The strikingly asymmetrical glass panelled building is set amid beautifully manicured grounds planted with shrubs and olive trees accessed by concrete paths lined with sun loungers. Bands of tinted blue glass panels run around the balconies reflecting the sunsets. From the spacious reception area, long sinuous corridors lead off along each wing. The main doors to the pool area and grounds are preceded by a large light-flooded atrium with exhibitions by local artists and a pool with freshwater fish swimming around the base of the staircase.

The Iadera has several restaurants, including the buffet-style Jadran and the smaller à la carte Veranda, while the Spa Bistro and Vital Bar serves light meals and freshly-squeezed juices. Breakfasts are excellent. But the one to go for is Bracera – a lovely little restaurant, which despite its upmarket surroundings manages to maintain the air of an unstuffy, traditional Dalmatian konoba (tavern), serving good wine and superb grilled seafood, with tables set among the trees, just above the sea. Dine on exquisitely fresh fish, overlooking the Adriatic, as dolphins swim past against a backdrop of the Zadar archipelago

All of the stylish rooms and suites have balconies. The blue and white palette lends a maritime feel, complemented by wood panelling, and there’s plenty of natural light. Beds are extremely comfortable. The bathrooms (some form part of the sleeping area, some can be curtained off) come with walk-in showers and separate bathtub, elegant double-sink basins, turquoise and dark blue tiling. The senior suites are vast, at the end of the south wing which comes to a point like the prow of a ship, and come with a large bathtub in the centre of the living area and a separate bathroom with shower. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open onto a huge terrace – running along both sides of the room, equipped with sun loungers and overlooking the sea and islands and those famous sunsets – after which, any other terrace is almost guaranteed to feel utterly underwhelming.

For older children aged over 8 years, there is a junior kids club that is more activity based and features opportunities to play various sports, take excursions and meet new friends. The junior kids club can be visited on a day to day basis and features energetic staff members who will make your child’s time on holiday unforgettable.

The picturesque city of Zadar, located on the Dalmatian Coast, is a perfect destination to explore Croatia in all its beauty. The city monument, surrounded by historical ramparts, a treasury of the archaeological and monumental riches of ancient and medieval times, can be reached in 15 minutes drive from the hotel. Visit the Salt Museum in Nin, a city most famous for its kilometre long sandy beaches and fantastic conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing – only a 5 minutes drive by car. Four sensational national parks – Kornati Islands, Krka waterfalls, Mountain Paklenica and Plitvice Lakes – are located in close vicinity. The destination also offers numerous possibilities for adventurous vacation, such as skydiving, kayaking on rivers, Stand up paddle boarding and many more.