In our fast-paced world, the need for peaceful retreats is ever-growing. Hotel Lemongarden, a serene five-star haven in a charming fishing village on the Croatian island of Brač, offers just that and much more.
Settle down to get immersed in a place, to a feeling, to yourself. To do nothing for once, except enjoy. Under palm trees, fragrant lemon trees and blooming bougainvillea’s. Listening to the meditative sounds of the sea. Observing the serenity of the old fishermen. Feeling the warmth of the island. Such places full of magical moments cannot be created artificially. They have always been there. Just like the small fishing village of Sutivan on the Dalmatian island of Brač.
Many years ago, Helena Ramsbacher carefully renovated the old manor houses with an incredible amount of sensitivity. Today, the »Lemongarden« is a paradisiacal hideaway with 39 rooms and suites that blend in with the fishing village. There is no separate hotel complex; instead, guests are part of the village and its historic architecture. This is what gives it its special charm. Accommodation, restaurant, spa, pool, and bar are harmoniously distributed in the old town. Like the locals, sunrises at breakfast and sunsets at dinner are celebrated directly on the waterfront.
There‘s nothing better than watching the fishing boats chug along over a cappuccino and handmade brioche or strolling along the waterfront promenade before an aperitif. Without any crowds of tourists or kitschy beach shacks. Instead, the southern attitude to life and the lightness of the island spill over after just a few hours. Not just in summer, when the sky is bright blue, and the hours of sunshine are endless. The landscape also unfolds its magical power in spring or autumn. Have you ever walked along the sea in the drizzle? It has a cleansing and liberating effect on the soul and definitely helps to relieve stress. In addition, the many bright colours ensure a good mood.
Every alley, every square, every house breathes history and has grown historically. This was considered when renovating the rooms. No two are alike. But they are all boldly colourful, using motifs from their surroundings and decorated with impressive original works of art. The approximately 300-year-old manor houses named Ilic, Definis and Vesna have been staged with heart and attention to detail. The listed buildings were renovated by Brač craftsmen. Only they know how to give the stone walls their special look using traditional techniques. The furnishing style, a blend of French elegance, Italian chic, and Dalmatian down-to-earthness goes perfectly with the light-coloured stone. Some rooms are bright yellow, others have red accents from the coral, while the Marina Suite plays with Mediterranean patterns like the sailor‘s knot. In the somewhat hidden Definis House, the designers have taken inspiration from thyme, lavender and rosemary and combined them in an exciting way with original Murano chandeliers. Sea, garden, and pool views alternate.
The garden is the heart. A colourful El Dorado of palm trees, lemon trees, wild hydrangeas and bougainvilleas nestle between the old walls around the 25-metre-long pool. When nature is reflected in the water, there is something magical and calming about the place. Reserve a sun lounger? You don‘t need to. There‘s always enough space for everyone. Even a little further along the beach. Even when the hotel is fully booked, the guests are spread out over the spacious grounds. This means you always have the feeling that you can enjoy the magical place alone. The service is unobtrusive and always on hand at the right time. From the marina to the restaurant, a total of around 100 employees ensure the well-being of the guests. The hotel itself is run as »adults only«, children aged 14 and over are allowed. This means you can enjoy a glass of champagne by the pool in peace and quiet or take advantage of the romantic atmosphere to express your love.
Inhale. Exhale. Look out over the ocean in the lotus position. Yoga classes are held daily at 8 am and 5 pm on a dedicated yoga platform right by the sea. The pine trees behind it provide shade, and hammocks encourage you to do nothing. If you want, you can book a massage in the open air and relax in the light salty breeze. A private, spacious beach is reserved for hotel guests. The quiet bathing cove can be reached by bike, on foot or by golf cart. Brač has perfect bathing weather all season long.
In May and June or in September and October, the temperatures are mild, and the island can be explored wonderfully on hikes or mountain bike tours − either on your own or with a guide along the coast or up into the mountains. The organized mountain bike tour is a unique experience that everyone can manage regardless of their fitness level. The bus takes you up to lofty heights and the bike takes you effortlessly down to the sea with great views! If you prefer a leisurely hike, you can set off directly from the hotel on a short circular walk through the olive groves, past the two donkeys Ivo and Miki − who are always happy to receive carrots − to the two churches. You can work out in the fitness room and spa and pamper your body with beauty and wellness treatments.
Helena Ramsbacher fell in love with Sutivan straight away and particularly enjoys coming to the island in spring or autumn. »Apart from our guests, employees and locals, there‘s no one else around,« she enthuses. And it is precisely because people love the old stone houses, the olive groves, the secluded bays, the crystal-clear water with its clean surroundings and the tranquil, unspoilt life by the sea that the place exudes such a soothing atmosphere.
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