Arba Resort – The Perfect Starting Point for Exploring the Rab Island
Arba Resort offers a prime location for discovering the outdoor experiences the island has to offer, but also for relaxing in the resort’s beautiful wellness area, sunbathing on the Arba sandy beach directly below the resort, and of course, swimming in the crystal-clear sea, which remains warm enough in September for total enjoyment. And if, on top of all this, you wish to savour the local flavours of Rab and even try horse riding in the stunning Soline Bay – then you are in exactly the right place.
Experience Concierge by Valamar – All Answers and Offers in One Place
Having already stayed at Arba Resort during the Arba Family Moments event, when we hosted well-known mum influencers and their families to showcase everything this family resort offers to little ones, as well as to parents who also need to find moments for themselves – this time I wanted to make the most of the outdoor activities, discover the island’s exciting offerings, and at the same time enjoy both fun and relaxation.
The first stop after checking in at the resort and enjoying a pleasant chat with the reception staff was meeting Mrs Maja from the Experience Concierge, who suggested activities for our stay on Rab: an olive oil tasting, a visit to the Soline Ranch, and a walking tour of the Frkanj peninsula with its stunning views of the town of Rab.
First Stop – Enjoying the Soline Ranch
On the first day, after our arrival at the resort, around lunchtime and following a short relaxation by the pools, we set off in the late afternoon towards the Soline Ranch, located near the resort. The ranch can also be reached on foot, but we opted for a transfer from the resort. At the ranch, we were warmly welcomed by Mr Bogdan, who, as always, was exceptionally kind and hospitable. He offered us homemade cherry liqueur while we enjoyed a pleasant conversation on the terrace of his property.
Although at first we considered trying our hand at riding, on that particular day we decided to remain spectators. The owner’s daughters took on the role of riders and showed us the beauty of trotting and galloping during the golden hour with their magnificent horses, some a little more spirited, others more obedient.
We truly felt the deep love and dedication that this family nurtures towards these noble animals, so it comes as no surprise that they have been running this ranch for several years, delighting both young and adult riders, as well as those who are yet to become ones.
Hiking Tour on the Frkanj Peninsula – the “Island of Love”
The following morning, we set off on our own hiking tour towards the Frkanj peninsula, long known to day-trippers seeking relaxation and the joys of nature. Although hiking tours from Arba Resort on Kalifront can also be booked with a professional guide, our self-organised walk turned out to be wonderful.
We enjoyed an active 7 km walk, surrounded by the intoxicating scent of pine forest, which gives the impression of gentle wilderness. At every moment, you feel far from civilisation, yet still close enough. What delighted us most was swimming in hidden coves with views of the town of Rab.
Although the weather was a little cloudy, it did nothing to spoil our morning trip. And when our energy started to fade, we refreshed ourselves at the Frkanj restaurant, enjoying a coffee with a sea view before heading back to the resort.
Olive Oil Tasting at Valanga
If you thought there was no perfect place for olive oil tasting and olive groves on Rab, you’d be mistaken. Once again, we were grateful to our Maja, who introduced us to the story of Valanga and organised a visit to this remote viewpoint in Kampor, where we were welcomed by Mr Josip Dedić.
We strolled through the olive grove, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the silence. Afterwards, we moved on to the tasting room, where we learned all about the varieties grown here: Orkula, Lastovka, Drobnica, and Mastrinka- cultivated entirely organically and united in the Valanga oil. We were deeply impressed by the dedication to olive growing of this hardworking family, who have been cultivating olives since 2002.
By the time we left, night had already fallen over the family estate. Only the distant song of birds could be heard, as the moment of returning to reality drew near. We carried with us beautiful memories of time spent with this warm and industrious family. And who knows – perhaps we’ll return to Rab for the olive harvest, which would be both a pleasure and an honour.
Relaxing Moments at Arba Resort – Wellness, Pools and the Beach
Although it is a family resort with countless facilities for children of all ages, Arba has been designed in such a way that adults without children can also enjoy it undisturbed and find something just for themselves. The first place for adults seeking relaxation is undoubtedly the resort’s wellness centre, offering a wide range of facial treatments based on organic creams and natural ingredients. Everything in the wellness area smells of Rab – leaving you with nothing else to do but relax and surrender to the care of the expert beauticians, whose professionalism makes you feel completely at ease. Your skin, spirit, and body will be overjoyed after the treatment!
I also enjoyed swimming very much in the large indoor pool that leads directly into the outdoor pool. Despite the wide choice of indoor and outdoor pools for all ages at Arba Resort, I decided to go for another swim at the beach just below the resort. And I must admit, it was an excellent idea.
Working with the Scents, Sounds, and Colours of the Mediterranean
What excites me most is the feeling that one moment you can be swimming in the sea, and the next you’re on the resort terrace, holding a meeting over coffee – either in person or online. The atmosphere at the resort is wonderfully pleasant and relaxing, thanks to the natural materials, textures, and colours that blend perfectly with the surroundings. Everything reminds us of the Mediterranean: neutral tones, plenty of earthy shades, along with blue and grey hues. It is a true delight for the eyes and adds to the overall experience of staying at the resort.
What’s more, the resort showcases works by Croatian artists – painters, sculptors, and photographers, carefully selected to complement the hotel’s visual aesthetic and to evoke the structures, textures, and sensations that the nature of Rab Island offers its visitors through sand, sea, forests, and rocks. These are, in fact, the four faces of Rab – ones we will have the joy of experiencing again.
