What we love: The three freshwater swimming pools 

Three swimming pools and its own beach, a dedicated kids’ pool and one just for adults. The natural pebble beach has a VIP area in the summer and water sports are available at the Marina.  But there’s also accommodation options aplenty ranging from romantic suites to large residences; a kids club, games room, playground and indoor play space; some 16 restaurants and bars; and an award-winning spa. 

What we love: The dining options 

There’s great choice at the resort for when you want to dine on site rather than exploring the city’s best eateries.   

Kids love the pizzas at La Pasta; cocktails with a view are on the menu at Beach Bar Pebbles; enjoy a coffee next to the kids pool at Sunset Bar; start the day right on the terraces at either Rooftop or Market; gorge on the breakfast buffet at Origano; sample sizzling steak at the Butcher’s Grill; order a light lunch and ice cream at Sunset Grill; look out to the islands with a glass of Croatian wine at Maraska Lounge Bar; or taste the region’s finest seafood at a sunset table at Cilantro.  

What we love: Start the day with breakfast on the terrace with sea views. 

Ready for water sports stright from the hotel marina? Pop into the hotel’s travel agency to book a boat trip to the Elaphite islands then while away the afternoon in the hydrotherapy pool at the spa. There’s a soccer academy at Sun Gardens which is great for footie-mad kids. It’s run by UEFA licensed coaches and ex-Premier League players. Think Emile Heskey, Wes Brown and Andy Cole.  It’s all in a day’s stay at Croatia’s prestigious Sun Gardens resort.