhere. But if you’re after a beautiful location, a comfortable stay, a little bit of magic, and you don't mind a few quirks… book it! You won't regret it.
Book Now & Get:
- Complimentary bottle of local Croatian wine upon arrival! (to help you deal with the occasional internet hiccup, of course!)
- Guaranteed early check-in! (So you can hit that pool ASAP!)
- A 10% discount on spa treatments! (Because you deserve it!)
Don't wait! Your luxurious Medulin escape awaits!
Austrian Sauna Bliss: Unwind in Your Dream Holiday Home in Fugen!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly curated travel itinerary. This is the Medulin-Liznjan-Boutique-Holiday-Home-with-Lawn-Croatia-and-My-Brain-on-Holiday-Itinerary. Prepare for the glorious mess.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Disaster of '24 (and Pizza Dreams)
- 14:00: Officially arrive in Medulin! (Which, honestly, felt like a minor miracle considering the flight was delayed because of "unforeseen bird activity" in Heathrow. I swear, those pigeons are plotting world domination). The holiday home? Gorgeous. Seriously, Instagram-worthy lawn, the whole shebang. But… the luggage. Oh, the luggage. Turns out, "clearly marked" on my suitcase apparently translates to "hides under a mountain of other luggage". Spent a solid 45 minutes wrestling with the airport's conveyor belt, convinced I was going to end up on some "Most Clumsy Travelers" YouTube compilation.
- 15:00: Finally reunited with my suitcase, looking slightly battered but mostly intact. Decide self-care is essential after that ordeal. Crack open a bottle of locally-sourced Croatian rosé (smooth, not-too-sweet, like my personality aspirations), and plop down on a sun lounger. The lawn is perfect. I could get used to this…
- 17:00: Wander into Liznjan (barely. GPS is my enemy) and stumble upon a tiny, unassuming pizza place called "Pizzeria Mario". This is where it gets serious. Ordered a pizza, a simple Margherita. And… it was divine. Crispy crust, tangy sauce, the perfect blend of cheese. Honestly, I think I shed a single, delicious tear. That pizza was a sign, a promise, a culinary epiphany. This trip is already worth it, just for the pizza!
- 19:00: Back at the holiday home, feeling the gentle glow of the sun and the wine. Decide to unpack. (Pro-tip, never unpack immediately after a travel day).
- 20:00: Attempt to set up the wifi. Fail. Give up, and then realise, this isn't the worst thing.
- 21:00: Sleep.
Day 2: Beaches, Boats, and the Existential Dread of Sea Urchins
- 09:00: Wake up. Realise I've slept through the alarm. Blame the pizza.
- 10:00: Breakfast with a view – yogurt with local honey and the lingering ghosts of pizza past. Contemplate life. The lawn is still perfect.
- 11:00: Beach time! Head to Bijeca beach. Beautiful, shallow waters, perfect for paddling. I spent a solid hour just staring at the turquoise water, thinking about… nothing, which is precisely what I needed.
- 12:00: Attempt to snorkel. Notice sea urchins and panic. Swim back to the shore.
- 13:00: The sun is hot. The sand is glorious. The need for a nap is undeniable.
- 14:00: Nap.
- 16:00: Boat trip to the islands. The view from the water is breathtaking. Blue, blue, BLUE everywhere. The boat captain, a grizzled, sun-kissed man with a laugh like a sea gull, points out hidden coves and tells tales of pirates and smuggling. Feel briefly like I'm in a movie.
- 18:00: Attempt to jump into the sea. Jump. Flail. Swallow some sea water. Feel vaguely like I'm drowning. Decide to stick with the shallows from here on out.
- 19:00: Back on land, with a rumbling stomach. Search out more pizza. This time, a pizza frutti di mare.
- 20:00: Sunset walk along the coast. The sky explodes with colour. The air smells of salt and something indescribably… Croatian. Contemplate making this my new life.
- 21:00: Back in the holiday home. Make a mental note to buy ALL the Croatian honey.
- 22:00: Fall asleep mid-scroll.
Day 3: Markets, Fish, and the Crushing Realization That I'm Not a Chef (or Very Good at it)
- 08:00: Wake up because the light is too bright.
