Croatia is well known for its stunning natural wonders, rich culture, and history dating to ancient times. However, many are unaware that there is also a riveting gastronomy scene burgeoning, with the country producing some of Europe’s finest wine, olive oil and cheese.
To celebrate its culinary culture and showcase the incredible produce on offer, Dubrovnik’s Good Food Festival will be kicking off on the 7th of October this year, allowing visitors to experience the country’s gastronomic offers like no other.
Valamar, Croatia’s leading hotel and resort brand, is committed to supporting local suppliers and is proud to use the finest Croatian produce within all its restaurants. This year, Valamar will also have one of its restaurants, Momenti V Level restaurant at Valamar Lacroma Hotel, participating as part of the ‘Two Weeks of Dubrovnik Restaurants’ showcase, which takes place from October 7th 2024 and sees the city’s very best restaurants offer special menus at reasonable prices.
The history and geography of Croatia is to credit for the unique flavours of the cuisine – Mediterranean tanginess with Central European heartiness, with influences from Italy, Hungary, Austria, Turkey, and the Balkans. Valamar prides themselves in offering a fantastic amalgamation of tradition and innovation – with menus that aim to honour Croatian heritage whilst embracing contemporary touches to truly elevate the gastronomic experience. Light and fresh dishes from coastal regions are available, featuring delicious seafood options from octopus to mussels and crab, whilst rich and robust meat options, like lambchops and Slavonian pig, are reflective of traditional Croatian food’s farm-to-table and slow communal dining philosophy.
Croatia has also been producing wine for over 2,500 years, dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times – so, it’s not an exaggeration to say that the country lives and breathes wine. Home to over 300 geographically defined wine districts, each producing a variety of unique and flavourful wines, wine-lovers and even occasional appreciators will have the time of their life exploring all the country has to offer; sure to discover something unique and off the beaten path. One of the most famous Croatian varieties is Plavac Mali, a robust red native to Damaltia, available at Momenti alongside many other unique grape varieties like Malvasia, Rern, and Momjan Muscat. The Valamar Sommelier Team strives to educate and share with travellers the mostly unexplored and underrated territory of Croatian wine.
As more travellers seek out destinations with authentic and unique culinary offerings, Croatia’s food and wine scene is positioned to become a hotspot. Valamar is making it possible for travellers to become well acquainted with the country’s flavours through its diverse menu options. Whether the goal is to search for the next great culinary adventure or simply to sit back and sip on wine from ancient vineyards, Valamar is welcoming travellers to experience Croatian gastronomy that is sure to leave them craving more.
To enjoy the culinary culture of Croatia in Dubrovnik this autumn, Valamar has a host of properties available to visit.
Valamar Argosy Hotel, Dubrovnik, 4*
Valamar Argosy Hotel is an oasis for those looking to visit an idyllic location with loved ones. Located on Dubrovnik’s beautiful Babin Kuk peninsula, just a few minutes from the cities historical Old Town, the hotel has been designed with the enjoyment of adults in mind making it the perfect place for rejuvenation.
During the evenings, guests can savour the taste of delicious local and international specialties, which have been perfectly matched with the array of excellent wines available at the Mediterraneo restaurant. The outdoor Oliva Grill restaurant at Valamar Argosy Hotel offers enchanting views of the sunset, making the dining experience a truly magical memory.
Rooms from £106 per night, breakfast included
Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel, 5*
For those wanting a glorious getaway, the 5-star Dubrovnik President Valamar Collection Hotel has exquisite views of the Adriatic Sea, matched with superior services and stylish decor. Just 10-minutes from Old Town Dubrovnik, the hotel is an ideal base for those who want to explore the city before heading back to soak-up the sunshine in world-class amenities.
There are a range of accommodation options on offer, from classic rooms with balconies to the V Level Presidential Suite, which comes with its very own jacuzzi.
Situated on the hotel’s Val President Relax Beach, the La Mar restaurant offers fantastic fish and meat specialities; the perfect place to sip a glass of sparkling wine and enjoy a meal with stunning seaside views.
Rooms from £270 per night, breakfast included
Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel, 4*
Just a short drive away from the historic centre of Dubrovnik, guests will be transported to a serene oasis when they arrive at Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel, making it a wonderful location for guests who want to relax and enjoy a week in the sun.
Last year, the four-star hotel was revitalised and renovated throughout, offering guests an elegant, modern retreat with superior service, exceptional food, a serene spa and easy access to the nearby beach. More recently, this year the hotels V-Level rooms received a full makeover. Sixteen have been completely renovated with exclusive room amenities. In addition, the Mediterraneo restaurant now features a newly refurbished terrace, adding a level of elegance to the hotel’s main restaurant.
After a day of exploring the historic centre or enjoying the Maro facilities on offer, guests can enjoy a delectable meal or daily tasting menu at Momenti V Level restaurant, the premium à la carte restaurant with breath-taking views of the Elaphiti Islands. Or head to the Mediterraneo premium buffet restaurant and choose from an abundance of different cuisines and fresh local produce to enjoy.
Visitors to Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik are sure to return home feeling relaxed, refreshed and satisfied.
Rooms from £106 per night, breakfast included
Valamar Tirena Hotel, Dubrovnik, 4*
Valamar Tirena Hotel is ready to welcome guests with renewed splendour as last year, the family-friendly hotel received a full renovation and is home to brand-new services and facilities. Guests can enjoy a relaxing stay in one of the newly redesigned rooms. The hotel’s freshwater swimming pool was also refurbished and fitted with a variety of amenities that everyone can enjoy, including a pool bar, slides and water features.
At Valamar Tirena there is a multitude of restaurants and bars to visit. Why not sip a cocktail in the sun on a beautiful terrace at Vero Bar? Or enjoy a wide range of international dishes at the superb pool-side Oliva Grill restaurant. In the evening, head to the hotel’s Mediterraneo restaurant to sample some of the wonderful dishes on offer. Whether you prefer seafood or want to try local meats, the restaurant offers something for everyone.
Rooms from £109 per night, breakfast included.
For more information and to book visit www.valamar.com
Flights to Dubrovnik fly from key London airports including London Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick with flights initiating late March until late October. Regional flights include Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Leeds running on the same time schedule. Flights to Split are from key London airports including London City, Gatwick, Stansted, Heathrow starting late March and finishing in October. Flights are also available from Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester.
