Boutique Hotel Alhambra
Boutique Hotel Alhambra
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Timeless elegance and coastal serenity on Croatia’s emerald isle
Framed by century-old pine forests and lapped by the crystal waters of Cikat Bay, Boutique Hotel Alhambra is one of the most distinguished addresses on the Adriatic. A harmonious blend of Belle Epoque grandeur and contemporary refinement, this five-star retreat on the island of Losinj invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature at its most magnificent. With its pure, aromatic air, protected bay views, and birdsong in place of background noise, this is where discreet luxury and natural beauty come together in rare harmony.
It is here, just steps from the shoreline, that Boutique Hotel Alhambra invites guests to experience the art of elegant living. Comprising two carefully restored villas — Alhambra and Augusta — alongside a sympathetically designed contemporary wing, the hotel is a seamless fusion of architectural integrity and understated modern luxury.
The closest international airport to Losinj is Pula, making the island surprisingly accessible despite its off-the-radar allure. From here, it is possible to continue via private chartered aircraft directly to the island’s airstrip, enjoy a sleek speedboat transfer across the Adriatic, or arrive at a more leisurely pace by ferry. However you choose to travel, the journey is part of the experience — and the reward is the rare tranquillity that awaits on this verdant island.
Once a beloved hideaway for the Viennese elite, Losinj has long been revered for its therapeutic climate and gentle beauty. The island, affectionately known as the green pearl of the Adriatic, rises from the sea like a forested hill, fringed by hidden coves and laced with winding paths scented by wild herbs and pine. From the outside, the buildings are a graceful study in contrast: the Mediterranean-style Alhambra villa radiates restrained sophistication; the Secessionist Augusta villa, with its intricate stucco facades and wrought-iron balconies, evokes the glamour of a bygone age. The newer extension, wrapped in natural materials, blends effortlessly with the forest behind, ensuring the hotel remains visually and spiritually part of its surroundings.
Inside, Boutique Hotel Alhambra offers a distinctive mix of period charm and contemporary finesse. Each of the 51 rooms and 15 suites is uniquely designed, using high-quality natural materials and custom furnishings that echo the property’s heritage. Handcrafted Croatian maple, travertine and marble bathrooms, and atmospheric lighting by designer Dean Skira bring both comfort and character. Many rooms feature private balconies or terraces with wide sea views, and guests can choose from heritage-style rooms rich in personality or sleek, contemporary suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. Among the most exceptional are the Augusta Grand Suite, the Cikat Bay Suite, and the two-storey Alhambra Tower Suite, each offering generous layouts, refined finishes and expansive views across the bay.
Dining at Boutique Hotel Alhambra is a celebration of Croatia’s seasonal bounty and coastal heritage. At the Michelin-starred Alfred Keller Restaurant, chef Michael Gollenz and his team craft menus that embrace innovation and sustainability while staying true to the essence of island cooking. Dishes are created with local, organic produce — some of it grown in the hotel’s own gardens — and change with the seasons to reflect what is freshest and best. From delicate handmade pastas to grilled seafood and slow-cooked lamb, every ingredient is thoughtfully handled, every flavour given room to shine. The extensive wine cellar, home to more than 600 labels from Croatia and further afield, ensures that each dish is perfectly complemented.
Elsewhere, the Porto Cigale Lobby Bar invites indulgence with its wide-ranging collection of Champagnes, whiskies, and rare spirits, while the Pasara Beach Bar serves light, sun-soaked Mediterranean fare in a more relaxed setting just moments from the sea.
True to the island’s century-old wellness legacy, Boutique Hotel Alhambra is also a sanctuary for body and mind. The Cube Spa offers tailored treatments using world-renowned skincare lines such as Augustinus Bader, Valmont, and Kerstin Florian, delivered in serene surroundings designed for deep restoration. Facilities include a heated indoor seawater pool, a magnesium-infused Zen Zone, Finnish and Mediterranean saunas, and a Technogym-equipped fitness suite. Underpinning the hotel’s wellness ethos is a deep commitment to sustainability — from geothermal energy systems to UV-sanitised water, the hotel reflects the island’s longstanding respect for nature and equilibrium.
While Alhambra offers a deeply tranquil experience, it is also ideally positioned for those who enjoy stepping out and exploring. Just a short stroll from the hotel are two outstanding sister restaurants — one specialising in freshly caught Adriatic fish and seafood, the other known for its exceptional steak — both offering panoramic sea views and the same attention to detail found within the hotel itself. The elegant harbour town of Mali Losinj is also within easy walking distance, where nineteenth-century sea captains’ houses sit alongside artisan shops, gelato stands, and cafés shaded by bougainvillaea. A little further along the coast, Veli Losinj offers quiet charm and cultural depth, with Baroque churches, pastel houses, and a more contemplative pace.
For those keen to connect more deeply with the island, nearby sites such as Fritzy Palace, the ancient town of Osor, and Losinj’s sculpture-lined walking paths offer rewarding glimpses into the region’s layered past and artistic soul.
Every element of Boutique Hotel Alhambra — from its architecture and personalised service to its cuisine and spa — has been curated with purpose and passion. We have personally stayed here, and it remains one of the most remarkable hotels we have ever had the privilege to feature. For those seeking timeless charm, grown-up calm, and the quiet luxury of nature at its most profound, Alhambra is Croatia at its finest.
