Bluesun Holiday Village Alan

We shared a twin room on the hotel block and are seasoned Neilson customers for context. Firstly, the hotel room block is very dated and only has a single working tiny lift for all 10 floors so it can take time to get to and from your room. The lift isn’t very clean either but generally, the other communal areas are. Our room had a spectacular spider web on the ceiling and the floor wasn’t mopped at all during the week. Food is the usual Neilson buffet style with a very good selection; possibly not as diverse as the Greek resorts but absolutely fine. Bar and waiting staff in the dining room are lovely, efficient and friendly people. Unusually , wine and beer are very reasonable here and mostly local which is a lovely change for anyone else familiar with the end of holiday Neilson bar bill shock. There is no real local town, just a long road with a few restaurants dotted about so limited opportunity to buy souvenirs or just stroll around. 6 of us clubbed together and got an Uber to and from Zadar which was a top tip. Cost around 200 EUR versus the 360 EUR it would have cost us if we’d gone with the organised trip. Zadar was a gorgeous city to visit and highly recommended with its Roman forum, lovely restaurants and narrow streets reminiscent of Rome. Lots of mosquitoes which have bitten us relentlessly but brilliant pharmacy just outside the gate. All in all, a nice week but there are better Neilson resorts.

We had a fabulous experience here, all the staff and Neilson team delivered a fabulous holiday. The kids club for our 2 and 4 year old girls was so good they did not want to come home. Plenty of activities for adults, this was our first Neilson experience and we could not have wished for a better location. We stayed just cabin 1 which has a sea view but is also near where allot of the sailing and outdoor studio activity are throughout the day. It was never an issue for us but at points of the day there is music or people milling around for their activities. Food wise we are very well, both our children have food allergies and my wife can’t tolerate gluten, there was plenty of options for us all. On the non inclusive nights a walk into Starigrad is worth while, there is a supermarket next door and a fridge in the cabin so there are lots of options.

Usual Neilson formula, good all round resort. Pools were both fantastic, I really appreciated the swimming lane and the kids pools were excellent. Generally lovey calm waters for waterskiing, big shout to the ski team who made my holiday. Open water swims a nice addition, although would be good to have some during childcare hours. I enjoyed the spinning classes as well. Husband also biked and played tennis. Nearly 4 year old nearly always choose kids club over staying with us, which is a testament to the team. Easy walk into town for some lovely local food and supermarket next door for ice creams half the price of the hotel. (I really don’t understand why they can’t just stock cheap local ice creams for the kids, €4.80 is a bit of a joke for a magnum). Welcome meeting was chaotic, I’ve done a lot of these holidays over the years, but was completely overwhelmed by it, for those one first holidays I suspect it would have been worse. Surely by now there should be an app to allow you to sign up without the rush to get in a queue? Similarly the kids club welcome meeting at 0900 the first morning is a little daft, there was no way we would have made it. Again not a problem as we’ve done these holidays before, but puts unnecessary pressure on those who might want that information. Weather was a little variable, but the local Croatian Met Service forecast (google it, not the one printed in reception) was usually spot on. Hotel services could do with some polish, house keeping was variable. There is no way to shower without getting water on the bathroom floor. Made worse when showering a child. Restaurant food was good, seafood and fresh fruit a real highlight. Ice cream at lunch and dinner much appreciated by all. Lack of decent decaf coffee and the decent coffee machines only being on at breakfast let it down. Along with staff who insist on taking plates away before you’ve finished chewing your last mouthful.

This was our first Neilson holiday and wow, we loved it! We’ve already booked to go back again next year. The accommodation is clean and comfortable but not 5 star. But once you get into the swing of the activities and all that there is to offer you realise that the room is absolutely perfect for what you need it for. We had a family room which has a separate bedroom adjoining the main bedroom, it was perfect for us with 2 children. The kids club was incredible, the kids were desperate to go everyday and never wanted to be picked up early. All the sessions on offer and all included within the price of the holiday are incredible. They did sessions such as climbing, paddle boarding, sailing, wind surfing, pool Olympics…fantastic! The staff are amazing, the kids love them all. Activities…we loved the breadth and volume of what was on offer. We did beginner sailing, kayaking into town, paddle boarding to the castle, waterskiing, tennis, cycling, spinning and used the spa. The water sports / sailing instructors were great - big shout out to Viv especially who was extra lovely doing the beginner sailing course. Food was great too, all buffets for the inclusive meals. Just what you wanted after doing a day of activities. Breakfast - everything you’d expect, cereals yoghurts, mueslis, fresh fruit smoothies, fruit, toast, cooked breakfast, and a station cooking items to order eg omelettes. Fresh pancakes being made, croissants etc. Lunch time there was a salad bar, amazing handmade pizza, often fresh fish, pasta, as well as different hot dishes every day and a made to order station that did dishes such as seafood risotto, gnocchi, etc. I was relieved to see they had some crowd pleasers / plainer foods (pasta / fries!) for our son who is a fussy eater. Dinner was equally great. All in all we loved it and had the best time! Only problem is a pool holiday where you just sunbathe around a swimming pool is going to feel very boring now!! We’ve already booked again for next year!

