Fantasy islands
GO island-hopping OFF Croatia to explore the adriatic’s Gems
RELAX AND RECHARGE
Health and wellbeing lie at the heart of the Maslina Resort – and nowhere more so than at its prestigious Pharomatiq Spa, open from 7am to 8pm. Feel the tension melt away as you step through its imposing limestone entrance and into the cool, welcoming, marblelined interior. The atrium, with its overhanging ferns and palm trees, lend the space a pleasantly light and airy feel.
Containing indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, a thermal spa and five treatment rooms – including one dedicated to couples and a specialised sound healing treatment room – you’ll find everything necessary to combat the stresses and strains of modern life.
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO
Hvar island is an ideal location for hiking and cycling enthusiasts alike. If you are feeling adventurous, book a speedboat excursion to the nearby islands or arrange activities such as diving, snorkelling or paddleboarding via the hotel’s experience team.
The old harbour town of Hvar is a 20-minute drive away. We visited its hilltop fortress, taking in its breathtaking views across the bay before making our way down winding paths to the town.
Its quaint cobbled streets are dotted with tiny boutiques and merchant shops brimming with local foodstuffs and fine wines.
WHERE TO EAT
Massimo Cvek, the resort’s head chef, has worked and trained in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. He prides himself on providing simple, traditional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients that showcase the island’s Mediterranean culture. Choose from dishes including buttered scallops, crispy red mullet or Slavonian black pig skirt steak. And for dessert, try cheesecake with fig ice cream or apple panna cotta with blackcurrant sauce.
Alternatively, stroll to nearby Stari Grad, one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted across the island, for lunch at Jurin Podrum, a husband and wife-run restaurant in a quiet cobbled backstreet that serves traditional homecooked fare. We had boar stew, gnocchi and smoked tuna with an octopus salad.
HOW TO BOOK
Red Savannah (01242 787800, redsavannah.com) offers a seven-night stay at Maslina Resort from £1,965 per person, based on two adults sharing a Garden View Room on a bed and breakfast basis. Includes private airport transfers from/to Split with return public ferry tickets and return economy Easyjet flights from Gatwick to Split.