Words: Matthew Neale

Just an hour and a half south of Split, but a world away from its summer chaos, Bluesun Hotel Jadran offers the kind of escape that’s hard to overstate. Nestled between the deep turquoise waters of the Adriatic and the dramatic limestone rise of Biokovo mountain, this five-star Bauhaus beauty in Tu?epi delivers a heady mix of serenity, style, and subtle nostalgia.

The moment you arrive, the pulse slows. Here, the sea is steps away, the breeze is pine-scented, and everything feels designed to help you put the world on pause. Whether you’re floating in the infinity pool or simply lying back in a lounger watching boats drift past, the Jadran lets you exhale.

A Legacy of Style

Built in 1950, Jadran’s Bauhaus architecture speaks to a golden era of Adriatic glamour. Once a magnet for Croatian stars and socialites, its vast terrace hosted countless parties and performances, becoming the cultural heartbeat of the Makarska Riviera. Today, it’s been gracefully updated without losing its soul: clean lines, thoughtful landscaping, and wide views that insist you slow down and soak it in.

Should you feel curious, or carefree, walk west along the coast and you’ll find a famously discreet naturist beach tucked into the pines. Because this is Croatia, after all.

The Stay

Rooms at Bluesun are calm, coastal and elegant, with a minimalist layout that keeps your attention on the views. If you can, opt for a swim-up room, waking up and sliding directly into a pool is a small joy that lingers long after checkout. Sea views are abundant, and balconies make the most of the surroundings. Beds are plush, air con is reliable, and interiors stay bright without feeling sterile.

There’s a sense of quiet luxury throughout, nothing fussy, everything functional. The sort of room where you unpack quickly and immediately feel at home.

Dining

Dining at Bluesun is low-pressure, high-satisfaction. Half board includes a daily-changing buffet for both breakfast and dinner. Breakfast runs from 7 to 11am, offering a generous spread, fresh fruit, eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, and enough coffee to kickstart the laziest holidaymaker.

Dinner rotates through Croatian and international dishes, with fresh seafood, grilled vegetables, pasta, and rich stews all making appearances. 

On the beach, you’ll find Pink Cricket, the hotel’s relaxed bar and restaurant. Think beach burgers, fresh salads, ice cream and cocktails, easy, breezy, barefoot food. The atmosphere is playful, with umbrellas and just enough buzz. And if you’re in the mood to explore, Tu?epi’s beach promenade leads to a lively strip of restaurants, bars and even a tiny seaside arcade.

The Bars

Back at the hotel, the lobby bar offers sea-view terrace seating, signature cocktails, and that retro-glamour touch you’d expect from a place with decades of star power behind it. Live music in the evenings adds an air of romance, and service is warm and attentive.

We sipped spritzes in low-slung armchairs watching the light change across the water. It’s the kind of setting that makes you linger longer than you meant to.

Wellness & Activities

The Jadran takes wellness seriously. The Technogym-equipped fitness centre, ideal motivation if you’re trying to stay beach-ready. Mornings often start with yoga or aqua-fit classes, and there’s a full animation programme for guests seeking more activity in their itinerary. Tennis, basketball, bike hire, and beach volleyball are available nearby. We tried our hand at volleyball one afternoon, with laughable form, but it was excellent fun. The spa is a true sanctuary. Treatments feature award-winning Natura Bissé products and include Thai massage, Ayurveda rituals, facials, and full-body scrubs. The sauna circuit offers a Finnish sauna and steam bath. Even if you only pop in for a foot massage, the atmosphere, with dim lights, subtle scents, and soft voices, is deeply grounding.

The Beach & Pools

You’re never more than a few barefoot steps from the sea. The main beach is pebbly but pristine, with sunbeds and parasols for hotel guests. The water is impossibly clear, and the sound of it lapping at the shore makes a soundtrack better than any playlist.

There are two pools: the upper pool is perfect for sunbathing and cooling dips, while the infinity pool offers a more private escape.

Final Thoughts

Bluesun Hotel Jadran is ideal for travellers seeking a more tranquil version of the Croatian coast. It’s polished without being pretentious, scenic without needing a filter, and, most importantly, it gives you space to do nothing, beautifully.

Getting there is simple: it’s about 1.5 hours from Split Airport by car via the A1 motorway (departing at Zagvozd, through Sv. Ilija tunnel, then follow signs to Tu?epi).

Distance to beach: 10m But really, who’s counting?

For more information, head over to BluesunHotels.com