Josip Crikvenica: The Hidden Gem of Croatia You NEED to See!
Josip Crikvenica: Croatia’s Secret Weapon (And Why You Absolutely, Positively, Need to Go!) - A Real Review, Flaws and All!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash on you the glorious, imperfect, and utterly charming truth about Josip Crikvenica, the hidden gem of Croatia you NEED to see! Seriously, I'm not kidding. My recent trip there wasn't just a vacation; it was a total reset. And like any good reset, it came with its fair share of hilarious mishaps and breathtaking moments. Let's dive in, shall we? And I’m not just talking about the sparkling Adriatic, although, wow, the Adriatic…
First Impressions: Accessibility & The Lay of the Land
Listen, I'm not gonna lie, I was a little stressed about the accessibility. I'm not disabled, but I am the kind of klutz who trips over air, so knowing everything was relatively easy to get around was a huge relief. Accessibility is definitely a thing here, which is a huge plus. The main areas (restaurants, lobbies) are pretty navigable, with ramps and elevators, although I did find a few cobblestone streets leading to some hidden bars which were challenging (and, honestly, added to their charm!). The city itself, Crikvenica, is gorgeous, nestled along the coast. The location is perfect for taking in the beach.
On-Site Goodness: Food, Glorious Food! (And the Occasional Hangover)
Okay, let's talk food. Because, let's be honest, that’s a huge part of any trip, right? Josip Crikvenica totally nails it in the dining department. There were multiple restaurants to choose from, which I loved. Options included A la carte in restaurant, a breakfast [buffet], and several [restaurants].
- My Personal Foodie Odyssey: I have to gush about the fresh seafood! Seriously, I ate some of the best calamari I’ve ever had there -- so fresh you could practically taste the sea breeze. There's a Vegetarian restaurant, too! And the International cuisine in restaurant was top-notch. I mean, how can you go wrong with a breakfast buffet that literally has EVERYTHING? I can not even begin to describe the amazing array of breakfast food on offer!
- Drink Up, Buttercup: Poolside bar, Bar, Coffee shop… I was literally never thirsty. And the Happy hour deals were, shall we say, very popular with yours truly.
- The Room Service Revelation: The 24-hour Room service [24-hour] meant I could order a burger in my PJs at 2 AM after a particularly enthusiastic evening. Genius! (Don't judge, you've been there). The Bottle of water provided was a god send!
- Alternative Meal Arrangements: I'm slightly picky, so the staff were accommodating with this.
Keeping it Clean & Safe (Because, Hello, This Is 2024!)
Right, let's get the boring but essential stuff out of the way. Cleanliness and safety are clearly a priority. This put my mind at ease knowing that all these safety measures were in place, without taking anything away from the holiday.
- Sanitizing Squad: They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, which, you know, made me feel good.
- The Hand Sanitizer Brigade: Finding Hand sanitizer stations everywhere was convenient.
- Safe Dining Setup: I appreciate the Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items,
- First Aid: First aid kit was very useful for those of us who get scraped knees.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sun, and Serenity (Mostly)
Okay, the best bit! The reason we all go on holiday. I'm a sucker for a good spa, and Josip Crikvenica did not disappoint.
- Spa Bliss: They have a full-on Spa, Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom. Yes, please! I spent an entire afternoon floating in the Swimming pool [outdoor] and, honestly, could have stayed there forever.
- Massage Magic: I treated myself to a Massage, and it was pure, unadulterated bliss. I'm usually tense as a piano wire, but I melted. The therapist, bless her, worked wonders.
- Fitness Fanatic or Flop: If you’re actually the kind of person who exercises on vacation (unlike me, who considers walking to the bar a workout), the Fitness center, Gym/fitness are ready for you! No, not me.
- Extra Treats: Having access to a Pool with view was a bonus!
The Nitty-Gritty: Rooms, Internet, & Getting Your Life Together
Let's talk pragmatics. You know, things like can I actually work from here? (Or at least pretend to?)
- Room Rave: The rooms are comfy, clean, and well-equipped. I stayed in a room with Air conditioning, a Desk, a Mini bar,
- Tech Talk: The Wi-Fi [free] was surprisingly good. I could actually post Instagram stories without wanting to throw my phone in the sea. You get Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], and Internet services!
- Essentials: They have everything you need and the Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens.
