Inside abandoned ‘Haven of Hedonism' hotel left to rot once owned by US porn baron & frequented by Saddam Hussein
PORN KING'S PALACE Inside abandoned 'Haven of Hedonism' hotel left to rot once owned by US porn baron & frequented by Saddam Hussein
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
THE Haludovo Hotel is one of many abandoned buildings along the Croatia's glittering Adriatic coast - but this one has a particularly scandalous past.
Amongst all the casinos and party hotels, the Haludovo was notorious for being the haven of hedonism.
11
American porn baron Bob Guccione, here in 1994, founded the decadent Haludovo Hotel
Credit: Rex
11
The sprawling complex was the pinnacle of luxury
11
The grand building now lies in a state of decay
Credit: Getty
11
Sadam Hussein would visit the hotel and stay in the master suite
Credit: AFP - Getty
The opulent estate had 17 tennis courts, a mini football pitch and mini-golf, as well as waterski, paragliding and diving centres.
One of America's most notorious porn barons, Bob Guccione, dreamt up and funded the hotel throughout its 1970s heyday - when it was known as the palace of "Peace and Porn".
He brought in corset-clad hostesses, which he called "Penthouse Pets", who would walk the halls and serve guests champagne.
Many rich and famous names indulged in the glamour, even including Sadam Hussein - Iraq's violent dictator of 24 years.
Hussein enjoyed gold-standard service when he came walked through the doors of the Haludovo, and would always stay in the master suite.
The once-plush pad is now a graffiti-coated ruin, with crumbling walls and smashed windows.
Many curious tourists still visit the site on the island of Krk to photograph the deteriorating shell and wonder at the things that went on between the walls.
Guccione founded the Penthouse Magazine, which was the first American publication to feature full-frontal nudity.
He dreamed of building a lavish resort in Malinska, Krk, filled with luxury hotels and a grand casino, to attract a wealthy American pleasure-seekers.
He opened it up in 1972 in socialist Yugoslavia - which was largely ignored by the States.
The perfect Haven holiday park for a kid-friendly break - with direct beach access, indoor waterpark and neighbouring seaside theme park
This was a savvy business move, because casinos were untaxed.
Locals were banned from gambling in them, so they existed only to serve foreign tourists.
Guccione hoped that wealthy American tourists would flock to Krk to gamble away their money at his hotel.
He also planned to hire only locals so that he could avoid American employment regulations.
11
Hostesses at the hotel worse corsets and kept gusts topped up with champagne
11
Bob Guccione surrounded by glamorous ladies in the 1980s
Credit: Alamy
11
Wealthy Americans would visit and gamble away in the hotel's casino
In a 1972 interview with Radio Free Europe, Guccione vowed his resort would be the "real formula in the struggle against the cold war".
He claimed it would help relations to have Americans visiting the socialist country and enjoying themselves.
The porn king invested a whopping $45million, £296m in today's currency, into the development of the property and the casino.
One of Croatia's most celebrated architects, Boris Magaš, was drafted in to design the complex.
The building's style was strikingly modern, and is now considered a classic example of brutalism.
11
The main entrance to the abandoned hotel
Credit: Alamy
11
The swimming pool is long dried up and littered with debris
Credit: Getty
11
Curious travellers still visit the hotel to explore the abandoned building
Credit: Getty
11
The hotel has been left to rot on the island of Krk
Credit: Alamy
It took four years to build, and The Haludovo Palace Hotel and Penthouse Adriatic Club Casino opened in 1972 to great fanfare.
A 1972 ad for Haludovo in Penthouse magazine described the resort as a "mile-long Xanadu of glittering buildings [that] will become for international cognoscenti a premier playground for summer and winter seasons alike".
Guests gobbled 100kg of lobster, 5kg of caviar and hundreds of bottles of champagne each day of its lively first year.
