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.

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The 4-star Joel Hotel in Croatia pulls in visitors all-year round

Joel Hotels boasts an infinity pool and incredible sea views

 

Former Liverpool player Dejan Lovren is the hotel’s owner

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.

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.

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.

It provides an amazing perspective of Novalja and the surrounding mountains

For those who wish to stay in shape while on vacation, there is also a cutting-edge outdoor gym.

However, there’s a fantastic restaurant and bar for those who just want to relax and let everything go.

Mediterranean food is served, ranging from hearty pasta meals to a tuna steak paired with sautéed veggies.

 

Rooms can cost up to £400-per-night during high season(!!)

 

Living rooms and kitchens feature in the superior apartments

 

Clean, pristine bathrooms offer plenty of space

 

Relaxing by the pool has never looked better at the Joel Hotel

The bar serves classic cocktails, as well as a variety of other alcоhоlic 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.

 

Guests can rent a boat for the day

 

The Joel Hotel restaurant gets good reviews online

 

Guests can enjoy tuna steak

 

Pasta dishes are also on offer

“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 Һit 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.

The Adriatic Sea is in view of the hotel

The hotel attracts high-flying clientele

 

Dejan Lovren famously offered his hotel to families affected by a 2020 earthquake in his homeland

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.