DUBROVNIK SUN GARDENS BY NUMBERS

-  At full capacity, the resort can accommodate 1,200 guests

- In peak season there is 95+ per cent occupancy, with three bed apartments commanding €1,000 (us$1,250, £790) a night and two-beds €630 (us$773, £497) a night

- Average all year round occupancy is 40 per cent and the average room rate is €170 (us$209, £134)

- The average length of stay in peak season is 7.2 nights, which according to Houchin is the longest in Dubrovnik

- Spend per head at the spa averages €93 (us$114, £73). They are aiming for €217 (us$266, £171)

- Occo retail products range from €17-56 (us$21-68, £13-44)

- The 140-minute couples ritual is priced at €199 (us$243, £157)

Occo Spa at Dubrovnik Sun Gardens: first-person experience

Kath Hudson

Journalist,

Spa Business

I tried the most popular signature treatment, holistic massage, which is chiefly aromatherapy massage, with some Thai moves added. I soon discovered that Alisa, my therapist, is very strong – a trait that makes her popular with the Russians.

The treatment started with some Thai-style palming through a towel. Then Alisa climbed onto the bed and jammed her knees into my thighs while eliciting some satisfying cracks from my back. Some people might raise their eyebrows at this, but I love it when the unexpected happens. As long as it works! Many a therapist has given up on the knotted mass which is my back and shoulders, but Alisa wasn’t going to be defeated. She tried hands, elbows and stretches. I liked the fact that she didn’t just follow a routine but put special emphasis into the areas I needed.

After the treatment my back felt so much looser from all the chiropractic cracks. It was an outstanding massage: if this is the standard, I think there will be plenty of repeat visits.