I recently returned from a wonderful holiday in Supetar, Brač Island, Croatia, staying at the TUI Suneo Supetar. Brač is one of the stunning islands along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, and Supetar, its main town, is the perfect blend of charm, culture, and relaxation. I had an incredible time, but there were a few surprises along the way.

The Hotel: TUI Suneo Supetar

We booked our stay through TUI, who marketed the Suneo Supetar as a 4-star hotel. To be perfectly honest, I’d say it’s more of a solid 3-star experience, but still a very pleasant one (see gallery). The rooms were spacious, clean, and functional, but definitely on the utilitarian side. You’ll find an open-rail wardrobe, two drawers, and a nice balcony – a perfect spot to unwind. The bathroom was a good size, with a clean and practical shower. Though not luxurious, the essentials were there, and that’s really what mattered.

One thing that stood out was the attentive and hardworking staff. They truly made us feel welcome and were always on hand to help with any requests.

The outdoor areas were plentiful, including a lovely swimming pool surrounded by sunbeds, a bar and snack area, and even an ice cream stand (yummy!). You only have to cross the road to reach the beach, which was so convenient. It’s a great place for families, offering plenty of activities throughout the day for both kids and adults. I personally enjoyed some relaxing yoga sessions and even got involved in aqua gymnastics – a fun way to cool off!

The food was another highlight. The buffet offered plenty of options, ensuring there was always something for everyone. The local wine and beer were surprisingly nice, and we never went hungry or thirsty. While not gourmet dining, it was tasty and satisfying.

The Boat Trip That Almost Wasn’t

One of the days I was most looking forward to was our boat trip to the Blue Lagoon. We had booked a “Full Day Boat Tour, Blue Lagoon, and Šolta with lunch & drinks” in advance through Viator, as it seemed very popular and we didn’t want to miss out. However, this turned into quite the ordeal…

The trip was set to depart from Split at 9:30, so we begrudgingly set our alarm (yes, an alarm on holiday!) and caught the 7:30 ferry to Split, arriving at the meeting point at 8:40 as instructed. But, by 9:00, there was still no sign of our boat. We were told to look for a boat called “Vrana,” but no one at the harbour had heard of it, and there was no sign of it anywhere.

We tried calling the phone number provided, but it was disconnected. At first, I thought it might be my foreign number, but after several locals, including a police officer, tried calling, it became clear that something was seriously wrong. By 9:25, we knew we had to make a choice – either book a different boat trip or face a scorching day wandering around Split, where temperatures were already reaching 31°C.

Thankfully, we refused to let this mishap ruin our day. A local operator helped us, and within minutes, we had secured a spot on another Blue Lagoon boat trip. It turned out to be fantastic! (see gallery).

We snorkelled at a shipwreck, swam in the stunning Blue Lagoon, and enjoyed a lively time on board with great food and drinks. Despite the shaky start, we had a truly memorable day. And, on the bright side, Viator quickly processed our refund for the failed trip.

A Day at Krka National Park

We also took a day trip to Krka National Park, known for its breathtaking waterfalls (see gallery). The walk through the park was beautiful, with scenic views at every turn. However, swimming is no longer permitted at Krka, so after hours of admiring the waterfalls, we were desperate to jump into the sea! As soon as we got back to our hotel, we rushed across to the beach and plunged into the refreshing water – a perfect end to the day.

Day Trip to Dubrovnik

Another unforgettable day was our trip to Dubrovnik. It was a long journey – departure from Split was at 7:00, so we had to wake up at 4:00 (ouch!) and catch the 5:00 ferry from Supetar to Split. Despite the early start, Dubrovnik was absolutely worth it.

Dubrovnik is stunning – a true gem filled with history, architecture, and breathtaking views. Even in early September, the town was still quite crowded, so we decided it was too hot to walk the famous city walls. Instead, we opted for the cable car ride to the top, and we were thrilled with our decision. The panoramic view from the top is nothing short of breathtaking (see gallery). We also treated ourselves to a lovely Mediterranean lunch in one of the charming narrow streets inside the city walls. You’re truly spoiled for choice with the selection of quaint little restaurants hidden around every corner.

Relaxation and Reflections

The rest of the holiday was pure relaxation. Whether it was snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters (I still can’t believe how transparent the sea is!) or taking leisurely evening strolls to Supetar harbour, every moment was a joy. The street markets and portside cafés added a wonderful local charm to our nights out.

Overall, my holiday in Supetar was filled with fun, relaxation, and a few unexpected adventures. The TUI Suneo Supetar may not live up to its 4-star billing, but it’s a lovely, family-friendly hotel that offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. If you’re looking for great activities, a welcoming atmosphere, and easy beach access, it’s a solid choice.

Here are a few takeaways from our experience:

  • Do not book trips in advance. There’s plenty of availability at the harbor and through hotel reps, so save yourself the stress.
  • Go all-inclusive if possible, as food and drink in Croatia can be quite expensive.
  • A great tip from our Dubrovnik guide: If you’re using a taxi, always agree on the price upfront to avoid any surprises.

We had a much-needed, relaxing time exploring Croatia’s beauty and history while mastering the art of “dolce far niente” at the hotel. Hope you enjoyed reading about our adventures! I’d love to hear your experiences in Croatia too.

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Hotel

Supetar, Brač Island, Croatia

Split, Croatia

Blue Lagoon boat trip

Krka National park

Dubrovnick, Croatia

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