Elena Murzello discovers the healing island of Lošinj in Croatia, an enchanting destination that will soothe your soul
Travelling to new places reminds me that not everyone is so lucky to live within close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. I often take for granted the simplicity of nature and its wholesome benefits of being in a healing environment. Lošinj, Croatia, known as the “Healing Island,” is blessed with a similar magical microclimate. While the West Coast of Canada is also known as the “Wet Coast” due to the amount of rain, Lošinj boasts over 200 days of glorious sunshine.
As a guest of the Lošinj Hotels, I had the opportunity to visit Čikat Bay and experience firsthand the healing surroundings and the wellness of the water.
Setting
The island of Lošinj is nestled in the Čikat Bay along the Adriatic Sea. After flying on a short two-hour flight from Gatwick Airport to Pula, we then boarded a small, 30-minute ferry to the island of Lošinj. From there, we were whisked away by private car service to the beautiful Hotel Bellevue. Both the Hotel Bellevue and its sister property, Boutique Hotel Alhambra line the bay and ensure that guests have direct, unobstructed access to the crystal-clear waters.
Arriving in the early afternoon, I immediately went to the oversized balcony in my room to check out the view, overlooking the wispy two-century-old bonsai-like Aleppo Pine trees.
In the 1800s, it was Professor Ambroz Haračić who established the Association for the Afforestation and Beautification of Mali Lošinj. In the first year, the association planted over 80 thousand pine trees (mostly Aleppo pine and Scots pine) filling the area to prevent excessive soil erosion and unexpected flooding. Today, visitors can admire the remaining pines surrounding Čikat Bay.
From the time Professor Haračić sparked interest in Lošinj, several studies have been executed to understand the connection between the environment and its benefits on human health. In 2012, Anamarija Margan-Šulc looked at the benefits and the favourable outcomes of the air, and water quality, as well as the surrounding pine tree forest and medicinal plants, with respect to people with chronic respiratory conditions. She published her findings in her book entitled Health Tourism and Natural Healing Factors of the Island of Lošinj.
We started our trip by taking in the sea air with a seaside yoga class in the early morning. The air smelled fresh and oxygenated versus the smoky, polluted air often found in large, active port cities with large amounts of industrialization. The trees, the clear water and the sun all serve in the ongoing loop for water purification.
On our final day, we were also treated to a guided tour around Lošinj on a beautiful traditional English wooden sailboat, courtesy of Catriona II. It was a fantastic way to see the clarity of the light turquoise sea and mark the end of the rejuvenating and relaxing trip.
Spa
Visitors come to Lošinj for the picturesque setting but stay to be pampered and rejuvenated with spa treatments at both the Hotel Bellevue and the Boutique Hotel Alhambra. The treatments are designed under the guidance of international Spa consultant, Melissa Meltzer.
The Hotel Bellevue’s Bellevue Spa Clinic is set in a large modern space and is complete with award-winning clinical detox programs. Nominated for the World’s Best Detox Programme 2023 by the World Spa Awards, the signature Sea-Tox Programme can be joined for a duration of 3,7 or 14 days. Through a combination of wellness activities and healthy superfoods, the program serves guests with both an inner and outer full-body detox.
I found the most impactful spa treatment at the Hotel Bellevue was the Cold-Water Immersion therapy which took place in the Secret Spa. Outside the main spa, the private outdoor Secret Spa suite has a herbal sauna, jacuzzi, cool plunge, showers, al fresco treatment space and relaxation grotto. I could see it being occupied by a discerning couple or a group of friends celebrating a private occasion. It was the perfect space to test our mental wits and stamina (somewhat physical) while we were immersed in 250 kilos of ice. I managed to stay in the pool for 10 min and then went straight into the sauna for some Qi Gong arm swings to get warmed up.
There has been ongoing research to show the benefits of an ice bath. Health and wellness experts often talk about using it for muscle recovery and soreness, and to cool your body after strenuous exercise. While our ice bath was in the morning, not after activity at all, I found it forced me to focus on my breathing and my thoughts. This, at the core, builds mental elasticity.
In a course of mental mindfulness, one night, along Bellevue Beach we floated on an inflatable water bed out to sea as we listened to soothing tranquil music under the stars. It was hard not to fall into a deep slumber, especially after our dinner.
Not directly water-focused, yet still notable, was the Alhambra Spa at the Boutique Hotel Alhambra. We were treated to the indigenous flora and fauna through the Kurhaus Inhalation Bar. There are 1018 plant species, and over 200 are medicinal herbs found in the area. Using these herbs and plants, we sampled a medicinal inhalation through a ceramic inhalation pot before our treatment.
Mimicking those used in the 1800’s, the steam is inhaled by a glass tube attached to the pot for cough, sinus and nasal relief. Capturing the essence of the islands’ natural setting, the spa suites in the Alhambra Spa had the appeal of an intimate rustic cabin with a warm woodsy atmosphere.
Seafood
Living on the coast, I am used to the availability of fresh seafood on a whim. I did make an effort to have my fill of the seafood supplied by the abundant Adriatic Sea. Our first dinner at the Hotel Bellvue’s Matsunoki restaurant was a feast for the eyes, as well as the stomach. Awarded with the Michelin Plate, we were served with Chef Orhan Cakiroglu’s finest sushi and dumplings. The re-imagined traditional Japanese fare was served so fresh, it melted in your mouth. Such a special treat to welcome us to the property.
The pièce de la résistance meal was our dinner on our last night at the Michelin-star Alfred Keller Restaurant, located at the Boutique Hotel Alhambra. The nine-course meal was a combination of local Croatian and Mediterranean influences from both sea and land. My favourite was The Alfred Keller Restaurant under the supervision of the two-Michelin Star chef Christian Kuchler and in collaboration with Chef Michael Gollenz. A truly decadent way to end a wonderful stay in Lošinj.
Gazing across the serene water from the morning ferry departing Lošinj, my conviction about the “healing island” deepened. The secrecy surrounding the enchanting waters of Čikat Bay became apparent, understanding why those privy to its wonders keep it guarded. From the Aleppo pine tree-bordered, crystalline waters to the harmonious blend of exquisite spa treatments and savoury Michelin star meals, Lošinj transcends being a mere hidden gem. Since the early 1800s, those fortunate enough to have already visited Lošinj, know its distinction as a haven of quiet luxury, where rejuvenation intersects with the natural habitat, with wellness woven into the very fabric of its waters.
