HOTEL STOP AND STARI
HOT Maslina Resort, Hvar, Croatia
THE VIBE
In August 2011, Prince Harry was pictured jumping into a pool in a nightclub in Hvar. Other notable guests include King Edward VIII in 1936, and Jacqueline Kennedy, in 1964.
It comes as no surprise that the owners of the brand new Maslina Resort, chose the restful and stylish location of Maslinica Bay, just outside Stari Grad on the island of Hvar to open their wellness retreat. The ethos is about mindful luxury – connecting, grounding and recharging in a stunning environment.
The heady scent of the surrounding pine forest, the tufts of lavender and the cheery chirping of crickets are nature’s relaxants.
The calming influence continues through the hotel’s design featuring serene contemporary Asian-style buildings which melt into the landscape. The elegant ventilated facade and flat roofs planted with creeping vines are examples of the tremendous thought that has gone into making the hotel as unobtrusive as possible.
Communal areas encourage relaxing with low white sofas and latte coloured soft leather chaise lounges. The sunken lounge, in particular, is beautiful with cream woven chairs and pale apricot terracotta floors.
The 53 large rooms and suites arranged over six buildings all have sea views. The three sensational rock star, stand-alone villas at the water’s edge are the resort’s pieces de resistance with large decks, open air living spaces and up to five bedrooms.
All rooms have blonde wood floors, enormous beds, and mattresses made from coconuts. In-room amenities are 99% organic and are sourced locally. There is no single-use plastic and 60% of the staff come from the island itself.
FOOD AND DRINK
The Restaurant is overseen by two-Michelin star chef Patricia Yeo who works with an abundance of outstanding local produce creating different sensational menus each day. ‘Sunday Dinners’ feature roast chicken along with specialities of Gregada (Dalmatian fish stew), squid ink risotto and smoked seafood pate.
Dining location options include outdoor wooden tables perfectly placed for the sunset, or inside in the sensous deep-green dining room with black marble tables.
ACTIVITIES
Work it all off on one Maslina’s wooden bikes. Wind your way through the pine forest along the coast to the charming
MINDFUL LUXURY In-room amenities are sourced locally town of Stari Grad. Make sure you pack your cozzie and join the octogenarian ladies, resplendent in their colourful bathing caps taking a morning dip in one of the tiny islets en route.
The 19th century recently expanded port is dominated by three classical stone buildings, including the City Hall, built during the Austro-Hungarian period.
Branching off the main promenade like tentacles, are narrow cobbled streets leading to pretty squares surrounded by tiny two-storey stone houses with exquisite gardens.
Maslina’s experiences manager, Zorana, will choreograph all manner of excursions. From cruises out to the the nearby Pakleni Islands with their pristine white sand beaches, to hiking through ancient olive groves and wine tasting in 250-year-old cellars. Nearby Hvar Town is a glamorous, old-school resort with an equally glamorous European clientele – like a mini Dubrovnik.
WELLNESS
The Resort’s Pharomatiq Spa is a stupendous two-storey haven of indulgence and pampering.
You name it, it is on offer. From fitness and wet areas to a plethora of treatments such as sound therapy, mindful movement, complementary yoga and meditation.
All are executed by phenomenal therapists who will not only energise and heal your body, but your mind too. In the 8,000 sq metre organic garden you can not only enjoy meditation, but a private dinner among an aromatic paradise.
There’s the heady scent of the pine forest and lavender as crickets chirp