IN 2018, the same year Dejan Lovren lifted the Champions League, he became a hotelier.
It came soon after his clothing label, Russell Brown launched, although that didn’t have as much success and is now defunct.
But, his four-star Joel Hotel in a beautiful part of Croatia is very much here to stay, and is certainly THE place to stay.
Lovren, now 34 and playing for French club Lyon, had the property built from scratch in Novalja on the island of Pag.
The project reportedly cost him somewhere around £3million.
And since it opened its doors, it has continued to provide a relaxing place to stay for tourists from all over the world.
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What has it got?
A two-minute stroll from the spectacular Plaza Strasko beach, the Joel Hotel, reportedly named after his two children Josip and Elena, has a boutique feel to it.
There are just 16 rooms, and each has its own designer kitchen.
They are split up into 11 one-bedroom apartments, 2 studio apartments, 1 deluxe apartment and 2 annexes.
Each apartment includes a living room, as well as a spacious private balcony.
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Prices vary, with an apartment with a sea view costing around £215-per-night during high season.
While a superior deluxe apartment is as much as £401-per-night.
Pool, restaurant and bar
Amenities haven’t been skimped on by Lovren.
The outdoor infinity pool measures at 12 x 6 metres and is heated all-year round.
Spectacularly, it offers a breathtaking view of Novalja and the surrounding mountains.
There is also a state-of-the-art outdoor gym, for those who want to stay in shape on their holiday.
But for others who just want to unwind and let it all go, there is an amazing restaurant and bar.
On the menu is Mediterranean cuisine from meaty pasta dishes to a Tuna steak with sauteed vegetables.
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The bar serves classic cocktails, as well as a variety of other alcoholic beverages.
Visitors also have the option to rent a boat.
The reviews are in
The Joel Hotel is a favourite for guests who have reviewed their stay on TripAdvisor.
In fact, it has recorded an impressive five star rating from 23 reviews.
One visitor wrote: “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the best stay on Pag. Close to Novalja and close to Zrće.
“The accommodation, amenities, the staff and the intimacy of the stay was brilliant. We stayed for five nights and had a great time. No more than eight people by the pool. Your own private oasis of comfort.”
Another posted: “A breathtaking luxury building. Very friendly staff and approachable. The service is unmatched. The food is delicious – fresh ingredients, great served.
“Do yourself a favour and visit this amazing hotel in Novalja.”
While a third shared: “First of all, the hotel location is the perfect spot in Novalja. The view from the pool is just wow. Accomodation – very clean and nicely decorated. Friendly staff.
“And best part is definitely food and drink. Enjoyed every meal and cocktail… best moscow mule I had.”
A kind act
Back in December, 2020 Croatia was hit by an earthquake with a reported magnitude of 6.4 that destroyed homes and buildings in Petrinja.
Generous Lovren, who played 78 times for his country before retiring in early 2023, offered his help.
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He kindly gave 16 endangered families free accommodation at the hotel and urged them to get in touch with a personal message on Instagram.
Not only a brilliant footballer, Lovren clearly has a heart of gold.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
