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Le Méridien Lav, Split - hotel review

 (Le Meridien Lav)
(Le Meridien Lav)

If your definition of an ideal holiday is to sit back, relax by the sea and walk no more than 10 minutes to access food and drink, then Le Meridien Lav is perfect for you.

With four restaurants, a spa, two pools and a pristine stretch of private coastline, the only reason you’ll need to leave this five-star resort is to explore Split old town.

Where is it?

Located 20 minutes from Split in Podstrana on the Dalmatian Coast, Le Méridien Lav is the biggest hotel in the area and boasts spectacular views of the Adriatic sea. Taxis from the airport take around 40 minutes and cost €35-50.

The mountainous region of Podstrana offers nature enthusiasts an opportunity to go walking, hiking or cycling along several trails. Culture lovers can get a taste of local life in nearby villages of Strozanac, Grljevac, St. Martin and Mutogras.

Style

The reception sits snugly in a long lobby running across four separate buildings within the property, each with views of the garden, pool or sea. The decor differs from ultra-modern in the lounge and bar to beachside casual in the restaurants. No matter where you are, the focus is always to direct you to the outdoors, whether that’s views of the ocean or the beautifully landscaped gardens created by award-winning Hawaiian designer Jim Nicolay. Selected rooms have gone through a recent face lift with trendy furniture and Scandinavian minimalism.

Most rooms have views to the sea (Le Meridien Lav)
Most rooms have views to the sea (Le Meridien Lav)

Food & Drink

As far as the culinary experiences go, there are several options for every occasion and palate. 7 Palms restaurant, a romantic beach bar by day and a fine-dining space by night, is perfect for Adriatic fish and delectable steaks paired with the finest wine. The other, also on the waterfront, serves all things Italian. Think rustic village eatery in Sicily. Food at Conlemani is all about being authentic and local, everything is handmade and carefully picked to deliver a piece of Italy on a plate.

A few steps away is Gooshter Beach Club, where white couches, jute lampshades and sea-facing cabanas give a more relaxed vibe. The cuisine is a blend of East meets South with everything from duck pancakes, gyoza dumplings to tortillas with guacamole. The appeal of this place is its beachside location and a great selection of Instagram-worthy cocktails. If you’re after some daytime drink options, try a coffee and ice cream at Zootz cafe or a selection of fresh juices or beer at RE:FRESH next to the infinity pool.

Conlemani serve authentic Italian cuisine (Le Meridien Lav)
Conlemani serve authentic Italian cuisine (Le Meridien Lav)

Facilities

If access to clear blue open waters isn’t enticing enough, guests can swim in the heated indoor pool with a jacuzzi or cool off in the infinity one. Workout addicts have a fully equipped gym and exercise studio, a lovely paved marina to run on and four tennis courts. As well as water sports and scuba diving, the hotel also arrange tailormade day trips to surrounding islands on a luxury private boat for €1,200 (for eight people, includes lunch and drinks) . If you’re planning to arrive to the property by a yacht, worry not, there is parking for 60 on a private marina.

To relax and rejuvenate, make your way to RE:CUPERA. The spa has ten rooms and an extensive list of treatments ranging from Thai massage and intense tissue therapy to stone and aromatherapy. Guests can also indulge in Med Visage, a non-surgical face lifting technique or laser hair removal.

Presidential Suites come with a large living space plus two bedrooms (Le Meridien Lav)
Presidential Suites come with a large living space plus two bedrooms (Le Meridien Lav)

Which room?

For a hotel with 379 rooms and suites, it feels remarkably open and private. Whether it’s Supreme or a Presidential Suite, most rooms in this resort destination have a balcony, many of which enjoy magnificent views of the sea, the city of Split and islands in the Croatian archipelago.

There is nothing like waking up and sipping your morning beverage to the sound of nature, and you’ll experience plenty of that here. We stayed in a sea-facing room with a bedroom and separate lounge with a sofa, flat-screen TV and a coffee machine - both on the smaller side, but comfortable enough for two. The highlight was watching the spectacular sunset from our balcony on the 7th floor.

If you’re looking for a family getaway or just in the mood to splurge, then the newly renovated Diplomatic Suite may be what you need. The large spacious area comes with two bedrooms, a modern bathroom and a separate living area looking down on multi-million-pound yachts and the majestic sea.

Best for

Families and couples looking for stress-free holiday in a resort with modern amenities.

A sea view room starts at 260 per night including breakfast. To book, visit marriott.com