The resort bloomed into a hub for global dictators and politicians, American weekend gamblers, the Yugoslav music scene, and ordinary citizens.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
22 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
‘The most important thing to me' – Inside Scottie Scheffler's family life with wife Meredith and their son Bennett
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTTIE Scheffler is on the verge of claiming The Open, just days after admitting he would give it all up for his beloved family. In the build-up to the 153rd Open, he admitted that if golf interfered with his family life with wife Meredith, 29, and their one-year-old son Bennett, he would simply hang up his putter and walk away. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Scottie and Meredith Scheffler with son Bennett at this years Masters Credit: Getty 10 Scottie Scheffler with wife Meredith at the 2023 Ryder Cup Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun 10 Scottie Scheffler with wife Meredith and son Bennett after winning the Memorial Tournament in June Credit: Getty 10 Meredith Scudder at Austin Country Club in Austin, Texas, in 2022 Credit: Alamy The devout Texan is golf's most dominant player since Tiger Woods was in his prime. But his life as a father, husband, son and brother is much more important. The world No1 told the media: 'This is not the most important thing in my life. 'I'd much rather be a great father than I would be a great golfer. At the end of the day, that's what's more important to me." Scheffler, 29, and Meredith met at high school in Dallas and they dated long distance throughout college. She once said: 'At the beginning of high school I always thought he had a super humble ambiance about him, that he was just a really down-to-earth guy that doesn't take himself too seriously. 'Even when he had amazing accomplishments, that wasn't the most important thing about him.' After high school she attended Texas A&M University as a communication and business major. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS They continued dating long-distance during their university years, before Scheffler popped the big question during a hike at the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Texas. Meredith and Scottie tied the knot in a Winter Wonderland-themed wedding in 2020. Before the big day, Meredith wrote on her Instagram: "YES! I can't believe God gave me my best friend to spend the rest of my life with, can't wait to be your wife, Scottie!!!!' The couple officially tied the knot on December 4, 2020, at Arlington Hall in Dallas, after dating for six years. Emotional Scottie Scheffler reveals reason he could QUIT golf in worrying interview at The Open And they welcomed their first child, a son named Bennett, in May 2024. The World No1 posted a heartwarming image of their baby boy Bennett on Instagram. He captioned the picture with this message: "Welcome to the world little one. Your mom and dad love you so much.' 10 Scottie Scheffler and wife Meredith Scudder welcomed their first child Bennett in May 2024 Credit: @ 10 Scottie Scheffler with Meredith and Bennett after winning the 2025 PGA Championship Credit: Getty 10 Scottie Scheffler and his wife Meredith Scheffler in Rome for the 2023 Ryder Cup Credit:Bennett's birth came just one week before Scheffler competed at the 2024 PGA Championship in Valhalla. Meredith has founded company that supports the lives of those affected by childhood cancer. Scottie has three sisters: Callie, Sara, and Molly. Callie, the eldest, played collegiate golf at Texas A&M University. At the 2016 US Open, she caddied for Scottie when he competed as an amateur. She married and has a son and a daughter. Callie is a commercial real estate agent in Temple, Texas. Molly also attended Texas A&M University and works for the PGA Tour as a communications specialist. Sara graduated from University of Texas. 10 Scottie Scheffler with son Bennett after winning the Memorial Tournament Credit: Getty 10 The Schefflers kiss on their weddding day Credit: instagram @
Scottish Sun
22 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Robbie Williams shares devastating update on parents' health battle in emotional post
Robbie posted an open message updating everyone on his family's complicated health struggles. Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ROBBIE Williams has shared a heartbreaking update on his family's health battles – with his mum, dad and mother-in-law all currently battling illnesses. As the Something Beautiful icon, 51, continues his Britpop stadium tour, he has also been checking in and helping look after the family alongside wife, Ayda Field, 46. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Robbie has shared a brutally honest post about his family's health Credit: Getty 7 Robbie's father has Parkinson's and now struggles to leave the house Credit: Twitter 7 The star has shared that he's finding it difficult Credit: Getty 7 Robbie's mum has been diagnosed with dementia Credit: All Action His beloved mum, Janet, has dementia which has deteriorated her memory to the point that she struggles to recognise him, while his dad Pete – who he credits in his movie for his love of music and performance – has Parkinson's disease which leaves him unable to leave the house. On top of it all, Ayda's mother, Gwen, is battling cervical cancer, Lupus and Parkinson's at the same time. In a new post on Instagram, Robbie posted a long Q+A about himself and his family's situation - noting there were parts of the tour that he loved – crediting his band and support act Lottery Winners for bringing 'energy' he enjoys, as well as some of his more notable concerts so far. But then he added that he's been fighting off a bug across the past two weeks, and that life at home is incredibly tough. 'Things at home with my parents? VERY precarious right now,' he then wrote. 'It's real world stuff that deeply affects me and my wife. And if my wife is affected, you can bet I am. So the maths are: Virus + ill parents + stadium tour.' 'Every single moment of every single day is in preparation for those 2+ hours on stage. Outside of that? I have nothing',' he said. 