Le Meridien Lav has long been the only five-star luxury resort in Split, and it continues to entice affluent travellers looking for a romantic getaway overlooking the glistening Adriatic Sea. With two private beaches, seven restaurants, a wellness centre and spa to indulge in, there is little reason to leave.
- Location: At Podstrana, around eight kilometres southeast of Split.
- Accommodations: There are 381 guest rooms including Classic, Superior and Deluxe, through to a range of suites. All accommodations have a bright, colourful and modern decor, and come with a private balcony.
- Dining options: There is an impressive lineup of seven restaurants to choose from including the ultra-cool bar, Gooshter Beach Club, and the recently opened Re:Fresh Café. Other restaurants include 7 Palms Restaurant, Italian Conlemani and the Champagne Bar, which is soon to be renovated.
- What else is there: The hotel has a fully equipped gym, and the RE:CUPERA spa which boasts facilities including nine treatment rooms, an outdoor infinity pool, an indoor pool, and a thermal zone with a Hammam ritual room and Thalasso sauna. There is parking available for guests.
- What’s nearby: One of the pluses of the hotel is that it is just 25 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the heart of Split, and a perfect location for relaxing by the beach with good restaurants.
- Why go: It’s an ideal luxury getaway by the beach for couples seeking a quiet, romantic holiday, and yet is close to the action if desired.
The Space
Considered one of the best Le Meridien hotels under Marriott umbrella, the Le Meridien Lav is a picture perfect resort for couples on a romantic holiday. The hotel is spacious, elegantly appointed, and walking from one private beach to the other is enjoyable. And with expansive views across the Adriatic Sea, you can marvel at the expensive yachts anchored there, and which can be hired for day-trips. The restaurants are all well-prepared under a very friendly and highly-experienced team, offering guests the opportunity to stay at a top resort and not travel far to enjoy local delicacies. The hotel is designed by Italian designer, Lorenzo Bellini, and rumour has it the Champagne Bar will be renovated later next year.
Where We Stayed
Our Classic Room, which sleeps two people, was relatively spacious considering it is an entry level room in a luxury hotel. It had a stylish, colourful and bright decor, with our balcony overlooking the marina and beyond to the lovely island of Brac (some have park views). The bathroom has both a bathtub and shower for him and her, and facilities included a mini-bar, flat screen TV, a hair dryer and contemporary furnishings. There wasn’t an in-room coffee maker but guests are given a voucher to be enjoyed in the Champagne Bar. Unfortunately it was low season so two of the restaurants were not open during my visit.
UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves
- The staff were friendly and attentive.
- The Restaurants. Each one feels like a 'real' restaurant and not a hotel-attached-venue.
- The Gooshter Beach Club, which had perfect cocktails ideal for a summery day by the beach. Try them all.
Insider Tips
- A shuttle bus is available for a small fee to central Split.
- No matter which restaurant you try, although I highly recommend the Italian Conlemani, be sure to try locally produced, Dalmatian wine.
The Details
Le Meridien Lav is located at Grljevacka, 2A, Podstrana, Split, Croatia, www.lemeridienlavsplit.com.
About Our Guest Writer
Michelle Tchea is the bestselling author of four books on travel, food and culture, and her work has been published in over 100 international magazines. She is also the owner of the Organics Company, Healthy Spoon, in Australia and a consulting firm in Europe, PopIntel Group, a luxury strategy firm in F&B. Michelle was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, and has a steady stream of followers on social media reaching millions. Michelle's new book, Chefs Collective, is out now.
- By:
- Guest Writer, Michelle Tchea