Juggling two young kids, while trying to find a moment to relax, is a mission for any family – but thankfully, there is one hotel that’s geared up specifically for just this.
If you’re travelling with children and want a holiday that balances fun, freedom and a bit of grown-up indulgence, the Valamar Tirena Hotel on Dubrovnik’s Babin Kuk peninsula is a standout choice.
Maro World (Image: Kimberley Barber) From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this hotel is designed with families in mind. The star attraction is Maro World—a sprawling 1,800m² entertainment zone that’s every child’s dream.
It’s packed with soft play, trampolines, gaming zones, Lego corners, and even a digital aquarium where kids can scan their coloured-in fish and watch them swim across a projected reef. It’s imaginative, interactive, and—crucially—lets children burn off energy while parents – thanks to the hotel’s free childcare sessions – enjoy a coffee or cocktail nearby.
And while dropping the kids off at the packed activity centre might just be their idea of heaven, there’s also lots to do nearby for families who want to spend some quality time together.
Maro World (Image: Kimberley Barber) The hotel’s indoor pool, complete with bubble jets and a water curtain, was a daily highlight for our two.
As was the outdoor pool (take your pick from any of the hotel pools in the Valamar complex but the Tirena’s has been designed for families with slides and a splash area).
The nearby beaches are pebbly rather than sandy, but the water is so clear and inviting that it’s perfect for swimming. With plenty of loungers and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s easy to spend an afternoon soaking up the sun while the kids splash about.
Plus there’s places to hire stand up paddle boards, or jet skis for the more adventurous.
(Image: Kimberley Barber) Accommodation is tailored for families too, with spacious rooms that sleep up to five and thoughtful touches like bunk beds and child-friendly layouts.
Dining is a breeze thanks to the Mediterraneo buffet restaurant, which serves up a generous spread of Dalmatian and international dishes. There’s also the Oliva Grill for poolside bites and a swim-up Splash Pool bar for drinks on the go. The food is varied and plentiful, with enough choice to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Parents aren’t forgotten either. While the kids are off exploring, adults can unwind at the nearby Valamar Lacroma Hotel spa, join a keep fit programme, hire bikes, or simply relax in the fragrant gardens that surround the hotel.
(Image: Kimberley Barber) And when you’re ready to explore beyond the resort, the Valamar Experience Concierge is on hand to help you make the most of Dubrovnik. With their guidance, we used a Dubrovnik Pass to access the city’s historic Old Town—an enchanting maze of cobbled streets, medieval walls, and terracotta rooftops.
The pass (€40 for one day, €50 for three days or €60 for a week) not only gets you access to the city’s famous walls, it also lets you access many of the city’s cultural attractions and museums, as well as giving you free bus rides.
The Old Town is just a short bus ride from the hotel, and its beauty has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Marvel at the city from the top of the mountain accessed by the cable car, or take a walk around its walls, stopping to look out over the blue sea on the way.
(Image: Kimberley Barber) There are also plenty of wonderful places to eat – even a Hard Rock cafe nestled just inside the walls!
We followed a Lonely Planet guide walk past the modern art museum and down into some secret beaches. Winding our way down steep stairs and discovering the beautiful bays with sea edge restaurants, which felt like a special treat. The kids enjoyed swimming in the clear blue sea while we enjoyed a few moments of sun and the laid-back Dubrovnik lifestyle.
After a hot day exploring the city, it was wonderful to be welcomed back to the hotel, with its excellent service and brilliant options for dinner (think huge kid-friendly buffet). There’s so much to do for families here, it’s no surprise that the Valamar Tirena Hotel is billing itself as one of the best family hotels in Europe.
(Image: Kimberley Barber) Its excellent facilities, combined with the stunning beauty of Croatia, and the wonderful food and hospitality on offer, makes this resort a sure fire hit for any family.
Fact box
4* Valamar Tirena Hotel: valamar.com/en/hotels-dubrovnik/tirena-hotel
Valamar Tirena Hotel, Ul. Iva Dulčića 36, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
+385 52 465 000
Room for 2 + 1 from £117 per night
Dubrovnik Airport is 45 45-minute to an hour’s drive away, with plenty of taxis available or book a transfer through the hotel direct.