A large 4 star hotel in two blocks

Located on the seafront at the far end of Lopud resort on a small pebble beach with sand at the waterline the hotel comprises two big wings and a central building where reception is located. From a distance, the Lafodia resembles a cruise ship. It reopened last summer after a massive reconstruction and refurbishment costing more than €40 million. The result is a brand new, stylish, beautifully decorated and appointed resort hotel that we rate as four star plus.

Fronted by pretty gardens with palm trees and shrubs, you enter the hotel via a flight of steps from the waterfront. The Italian design shows immediately in the reception which has a funky, tubular core with avenues leading to other areas. There are many open spaces and terraces giving a feeling of space throughout. The pool and beach areas can be reached from rooms by a series of outdoor paths through gardens or via lifts.

ROOMS

182 spacious air-conditioned rooms and suites all with balcony and seaview. Suites are located at the front of the hotel. All rooms have safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and all bathrooms have bidets in addition to bath/shower and have a hairdryer.

The 152 Classic rooms are spacious, decorated in light colours and blonde wood with splashes of colour and most have wooden floors. A choice of twin or double rooms which can take a sofabed and all have good size balcony with seaview. There are also some family rooms which are two rooms connected by glass doors with two balconies and sleep four people.

LIVING

There is a main buffet restaurant and a new à la carte restaurant is planned to open for summer 2012. There are three bars including the indoor Bar Des Arts featuring some stunning works of art and Le Baja beach bar. On the second floor there are two big Jacuzzis on a large veranda area. The large infinity freshwater pool evokes a feeling of being on the sea. Here, the Eleven pool bar and lounge has been designed using local stone and this is a relaxed area which is decorated in purple and white with cane and wicker sofas where snacks are available.

Free Wi-fi available at the hotel's 'internet corner'.

An animation  programme for adults and children operates from mid June until early September together with a children’s club and there is evening entertainment some evenings. Activities available include kayaking and canoeing, tennis (one court) and there are bicycles for hire. On the beach there are pedaloes and jet skis for hire.

Lafodia has its own boats and there are regular excursions including trips to Dubrovnik which can also be reached by the regular local ferry in around 45 minutes.

Sandy beaches are rare in Croatia but the long sandy Sunj beach is a 20 minute walk via a path over the hill. The hotel also has golf buggy or dinghy transfer to Sunj – charge applies.

This is a fabulous new resort hotel, perfect for families, couples and friends. Whilst the hotel has great facilities (and you may never want to leave it), be aware that the village of Lopud is only small and while it livens up a little in July and August, even then, it still retains much more of a village feel than one of a buzzing resort. There are a few restaurants including local konobas, fish restaurants and pizzerias and a couple of cafés and cocktail bars. A few shops (including a supermarket) complete the picture. There is no bank, but there is a cash machine and money exchange is also available at the hotel reception. As Lopud is a traffic free island, when you disembark the ferry in Lopud harbour, you will need to walk around the seafront promenade to the hotel Lafodia 1km away. When possible, the hotel, sends its small buggy-cart to collect luggage but this cannot be guaranteed. The hotel is therefore not suitable for guests with walking or mobility challenges.

Transfer time from Dubrovnik airport – approx. two hours 15 minutes including ferry crossing.