Hvar, Croatia
A romantic seafront hotel and restaurant in a secluded bay, 20
minutes’ walk along the coast from the gorgeous town of Hvar
Of all Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian islands, few have attracted
more interest than Hvar – and in particular the postcard-pretty
town of the same name. Recent visitors include John Malkovich,
Roman Abramovich and Eva Longoria. So what’s the pull?
Elegant 16th-century Venetian stone buildings, fresh Dalmatian
seafood served in ethnic-chic eateries, a quay lined with flashy
yachts, a proud hilltop castle, and a scattering of uninhabited
islets for bathing.
A boat or hotel minibus ride (5 minutes) along the coast from Hvar
town – away from the hustle, but within reach of bars and
restaurants – stands this discreet 51-room hotel (rooms are spread
between the main hotel building, and a lodge 15 meters away). It
overlooks a serene inlet, with a lovely garden restaurant out
front. Tables are set below palms, pines and lemon trees, and a
series of terraces step down to the water, with sparkling views
across azure seas to the lace-edged Pakleni (‘Resin’) islets. At
night, bathed in subtle lighting and gentle music (think Eros
Ramazzotti), the scene takes on a truly dreamlike quality.
Blissful.
Highs
- Excellent
restaurant
with romantic waterside tables, fresh Dalmatian seafood and
occasional live music - Balconies with stunning sea views; go for a Superior
Exclusive Room (in the main hotel) to get the best one
possible - Private bathing area with easy access from the rocks into the
sea - Taxi-boats and chartered yachts to myriad islands – perfect for
snorkelling or diving - Small outdoor pool and wellness centre with solarium, sauna,
Jacuzzi, massage and beauty treatments
Lows
- Hvar Town gets horribly crowded in July-August: try to come in
May-June or Sept-Oct - We’re yet to see the Economy or lodge rooms, and the pictures
look a little dark. Perhaps best for those on a budget - Bedrooms, though comfy, are rather characterless
- Annoyingly, the last section of the charming coastal path is
gated so, if arriving on foot, you have to turn inland and reach
the hotel via a back road
