Maslina Resort Hotel

Croatia

As the boat approaches a hidden bay on the north-western edge of Hvar Island, Maslina Resort peaks from behind the olive trees that inspired its name, cascading towards a glimmering Adriatic shore. This idyllic corner of Croatia might just be Europe’s most therapeutic destination, with its inviting pebbled coves, endless lavender fields and lazy, sun-soaked streets of Unesco-listed Stari Grad. Maslina’s ethos of wellness and mindfulness fits right in.

Hugged by a lush pine forest and a stunning 8,000sq m landscaped garden, 50 rooms and suites plus three recently-unveiled villas blend naturally into the surroundings. Materials such as terracotta, wood, local stone and brushed brass take the helm in chic, contemporary interiors. Colour palettes clearly take inspiration from nature, with some surprising design touches in the form of vintage-style travel-trunk wardrobes, blown-glass pendant lamps and carved stone bathtubs. Minimalistic decor gives way to breathtaking seascapes, which are ever present, whether you choose to kick back on the terrace
of five-room Villa Uvala or take a dip in the plunge pool of the open-plan Panoramic Pool Suite.

Staying in one of the villas, having a sommelier on call can only be expected, what with Hvar’s viticulture traditions dating back thousands of years, but the on-site restaurant takes hyper-locality to another level. Organic ingredients grown in the gardens are transformed into simple, authentic, Mediterranean plates with a global twist – think ravioli with homemade goat curd, chamomile sauce, pine nuts and chicken jus, the morning’s catch served with seasonal sautéed veg or flame-grilled, Croatian Black Angus fillet complemented by an array of local wines or craft cocktails that reflect the botanical harvest of
the island. The Whisky Sour features Maslina’s signature pineapple and sage liqueur, the Old Fashioned calling for their own pink grapefruit sherbet.

For your culture fix, borrow a bike to tour Stari Grad Plain, the Mediterranean’s best-preserved ancient Greek landscape, visit the Renaissance Tvrdalj Castle in Stari Grad or island hop the Pakleni archipelago. Then retreat to the gallery, the library or browse the garden-to- skin treatment menu at the spa, where bespoke herbal concoctions – straight from the garden, of course – massages and sound therapy, courtesy of Tibetan singing bowls, promise an evening of rejuvenation. Sunsets are best admired from the resort’s infinity pool or from A-Bay Beach Bar, accompanied by small seafood plates and champagne

Doubles from £350. 00 385 21 888700, maslinaresort.com

Words by Jasmina Matulewicz

This review is from the April 2022 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.