Isabella Island Resort, Valamar Collection

We went on the first week of June and had an absolutely fantastic holiday. I cannot speak highly enough of this resort. The island itself is stunning with so many different coastal areas to find, each with their own views and charm. It is so well kept, from cleanliness to layout, and constantly surprised me how tidy it was all over. Also, I have to mention the gardeners. Being one myself, I have to commend how fabulously maintained the grounds are from that point of view. For my 3 year old, there was endless stuff to do to keep her occupied, especially the maro club where the soft play is and the evening disco. The staff working directly with the children were outstanding. The enchanted forest was a huge hit with her too. The food and drinks were great, the pool areas are brilliant and tidy and our room with sea view was spot on. Only downside of the room was an internal adjoining door to the next room which we could unfortunately hear the noisy neighbors through in the middle of the night, but that's just other people enjoying their stay. Also, the ferry service back to porec is great and constant throughout the day, where there is more lovely things to see and do. We had a truly brilliant holiday, and to anyone second guessing booking here, you won't be disappointed. Well done valamar!!

The hotel itself has a lot of positives; - the room was great with a lot of storage space, beautiful view over the harbour and a big balcony. - the grounds are immaculately kept and beautiful to walk around - beaches are great, beautiful clear water - the staff are super friendly and very attentive Unfortunately it wasn’t the best in other respects; - there was basically zero entertainment all week, not sure if that was due to it being September (?) but it was pretty boring in the evenings. Surprised at how little was going on. - there was some very busy days in the restaurant as the service was only 2 hours, which meant most people were there at 7 and once I couldn’t find a table to sit at. - there is a boat that goes back and forth to the island. Usually very good but once was stuck in Porec for 2 hours because the smaller boat was running only and they were only taking hotel workers - sometimes one person at a time and just leaving guests. - AC had been switched off by the hotel as the weather was cooler. This was annoying as someone travelling alone I don’t feel comfortable sleeping with the balcony door open and the rooms did get quite warm (even if the hotel didn’t think so). If AC is advertised is should be available. - there were a few exercise classes going on but you had to go up to the gym to see them which meant I didn’t realise they were there until the end of the week - they should be displayed in the lobby Porec itself is a lovely town. Nice to walk around and explore, very pretty. Not a huge amount to do and that along with the lack of entertainment at the hotel it was all a bit Low energy (although a majority of tourists were about 80 so perhaps that’s why)

Hotel 4*, the pillows are worn out, the bed squeaks, it's too soft... there's nothing else to add, the bedroom door is hanging, the balcony door in room 322 is stuck, the mini bar is as empty as the poor, so we don't need it... the reception is horrible, on leaving we wanted to stay on the island and asked, considering that check out is until 10.00 in the morning, to prepare our suitcases in the luggage room, but instead the receptionist says leave it aside so that everyone can take it...the food at breakfast is a disaster, pastries from yesterday, dirty dishes, cold everything, the chocolate spread for pancakes like nuttela has a dry crust on top of how old it is, etc.....