- Services: Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage,
- Conveniences: The Concierge, was amazing! A convenience store was a blessing! Cash withdrawal, Daily housekeeping, and I loved the elevator.
Things to Do (Beyond Eating… Though That’s a Big Thing!)
Okay, so you might want to leave the hotel. (Crazy, I know!) Crikvenica offers plenty of options:
- Water Wonders: The Beach, of course! Swimming, sunbathing, and watersports galore.
- Exploring: I rented a bike and went on a short trip, which was fun, and I saw the Bicycle parking, Car park [on-site], which was also useful.
For the Kids (And The Young At Heart!)
I didn't travel with kids, but I saw plenty of families having a blast. Here's the deal:
- Facilities Galore: They had Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, and The Overall Vibe
Now, look, no place is perfect. And that's part of the charm, right?
- The "Perfect" Bathroom: The bathroom was spotless. The shower pressure was also excellent.
- The Little Extras that Matter: Things like the complimentary water in the room, the friendly staff, and the overall relaxed atmosphere.
My Verdict and My Personal Plea:
Josip Crikvenica is a winner. It's more than just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place to unwind, to indulge, to explore, and to truly breathe. The staff were friendly, helpful, and went out of their way to make my stay enjoyable.
My Offer:
Book your stay at Josip Crikvenica NOW and get 15% off your first night! Use code "CROATIAHIDES" at checkout. You'll also receive a complimentary bottle of Croatian wine upon arrival. But be warned: you might not want to leave!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dreamy Jimbaran Beach Junior Suite Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're heading to Josip Crikvenica, Croatia. This isn't your glossy, Instagram-filtered travelogue. This is the real deal. Prepare for sunburn, questionable gelato choices, and the distinct possibility of me accidentally insulting someone with my appalling Croatian pronunciation. Let's do this!
Josip Crikvenica: Operation "Seashells, Sunshine, and Slightly Questionable Life Choices"
Day 1: Arrival (and the Sweetest Kind of Chaos)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Ugh. The flight was a red-eye. My back feels like it's been used as a punching bag by a particularly grumpy badger. Arrived at Zagreb Airport, which was surprisingly sleek and modern. Found our pre-booked transfer (thank GOD for pre-booking!), a tiny, slightly dented Croatian man named Zoran. He spoke… well, he attempted English. We mostly communicated through frantic hand gestures and grunts of understanding. The drive to Crikvenica was gorgeous, winding along the Adriatic coast. Ocean views! Sigh. Actually feeling it.
- Mid-morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): ARRIVAL! Finally at our apartment, "Sunbeam Serenade" (more like, "Sunbeam Slightly Sizzling" with the lack of air conditioning… but whatever). It's… smaller than the photos suggested. And the balcony… well, it's facing the parking lot. But the sea is right there. Can almost taste the salt. The air conditioning is definitely a lie though, it's already hot!
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Tried to find a restaurant. Ended up wandering around, lost, for about an hour. Found a place called "Konoba Trabakul" (I think). Ordered something that looked like… a giant plate of meat. Pretty sure it was a "mixed grill," but I won't swear to it. It was delicious, though. Greasy, salty, and totally worth the impending food coma. The waiter, a charmingly weathered man named Ivan, kept looking at us like we were aliens. I think he was right.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Nap time! Glorious, blessed nap time. Followed by a very tentative stroll along the Crikvenica promenade. The beach is packed, the sun is BRUTAL, and I already have a slight sunburn. The water is crystal clear, though. Decided to dip my toes in. Cold. Amazing.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Sunset drinks at "Beach Bar Paradise" (ironic, because paradise is probably in the air conditioning right now). Ordered a local Croatian beer. It was… good. Maybe a little bit fizzy. Watched the sun go down over the Adriatic, feeling a strange mix of awe and utter exhaustion. Dinner at a different restaurant. I think their specialty was fish. Ordered fish. It had bones. I'm not a fan of bones. Ended the night with a scoop of gelato that tasted vaguely of… sea air? Possibly a mistake. Bedtime!
