Amadria Park Hotel Ivan

The Amadria Park Ivan is one of a collection of holiday resort hotels set around a meticulously reconstructed typical Dalmatian village built entirely with old stone blocks from ruined villages in the region -- not a single stone brick is new. The hotel itself, however, was constructed in 1968 and renovated throughout in 2013 so everything has a recently revamped polish and sparkle. Its sixties heritage is evident on arrival from its clean, modernist, and low-rise architecture that continues though sleek, clean-lined interiors finished with polished wood floors and a palette of neutral tones. As well as the Ethno Village, which sits surprisingly well next the contrasting slick contemporary design, the grounds have been carefully landscaped to ensure integration in the picturesque landscape, including the asserted addition of 70,000 roses in and around the gardens as well as a vineyard in front of the hotel (a replica of the famous Primosten vineyards). Largely due to these efforts, and despite numerous other hotels in the area, the hotel has a secluded, close-to-nature atmosphere which can even feel tranquil when there's aren't too many noisy kids running around.

The hotel is located in the center of the Amadria Park Ivan area -- a small peninsula in the Šibenik-Knin region of southern Croatia. The historic town of Sibenik and the region's capital is about four miles away, or a 12-minute drive. There's not a great deal to see in the surrounding area although there are some lovely (shingle) beaches just a few minutes' walk away. The area is serviced by pretty good roads, and the nearest airport, Split, is about an hours' drive away -- the hotel provides shuttle or private airport transfer services for a reasonable fee. 

The hotel has 372 rooms and apartments, all of which benefitted from the 2013 renovation and are decorated in fresh, contemporary styling with modern furnishings and floral motifs. Rooms all come air-conditioned and with minibars, telephones, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, while clean, modern bathrooms provide the standard suite of toiletries. Floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies look out over the sea -- in higher-level rooms -- or surrounding gardens, while apartments include separate lounge areas and small kitchenettes. Wi-Fi is available, however, it's not free of charge or very reliable. 

The hotel features what is probably the best spa and wellness center in the region. It offers a wide range of treatments in spacious, beautifully finished surrounds, as well as excellent sauna, steam bath, and pool facilities. The outdoor pool is a huge, meandering affair comprising of a series of interconnected pool areas surrounded by loungers and parasols. An extensive buffet breakfast is served each morning (included in the rate) in the hotel restaurant, which opens onto a large terrace area and also offers lunch and dinner menus. A wine bar provides one of the most extensive wine collections you can find in this area. Tennis courts can also be found on-site, and guests also have access to nearby aqua-park, golfing, and water sports facilities.