Page 133 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 LISBON EDITION

“Besides agriculture, fishing and viticulture,
tourism is a major source of income in Hvar which
began when wealthy travelers came here to cure
their pulmonary diseases”, explained Moskatelo.
Thanks to the founding of the Hvar Health
Society, the island has been recognized as a
healing destination since 1868. Guests can enjoy
the fresh and flavorful Mediterranean diet, mild
climate and salty sea air, while trekking through
the heavenly scented lavender fields and rugged
olive groves. Hvar is an eternal herb garden:
besides lavender, sage and rosemary are found
everywhere.
The trend towards using local products
continues to increase worldwide, and kitchens in
Hvar are no exception. “It’s a balance between
customer expectations and what is realistic.
Avocados for the morning toast don’t grow here.
Instead, I focus on going out into nature and
finding something edible for our guests”, said
Massimo Cvek, Executive Chef at Maslina
Resort. “And I’m continuously learning. When I
first started my job it was February. I got very
excited about the oranges on the trees, but then
I realized very quickly that they were all bitter
and could only be turned to jam”, he laughed. The
resort has its own 7,000 square meter organic
garden, and mint is the most used herb. Sure
enough, I found a sprig of it in my cocktail on the
last evening of my trip when I watched an
incredible sunset one last time.
www.croatia.hr
www.maslina.com

Photography Copyright by Wibke Carter
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