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Pearl of the Adriatic
Croatia is fighting off its war torn image to regain its ranking among Europe’s top tourist destinations. IO Adria, one of the first operators to invest in the country once more, has opened its inaugural site in Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic
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
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.