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Losinj
Croatia
At the mouth of the gulf of Kvaerner in the northern Adriatic lies Losinj, one of Croatia's most enchanting islands that is often overlooked by blinkered tourists heading straight to Hvar, Split or Dubrovnik. Of the 1000 or so islets in the archipelago, this was the chosen holiday destination of the Austro-Hungarian emperor, Franz-Josef, who fell hard and fast for its Adriatic charms - think textbook beaches and Venetian-esque fishing villages. Aside from its undulating landscape and baroque architecture, Losinj is an island of vitality, teeming with herbs and aromatherapy treatments - each of the five hotels here are renowned for relaxation and restoration.