Page 128 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 LISBON EDITION

THEISLANDOFHEAVENLYSCENT
HVAR

ugged rocky coasts, famous, I arrived in style in my
secluded bays and white own private speedboat at Maslina
R sandy beaches with Resort, the latest 5 star hotel to
turquoise water: all of this can be open on Hvar, in just one hour
found in the island world of from Split Airport (alternatively,
Croatia. Of the 1244 islands, islets, the ferry takes about two hours).
cliffs, and reefs remaining after The property is situated in its own
the dramatic rise in the level of the bay, with stunning sunsets off
Adriatic Sea around 13000 years Hvar's west coast, and a 25-
B.C., only 50 are inhabited today. minute walk to Stari Grad, a
So where to go on holiday? I cluster of old stone houses built
decided on Hvar, offshore from around a harbor, much-loved by
Split, and patronized by the yachters for its authentic seafood
international jet set like Bernie eateries. The Stari Grad Plain -
Ecclestone, Tom Cruise and prime agricultural land - is a
Michael Douglas who come for the UNESCO Protected World
swanky hotels, elegant restaurants Heritage Site. The original
and cruising opportunities. agricultural activity of this fertile
And just like the rich and area, mainly centered on grapes

128 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023