Day 2: Beaches, Boats, and Bewilderment
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, the sunburn hurts. Sunscreen application is a constant battle. Spent the morning at the main beach. It's a pebble beach, which is… character-building (and slightly painful on the feet). The water is unbelievably clear. Swam, splashed, and tried (and failed) to remain dignified while attempting to climb out of the sea. The waves. They laugh at me.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Found a little bakery. Got a burek. It's… like, a flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese or vegetables. Ate it. Loved it. Spilled some down my front. Classy as ever.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Boat trip! This was supposed to be a highlight. Looked at the boat, it's small, slightly rickety, and the engine sounded like it's protesting its very existence. Still, beauty. The coastline here is stunning, with turquoise water, hidden coves, and tiny islands. We stopped at one island to swim. The water was even clearer than the main beach, the sun beating down, so hot! The captain, a leathery-faced man named Ivo, kept shouting things in Croatian that I couldn't understand. Thought about getting some sun, but gave up. Ended up snorkeling. Saw some fish! Also, almost choked on seawater. Not glamorous. The boat was rocking with all the waves. I was a bit seasick, but kept saying the views are amazing to make myself feel better.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Dinner, a walk around the town, and a final gelato. This time, pistachio. Delicious, perfect, pure bliss. Feeling a little more settled now. Okay, a lot more settled, maybe even a little bit… in love with this place.
Day 3: More Sun, More Food, More… Adventures!
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Explored the town more. The streets are narrow and winding. There are lots of little shops selling souvenirs, and it's just so charming. Went to a little market and bought some Croatian olive oil. Hopefully it will taste as good as it smells!
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Trying a new restaurant. I'm going to avoid the fish, because, bones. Decided to try a pizza place. The reviews were good. Let us pray.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): So, I was going to go to the Aquarium, but got completely sidetracked. Ended up at a little cafe overlooking the harbor. Sat there, watched the boats, and drank coffee. Pure bliss. Decided to write a few postcards, which is a pretty good goal. Trying to capture this place in words. It's difficult.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Decided on a romantic dinner. I am alone, but who cares? The restaurant I am going to has fresh seafood which I am dying to try!
Day 4: The Great Croatian Goodbye (and the inevitable emotional breakdown)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): One last beach day! Trying to soak it all up, the sunshine, the salty air, the sound of the waves. It's bittersweet. Time flies.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): One last burek. One last attempt to eat it without looking like a complete slob. Fail.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Packing. The worst part of any trip. Feeling a sudden, irrational panic at the thought of leaving. The apartment, the beach, the friendly faces I've seen in a short few day, the entire vibe, it's all starting to feel like home. Maybe I should just stay?
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Farewell dinner. Found a particularly lovely restaurant with a view. Ordered the best seafood pasta. Ate while watching the sunset. The views are amazing, even after a short stay! Shed a few tears. Okay, a lot of tears.
- Night: Goodbye, Croatia. Until next time. Thank you for the sunshine, the sea, the food, and the memories. And for the fact that even though I probably embarrassed myself at every turn, it was still… perfect.
This is just a rough sketch, of course. Things will change, plans will go awry, and you're guaranteed to end up eating something that involves a goat's eyeball. But that's the fun of it, right? Embrace the chaos, and don't be afraid to look like an idiot. You'll find the best memories that way. Now go, and have an adventure!
Unbelievable Baguio Escape: High Point Boutique Inn & Restaurant
What's the deal with Mondays? Seriously, *WHY*?
Ugh, Mondays. It's like the universe collectively decides to be a total jerk. I genuinely think if aliens landed and their first contact involved a Monday, we'd be screwed. They'd blast off again before we could even offer them a lukewarm cup of instant coffee and a slightly stale donut. I used to think I was just a naturally pessimistic person, but then I realized... NOPE, it's just Monday. Monday is the root of all evil. Okay, maybe not ALL evil, but it's definitely the gateway drug to a week-long existential crisis. I once tried to be "productive" on a Monday. I lasted approximately 47 minutes before I was staring blankly at my computer screen, contemplating the meaning of life, and wondering if my cat judged my life choices. Spoiler alert: She does.
Why is it so hard to remember where you put your keys?!
Okay, this one is a personal vendetta. The keys. THE KEYS! I swear, they develop a sixth sense for disappearing the second I need them. It's like they're playing hide-and-seek but the rule is, "You can't find me until you're late!" I've checked under the couch cushions (obvious), in the fridge (don't ask), and, on one particularly foggy morning, inside my slippers. I then had to walk around the house, asking myself where i went on my way to work. How did I even get there again? I think it's a conspiracy, honestly. A dastardly plot by Big Key to sell more key finders. (Which, by the way, *don't* always work, I've learned the hard way.) My advice? Get a key hook. And then, just *try* to use it, because I clearly can't.
