ISABELLA Valamar Collection Island Resort

Have tried to sort this with TUI who are now placing the blame on this hotel. Unfortunately when we booked through TUI we were sold on the basis that we would have access to two pools, one for the main activity pool and then a saltwater relax pool that was in a quieter area. When getting to the hotel and trying to use the relax pool, we were informed by the hotel that we could not use this pool as it’s reserved for suite guests only. I showed the staff member my booking where it clearly states that we had access to this, however we were turned away or told to book and pay a further fee. It’s unfortunate as by and large we did have a nice time at this hotel, however this left a complete sour taste in our mouth the entire holiday. The activity pool can quite loud and busy and so to not have access to the quieter one changed the dynamic of our holiday completely. If you’re thinking of booking here just be aware of the above. TUI are refusing to do anything about this, so don’t waste any time raising it with them either!

We had yet another wonderful holiday at the Isabella. We first came to the island many years ago when it was the Hotel Fortuna and we visited several times. When the hotel became the Isabella, we returned and have done so many times since. The hotel is spotlessly clean and the gardens are beautifully maintained. The food is always excellent but it's the team behind everything that makes our stays at the Isabella so very special. From Josip in the restaurant who we first met at the Fortuna, to all of the staff on Reception, Annamarii, Iva, Massimo, Sdat, Tatziana, Doris and so many others, to Ivan and all of the Lobby bar staff and also, Alex and Nicola at the Olivia who are so kind. Special mention also to the newer staff like Teghun who looked after our room, to Oscar, Fernando, John and others in the restaurant. Every one of these wonderful people is what keeps us coming back year after year. The Isabella has a very special place in our hearts and we always look forward to seeing everyone. We're coming to the Pical Suites in September and we have no doubt that it will be as amazing as the Isabella but the Isabella will always be our favourite. I can't thank everyone enough for everything you do to make our stay exceptional, from securing the room that we love to the incredibly genuine warm welcome. We're always sad to leave but we'll be back next year and we can't wait.

We have been here each for the last 5 yrs and also got married here on Isabella island in July 2025. We find the island just stunning and we are welcomed back like family by the staff across the restaurant team like Mario in the Momenti restaurant. We find the kids club is second to none due to the fantastic team of girls that look after our 3 kids. They look after our young kids very well and keep them entertained so we can have a few hours off. Thank you for their kind care. We always go V level so have access to the quieter pool and private boat to and from the island at check in and check out. Great resort overall.

Where to spend our 50th Wedding Anniversary in late May was a decision that we didn’t want to get wrong! Having enjoyed two fabulous late Summer holidays on Sveti Nikola in Porec this was an obvious contender but could it possibly live up to our previous experiences or would it be a case of 3rd time unlucky? We had slight concerns that with the opening of the new Valamar flagship resort ( Pical Hotel and Suites) just across the water and with a number of key senior staff being transferred to the new facility, that things would not be the same or as good as we had known. We needn’t have had a concern and once again Valamar staff coupled with a quite magical setting provided us with another memorable holiday . Even the weather worked well for us with pretty much unbroken sunshine and pleasantly warm and, at times, hot, conditions. There were enough familiar staff faces to ensure that standards were maintained and that incoming team members were mentored in the Isabella Island Resort way of offering Croatian warmth and hospitality with an excellent and varied culinary offering supported by high quality accommodation and a genuine staff -wide ethos that they want their visitors to enjoy their time on the island and yes, leave determined to return on future occasions. We stayed in the V Level Miramare accommodation which is perched on a rugged shoreline with unbroken views of the sea and offering some fabulous views of Porec sunsets! On this occasion the sea was benign, almost like a mill pond, but we have known it to be savage, spectacular and forceful; both moods are equally beautiful to witness. The V Level restaurant, the Momenti, offering breakfast and evening meals is one of the stand outs of this resort. The buffet style option has enough variety to satisfy every taste and appetite with attentive and cheery service provided by the hard working team working around a very well-appointed terrace on which to dine when the weather permits – and it did throughout – an added bonus. I have described the island in previous reviews as ‘our happy place’ – and this holiday reinforced that feeling. I can only thank the whole staff team for helping us start of Golden Wedding celebrations is such a great way ! Thank you . Having seen the new Valamar Collection Pical Hotel and Suites being constructed across the water in recent years it was our curiosity that got the better of us and we simply had to give it a try while we were in Porec. How would it compare to “our “ Isabella idyll ? You can get my take on it in a separate review.

We have been coming here annually for many, many years and that should say something! We have seen things change over the years but it has always been a special place. I couldn't agree more about the spectacular setting and the charm of the hotel itself. It is quite something to be greeted as old friends by the staff. Yes, ten years on from its first re fit some of the decorations are looking a little tired and in need of a refresh but I assume that Valamar will have that in hand to retain its status? We will be returning to it next September and consider it our 'happy place'....