The Hotel Room View I Still Can't Stop Thinking About: Bluesun Hotel Soline, Brela

I feel like I couldn't stare at the view enough. I wanted to capture it mentally, so hard that it left a dent somewhere in my mind. Those crystal blue waters that peaked between the pines, boats passing, birds tweeting. As if I couldn't love this part of Croatia more, the Bluesun Soline hotel in Brela was a stay I can't wait to repeat. 

Overlooking the Adriatic Sea and nestled on Brela's sloping hillside, Bluesun Hotel Soline sits hugged by the Biokovo Mountains. Designed by the Croatian architect Julije De Luca and opened in 1983. It's considered one of the most notable examples of Brutalist architecture on the Croatian coast, it was renovated most recently in 2022. I didn't expect a building of this style to feel so warm. 

The natural beauty of its surroundings softens the hotel's striking concrete form; pine trees, sea and mountains blending together exactly as intended. 

Rather than dominating the landscape, it feels as though it belongs to it.

With every room facing the coast, large windows invite the outside in, making the most of the Adriatic views. Yet despite its openness, there's a sense of privacy too, thanks to the distinctive boxed balconies that frame each room like a personal lookout over the sea. For me, a view is always a top priority when booking a hotel or apartment for a trip away. I love having a coffee in the morning while looking out over beautiful scenery, or winding down in the evening, fresh from the shower with a face mask on, watching the sunset. It was the views from the rooms that first sold me on Bluesun Hotel Soline, along with the fact it was less than a minute's stroll from Brela's beautiful pebble beaches.

Is Brela a good place to stay in Croatia?

If you're looking for a destination that encourages you to slow down, I'd say absolutely. Brela feels quieter and more relaxed than many of Croatia's better-known towns, yet still offers everything you'd want from a coastal escape; crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, wonderful restaurants and plenty of opportunities to explore.

What is there to do near Bluesun Hotel Soline?

Whether you prefer lazy beach days or something more active, there's plenty within easy reach. The promenade is perfect for morning walks, while the nearby beaches invite long afternoons spent swimming in the Adriatic. For those who enjoy being outdoors, the Biokovo Mountains offer walking and hiking routes with spectacular views of the coastline.

Is Bluesun Hotel Soline worth it?

For me, yes. It was the combination of the architecture, location and those unforgettable sea views that made it such a memorable stay. While the hotel offers excellent facilities, it was the feeling of being immersed in the landscape that stood out most.