I recently got back from three days at TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort after scoring a great deal for the end of the season. Under the TUI BLUE umbrella, the 4-star adults-only resort promises a perfect blend of relaxation and top-class service.
This was my first time at an all-inclusive resort in 14 years, as I normally prefer to explore as much as possible. However, I ended up loving that it felt like a vacation from our Dubrovnik holiday.
In this review, I’ll share how to get to TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort, the positives and negatives along with everything you need to know before visiting Koločep Island.
Article overview
TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort
Set in a calm cove on Koločep Island, just a short boat ride from the historic city of Dubrovnik, TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort promises a perfect blend of natural beauty, top-notch amenities, and exceptional service.
Koločep, also known as Kalamota Island, is car-free with just under 200 permanent residents and thousands of visitors, mainly between May and October.
It is one of 13 islands in the Elaphiti archipelago and is known for its beautiful blend of forest, sandy beaches and historic monuments. You can see all the way here from the top of Mount Srd, the best sunset viewpoint in Dubrovnik.
Even in late October, the resort was at full capacity, with mostly Brits. I think the only other language I heard was from a couple who spoke Danish.
How to get there from Dubrovnik
Getting to TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort from Dubrovnik is straightforward. We took bus no. 10 from the Old Town to Gruž Harbor (included in the Dubrovnik Pass), and then the Jadrolinija ferry that operates regularly throughout the day. Buy your tickets at the ferry office on the opposite side of the road from the harbor.
It’s essential to check the ferry schedule ahead of time, especially on Sundays and during off-peak seasons. The ferry ride lasts approximately 30 minutes and offers scenic views of the coastline. You can read more about it in my Elaphiti Islands guide.
If you’re coming straight from the airport, you can take the official shuttle bus, which leaves 30 minutes after every flight 24/7. You then have to walk a few minutes from the Main Bus Station to the ferry port. Buy your bus tickets online or from the Platanus travel counter next to baggage claim. A one-way ticket costs €10 and a return €15.
Upon arriving on Koločep Island, a short walk along the harbor will lead you directly to the resort. There was a person helping people with luggage, but since I booked through Booking.com and not a charter trip through TUI, we had to take our own luggage. But it was not a problem.
Check-in
We took the 2:00 pm ferry and arrived at the resort 20 minutes before check-in opened. But our room was ready so we just had to fill out a registration form each and we were set to go.
The lady at the reception was lovely and handed us an envelope with everything we needed to know for our stay.
Accommodation options
TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort offers 144 rooms in eight villas – from standard rooms with direct sea view, partial sea view or hotel garden view and Superior rooms with partial sea view or hotel garden view, while Junior Suite apartments are available with direct and partial sea view.
Sizes range from 24m2 to 30m2, it felt bigger in real life than it looked online. I’m also pretty sure I booked a partial sea view room, but we got lucky with room 825 overlooking the whole resort, beach and harbor.
Amenities
All rooms are equipped with:
- Wi-Fi
- King size bed
- Air conditioning
- Kettle for tea and coffee
- Flat-screen TV
- Minibar
The balcony is small, with just enough space for two chairs and a small table. But the views are incredible. The bed was a little hard for my taste, but I appreciated the selection of pillows. Also, the bathroom could do with a refresh. Nothing too bad, but it felt a bit older than the bedroom.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, this isn’t the best place for people with mobility issues. The ferry is not accessible, it was hard enough walking on carrying a suitcase with full mobility. And the villas have stone stairs, so does the restaurant.
Resort amenities
TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort is geared towards couples and offers a range of amenities designed to give you the best possible stay. Let’s take a closer look.
Pool and beach
The resort features a stunning outdoor pool area with free lounge chairs and umbrellas. Remember to bring your towel card to the reception in the morning, to get a large pool towel for the day. I really appreciated not having to use half my carry-on to bring one from home.
I had a refreshing swim in the ocean after our hike, yes even in October it was quite nice. The beach is actually sandy, which is not always easy to find in Croatia.
Two exclusive cabanas and regular cabanas are also available for a €75 and €25 fee, which includes a bottle of bubbles++. You have to go to the reception to book it.
There are a lot of sea urchins around the island, but I couldn’t see any on the beach. I’m guessing the hotel removes them, but just in case, be on the lookout.
Beach activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking offer additional adventure options, and organized beach events provide opportunities to engage with other guests.
