MINDFUL LUXURY ON THE ADRIATIC: DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF CROATIA AT MASLINA

Looking for an alternative to the well-known shores of Greece and Italy this summer? Set your sights on the Adriatic, where Croatia hides a rare gem of quiet luxury. Numéro Switzerland travelled to the picturesque island of Hvar and was mesmerized by its nature, beauty, and foremost, tranquil and understated elegance found at the peaceful Maslina Resort. With 50 suites and three decadent villas, the hotel belongs to the top luxury hotels in Croatia and is the perfect place to visit for a few days of pure relaxation.

Perfectly integrated into its natural surroundings, it’s hard to see Maslina at first sight. After a one-hour speedboat ride from the mainland of Croatia, you arrive at this hidden gem on the Dalmatian coast. The colours and materials of the compound mimic the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, and its camouflaged appearance makes the hotel hard to distinguish from the pine forest and rocks. As landscape architect Thomas Seconde, mastermind behind Maslina’s remarkable design, explains:

“The first thing we saw when we arrived on the site was that it was quality already. You feel something when you are there. I was blown away by the view over the Adriatic Sea and the way the sound moved from the sea into the forest. We wanted to keep the image and the feeling that was already in place, and luckily, the investors agreed. Giving back to the site was most important for us, and it was clear to me that I needed to keep this warm and wild feeling of nature intact for Maslina’s guests.”

All suites at Maslina offer spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea, so no matter what type of accommodation you book, you’ll be sure to get a beautiful sunset. If you are planning to come with a group of friends or family, you also have the option to book one of its standalone villas, which are truly an architectural masterpiece. Located right on the shore, you wake up to the sound of the waves and the sight of the Croatian landscape. It’s quite the rejuvenating experience.

While there’s plenty to enjoy within the resort, Maslina’s attentive staff are happy to arrange excursions to nearby cultural sites for those wishing to explore Croatia beyond the shoreline.

Hvar island is home to two main towns: Hvar and Stari Grad. Maslina is located in the latter — a UNESCO-protected heritage site with just under 3,000 residents.

The staff at Maslina are warm, caring, and genuinely passionate about creating a meaningful stay. Whether it’s arranging daily excursions — from exploring the historic city of Split to sailing along the coast — or ensuring you have everything you need for a relaxing day at the beach or in the spa, every detail is thoughtfully tailored to you. At Maslina, your holiday unfolds exactly the way you want it to. The choice is yours. 

For those seeking a relaxing holiday, you are on the right side of the island. Even though some associate Hvar with nightlife and parties, it seems like this stigma is fading and peace has long returned to the island. At Maslina, you are far away from all the noise, as the hotel is situated in an idyllic bay, with no other buildings or developments around it. The hotel was built on an old olive grove, and the olive trees have been sustainably replanted throughout the property. Along the poolside, the trees offer shade, and guests can unwind and relax under the olive trees. It doesn’t get more Mediterranean than this!

In fact, the hotel name ‘Maslina’ is Croatian for ‘olive’, and the olive oil offered by the hotel is locally-produced. The hotel also offers olive-oil tastings, where guests try different types of olive oils while enjoying a refreshing poolside lunch.

At Terra, the hotel’s restaurant, guests can enjoy flavorful combinations of Mediterranean cuisine and try local wine (Besides olive-oil tastings, the wine-tastings are a must-try too!). The menu is characterized by fresh local ingredients and all herbs are organically grown on the hotel’s very own herb garden. For guests in search of a more romantic experience, the exclusive seaside dining experience is highly recommended. Here you can enjoy a culinary spectacle while taking in the breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. 

Maslina’s ethos of ‘Mindful Luxury’ has its roots in sustainability and holistic wellness, which plays on the trend of the rise of eco-luxury resorts around the world. For more and more travelers, luxury can only be enjoyed when the resort doesn’t harm its surrounding nature. The resort minimizes its ecological footprint by using recycled water and renewable energy, while natural materials are used, and food is locally sourced.

The ‘Pharomatic Wellness’ spa, lies at the heart of the resort, and takes a holistic approach on wellness, by offering treatments that calm both body and mind. Spa treatments such as massages and facials use local lavender, known for its soothing effects, and natural oils, for pure relaxation. Upon arrival, guests are invited for a personal intake to see what treatment would be best for them, also including holistic treatments such as mindful meditations, sound healing, and breathwork.

Even the most chaotic and stressed-out visitors will be able to find inner peace at this relaxing resort –  but you’ll need to go yourself to truly understand the ‘Magic of Maslina.’