TAKING it easy is a way of life for Croatians.
In fact, slow living is so ingrained in their philosophy that they even have a word for it — “Pomalo”.
Porec harbour and promenade Credit: Getty
Cobbled street in seaside town Credit: Getty
I watch the sun set over 23 miles of unblemished coastline from the balcony of my hotel room in Porec on the Istrian peninsula. It’s not exactly difficult to relax in a place like this.
With its pristine pine-fringed beaches, ancient cobblestone streets and tranquil lagoons, this 2,000-year-old town has become a big hit with holidaymakers seeking a laid-back getaway.
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And its newest 5* hotel — Pical Resort by Valamar Collection — takes relaxation to a whole new level. From the moment I walk into the lobby, it’s clear I won’t have to lift a finger during my trip.
The friendly, attentive staff are quick to grab my bags and carry them up to my room, while a brief wave of the hand from a sunlounger sends someone rushing over to take my order poolside.
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Set in more than ten hectares of Mediterranean greenery and with 514 rooms across three distinct wings, this mega-complex can cater for around 2,000 guests at full capacity.
But if I had any concerns about Pical’s size impacting the quality of its service, these quickly vanish when I learn it employs more than 800 staff members — one for every 2.5 patrons.
Making every guest’s experience personal is clearly something this resort prides itself on.
As I enter my spacious, modern room, one of the first things I notice is a “holiday scent” selection next to the bed.
Infinity pool at Pical resort Credit: Supplied
Outlook from 5* hotel Credit: Unknown
I’m encouraged to pick a fragrance from a scratch-and-sniff card and tick off my favourite so that housekeeping can deliver a reed diffuser during their turn-down service. I enthusiastically opt for Floral Essence with notes of jasmine and violet.
My room is in the hotel’s main building, which is designed for couples and solo travellers.
But it also has a family building with an all-day childcare service and 8,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor play facilities, including ball pits, water slides and a giant gaming room.
For those with more cash to splash, the hotel boasts 113 premium “V-Level” suites which offer dedicated concierge services and special dining perks.
As soon as I am unpacked, my first move is to check out one of the resort’s 11 swimming pools.
There is no risk of sun-lounger wars breaking out here — with hundreds of beds to choose from.
It takes all my strength not to drift off to sleep as I sink into the cushions under the warmth of the sun, the distant noise of the bubbling jacuzzi lulling me into a zen state.
If you prefer a livelier sunbathing setting, however, the Puro Beach club is where to head.
The Jattvibe’s Emily-Jane Heap in Croatia Credit: Supplied
Michelin-star dining at Harry’s Piccolo Credit: Unknown
Before I can even put my bag down, the staff have already laid a towel out on my reserved sunbed and are ready and waiting to take my drink order.
It’s easy to see how this resort has earned its five stars. My elegant sushi platter was top-notch and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than sipping on a hand-crafted mojito while listening to the club’s resident DJ.
That evening I swap my chopsticks for silverware as I head to the hotel’s culinary pièce de résistance — its new Michelin-star restaurant Harry’s Piccolo.
Created under the direction of chefs Matteo Metullio and Davide De Pra, this gastronomic haven is heavily inspired by Porec’s unique geography, close to the borders of Slovenia and Italy.
Its seven-course tasting menu travels the tracks of the famous Parenzana railway which once connected the three nations by blending Italy’s fine-dining flair with Slovenian alpine herbs and world-class Croatian seafood and olive oils.
The result is sensational dishes like L-Astice: Adriatic lobster with pea liquor Bearnaise, asparagus, black truffle and green peppercorn.
The whole affair is rather pricey, at €190, but worth it if you’re celebrating or are really into your food.
And if fine dining isn’t your cup of tea, there are seven more restaurants on site.
The hotel’s main diner, More, offers buffet breakfasts and live cooking stations at dinner, while Quattro Terre focuses on local and Mediterranean cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients.
As my five-day trip nears an end, I save Pical’s crowning glory — its ESPA wellness spa — until last.
I begin my relaxation journey in one of its six Istrian-inspired saunas, infused with local herbs that release a heady scent, before moving into the Mediterranean steam bath, where I’m handed a home-made body scrub.
When the heat becomes too much to bear, I retreat into the aqua sensory room to cool off on one of the many floating water beds, before rinsing off in a sensory shower, which mimics a tropical rainstorm with red LED lighting and aromatherapy smells.
I’m also booked in for a 60-minute massage treatment with one of ESPA’s expert therapists, Sanda. After a lengthy consultation to tailor the treatment to my needs — including picking a scent from a selection of aromatherapy oils — she starts to work her magic on my achy shoulders.
And as I fight the urge to fall asleep yet again, I realise I may have taken “Pomalo” a bit too seriously.
GO: POREC
GETTING THERE: Easyjet flies from Gatwick, Luton and Bristol to Pula from £22.99 each way in September.
See easyjet.com.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at Pical Resort by Valamar Collection cost from £293 per night on a half-board basis in September.
See valamar.com.
