Here’s a hotel that caught our eye, even before it appeared on magazine covers. The feeling of zenitude that emanates from its eco-chic design, the spa that offers a wide range of sensory experiences, and then the omnipresence of the Adriatic. We had to get there as soon as possible to verify that all this beauty really did exist. Pascal Languillon, Director of Luxe Wellness Club, tells you all about his excellent stay at Maslina Resort, one of Europe’s finest wellness hotels, which remains little-known.
A place that cultivates the art of zenitude
Maslina Resort is located on the beautiful island of Hvar, 1 hour by jet boat from Split, a charming town that can easily be a stopover for a few nights. Arriving in Hvar from the sea, the resort is almost invisible, so well integrated is it into the natural environment. The six buildings, lined with ash and larch slats, blend seamlessly into the pine forest. Relatively modest in size, the hotel comprises just 33 rooms and 17 suites, as well as 3 magnificent villas.
What struck me on arriving at Maslina Resort was the feeling of natural luxury. Wherever you look, there’s blue (sky, sea and pools), green (superb vegetation) and wood. This eco-chic hotel creates a dialogue between architecture and nature. While the world created is one of great comfort, it is not ostentatious – quite the contrary. The hotel aims to be one of the jewels in the crown of modernluxury ecotourism . For example, 90% of building materials are local.
The rooms follow the same idea ofsober, elegant design. Most offer superb sea views. Remember to book the Panoramic Room if you can to enjoy the best views. Wooden bathtubs in bathrooms have a hint of Japan about them.
All this reminds me of theHotel Saltus or the brand new Adler Sicilia in architectural style. I particularly love the bar-restaurant area and its “indoor-outdoor” lounges, with two outdoor ozone pools that also offer superb views of the Mediterranean. It’s a hotel where you feel good, almost instantly. Although it’s very close to the Hvar ferry terminal, it’s important to understand that the coast is very unspoilt. As far as the eye can see, nature and the sea, and nothing else. This is so rare in Europe that it deserves to be highlighted.
The hotel is on the seafront, but there is no beach directly at the foot of the hotel. It’s a rather rocky coastline, and access to the water is via staircases that plunge you into deliciously crystal-clear water . There is, however, a small pebble beach perhaps two hundred meters from the hotel. Personally, I preferred to bask in the depths of the fishing nets stretched out in front of the deep blue sea.
There’s no shortage of opportunities to relax at Maslina Resort. The deckchairs surrounding the two pools also offer plenty of time to relax.
For all that, it was an active holiday for me. En effet, l’hôtel prête gracieusement des vélos électriques futuristes, tout en bois, d’une rare qualité. This gave me the opportunity to visit the very pretty UNESCO-listed town of Stari Grad, maybe 15 minutes away by bike, and to stroll along the coast. Very pleasant experience.
Encore plus plaisant, sans doute, fut la visite de Hvar qui est l’une des plus belles villes de Croatie (et osons le dire, de la Méditerranée). It’s a 30-minute drive from the resort. Hvar is a bit like Croatia’s Saint-Tropez, the city that attracts the wealthy. Looking at the docks full of gleaming yachts, I can attest that this reputation is well-founded.
In my opinion, the island of Hvar is a real gem! Very unspoilt, with sumptuous landscapes and charming towns.
Good to know: the hotel has a lovely kids’ club that welcomes children into a colorful world, with a climbing wall and a refreshing pool.
A complete wellness offering
If you’re a wellness fan, Maslina Resort is the place for you! In fact, excellent yoga classes are offered free of charge every morning, outdoors or in a dedicated room.
We particularly like the treatment rooms, with their black walls and hushed ambience. Choose your essential oil before the massage: lavender, cypress, rosemary or sage. The spa is supplied with aromatic plants from the estate’s kitchen garden. I have fond memories of the massage given by a delicate therapist.
Another highlight: sound baths with an arsenal of Tibetan bowls. An experience masterfully orchestrated by the owners’ son, who is French and lives on site.
After the treatments, a delicious cup of tea is served in the sun, facing the pine forest, to bring you out of this gentle torpor. The sounds, the smells, the softness… This phyromatic spa has left its mark on me with its exceptional quality and authenticity. I found that everything was just right, in its place, and that the atmosphere was particularly pleasant. This spa is a real cocoon where it’s good to prolong time.
Sublime Mediterranean cuisine
As with all conscious-living hotels, catering is essentially based on a “from farm to table” concept, with fresh, seasonal, local produce, some of it sourced from the 7,000 m² organic vegetable garden. The vegetables and herbs are bursting with flavor!
This is not to say that Maslina Resort serves vegetarian cuisine. I was able to sample a variety of dishes, including an excellent beef carpaccio with truffles (pictured below). The restaurant also offers a wide range of wines from Croatia’s rich winemaking tradition. Delicious!
Lunch and dinner are served on the terrace, next to the pool and facing the sea. The setting is enchanting and invites you to enjoy an excellent meal.
Breakfasts offer a wide selection of products, some healthy, others less so… I let myself be tempted by the strawberry French toast, with no regrets.
Our feeling
Maslina Resort is, in our opinion, the best hotel in Croatia today. It’s an establishment in tune with the times and representative of the philosophy of new eco-responsible and mindful luxury, which also offers excellent wellness experiences. A little unspoilt cocoon we can’t wait to return to.
Luxe Wellness Club
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Rates : From 400 euros per night in low season, 500 euros per night in summer. Exclusive Luxe Wellness Club advantage: room upgrade and early check-in/late check-out subject to availability.
Call us for the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK: +44 20 4577 3258 to discuss your holiday plans.
