All PostStill in the Lapad area of Dubrovnik, I did something a bit unusual for me—I decided to just hang out around my hotel. Usually, I feel the need to get out and explore the area, and I had considered several day trips. But this time, I wanted to fully experience the hotel and its surroundings at my leisure. I started with a walk around the little peninsula where the hotel was located. I got in about 5,000 steps and figured I would make up the other 5,000 later in the day, which I did. Time for breakfast.
The hotel’s buffet breakfast—served on a large terrace with a spectacular sea view—was extensive. I sat by myself and felt very comfortable doing so. The restaurant was busy enough that no one was paying attention to who was sitting with whom, and I noticed several other women and men dining alone. All good. After breakfast (and some time to digest), I went to the small hotel gym for about an hour-long workout—focusing mostly on my arms, which are not as shapely as I’d like them to be. Then I put on my swimsuit and headed back down to the waterside terrace, determined to prepare myself for swimming in the Adriatic, knowing there would be swimming stops on the cruise. I’m not afraid of the water (mostly) and I swim in the Atlantic ocean (once in a while), but I wanted to get my “sea legs” before going on the boat. Plus the heat was sweltering and I felt the excitement of a child at the prospect of jumping in.
After watching various others enter the water—either by the stairs or by jumping in—I was almost ready. Going into the water here can be a challenge, as the coast is lined with either pebble beaches or large rocks. The rocks underwater are covered with moss and can be slippery or “icky” to stand on, which is why most people—unless they have water shoes—either jump in or push off the rocks to where it’s deep enough not to touch the bottom. The hotel sundeck is on this rocky coastline, but at least it had stairs; however, after the last step, there were still moss-covered rocks to step on unless you pushed off. So, I had to plan my approach to entering the water without looking clumsy or hurting myself.
I noticed that those already in the water seemed especially buoyant. Some were in little clusters, chatting as if they were standing on solid ground, with sunglasses on and not even getting their hair or hats wet. They didn’t appear to be treading water or making much effort to stay afloat. Others were effortlessly floating on their backs. Some were swimming beyond the ropes marking the hotel’s swimming area, while others ventured way out into the bay or even across it . I should mention that many of these folks were clearly seniors older than me (Europeans!).
I remembered hearing that it’s easier to float in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas due to the high salt levels. The water was also clear enough to see what was beneath the surface. All of this boosted my confidence. If they could do it, I could. Finally ready, I went down the steps and pushed off. Glorious! I swam a bit, laid back and floated (you literally don’t sink), and just hung upright in the water to experience this buoyancy for myself. I felt one with the universe—not to mention brave and proud of myself – just like a child. Who doesn’t want to enjoy the world like a child again?All set now for the swim stops.
Satisfied with my accomplishment, I came out of the water, dried off, took a leisurely shower, and then headed down to try out the Cave Bar, enjoying a beautiful gin & tonic—my “go-to” cocktail at home and abroad – by myself. I also had dinner—shrimp risotto, grilled vegetables, and some nice local wine—at the hotel’s 5-star restaurant for all of $35. All in all, I loved the hotel. Its few shortcomings were virtually irrelevant in the overall scheme of things. I would definitely bring a women’s travel group here (we would have a blast together) or send women travelers here on their own (there is a good deal of comfort in being a solo female traveler in a hotel like this). Plus, the location—the whole country even—is very safe, walkable, and immensely beautiful!