Is it just me, or does the internet seem to *know* what you're thinking?
Oh, the internet. That all-seeing, all-knowing… well, let's just say "creepy friend." It's like it eavesdrops on your conversations, reads your mind, and then throws ads for cat sweaters (okay, I admit, I looked at a cat sweater once) and noise canceling headphones (needed after a particularly loud family outing) in your face. I mentioned wanting to learn to play the ukulele *once* in a casual conversation, and the next thing I know, my browser is flooded with ukulele tutorials and ads for tiny, brightly-colored instruments. It's simultaneously amazing and utterly terrifying. It's like living in a constant state of "They know!" I'm half expecting them to start offering me dating sites next. This should go on the list of privacy concerns.
What's the best way to deal with a bad hair day?
Ah, the dreaded bad hair day. The ultimate cosmic joke. Okay, real talk: there is no *best* way. There's just survival. Some days, the hair gods are just *not* on your side. I've tried everything. Hairspray (turns it into a helmet), dry shampoo (makes it crunchy), a hat (hides the problem, but... hat hair!). Honestly? Sometimes, the only option is a good, old-fashioned, "screw it" attitude. Embrace the frizz. Rock the volume. Maybe throw on some oversized sunglasses, and pretend you're a mysterious celebrity dodging the paparazzi. Or, you know, just accept that you look slightly unkempt and get on with your life. I've found that the absolute WORST thing you can do is obsess over it. The more you look in the mirror, the worse it gets, trust me. It becomes an absolute spiral of doom and self-doubt. Don't go there. Seriously. Just... don't.
Why is laundry so... overwhelming?
Laundry. The bane of my existence. Truly. It's like a never-ending cycle of wash, dry, fold (okay, *attempt* to fold), put away (sometimes), and then the inevitable, "Oh crap, I need to wear that shirt *today*!" It's less a chore and more a lifestyle. I swear, it breeds in dark corners, multiplying exponentially in the empty hamper. I’ve been known to leave a load in the machine for DAYS. It gets to the point where the rumpled, slightly-damp clothes just become… part of the furniture. I've tried folding clothes while watching TV, listening to podcasts, even attempting to meditate. Nothing helps. It's a losing battle! The only way I've found any semblance of peace is to embrace the chaos. Live in a perpetual state of clean-ish clothes, and accept that a stray sock is probably going to wander off and start its own life somewhere. Oh, and the matching pairs? Forget about it. It's just not worth the mental energy.
What do you *really* think about small talk?
Ugh, small talk. It's the conversational equivalent of elevator music. Necessary, but often soul-crushingly dull. "How's the weather?" "Busy weekend?" "So, what do you, *do*?" (shudders) It's exhausting, the very definition of performative interaction. I'm not saying I actively *hate* talking to people, but I'd much rather jump straight into the deep end of a conversation. Ask me about my hopes and dreams, my fears and anxieties! Ask me what the meaning of life and the mysteries of the universe. Please, for the love of all that is holy, just don't ask me about the weather. I once almost lost my mind trying to come up with something remotely interesting to say about "the lovely sunshine" and the temperature. My brain just short-circuited. If I hear another "It is what it is" I think I will scream. I yearn for a world where we can skip the pleasantries and just dive right into the juicy stuff. Okay? Okay.
Why is it always something?!
Seriously. Just... *why*? You finally get everything sorted. You’re feeling good, the sun is shining, the birds are singing… and BAM! Something goes wrong. Maybe it's your car deciding to become a lawn ornament, or maybe it's a relationship complication. Maybe you realize you forgot to pay a bill. Something ALWAYS has to disrupt my peace. I mean, I'm not saying I expect perfection, but a little uninterrupted bliss would be *nice*. This morning, for instance, I was already in a bad mood because I slept poorly. And guess what? A bird decided to poop on my favorite shirt. It's always something. The universe, it seems, has a wicked sense of humor. I’m beginning to think it's a cosmic requirement. But hey, maybe that's the point. Maybe without the constant mini-disasters, life would be too... boring? Ugh, I don't know. But I'm prepared for more. I’m always prepared. And I've learned to laugh through the pain, even if it's a bitter, cynicalSearchotel