'There is nothing to offer. I don't mind stating to those around me, I need protecting. And in return I protect them'. Despite this, he added a promise that he would be 'on top of his game' during the shows, though noted: 'Outside of that - I have nothing to offer or give, for the time being.' His brutally honest post comes after Robbie paid tribute to his family on stage during his tour, admitting on stage that his mum no longer knows who he is and he 'isn't ready for it'. Robbie Williams reveals the dark side of himself in the biopic Better Man out in January He told the crowd: 'My mother has dementia and she doesn't know who I am anymore. She doesn't know where she is anymore. My dad has Parkinson's and he can't leave the house. 'He used to sing with me every night on stage, he would come out, steal the show and be charming and then wander backstage for a glass of red wine. Now he can't leave the house. 'My mother-in-law, who I absolutely worship and adore, has three illnesses. She's for lupus, Parkinson's and cancer. She is the most courageous lady and she is fighting, fighting, fighting.' He added: "It's a strange place to be, this place we find ourselves, 51 years old, it's very strange to be the grown up. "I'm not ready for it." 7 Robbie is extremely close with his mum Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 7 Robbie's father inspired his love of music
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
All the celebs lined up for Strictly 2025 from Love Island winner to BBC star and hero Olympian
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Strictly Come Dancing 2025 launch is fast approaching - and if the rumoured line-up is anything to go by, fans are in for one of the best series yet. The reigning Strictly champ is comedian Chris McCausland, who lifted the Glitter Ball trophy last year with Dianne Buswell. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 Dianne and Chris are the reigning Strictly champs Credit: BBC But this year names heavily tipped to take to the dancefloor include winners of huge shows such as Love Island and I'm a Celebrity, as well as an Olympic legend. Here's all the famous faces reported to be signing up for Strictly this year. Dani Dyer 8 Former Love Island winner Dani is in talks to swap her bikini for sequins Credit: Getty It's already been a huge year for Dani, 28, after she tied the knot with West Ham footballer Jarrod Bowen. But Dani, the daughter of actor Danny Dyer, is in talks to waltz onto Strictly later this year, as The Sun revealed in June. The mum-of-three is no stranger to winning reality shows, after scooping the £50,000 Love Island prize with ex-boyfriend Jack Fincham in 2018. Stefan Dennis 8 Neighbours legend Stefan is free to explore other options after the soap filmed its final episode Credit: Getty Actor Stefan, 66, will show fans a very different side to him after The Sun revealed he's signed up for Strictly. The Neighbours legend has played Ramsay Street lothario Paul Robinson since the first episode in 1985. But, after the Australian soap filmed its final episode earlier this month, Stefan is free to explore other options. Vicky Pattison 8 Vicky is a firm reality TV favourite and previously won I'm a Celeb Credit: Shutterstock She's been a permanent fixture on our screens since shooting to fame on Geordie Shore in 2011. And 37-year-old Vicky's popularity among viewers was cemented when she won the 2015 series of I'm a Celebrity. Shirley Ballas reveals Strictly's new signings and teases line-up is 'off the charts' The Sun confirmed this month how Vicky had been offered a place in this year's line-up, and she previously told us - while she'd love to do the show - she'll struggle with the dances. She said: 'I've done my fair share of reality TV and I'd never say never to anything but I'm not a dancer, at all.' Jake Brown 8 He won The Traitors - but will Jake do as well on the dancefloor? Credit: Splash After winning series three of BBC smash The Traitors, Jake, 26, is set to put his best foot forward in the race for the Glitter Ball later this year. The Sun recently told how bosses are eyeing Jake up after waiving their 'no reality star' rule. A source told us: "Strictly bosses think Jake would be the perfect fit for this year's line-up."He's a good guy, as viewers saw by his journey on The Traitors, so he will be popular with the fanbase and they love to cross-promote with other huge BBC shows." Balvinder Sopal 8 Soap queen Balvinder will follow in the footsteps of EastEnders stars who have historically done well on the show Credit: Getty Actress Balvinder, 46, has become a firm soap favourite since joining EastEnders as Suki Panesar in 2020. EastEnders stars have historically done very well on Strictly and The Sun recently told how Balvinder is set to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jamie Borthwick, Kellie Bright and Jake Wood. A source said: 'EastEnders has been a happy hunting ground for Strictly bosses since the show first aired and they believe Balvinder will be a huge hit with fans. 'She's excited by the prospect, too, as she feels viewers will see a different side to her.' Sir Mo Farah 8 Sir Mo will show viewers he's not just quick-footed when it comes to running Credit: Shutterstock Iconic Olympian Mo, 42, is no stranger to winning after receiving four gold medals during his career. He might be quick on his feet but there's no doubt the Quickstep will be a new challenge for Mo. And he's had already had a taste of reality TV, after coming fifth in I'm A Celebrity in 2020 when it filmed in Wales because of Covid. Earlier this year he was unveiled as Giant Joel on The Masked Singer. Angellica Bell 8 It's already been a huge year for Angellica after her Celebrity Big Brother stint Credit: Getty Presenter Angellica, 49, has been entertaining the nation since joining CBBC in 2000. Since then she's enjoyed a successful broadcasting career and in 2017 she won Celebrity MasterChef. After her stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house earlier this year, Angellica is now in talks to show off what she can do on the Strictly dancefloor.