Neilson Hotel with great range of watersports kit for beginners and intermediate: lazers, picos, argos, bahias and catamarans for sailing. Windsurfing boards, loads of kayaks and SUPs. Also plenty of other things to do, bikes to borrow, 2x volleyball courts, 6 tennis courts, small climbing wall, national park nearby for walking, climbing etc. Weather a bit variable and weather forecasts tend to predict more storms than actually happen. Clean rooms, good food and they are adding more veggie options. Breakfasts are great with a huge range. For the nights where evening meals are not included we recommend Fratellis pizza bar 10 minutes walk away. Staff here are awesome, all super helpful and friendly across the whole resort : beach, water skiing, kids clubs, reception, bar staff, catering, pools. Sorry if I missed anyone out. Let them know what you need and they will help if they can - that's why it gets a 5!

Flights were OK and on time. The transfer is a bit long at one hour 45 minutes but Split airport is lovely. Resort is similar to all the other Neilsons resorts. Not great for the sailors as not much wind. Tennis is excellent. Not many attractive bike rides for recreational cyclists. Better for the serious bike riders. The national park is only a 15 minute walk away and is spectacular. Rock climbing is also offered. The food is fine but not as good as other Neilson resorts Staff are lovely Local town, 10 minute walk away, is small and quiet. Nice restaurants - they only take cash - typically €70-€80 for a decent meal with a bottle of wine. Local wines are surprisingly good. The supermarket next door to the resort is really handy. Rooms in the hotel are small but adequate. Beds are comfortable and shower is good enough. Tap water is drinkable. Overall the resort is small but a wee bit nicer than other Neilson resorts. Usual array of Simons and Rogers from the south of England but generally the guests are very nice. Bar entertainment could be better. The music quiz night went on for too long. An hour would have been plenty Will definitely return as the formula works for us.

We stayed at the Alana Beach Neilson resort for two weeks. It was our first Neilson holiday which is very unusual it seems as everyone we spoke to had been numerous times before so there must be something in it!!! After a couple of days we were completely sold, we absolutely loved the activities available and found a good balance between being busy and relaxing in the sunshine. We got up for 7am run club twice a week and 8am yoga which was a great way to start the day. My partner did the RYA sailing course and tried waterskiing for the first time which he loved. The staff are all fantastic, really lovely enthusiast and supportive people. We had a room overlooking the fitness deck with a Sea view. The pool is stunning, the only downside was that it was so so cold I couldn’t swim in it for long ( others did so maybe that’s just me!) the sea was slightly warmer and lovely. The food was mostly good, lots of choice with great salads and fruit. We did the evening trip to Zadar which is worth doing. The local restaurants for the non inclusive nights were great and all took a card payment, we felt the need to bring cash was overstated. We met lots of like minded people and had the best holiday ever and have booked for next year already!

We are been to a few Neilson Beach Clubs and this one has alot to offer. Situated on a long bay. Crystal clear sea with pebbled beach. Whilst we visited the sea was flat. Was so nice to swim in.. Ideally laid out to access the water sports. Food not as good as other Neilson resorts but its certainly ok... The roof top bar is an assett and has amazing views. Perfect to watch the sun set.. Unfortunately the prices of drinks in the hotel is alot more expensive than the local town. This means that the bars arent used as much which is a shame as they used to be a hub for socialising. I thought the grounds were looking abit shabby with lots of weeds. This is something that could easily be rectified. The spa is relaxing and is worth visiting. It is free to use the facilities. The resort isnt isolated like others are. Across the road is a national park which is perfect for a hike. The local town has a few bars and restaurants. Zadar is worth visiting to listen to the sea organ. There are amazing sunsets and solar lights display.. We got the bus for 9 euro return.. The bus stop is right outside the hotel. The staff are friendly and helpful even when they arent working. The guided bike rides were good. The large swimming pool isnt heated but its well maintained and clean. We had a lovely holiday and would recommend to others.