Spa and wellness facilities
The Yes to Beauty Spa at TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort focuses on rejuvenation in a luxurious environment. You can indulge in a range of treatments, including an Ayurvedic massage, a gold scrub massage and a Vitamin anti-aging C facial. all of which I wanted to try, but never got to.
Additionally, there’s a fitness center overlooking the pool, but I didn’t see anyone in there. TUI BLUE has an offer called BLUEf!t® which is a variety of activities. For us, it was water aerobics, but I’m guessing there are more options during the high season.
You can also enjoy the sauna, providing a perfect way to unwind after a day of activities.
Dining experience
At check-in, we were told about the different dining options – The Restaurant, A la carte restaurant Culinarium and the three bars. She also offered to look after our luggage so we could run up and get some lunch before it closed at 3:00 pm.
We dined at the main restaurant all three days, which features a buffet-style breakfast, lunch, coffee/snacks and dinner. As far as I could tell, you get one complimentary dinner at Culinarium when staying 7 days or more, so this didn’t apply to us.
When researching for this trip, I read a lot of mixed reviews about the buffet food, but I was pleasantly surprised. There were so many vegetable options which I often feel is lacking at buffets. I was literally looking forward to the salads every night.
Beer, wine, champagne, soda and some cocktails are also included.
The indoor-outdoor seating area provided a pleasant atmosphere with views of the sea. And the servers were attentive and friendly, coming over to take our drink order within minutes of us sitting down.
Additionally, a snack bar near the pool offered quick bites and refreshments throughout the day. The cocktails are very simple and served in plastic glasses. But they did not skimp on the alcohol. There’s a menu at the bar where you can easily see everything that is included.
We did not try the 4 Elements Lounge Bar, because we’d rather eat chocolate and watch movies in bed, but a lot of people went there after dinner. So it looked like a great place to meet other people.
Another restaurant called Villa Rose, also close to the hotel, is perfect if you’re looking to celebrate a birthday or anniversary.
Top things to do on Kolocep Island
Kolocep Island offers a variety of activities for us to enjoy. The pristine natural environment makes it an ideal spot for exploration.
Hike: One of the most popular routes is the 3 km trail between Donje Čelo and Gornje Čelo, which takes you through olive groves and pine forests, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the nearby islands. We hiked all along the coast and even got lost for a while which should be impossible on a 2.44 km² island.
Swimming and snorkeling: The clear waters surrounding the island are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It is especially nice off the sandy beach in Donje Čelo.
Explore charming villages: Stop by the small villages on Kolocep, talk to the locals and shop their produce. We saw several tables with olive oils, marmalades and other snacks for sale. In Donje Čelo you’ll also find a tavern popular among the locals, a small market selling necessities and a super cute gift shop called Lucky Island.
Historic sites: There are a few historic sites worth exploring. One of the most prominent landmarks is the pre-Romanesque Church of St. Anthony of Padua, dating back to the 11th century.
Along the trail between the two villages, you’ll see the beautiful St. Nicholas Church pictured above. The island also features the remains of a Byzantine fort, known as the Kaštio fortress, which dates back to the 6th century.
Lastly, it is with stopping by the old lighthouse, built in 1872. It is no longer in use but provides a scenic spot to take in the breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the neighboring islands.
Boat tours: Taking a boat tour around the island reveals stunning coastal views. You can rent kayaks or join a guided tour by speed boat.
The Blue Cave is a hidden gem on the south side of the island and can only be accessed by swimming or by small boat. What makes it so special is the mesmerizing blue light that illuminates the cave’s interior, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Final thoughts: TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort review
Do I recommend TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort? Yes, I do, for anyone looking to unwind while enjoying scenic views and good food. I bet it feels much calmer than Dubrovnik even at the height of summer.
I recommend setting aside a week, three full days for Dubrovnik and three full days on Kolocep, as we did. I feel it was the best of both worlds.
The resort staff provided attentive service, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere, which in my mind, can make or break a holiday. Although some facilities, such as the bathrooms, could do with a little refresher, I am very pleased with everything included at a great value price.
And by the way, this is not a sponsored post, I paid for everything myself. Although I got a really great deal through the Booking.com loyalty program, which everyone can take part in.
🌟 Click here to check price and availability >> TUI BLUE Kalamota Island Resort
Leave a Reply