Hvar Town, Hvar, Croatia
Sophisticated design hotel on the waterfront in Hvar Town, with one
of Croatia’s most luxurious spas
A 16th-century cathedral presides over a large paved piazza; wooden
fishing boats and sun-kissed yachts sway gently to the ebb and flow
of the tide in a Venetian-built harbour. Views don’t come much
better than this.
Purpose-built in the 1970s, this 59-room hotel reopened in summer
2007 after a total makeover, and the result is light and airy,
modern and fun. Playful elements include a purple Perspex backlit
reception desk and a blue mosaic-tile rooftop pool lined with
hanging wicker chairs. The spectacular rooftop lounge-bar has
stunning views over Hvar Town’s old stone buildings and out
to sea; the vast Sensori Spa offers luxurious beauty treatments,
massages, yoga and Pilates. Bedrooms come with
floor-to-ceiling windows and narrow sliding shutters to maximise
the views. With its sleek design, up-market facilities and romantic
waterfront location, the thoroughly sophisticated Adriana appeals
to those who appreciate the finer things in life, and have the
money to pay for them.
Highs
- Prime location right on the waterfront of Croatia’s most
glamorous island - Chic, funky interior design by London-based architects Jestico
+ Whiles - The top-notch spa offers everything from aromatherapy to yoga,
plus a heated seawater indoor/outdoor pool - The ground-floor
restaurant
serves exceptional Mediterranean food, and the stunning rooftop bar
is THE place to see and be seen - The adventurous can book fishing trips, kayaking, wine tasting,
even jeep safaris…
Lows
- Very expensive by Croatian standards
- Service is sometimes very patchy, particularly in the
restaurant and around the pool - Rooms have a shower but no bath (suites have a whirlpool bath),
and some are showing signs of wear and tear - Hvar is the jewel of the Dalmatian Riviera: expect lots of
visitors, yachties and late partying in summer
