Radiant oleander blossoms, tropical palm trees, thousands of hours of sunshine a year; beneath me the turquoise blue water; above me the brilliant blue sky; surrounded by historic architecture – this is a place where you can really enjoy life. I revel in the private atmosphere of the Boutique Hotel Alhambra, a small luxury hotel beautifully situated in the peaceful and protected Cikat Bay on the Croatian island of Lošinj. The Austrian architect Alfred Keller created a Spanish-inspired retreat here in 1912 that takes me back to aristocratic times. I discover the history of this exclusive idyll and allow myself to wallow in its modern luxury.
The countryside where the Alhambra complex including the 'Augusta' villa and the 'Captain's Villa Rouge,' is located attracted wealthy families from the Austro-Hungarian monarchy as early as the 19th century, thanks to its curative climate. Today their villas are elegant luxury hotels for holidaymakers looking for a break where they can be pampered and enjoy excellent service. Watching dolphins from the sandy beaches, strolling through the fragrant pine forests, treatments in the spa – this is true relaxation. Enjoy active recreation with water sports, fitness programmes, excursions and adventure trips. The elegantly furnished rooms, terraces and well-kept gardens offer the most comfortable stay imaginable with excellent environmental standards too. The 'Alfred Keller' restaurant has developed into a culinary hotspot with a Michelin star and GaultMillau points, which you simply have to savour.
Peter Schoch, the CEO of Lošinj Hotels & Villas has developed a culinary strategy for the Alhambra, which has turned out to be a roaring success. He invited the Swiss Michelin star chef Christian Kuchler to create a new concept for the restaurant – a challenge which Kuchler was only too happy to accept. The team has been joined by Michael Gollenz, who couldn’t resist the magical location and achieved his first Michelin star here at 'Alfred Keller' as chef de cuisine. The highlights of the menu are the dishes with regional ingredients. The quality of the products straight from nature, such as fish, seafood, meat and cheeses, fruit and vegetables, speak for themselves. And why not invite your friends as guest cooks to show what they can do? Gollenz, together with Sebastian Zier and Stefan Heilemann curate a sensational gastronomic evening: the 'Midsummer Epicurean Extravaganza' – I was delighted to accept their invitation. The evening meal turns out to be a gala dinner with an opulent menu. We 'work' our way gallantly through all 24 courses of sumptuous masterpieces and experience a taste revelation in the boundless culinary creativity assembled here. The menu is accompanied by choice wines from the event’s partner Frescobaldi, with its exclusive wine collection ARTISTI PER FRESCOBALDI, and the Croatian vineyard Benvenuti, with its Anno Domini Teran wine in different vintages. We gladly follow the epicurean 'science' and have a lovely time with our friends. As I leave, I think, 'A retreat at the Alhambra is really worth it'; and, 'I should definitely pay Sebastian Zier a visit in Switzerland.' Outside the sea sparkles crystal clear.