- 10:00: Explore the local market. The colours! The smells! The sheer abundance of fresh produce! Decide I'm going to cook a magnificent Croatian feast.
- 11:00: Purchase ingredients with optimistic excitement.
- 12:00: Attempt to cook the Croatian feast. Fail. Miserably. The fish is slightly burnt. The vegetables are… well, let's say "rustic." The kitchen is a disaster zone.
- 13:00: Eat the slightly burnt fish. Decide that "rustic" is the new gourmet.
- 14:00: Despair over the state of the kitchen. Contemplate hiring a chef to cook all my meals for the rest of the trip. Realise I'm on a budget.
- 15:00: Take a long walk to get my mind off how bad I am at cooking. Look at the sea. Feel better.
- 16:00: Try to start a book. Don't.
- 17:00: Watch the sunset with a glass of wine. Decide to be at peace with my cooking, my slightly sunburnt skin, and the fact that I am, essentially, a creature of habit.
- 18:00: Wander aimlessly again.
- 19:00: Pizza again! (Because comfort is crucial, okay?)
- 20:00: Actually, read the book.
- 22:00: Start wondering when I will be able to eat pizza again.
Day 4: More Pizza, Departure Looming
- 09:00: Stare at lawn. Remind myself this is lovely.
- 10:00: Realise it's my final full day. Try not to focus on it.
- 11:00: Attempt to learn some Croatian phrases. "Dobar dan" is easy. "Hvala" too. "Molim?" – well, that's a bit harder.
- 12:00: Lunch. The remaining ingredients from my failed cooking attempt.
- 13:00: Head to the beach and stare at the sea. This is my favourite activity.
- 15:00: Buy a bunch of souvenirs. Realize I have no room to put them. I look at them anyway.
- 16:00: Head to "Pizzeria Mario" and meet my best friend.
- 17:00: Contemplate this being my last pizza.
- 18:00: Eat the pizza.
- 19:00: Realize this is actually quite good. Decide everything is fine.
- 20:00: Pack.
- 21:00: Wander along the lawn. Feel the evening air.
- 22:00: Say goodbye.
Day 5: Departure (and Pizza withdrawals already)
- 06:00: Alarm! This is the worst alarm ever.
- 07:00: Finish packing.
- 08:00: Try to eat breakfast. Can't. Too sad.
- 09:00: Leave.
- 10:00: In the car to the airport.
- 11:00: On the airplane.
- 12:00: Wishing I had one more pizza.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. There was luggage drama, cooking catastrophes, and a general lack of organization. But it was real. It was messy. It was filled with sunshine, sea air, and a truly ridiculous amount of pizza. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. Until next time, Medulin! And Pizzeria Mario, I'll be back. Just you wait.
Escape to Paradise: Your Modern Karwendel Retreat Awaits in Krun, Germany
Medulin: More Than Just a Pretty Picture? Your Burning Questions (and My Honest Answers)
Is Medulin really a hidden gem, or just another tourist trap? I'm cynical, you see.
Okay, I get it. I *get* the cynicism. I walked in expecting beige and disappointment, honestly. But Medulin... it's… complicated. Yes, there are tourists. Lots. Especially in high season. Think a bit more crowded than you'd ideally like, but NOT Dubrovnik-level insanity. The "hidden" part is the *quality* of the experience. It's not a hidden *location* (it's on the friggin' coast!), it's that the luxury you *can* find – the authentic experience – feels a bit… secret. You have to poke around, get off the beaten path a little. So, yeah, *partially* a trap. But with the right approach (and maybe a slightly aggressive attitude in finding the good stuff), it's totally worth it.
Alright, fine, you've piqued my interest. What KIND of luxury are we talking about? Five-star hotels or something else?
Okay, here's the deal. Five-star *in the traditional sense*? Not exactly overflowing. But! Think more… curated. Think boutique hotels with AMAZING personal service, private villas with infinity pools overlooking shimmering turquoise water, and… oh GOD… the *food*. Forget bland hotel buffets. Imagine tiny konobas (family-run taverns – you *must* find one!) serving the freshest seafood you've ever tasted, caught that morning. I’m talking grilled octopus that practically *melts* in your mouth. And the olive oil? Liquid gold. I swear, I almost drank it straight from the bottle at one point (don't judge me, I was *weak*). So, the luxury is in the details, the experience, the *feeling* of being utterly pampered... but with a distinctly Croatian, slightly rough-around-the-edges (in a good way) charm.
