ISABELLA Valamar Collection Island Resort

We have just finished an excellent 10 day stay at the Isabella Isaland Villas (4*). The island itself is stunning and there are plenty of things to do. The games room was a real hit with my 11 year old and I felt safe to let him go there by himself when he'd had enough of the pool. The food was good quality and lots of choice. The information regarding vegetarian choices could have been better but I always asked when unsure. We generally didn't do lunch but had the afternoon snack by the pool instead (pizza, chips, a pasta option, cake and fruit). Our drinks package was the UK Package so included a few cocktails and spirits- plenty for us. And the wine and beer was nice too. The staff at the hotel were all friendly and helpful and everything was very clean. The main pool was fun with the slides and lazy river. Probably my main reservation about the holiday was that the pool did get very busy at times and to secure a sun lounger you generally needed to be there by 8.30am. There isn't icecream included in the all inclusive apart from at meal times but the ice cream stand does serve delicious (paid for) icecream. The entertainment was fairly low key - a few singers and an acrobatic show on our last night. The lobby bar was nice and suited us for games nights. The boat to Porec is very reliable and Porec itself is beautiful and a lovely place to wander round. We didn't really see the 5* part of the island. Having read other reviews, I decided to see the v level as a separate resort and so it didn't bother us much. I do think if you went expecting the extra pool and facilities though you'd be disappointed. The 4* villas are lovely. We have children aged 11 and 12. They shared the sofa bed and I would say this is the oldest that this set up is really appropriate for. It would have been nice to have had a little extra space. The view and terrace was great though. Air con worked well and we had control over the temp for our room. We also played mini golf (not the best but good fun anyhow), table tennis and took a pedalo and paddle board our from V Sports. Recommend this! Overall, would definitely recommend the Isabella Island Resort for a holiday - fantastic place.

From the first boat transfer to the island, you know you're in for a magical time. The views are spectacular, we had a seaview room which was small but very clean. The air conditioning is centrally controlled and we would have preferred it a little cooler. Pillows are too soft for us but beds are large and comfortable. The food was very good, plenty of live cooking and lots of variety though would have liked a few lighter options at lunch. The soft drinks aren't great, wine and beer are fine and there's a small selection of cocktails and spirits for UK guests. The selection of fresh cakes was so tempting and the pizzas are excellent. Pool is busy but slides are fun and there are plenty of sun loungers and plenty of beach/sea options. Everywhere is extremely clean, well lit and beautiful. We hired kayaks on the island and enjoyed running the island and the small gym. The boat service is excellent and so frequent. We went into Porec most nights as it's so beautiful and the gelato is excellent (recommend Aroma) and we ate there a couple of times for a change (recommend truffle pasta and the tasting boards at some of the bars). We visited the basilica in Porec and climbed the bell tower, well worth it! We also took trips to Pula (amphitheatre is a must), Rovinj and a day trip to Lake Bled in Slovenia - all amazing! Croatia is stunning and this hotel is a wonderful base to explore it from and to relax at between exploring.

This is our 4th stay at Isabella island , first time since it went all inclusive, breakfast and Evening meal were great lots of choice however lunch time saw a lot of pizza and the outside bar area you had to pay for ice cream which I didn’t think was great after paying all inclusive…..The hotel is beautiful and the staff are amazing and so friendly and helpful I would like to thank David on the night shift who caught the 7 o’clock boat with us and helped with luggage and waited with us as the transport that was supposed to be there was very late and we could have missed our coach ,even though he had finished his shift he stayed with us till transport arrived ,he is a credit to your hotel and we appreciate everything he did to help . There were always plenty of beds and so many places to go around the island , I took my grandson and he loved maro club they were great with him he loved all the staff . would definitely return to this island again and thank you to all the staff who made it a wonderful holiday .

Beautiful island off Porec, with regular access to the town. Island felt very hierarchical with the inability to use certain beaches and bars, despite the price we paid for an all inclusive plus holiday. Hotel was not as welcoming as previous holidays, very unclear explanation as to what we were entitled to with a white wristband compared to the basic blue wristband and V Level gold wristband. It was an expensive holiday that didn’t deliver. The rooms had adjoining doors in the main hotel that you need to be careful with in terms of who your neighbour is and noise as we immediately asked to be relocated due to a very loud young family next door. Food in the self service Isola restaurant was extremely good, service excellent but the only other option available for an all inclusive plus was a meal in the Oliva grill restaurant but drinks were not included. The meal was very disappointing with a set menu choice only. With two teenagers there was no drinks option such as free mocktails nor any free ice cream bar as has been the case in previous high star accommodation. Evening entertainment was good and we booked trials for SUP, Pilates and yoga which wasn’t made clear from reception that we had to find out for ourselves. Best things were free sun beds, towels and snorkelling in the allocated swimming areas. We felt very much second class to the V Level guests despite our booking being all inclusive plus.

It is not our first rodeo with Valamar nor Isabella Island and as always we loved it :) we started coming in 2008 and have been at many at their hotels but Isabella Island Miramare and Villas remain our favourite. This time we stayed at one of the villas, which was a first time for us. From the moment you arrive at the parking lot, to the boat ride and the reception welcoming + welcome drinks you are met with warmth and a big smile. We got offered a very nive upgrade and ended in a room with a small kitchen which turned out to be perfect for our family. I would say that the kitchen needed a little upgrade: the dinning table had bumps probably from water and the bottom of the kitchen needed some love. The main bathroom also had a little hole, so I wouldn’t call the villa 5 star not when comparing to Miramare, but more 4+. The cleaning crew were super nice and the room was always clean. The rest of the holiday was however very much 5 star. The restaurant Momenti had great offers both for breakfast and dinner and we loved that not everything is a buffet. Very fresh! The people at the restaurant are simply the best!! So nice and sweet! As well as the bubbly hour arrangment. Only minor thing is the kids afternoon snack which I found was better 3 years ago. It just had more options. The pool area in front of Miramare is simply the best: saltwater, calm, amazing view and very comfy sunbeds! The kids also wanted to try the other parts of the island, especially the activity pool. Very nice that you can opt in and out from the other parts of the islands which is a bit more lound that the 5 star part of the island. It would prefer eating from Miramare restaurant, in the room or in Porec. The Olivia grill was a bit disappointing. The Kids loved the fried but we opted for a greek salad that was 80% olives and hence didn’t go back. If you want a bit luxury, not that much noise, excellent food, and nice pool, sea and views choose the 5 star part of the island. Even with kids it’s amazing! And of course their kids club is simply amazing! Their warmt and kindness is next level! We were amazed by what they prepare for the Kids. We’ve stayed at a couple of kinderhotels in Austria but this is simply so much better!