Sun Gardens – Dubrovnik, Croatia
Not far from Dubrovnik Old Town – the pearl of the Adriatic – Sun Gardens sits resplendently on a hillside looking out over the Elaphiti Islands. Contemporary architecture with a glazed façade, mixes effortlessly with Croatian charm, whilst a welcoming team of staff make sure guests take advantage of everything that’s on offer. The resort is set in terraced gardens of pines, olives and lawns, sloping down to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and a private beach.
An extensive choice of restaurants, three pools with bars and a host of activities, make Sun Gardens an ideal resort for families, and it’s ideally located for exploring the surrounding Dalmatian coast and beyond.
At A Glance
Luxury Family Hotel
Why We Love It:
For it’s perfect mix of laid back beach luxury & opportunity to discover beautiful Dubrovnik.Style:
Modern coastal chic.Location:
On the beachfront of the Adriatic coast, 11 miles north of Dubrovnik.Rooms:
201 rooms & suites & a selection of private self-catering residences.Swimming:
3 outdoor pools (open seasonally), 1 indoor & a private beach.Children:
An enormous range of children’s activities with a Kids Club & a sports academy.Accessibility:
Many rooms are suitable for guests with limited mobility.Open From:
April - October.rooms
Fresh with splashes of blue and turquoise, the rooms and suites, are generously sized, with balconies and most with views of the Adriatic. Residences are self-contained with kitchenettes, ideal for families, opening out onto gardens or with roof terraces, sleeping up to seven. The large five bedroom villa has a private pool, just steps from the sea.
food
It’s safe to say that every palate is catered for at Sun Gardens, with a wonderful mix of local, Mediterranean and international cuisines. Start the day with a rooftop breakfast, overlooking the sparkling Adriatic. And end it at the Sunset Grill by the pool. Cilantro boasts a shady terrace and a deliciously fresh menu, whilst The Market serves a good selection of seafood, paired with excellent local wine.
Veranda celebrates local cuisine, and it’s just a culinary hop across the water to La Pasta, where you’ll find pizza and modern Italian food. And if you’re craving a steak, the Butcher’s Grill is for you. The bars serve light snacks and freshly squeezed juices and are conveniently dotted around the resort, so you never have to walk very far. Needless to say, the children love La Patisserie with its artisan ice cream and shakes. Whilst all the restaurants and bars are open during the high season (May to September), some may be closed at other times.
activities
Sun Gardens offers the very best of both worlds – a place to relax and switch off, together with an almost limitless choice of activities for all ages. And not to forget the Spa. Set slightly apart, with a relaxing infinity pool and hydrotherapy pool, tepidarium and an exceptional range of treatments and therapies, you’ll definitely want to book in whilst your children are at the kid’s club.
There’s a good choice of water sports down at the Marina, from paddle boarding to kayaking, to taking a boat over to the Elaphiti Islands or a jet ski safari. The waters are also ideal for diving and snorkelling. The resort has three clay tennis courts – guests can book a private coach, as well as badminton and squash courts and a climbing wall. If you want to explore further afield, there are regular boat shuttles to Dubrovnik, or take the resort’s bikes and head up until the hills. The concierge team are only too happy to suggest and book activities and itineraries.
family
For parents looking for a little down time to themselves, this resort is the one to pick. The facilities for children are both excellent and comprehensive. The Marco Polo Kid’s Club is divided into four age categories, catering for babies (twelve months to three years), the Mini Club for three to six year olds, Junior Club for seven to ten year olds and the Tween Club for ten to fifteen year olds. The latter three are supervised from the end of May to mid-September.
There’s a spacious indoor playing space and playground for younger guests, and a well-equipped gaming room for teenagers. It’s the sporting academy and facilities that really set Sun Gardens apart, where active children benefit from expert tuition in a range of sports – football, tennis, squash, swimming and water sports. The Campioni Soccer Academy is a professional football school for children aged six – fifteen, run by ex-Premier League players and UEFA licensed coaches. Families with babies can pre-book all the equipment they need, thus saving having to pack everything, and babysitting is available on request.
sustainability
The resort has received the Green Key award consistently over the past few years for its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Location
Dubrovnik, Croatia
On the Adriatic coast, close to Dubrovnik & just over half an hour from the airport.