What about the beaches? Are they actually nice, or just crowded concrete slabs?
Okay, beaches. This is where Medulin really shines. Yes, some are more developed, with sunbeds packed pretty close together. *But*… then you find *Bijeca Beach*. Oh, Bijeca. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. It’s a kilometer-long stretch of *fine, white sand*. Like, actual sand! Not pebbles, not concrete, but SAND. And the water? Crystal clear. Shallow for ages, perfect for kids (or clumsy adults like me who need to wade in slowly). I spent a whole afternoon just… existing there. Reading a book, sipping on some local wine (a dry, crisp Malvazija, if you're asking), and occasionally dipping my toes in the water. Pure bliss. I even built a pathetic sandcastle (don't laugh, it collapsed immediately). But, yes, Bijeca is crowded, especially at the height of summer. Go early. Or, even better, find a smaller cove, maybe with some hidden rocks (beware of sea urchins!), and pretend you have your own private paradise.
Food is important. Tell me about it! Should I expect mediocre tourist food?
NO! NO, NO, NO! (Okay, *some* tourist food exists, mostly pizza places that look like they've been stuck in the 90s, I'll admit.) But if you do even a *tiny* bit of research, you'll discover culinary heaven. Seriously. I dream about the food. As I said, fresh seafood is king. Grilled fish, black risotto with cuttlefish ink (don't let the color scare you, it's *divine*), scampi buzara (a tomato-based stew with scampi - you MUST try it!). And the olive oil? Again, it’s like magic. Go to a konoba. Ask the locals for recommendations. Don’t be afraid to try something you’ve never had before. I had this amazing plate of *fuži* (pasta) with truffles. I’m not even a huge truffle person, but *wow*. And the wine! Croatian wines are fantastic and often underrated. Embrace the whole experience. Eat slowly. Savour every bite. And maybe, just *maybe*, you'll find yourself considering moving there forever, like I did while mid-bite. (My bank account swiftly brought me back to reality, though…)
What can I *do* besides lie on a beach and eat? Is there anything for… more active people?
Absolutely! Beach bumming is wonderful, but there's plenty to keep you busy. Water sports are HUGE – windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding… the sea is practically begging you to play in it. Hiking is great, too, especially around the Kamenjak Peninsula (trust me, GET OUT THERE!). It offers stunning coastal views and hidden coves (again, watch out for sea urchins!). You can rent bikes and cycle around. Day trips to Pula (a Roman amphitheatre, which is just… mind-blowing) are easy. You can also explore the Brijuni Islands National Park (a ferry ride away, and seriously worth it). They have everything from Roman ruins to… well, a zoo. Okay, maybe not a *zoo* zoo. More like… a collection of animals living in a very beautiful place. The point is, boredom is not an option if you don't want it to be. You can be as active as you want, or as lazy as you want. The choice is yours (and, let’s be honest, sometimes the choice is just to nap in the shade after too much wine the night before. No judgement!).
How do I get there? And how do I get around once I'm there?
Okay, logistics. Medulin is in Istria, the northwestern part of Croatia. You could fly into Pula Airport (PUY) – it’s the easiest option (and not a terrifyingly long flight from most of Europe). From the airport, it's a short taxi ride or a bus to Medulin. Renting a car is a good idea if you want maximum flexibility (and the freedom to explore the Istrian countryside). Once in Medulin itself, walking is perfectly viable for getting around the town and to the beaches. You can rent bikes. Taxis are available, but they can be hard to find (and sometimes a bit… expensive). Basically, plan ahead, bring your walking shoes, and try not to get hopelessly lost, like I did on my first day (ended up discovering a hidden gelato shop, so… silver linings?). Seriously though, the roads can be a bit… unpredictable if you're driving, so keep your wits about you. And parking in high season? Prepare for some stressful circling. Good luck with that one.
Best time to visit? When should I absolutely AVOID going?
